Sealed, edible film strip packets and methods of making and using them

• Main Authors: PHILIP C. WARD, STEVEN M. KUMIEGA, MARY ELLEN KLINE, BRIAN J. PAUL, ROBERT J. HUZINEC, THOMAS J. CARROLL
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 13.04.2006
• Subjects: CHEWING GUM; COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; CONFECTIONERY; FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BYSUBCLASSES A23B - A23J; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; ICE-CREAM; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; PREPARATION THEREOF; PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL, OR TOILET PURPOSES; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OFNUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; THEIR TREATMENT, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES

The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of making a confectionery packet or sachet formed with an edible film and enclosing a center composition. The packet or sachet can be designed to be placed in the mouth, where the film dissolves and the center composition is released. In preferred embodiments, the center composition comprises a sugar alcohol, such as xylitol, that creates a cooling sensation. Many other flavors and/or colors or sensates can also be used in the center composition, and some embodiments include breath-freshening, anti-bacterial, nutriceutical, or pharmaceutical compositions in the center composition. The invention also comprises the edible packets or sachets, especially those composed of film with a desired retained water level suitable for producing a self-sealing film and/or an edible film packet that is stable at room temperature for at least six to twelve months.