Xylitol containing comestible product

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a comestible product comprising xylitol said method comprising: (a) subjecting a composition comprising xylitol in an amount ranging from about 60% to about 100% by weight to extrusion treatment inside an extrusion apparatus under conditions sufficient to form and maintain the xylitol in a slurry and (b) then shaping the extruded slurry and cooling the product to form a solid. The present invention additionally is directed to a product produced therefrom.

1 .- 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A solid homogenous non-compressible comestible product comprising from about 60% up to and including 100% solid xylitol, by weight and substantially free of any other sugar alcohol and substantially free of monosacchrides and dissachrides and maltodextrin having a DE of less than 20, and having a moisture content of less than about 1% by weight, said product, if formed into a yertz shape and having a base width of 8.20 mm and a length of about 13.26 mm, a height of 8.71 mm, a 10% angle between the vertical and a side thereof and having 0.25 mm fillet and weighing about 0.75 grams, exhibits a piece break pressure of less than about 110 MPa and a dissolution rate in water from about 200 to about 400 seconds. 
     
     
         29 . The comestible product according to  claim 28  comprised of at least about 70% by weight xylitol. 
     
     
         30 . The comestible product according to  claim 29  comprised of at least about 80% by weight xylitol. 
     
     
         31 . The comestible product according to  claim 30  comprised of at least about 95% by weight xylitol. 
     
     
         32 . The comestible product according to  claim 28  comprising one or more additional ingredients selected from the flavorants, coloring agents, cooling agents, food additives and food grade processing agents. 
     
     
         33 . The comestible product according to  claim 28  wherein sodium bicarbonate is additionally present. 
     
     
         34 . The comestible product according to  claim 31  wherein sodium bicarbonate is present. 
     
     
         35 . The comestible product according to  claim 28  additionally comprising a pharmaceutical. 
     
     
         36 . The comestible product according to  claim 35  wherein the pharmaceutical is an analgesic. 
     
     
         37 . The comestible product according to  claim 36  wherein the analgesic is aspmn. 
     
     
         38 . The comestible product according to  claim 35  wherein the pharmaceutical is present in therapeutically effective amounts and up to about 40% by weight. 
     
     
         39 . The comestible product according to  claim 38  where the pharmaceutical is present in amounts ranging from about 0.01% to about 40% by weight. 
     
     
         40 . The comestible product according to  claim 28  in the form of a disc.