AN ORAL SMOKELESS MOIST SNUFF PRODUCT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to oral smokeless moist snuff products containing particles, such as microparticles, for flavor release. The disclosure also relates to methods for making such products and uses thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Smokeless tobacco for oral use includes chewing tobacco, dry snuff and moist (wet) snuff. Generally, dry snuff has moisture content of less than 10 wt% and moist snuff has a moisture content of above 40 wt%. Semi-dry products having between 10% to 40 wt% moisture content are also available.

[0003] Smokeless tobacco products for oral use are made from tobacco leaves, such as lamina and stem of the tobacco leaf. The material from roots and stalks are normally not utilized for production of smokeless tobacco compositions for oral use.

[0004] There are two types of moist snuff, the American type and the Scandinavian type. American-type moist snuff is available in a loose form or as pre-packed pouches and is typically used between the lower gum and lip. The use of American-type moist snuff is commonly called dipping. Snus is the Scandinavian-type of moist snuff which is also available in loose form or as pre-packed portions in pouches. Snus is typically used between the upper gum and lip.

[0005] American-type moist snuff is commonly produced through a fermentation process of moisturized ground or cut tobacco. Scandinavian-type moist snuff (snus) is commonly produced by using a heat-treatment process (pasteurization) instead of fermentation. The heat-treatment is carried out in order to degrade, destroy or denature at least a portion of the microorganisms within the tobacco preparation. In production processes typically used today for producing pouched snus products, the tobacco preparation subjected to this heat-treatment process normally has moisture content within the range of from about 22 to 44% w/w. Generally, additional water, salt, pH adjuster and additional ingredients, such as flavours, are added to the tobacco preparation after this heat-treatment in order to provide the final smokeless tobacco composition, such as the moist snuff.

[0006] The main ingredients of oral smokeless moist snuff are tobacco, water, sodium carbonate, sodium chloride and a humectant such as propylene glycol or glycerol. Often a flavorant is present to enhance the organoleptic experience by a consumer. Instead of tobacco, fibres of non-tobacco plant material may be used thereby providing an oral smokeless non-tobacco product.

[0007] There are a number of properties of the oral smokeless moist snuff that are very important for the end user. Among them, the organoleptic properties, such as texture, aroma, taste, form and package of the product are of high importance for the consumer. A way of changing and/or improving the sensory experience by a consumer is to add a flavorant to the tobacco material. For instance, the flavorant may be added by mixing it with the tobacco material. When the oral smokeless tobacco product is placed in a consumer's oral cavity the natural tobacco flavor and/or the added flavorant will be extracted by the consumer's saliva. The flavorant is extracted gradually. After a certain time, such as about one hour, the consumer usually perceives the taste as gone and therefore disposes the product. It would be desirable that the flavor intensity experienced by a consumer remained constant or increased during a certain time period.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, the flavorant may be added to the tobacco formulation in a form that physically separates it from the tobacco formulation. For instance, particles containing a flavorant may be added. The particles containing a flavorant may be provided as a capsule, such as a encapsulated. Disintegration of the capsule leads to flavor release. The capsules may be designed so that flavor release only takes place when certain conditions are fulfilled. For instance, the capsules may be temperature sensitive so that a certain temperature is required for capsule disintegration and concomitant flavor release. Further, encapsulation of the flavorant prevents it from interacting with the tobacco composition and/or the atmosphere in the container for the tobacco composition. Such interaction may lead to a different and/or deteriorated sensorial experience and have a negative impact on stability.

[0009] The use of flavorant containing microcapsules in dry snuff is known. Commonly, the microcapsule shell comprises gelatine. During storage in a refrigerator or at room temperature (i.e. about 22 °C) the gelatine shell maintains its integrity and does not release the flavorant. When a consumer places the dry snuff containing the microcapsules into the mouth the gelatine capsules disintegrate and the flavorant is released.

[0010] Use of encapsulated flavorants for flavorization of oral smokeless moist snuff products presents a particular challenge. One the one hand, the capsule material must maintain its integrity and substantially withstand leakage of the enclosed flavorant when mixed and stored together with the moist tobacco composition. On the other hand, the capsule material should be able to disintegrate and provide controlled release of the flavorant when the oral smokeless moist snuff product is placed in a user's mouth.

[0011] US patent No. 7,810,507 discloses a smokeless tobacco product containing microencapsulated flavorants. A list of outer wall or shell material of the microcapsules is mentioned, said list including inter alia gelatine and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. It is stated that microencapsulated tobacco flavorants will provide extended release of the tobacco flavor under conditions of normal use of the smokeless tobacco product, such as under conditions of 45% or greater moisture level, based on the total weight of the smokeless tobacco product. Alternatively, they may lose their physical integrity when the smokeless tobacco product reaches a certain pH or a certain temperature.

[0012] US 2004/0180067 discloses a particle composition containing a continuous phase of 5-95% organically soluble cellulosic material selected from the group consisting of ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose dissolved in 5-95% organic fragrance chemicals and organic flavor chemicals. It is stated that a particle formed of hydroxypropyl cellulose and flavor will not dissolve in an aqueous solution of 10% NaCl, although flavor chemicals will partition into the aqueous phase over time.

[0013] WO 2009/073190 discloses a fast-dissolving film for use as a platform for the delivery of material to the oral cavity, comprising a film forming agent, a plasticizing agent and a water-soluble agent. The material may be nicotine. The film may be edible and is fast-dissolving upon contact with water-based aqueous systems such as human saliva.

[0014] WO2009/056609 discloses oral smokeless tobacco compositions comprising encapsulated flavorants. The encapsulating agent is hydrophobic and poorly soluble in aqueous solutions.The release of the flavourant may be caused by alteration/degradation of the encapsulating agent with saliva and/or thermal degradation, e.g. melting of the encapsulation agent at a temperature present in the oral cavity.

[0015] US 2010/0282267 discloses an encapsulated flavorant for use with smokeless tobacco. The encapsulated flavorant comprises a core with a lipid-based coating that provides stability when in contact with tobacco, yet releases flavor over time when the product is used.

[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to overcome or at least mitigate some of the problems associated with flavorization of oral smokeless moist snuff. Further, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an oral smokeless moist snuff product exhibiting satisfactory storage stability, such as satisfactory storage stability with respect to flavor. It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide an oral smokeless moist snuff product with attractive flavor characteristics.

SUMMARY

[0017] There is provided an oral smokeless moist snuff product comprising:

(a) an oral smokeless moist snuff composition comprising:

• disintegrated plant material,
• one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combination thereof, and
• water,

wherein the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight based on the total weight of water and total weight of the one or more salts in the oral moist smokeless snuff composition,
wherein the total amount of moisture, said total amount of moisture being the total amount of oven volatile ingredients, is within the range of from 35% by weight to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition;

(b) particles comprising a flavorant and a cellulose-derivatized polymer selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and any combination thereof,

wherein the amount of said particles is within the range of from about 1 % by weight to about 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0018] Further, there is provided a method for adding a flavorant to an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein, said method comprising the steps of:

a) applying a flavorant onto at least part of one inside surface of a packaging container for an oral smokeless moist snuff product,

b) placing the oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein in the container, and

c) closing the container.

DESCRIPTION

[0019] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided an oral smokeless moist snuff product comprising:

(a) an oral smokeless moist snuff composition as described herein, and

(b) particles comprising a flavorant and a cellulose-derivatized polymer selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and any combination thereof, said particles being as defined herein.

[0020] Thus, the present disclosure provides an oral smokeless moist snuff product comprising:

(a) an oral smokeless moist snuff composition comprising:

• disintegrated plant material,
• one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combination thereof, and
• water,

wherein the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35% by weight based on the total weight of water and total weight of the one or more salts in the oral moist smokeless snuff composition,
wherein the total amount of moisture, said total amount of moisture being the total amount of oven volatile ingredients, is within the range of from 35 % by weight to 60 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition;

(b) particles comprising a flavorant and a cellulose-derivatized polymer selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and any combination thereof,

wherein the amount of said particles is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0021] The present disclosure is based on the finding that gelatine microcapsules containing a flavorant when in admixture with an oral smokeless moist snuff composition soften and/or disrupt upon storage even in the presence of a quite large amount of salt. As a consequence, there is a leakage of flavorant into the oral smokeless moist snuff composition containing tobacco or the non-tobacco plant fibres and this has a negative impact on storage stability and/or the desired flavor profile of the product.

[0022] Producers, retailers and consumers of tobacco products desire tobacco products or non-tobacco products with satisfactory storage stability at temperatures commonly encountered or used. Frequently, oral smokeless moist snuff products are stored in refrigerators or at room temperature making storage stability at temperatures within the range of from about 5 to about 25 °C important. However, in colder or warmer places storage stability at slightly lower or higher temperature may be desirable. For instance, storage at about 0°C or about 30-45°C may be important. Common storage times range from two weeks to six months.

[0023] Surprisingly, it has been found that the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein exhibits attractive flavor characteristics while at the same time providing for satisfactory storage.

[0024] The flavor profile of the oral smokeless tobacco product described herein, such as the oral smokeless moist snuff product, is such that flavorant release substantially takes place after the oral smokeless tobacco product has been placed into a user's mouth. Thus, there is little or no leakage of flavorant from the particles containing a flavorant during storage and prior to placing the oral smokeless moist snuff product into a user's mouth.

[0025] Further, when in the oral cavity of a user the flavorant release may take place during an extended period of time such as about one hour. During the flavorant release, the flavor intensity experienced by a user may increase over time so that the experienced flavor intensity is higher at the end of usage than at the beginning. Alternatively, during flavorant release a user may experience the flavor intensity to be substantially constant.

[0026] As used herein, storage stability refers to the ability of a product to substantially withstand alteration and/or degradation during storage. The product may be the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein and/or the particles containing a flavorant described herein. For instance, the particles containing a flavorant are considered to be storage stable when they substantially maintain their integrity during storage. As an example, storage stability may refer to storage stability at about room temperature, i.e. about 20-25 °C such as about 22 °C, during about three weeks. In a further example, storage stability may refer to storage stability at about 5 °C during about twenty weeks.

[0027] An oral smokeless moist snuff product may be considered to be storage stable when at least about 75 %, such as about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95% or about 100%, of the total flavor of the flavorant particles remains encapsulated. The total flavour intends the sum of the flavor of the particles containing a flavorant and the flavor contained in the oral smokeless moist snuff composition. The total flavor may be determined as described in the experimental section of this document.

[0028] While not wishing to be bound by any specific theory, it is believed that the one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate and potassium lactate and any combinations thereof act by lowering the cloud point of the cellulose-derivatized polymer enclosing the flavorant. In this document, the polymer cloud point defines the temperature above which the cellulose-derivatized polymer is insoluble, and below which it is soluble. By lowering the cloud point temperature, the particles containing a flavorant such as the microcapsules or granules maintain their integrity and thus their storage stability at a desired temperature thereby preventing or minimizing flavorant leakage during storage and prior to use. For instance, it may be desired that the particles such as the microcapsules or granules maintain their integrity at a temperature from about 0°C to about 50°C, such as from about 5 °C to about 45°C or at body temperature (i.e. about 37°C). However, when the concentration of the one or more salts is lowered the particles such as the microcapsules or granules soften and/or disintegrate thereby releasing the encapsulated flavorant. Therefore, when the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein is placed in a user's mouth saliva excretion lowers the salt concentration leading to microcapsule softening and disintegration followed by extended flavorant release. This is in contrast to, for example, thermosensitive microcapsules in which a mere temperature change results in capsule disintegration.

[0029] The salting out of polymers leading to polymer cloud point lowering is known in other technical fields. However, in oral smokeless moist snuff products the tobacco or the non-tobacco plant fibres contain a large number of components which may influence the polymer cloud point. Further, other components that are frequently present in oral smokeless moist snuff may also have an impact on the cellulose-derivatized polymer cloud point. It is therefore a complex task to provide an oral smokeless moist snuff product wherein extended flavor release substantially takes place after having placed the product into a user's mouth.

[0030] The disintegrated plant material may be disintegrated tobacco or disintegrated non-tobacco plant fibres as described herein.

[0031] As used herein, the term "disintegrate(d)" is understood to mean cut, ground and/or shredded.

[0032] The disintegrated plant material may be shredded. In a further example, the disintegrated plant material may be finely disintegrated, i.e. it has an average particle size of less than 2 mm. The particles of the finely disintegrated plant material, such as finely disintegrated tobacco material, may be sized to pass through a screen of about 10 (US) mesh, i.e. sieve size 2.0 mm, or 18 (US) mesh, i.e. sieve size 1.0 mm.

[0033] In this document, the term "snuff" used in the context of oral smokeless moist snuff composition and/or oral smokeless moist snuff product may intend fermented snuff and/or pasteurized snuff. Thus, the snuff may be American-type moist snuff and/or Scandinavian-type moist snuff (i.e. snus).

[0034] An oral smokeless moist tobacco composition is an oral smokeless moist snuff composition wherein the disintegrated plant material comprises or consists of tobacco. Addition of particles containing a flavorant as described herein to the oral smokeless moist tobacco composition provides an oral smokeless moist tobacco product. The tobacco may be mixed with non-tobacco fibres as decribed herein.

[0035] An oral smokeless moist non-tobacco composition is an oral smokeless moist snuff composition wherein the disintegrated plant material comprises or consists of non-tobacco fibres. Addition of particles containing a flavorant as described herein to the oral smokeless moist non-tobacco composition provides an oral smokeless non-tobacco product. As an example, the oral smokeless moist non-tobacco composition and/or the oral smokeless non-tobacco product does not comprise tobacco material such as disintegrated tobacco.

[0036] The tobacco may be any part, e.g. leaves or stems, of any member of the genus Nicotiana. The tobacco may be whole or disintegrated, i.e. shredded, cut, ground, cured. Further, the tobacco may be aged, fermented or treated otherwise. The tobacco may include types of material such as flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, oriental tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, dark-fired tobacco, dark air cured or light air cured and Rustica tobaccos as well as other rare or specialty tobaccos. The tobacco of the present disclosure may contain a single type of tobacco or different types of tobacco. The tobacco can have the form of processed tobacco parts or pieces, cured and aged tobacco in substantially natural lamina or stem form, a tobacco extract, extracted tobacco pulp or a mixture of the foregoing. The tobacco may be mixed together with non-tobacco fibres. The tobacco contains salt such as sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride. The total chloride content, i.e. the chloride originating from chloride salts such as sodium and potassium chloride, may be within the range of from about 3 to about 8 % by weight such as from about 3 to about 6 % by weight based on the weight of the tobacco flour, said tobacco flour may contain about 7 % by weight of water. The chloride content of the disintegrated tobacco or the disintegrated non-tobacco plant material may be about 3 % by weight or about 4 % by weight based on the weight of the tobacco flour, said tobacco flour may contain about 7 % by weight of water.

[0037] The non-tobacco plant fibres may be fibres from non-tobacco plants such as maize fibers, oat fibers, tomato fibers, barley fibers, rye fibers, sugar beet fibers, buck wheat fibers, potato fibers, cellulose fibers, apple fibers, cocoa fibers, bamboo fibers and citrus fibers. The non-tobacco plant fibres may be whole or disintegrated, i.e. shredded, cut, ground. Further, the non-tobacco plant fibres may be cured, aged, fermented or treated otherwise. The amount of non-tobacco plant fibers, such as bamboo fibers, in the smokeless tobacco composition may be within the range of from about 1 to about 60% w/w or from about 2 to about 20% w/w based on dry weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. Micro Crystalline Cellulose may also be used as an alternative.

[0038] The non-tobacco fibers may have an average length-to-width ratio equal to or greater than 3.5:1 and equal to or lower than 100:1. The non-tobacco plant fibers may originate from bamboo. The non-tobacco fibers may have an average length-to-width ratio equal to or lower than 25:1. The non-tobacco fibers may have an average length-to-width ratio equal to or greater than 6:1. The non-tobacco fibers may have an average length-to-width ratio equal to or greater than 10:1. The non-tobacco fibers may have an average length- to-width ratio equal to or greater than 15:1.

[0039] The oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may be provided in particulate form, as a loose powder, or be portion-packaged in a pouch. The pouch may be made of a water-permeable material so that extraction of components such as nicotine and/or flavorant may easily take place when the product is placed in a user's mouth.

[0040] The encapsulation of the flavorant in the microcapsule or granule may be encapsulation of the flavorant by a shell such as a coating. Alternatively or additionally, the flavorant encapsulation may be that the flavorant is contained in a matrix. For instance, the flavorant may be dispersed within a matrix. The matrix may be enclosed by a shell or coating. The shell and/or the matrix may comprise or consist of a cellulose-derivatized polymer selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and any combinations thereof. As an example, there is provided an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein, wherein the flavorant is encapsulated by a coating comprising a cellulose-derivatized polymer as described herein. The cellulose-derivatized polymer may be hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

[0041] The cellulose-derivatized polymer described herein may be mixed with further ingredients. For instance, the cellulose-derivatized polymer may be mixed with talcum powder. As an example, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose may be mixed with talcum powder.

[0042] In a further example, the microcapsule or granule flavorant of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein is encapsulated by an inner coating and an outer coating. The inner coating may comprise or consist of gelatine. The outer coating may comprise or consist of a cellulose-derivatized polymer selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and any combinations thereof. As an example, the outer coating may comprise or consist of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. In a further example, the inner coating comprises or consists of gelatine, and the outer coating comprises or consists of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose optionally in combination with talcum powder.

[0043] The outer coating is salt-sensitive so that it substantially remains in a solid state in the presence of a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate and potassium lactate and any combinations thereof in the amounts indicated herein. When the salt concentration is lowered, such as upon saliva excretion in a user's mouth, the outer coating softens and/or dissolves so that the gelatine inner coating is exposed. Since gelatine will soften and/or dissolve upon contact with the moisture present in the oral smokeless moist snuff product the flavorant will be released. In order to prevent or minimize flavorant release during storage and prior to being placed in a user's mouth, the outer coating should cover most of the inner coating. Advantageously, the outer coating should be free or substantially free from cracks.

[0044] The oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein comprises one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combinations thereof. The sodium chloride may be replaced entirely or partly with potassium chloride.

[0045] It will be appreciated that when the one or more salts is a combination of different salts each salts may be present in an amount sufficient to contribute to cellulose-derivatized polymer cloud point lowering in the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0046] As an example, the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise or consist of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and potassium sulphate.

[0047] In a further example, the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise or consist of sodium sulphate and/or potassium sulphate and one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and any combination thereof.

[0048] In still a further example, the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein comprises sodium carbonate, sodium chloride and optionally one or more salts selected from the group consisting of potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combination thereof.

[0049] Further, the sodium chloride may be replaced entirely or partly with sodium sulphate or potassium sulphate. Replacing the sodium chloride with sodium sulphate and/or potassium sulphate may affect the flavour profile of the product, which may be desirable to meet the demands of certain users. Unexpectedly, the inventors of the present disclosure have found that sodium chloride may be exchanged for sodium sulphate and/or potassium sulphate to at least some extent without affecting the cloud point of the cellulose-derivatized polymer of the particles containing a flavorant.

[0050] The one or more salts may be mixed with the disintegrated plant material such as tobacco or with the non-tobacco plant fibres. Additionally, the one or more salts may be contained in the microcapsules. As an example, the one or more salts may be contained in the microcapsule or granule shell or the microcapsule or granule matrix. In a further example, the one or more salts is mixed with the disintegrated plant material such as tobacco or non-tobacco plant fibres and also contained in the microcapsules or granules.

[0051] As described herein, the one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combinations thereof are believed to have a so-called salting in effect whereby the integrity of the particles containing a flavorant such as microcapsules or granules is maintained until the salt concentration is lowered. Further, it will be appreciated that the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition and/or the oral smokeless moist snuff product includes the sodium chloride and/or the potassium chloride occurring naturally in the disintegrated plant material. Thus, the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition and/or the oral smokeless moist snuff product includes added salts as well as sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride occurring naturally in the disintegrated plant material.

[0052] It will be appreciated that the one or more salts described herein includes salts commonly used in snuff, such as sodium chloride, as well as salts used as pH adjusters, such as sodium carbonate. Sodium chloride provides a salty taste and/or antimicrobial activity and may also influence the cellulose-derivatized polymer cloud point. Sodium carbonate provides pH adjustment and may also influence the cellulose-derivatized polymer cloud point. Thus, in addition to lowering the cloud point of the cellulose-derivatized polymer the one or more salts may provide taste, pH adjustment, antimicrobial activity etc.

[0053] The one or more salts may be sodium lactate and/or potassium lactate. This may be advantageous since sodium lactate and/or potassium lactate have a neutral taste, an antibacterial activity and are also believed to have a lower impact on a cellulose-derivatized polymer than, for instance, sodium chloride. As an example, all or at least part of the sodium chloride may be exchanged for sodium lactate and/or potassium lactate.

[0054] In a further example, the one or more salts may be selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium carbonate, potassium sulphate and any combinations thereof. In a further example, the one or more salts may comprise sodium carbonate and a salt selected from the group consisting of potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combination thereof.

[0055] In still a further example, the one or more salts may comprise potassium carbonate and a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combination thereof.

[0056] Further, the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise or consist of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and potassium sulphate. The ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate: potassium sulphate may be about 6:3:1 or about 7:2:1. It will be appreciated that the potassium sulphate may be replaced entirely or partly with sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride. Thus, the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise or consist of sodium carbonate and sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride.

[0057] Further, the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise or consist of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and optionally one or more salts selected from the group consisting of potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combinations thereof. The one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise or consist of sodium sulphate and/or potassium sulphate and/or one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and any combinations thereof.

[0058] The total amount of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition and/or the oral smokeless moist snuff product prepared for the consumer may be estimated using any method known in the art to a skilled person. For instance, the total amount of the one or more salts may be estimated or indicated based on the measurement of ionic strength or conductivity.

[0059] The amount of the one or more salts will depend on the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition. Generally, to maintain flavorant particle integrity in the oral smokeless moist snuff product the amount of the one or more salts will have to be increased when the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition is raised. The inventors of the present disclosure have found that for a total amount of moisture within the range of from 35% by weight to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, the total amount of the one or more salts should be within the range of 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight based on the total weight of water and total weight of the one or more salts in the oral smokeless moist snuff composition. The amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. For instance, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. In a further example, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0060] As an example, in the oral smokeless moist snuff composition of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from about 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of from about 45 % by weight to 60 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition. The amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. For instance, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. In a further example, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0061] In a further example, in the oral smokeless moist snuff composition of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of about 33 % by weight to about 37 % by weight such as about 35 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition. The amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. For instance, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. In a further example, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0062] In a further example, in the oral smokeless moist snuff composition of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from about 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of about 38 % by weight to about 42 % by weight such as about 40 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition. The amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. For instance, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. In a further example, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0063] In a further example, in the oral smokeless moist snuff composition of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of about 43% by weight to about 47 % by weight such as about 45 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition. The amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. For instance, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. In a further example, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0064] In a further example, in the oral smokeless moist snuff composition of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of about 48 % by weight to about 52 % by weight such as about 50 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition. The amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is may within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. For instance, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. In a further example, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0065] In a further example, in the oral smokeless moist snuff composition of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of about 53 % by weight to about 57 % by weight such as about 55 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition. The amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. For instance, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. In a further example, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0066] In a further example, in the oral smokeless moist snuff composition of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of about 58 % by weight to about 62 % by weight such as about 60 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition. The amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. For instance, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. In a further example, the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0067] In a further example, there is provided an oral smokeless moist snuff product comprising:

(a) an oral smokeless moist snuff composition comprising:

• disintegrated plant material,
• sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and optionally potassium sulphate, and
• water,

wherein the total amount of the one or more salts is about 25 % by weight based on the total weight of water and total weight of the one or more salts in the oral moist smokeless snuff composition,
wherein the total amount of moisture is about 46 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition;

(b) particles comprising a flavorant and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,

wherein the amount of said particles is about 10 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0068] Additionally, the oral smokeless moist snuff product may comprise from about 1 to about 5 % by weight, such as from about 2 to about 4 % by weight, based on the dry weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, of a humectant selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol and glycerol. The oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise no or substantially no humectant. It will be appreciated that the humectant should be selected in such a way and/or in an amount that it influences the cloud point of the cellulose-derivatized polymer to only a small extent or not at all. For instance, glycerol will have only a small impact on the cellulose polymer cloud point whereas propylene glycol will have a larger impact. Therefore, in case propylene glycol is used the amount should be adjusted to avoid a too large impact on the cellulose cloud point. For instance, propylene glycol in an amount of about 2 to about 4 % by weight, such as from about 0.5 to about 2 % by weight, such as from about 1 to about 3 % by weight, such as from about 1 to about 2 % by weight, based on the dry weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, may be added to the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein. The impact of the humectant on the cellulose-derivatized polymer cloud point may at least to some extent be compensated for by increasing the amount of the one or more salts. The humectant of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may contain a humectant comprising or consisting of glycerol.

[0069] As used herein, the term "total amount of moisture" refers to the total amount of oven volatile ingredients, such as water and other oven volatiles (e.g. propylene glycol, ethanol etc.) in the preparation, composition or product referred to. The total amount of moisture is given herein as percent by weight (wt%) of the total weight of the preparation, composition or product referred to. The total amount of moisture as referred to herein may be determined by using the LOD method disclosed in the Examples in which the oven volatile content at a temperature of about 105°C is determined. Thus, the total amount of moisture may refer to the total amount of oven volatiles measured of a temperature at about 105°C, such as measured with an LOD method. In this document, the expressions "total amount of moisture", "moisture content" and "moisture level" are used interchangeably.

[0070] The total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition ranges from 35 % by weight to 60 % by weight such as from about 40 % by weight to about 60 % by weight, from about 45 % by weight to about 60 % by weight, from about 45 % by weight to about 55 % by weight, from about 50 % by weight to about 55 % by weight, from about 50 % by weight to about 60 % by weight or from about 55 % by weight to 60 % by weight. For instance, the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition may be 35 % by weight, about 40% by weight, about 45 % by weight, about 46 % by weight, about 55 % by weight or 60 % by weight.

[0071] The water content of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition and/or the oral smokeless moist snuff product includes all water present such as added water and water occurring naturally in the disintegrated plant material.

[0072] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein wherein the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition is about 40 % by weight. The one or more salts comprises or consists of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and potassium sulphate. The ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate: potassium sulphate may be about 6:3:1 or about 7:2:1.

[0073] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein wherein the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition is about 46 % by weight, and the one or more salts may comprise or consist of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and potassium sulphate. The ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate: potassium sulphate may be about 7:2:1.

[0074] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein wherein the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition is about 55 % by weight, and the one or more salts may comprise or consist of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and potassium sulphate. The ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate: potassium sulphate may be about 7:2:1.

[0075] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein wherein the total amount of moisture is about 35 wt%, and the one or more salts may comprise or consist of sodium chloride and sodium carbonate. The ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate may be about 3:1.

[0076] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein wherein the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition is about 46 wt%, and the one or more salts may comprise or consist of sodium chloride and sodium carbonate. The ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate may be about 3:1 or about 4:1.

[0077] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein wherein the total amount of moisture is about 55 wt% of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the one or more salts may comprise or consist of sodium chloride and sodium carbonate. The ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate may be about 4:1.

[0078] The particles described herein may be microparticles, such as microcapsules or granules as described herein. The particles may or may not contain a carrier.

[0079] The particles such as microcapsules or granules of the present disclosure contain a flavorant. As used herein, the terms "flavorant", "flavor" "flavoring agent" or the like denote a substance used to influence the aroma and/or taste of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

[0080] In this document, whenever the particles are described with respect to microcapsules it will be appreciated that the term microcapsules may be exchanged for granules, capsules, microparticles etc.

[0081] The flavorant may be a single flavor or a combination of flavorants/flavors. The flavorant may be in solid or liquid form. The liquid form may be a liquid composition such an oil. For instance, the flavorant may be an essential oil, a compounded flavoring and/or extracts. Further, the flavorant may be natural or synthetic. Examples of flavorants include menthol, peppermint, spearmint, liquorice, anethol, geranium, lemon oil, orange oil, grapefruit oil, bergamot oil, vanilla, coffee, coconut, almond, pecan, walnut, peanut, hazelnut, ginger, fennel, clove, anise, cardamom, coriander, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, jasmine, lavender, wintergreen, cocoa and cumarin. Further, the flavor may contain tobacco flavorant. Alternatively, the flavorant may be a non-tobacco flavorant.

[0082] As an example, the flavorant may be a solid encapsulated by a shell such as a coating comprising, for instance, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, to provide a granule or microcapsule. In a further example, the flavorant may be dispersed within a matrix and optionally encapsulated by a shell such as a coating comprising, for instance, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, to provide a granule or microcapsule.

[0083] The particles containing a flavorant such as microcapsules may be a mixture of microcapsules containing different flavorants. For instance, 50% of the microcapsules may contain a first flavorant and the remaining 50% may contain a second flavorant different from the first flavorant.

[0084] When the particles contain an inner coating and/or an outer coating, then the inner coating and/or the outer coating of the microcapsules may or may not contain a flavor. As an example, the inner and/or the outer coating contain no flavor. In a further example, the inner and/or outer contain a non-tobacco flavor.

[0085] The total weight of the particles containing a flavorant such as microcapsules contained within the oral smokeless moist snuff product may vary. The amount of said particles is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight, such as from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight or from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight, based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product. As an example, the amount of said particles may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight. In a further example, the amount of said particles may be about 10 % by weight.

[0086] The particles , such as microcapsules or granules, containing a flavorant may be mixed with an oral smokeless moist snuff composition to provide the oral smokeless moist snuff product. For instance, the particles containing a flavorant may be added to the oral smokeless moist snuff composition or vice versa. Alternatively, the particles containing a flavorant and the components of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition may be mixed in any order to provide the oral smokeless moist snuff product. If desired, a single particle such as a capsule or granule having a size larger than that of the microcapsules or granules may be used in addition to or instead of a plurality of microcapsules and/or granules. The single capsule may contain a flavorant that is the same as or different from that of the microcapsules and/or granules.

[0087] The shape of the particles, such as microcapsules or granules, may vary, but typically the microcapsules or granules have a substantially spherical shape. Alternatively, the microcapsules or granules may have other types of shapes such as rectilinear, oblong, elliptical or oval shapes.

[0088] The particles containing a flavorant such as microcapsules or granules may be uniform or varied in size. The microcapsule or granule diameter may be from 1 to 5 mm, such as from 1 to 4 mm or from 1 to 3 mm or from 300 micrometers to 1 mm. Further, the microcapsules or granules may be spherical and have a diameter equal to or less than about 300 micrometers, such as from 100-300 micrometers, such as from 100-200 micrometers, or from 1 to 40 micrometers or from 1 to 20 micrometers. As an example, the microcapsule or granule diameter may be about 1 mm. In some oral smokeless moist snuff products it may be desired to include microcapsules or granules of substantially uniform size, whereas in other oral smokeless moist snuff products it may be desired to include microcapsules or granules with varying size.

[0089] If desired, particles such as microcapsules of different sizes and types may be included in the oral smokeless moist snuff products to provide for a desired flavor release profile. For example, a first flavorant may be released from a first set of microcapsules or granules, and a second flavorant may be released from a second set of microcapsules or granules. The release of the first flavorant may take place prior to, at the same time as or after release of the second flavorant.

[0090] The particles containing a flavorant described herein may be dyed. The dye may be provided by a color additive approved for use in food. By providing at least part of the particles as dyed particles the consumer may perceive the oral smokeless moist snuff product as more interesting and/or appealing.

[0091] The crush strength of the microcapsules disclosed herein is sufficient to allow for normal handling and storage without significant premature or undesirable breakage.

[0092] If desired, a non-encapsulated flavorant may be mixed with the disintegrated plant material such as tobacco or non-tobacco plant fibres of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein. For instance, the flavorant may be added by spraying it onto the tobacco or the non-tobacco plant fibres. The flavorant may be sprayed directly onto loose tobacco and/or non-tobacco fibres or onto pouches containing tobacco and/or non-tobacco fibres. In this way, a user placing the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein into his or her mouth will immediately experience the flavorant mixed with the tobacco or non-tobacco plant fibres and then gradually also experience the flavorant released from the microcapsules. The non-encapsulated flavorant may be the same or different from that contained in the particles containing a flavorant such as microcapsules or granules. In this way, a consumer may perceive the taste of the oral smokeless moist snuff product to evolve and/or change overtime.

[0093] Alternatively or additionally, a non-encapsulated flavorant may be added to the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein by coating at least part of one inside surface, such as an inside lid or bottom surface, of a container with the flavorant, adding the oral smokeless moist snuff product to the container and closing of the container. The container is a packaging container for an oral smokeless moist snuff product. When the container is closed, the flavorant applied to the at least part of one inside surface of the container will flavorize the oral smokeless moist snuff product. Accordingly, there is provided a method for adding a flavorant to an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein, said method comprising the steps of:

a) applying a flavorant onto at least part of one inside surface of a packaging container for an oral smokeless moist snuff product,

b) placing the oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein in the container, and

c) closing the container.

[0094] It will be appreciated that the container for an oral smokeless moist snuff product does not form part of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein.

[0095] Depending on the flavorant used in the tobacco and/or non-tobacco plant material and the flavorant of the particles such as microcapsules or granules the overall result for a user may be a constant flavor intensity, an increase in flavor intensity over a certain time, a change in flavour etc.

[0096] The oral smokeless moist snuff product may further comprise a sweetener. Suitable sweeteners include natural sweeteners such as fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose or xylitol. The sweetener may also be an artificial sweetener such as sucralose, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, neotam or stevia. The sweetener may be mixed with the oral smokelss moist snuff composition and/or be provided in encapsulated form.

[0097] A pH adjusting agent may be included in the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein to provide a desired pH value. The pH adjusting agent may be an alkali metal base or an acid. The alkali metal base may be sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The acid may be acetic acid, lactic acid or citric acid. The pH adjusting agent may be mixed with the oral smokelss moist snuff composition and/or be provided in encapsulated form.

[0098] A buffering agent may be present in the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein in order to maintain pH close to a desired value. Suitable buffering agents include alkali metal carbonates and alkali metal bicarbonates. The alkali metal carbonates may be sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate. The alkali metal bicarbonates may be sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. The buffering agent may be mixed with the oral smokelss moist snuff composition and/or be present in encapsulated form.

[0099] The oral smokeless moist snuff described herein may also include additives such as disintegration aids, antioxidants, binders, colorants, fillers, thickening agents and/or combinations thereof. The additives may be mixed with the oral smokelss moist snuff composition and/or be present in encapsulated form or in non-encapsulated form.

[0100] The particles described herein such as microcapsules or granules may be manufactured by coating a gelatine microcapsule with a cellulose polymer such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose using fluidized bed technique. However, any other technique known in the art to the skilled person may be used. The oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may be manufactured by dispersing the microcapsules with the other components of the oral smokeless moist snuff.

Further aspect

[0101] In a further aspect, there is provided an oral smokeless moist snuff product comprising:

a) from 14 to 66 wt% of disintegrated plant material,

b) from 0.5 to 20 wt% of microcapsules comprising a flavorant encapsulated by a cellulose polymer selected from the group consisting hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and any combination thereof,

c) from 1.5 to 18 wt% of salt selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combination thereof,

wherein the moisture content of the product is within the range of from 30 to 60 wt%.

DEFINITIONS

[0102] In this document, particulate is used for a particle size of the product which enables the final product to be provided in so-called loose form, from which a pinch of snus may be made in individual sized by a user of a product.

[0103] As used herein, the term "user" is used interchangeably with the term "consumer" and the term "human". Further, the expressions "oral" or "oral use" refer to use in the oral cavity, i.e. for chewing purposes or buccal placement.

[0104] The term "g" stands for gram or grams.

[0105] The term "mm" stands for millimeters.

[0106] LOD stands for Loss On Drying and is a method to measure the loss of weight of the sample when dried at 105°C. The sample is dried until the sample weight is substantially constant. The LOD method is described in the Examples section.

[0107] The term "wt%" stands for weight% means weight percent in the composition or product referred to. The terms "wt%", "weight%" and "% by weight" are used interchangeably.

[0108] HPMC is an abbreviation for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

[0109] As used herein, the expressions "particle containing a flavorant" and "flavorant particle" are used interchangeably.

[0110] The term rpm stands for revolutions per minute.

[0111] The term GC stands for Gas Chromatography.

[0112] The term MS stands for Mass Spectroscopy.

[0113] The term GCMS stands for Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy.

[0114] The term w/w stands for weight by weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0115] Figure 1 shows a graph indicating flavor intensity experienced by eleven test persons during a time period of 60 minutes.

[0116] The disclosure is illustrated by the following non-limitative Examples.

EXAMPLES

[0117] The following equipment and general procedures were used in the Examples below.

General

[0118] Headspace screw top vials (20 ml) were purchased from ThermoScientific. Petroleum ether Suprasolv was purchased from VWR. Samples were shaken on an incubation orbital shaker, professional 3500, purchased from VWR. Analyses were performed on an Agilent 5890/5972/7673 GCMS-system, operating in full scan mode. GC column was an Agilent Innowax (60 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 um).

Measurements

[0119] Snus samples were extracted with two different extraction methods, one for total flavor and one for free flavor. In this document, total flavor intends the total analyzed amount of flavor in the product consisting of moist snus and microcapsules. Thus, the total flavor intends the sum of the flavor of the microcapsules and the flavor contained in the moist snus. In this document, free flavor intends the analyzed amount of flavor in the moist snus. Thus, the free flavor intends the flavor contained in the moist snus, excluding the flavor of the non-disintegrated microcapsules. Unless otherwise indicated, in all Examples the flavor is a mixture of peppermint and menthol. After extraction a GC/MS method (the same method for both extractions) was used to estimate the amount of flavor in the extracts. This was a semi-quantitative method for menthol, which served as a marker for all flavor compounds. The area of menthol was integrated and area units were compared between samples.

Extraction of total flavor

[0120] For each replicate 0.5-1 g of snus or one pouch (cut in two pieces) was put into a headspace vial. 5 ml of tap water was added. The samples were shaken for 5 min at ambient temperature (360 rpm). Thereafter 5 ml of petroleum ether was added before samples were shaken for 60 minutes at 50 °C (360 rpm). After cooling samples were put on GC-vials and analyzed with GC/MS.

Extraction of free flavor

[0121] For each replicate 0.5-1 g of snus or one pouch (cut in two pieces) was put in to a headspace vial. 5 ml of petroleum ether was added. The samples were shaken for 5 min at ambient temperature (360 rpm). After 5 minutes of sedimentation samples were put on GC-vials and analyzed with GC/MS. The area as measured by GC/MS is indicated in Table 3.

Tobacco

[0122] In the examples below, grinded and heated moist tobacco refers to tobacco that has been prepared as follows. The tobacco was grinded and pasteurized, and the moisture content was adjusted with water to about 35 wt%. The chloride content of the tobacco flour prior to grinding and pasteurization, i.e. the sum of chloride from NaCl and KCI, was about 3. wt% based on the weight of the tobacco flour. The total amount of moisture of the tobacco flour was 7 wt%.

Moist snus versus moist snus product

[0123] In the examples below, "moist snus" refers to a mixture of grinded and heated moist tobacco, sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water. In some examples the potassium sulphate was excluded.

[0124] Further, in the examples below "moist snus product" refers to the mixture resulting from adding microcapsules to the moist snus, i.e. a mixture of microcapsules, grinded and heated moist tobacco, sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water. In some examples the potassium sulphate was excluded.

LOD method

[0125] In all the following examples, the moisture content of each of the tobacco material and the non-tobacco plant fibers, if present, was determined by using a method based on literature references Federal Register/ vol.74, no. 4/712-719/Wednesday, January 7, 2009/Notices, "Total moisture determination" and AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemics), Official Methods of Analysis 966.02: "Moisture in Tobacco" (1990), Fifth Edition, K. Helrich (ed). In this method, the oven volatile (OV) content of the tobacco material and the non-tobacco plant fibers, if present, is measured as described hereinafter.

[0126] The moisture content (i.e. the oven volatile content) of each of the tobacco material and the non-tobacco plant fibers, if present, was determined gravimetrically by taking 2.5±0.25 g sample and weighing the sample before evaporation of moisture and after evaporation of moisture. Mettler Toledo's Moisture Analyzer HB43, a balance with halogen heating technology, was used (instead of an oven and a balance as in the mentioned literature references). The sample was heated to 105 °C (instead of 99.5±0.5 °C as in the mentioned literature references). The measurement was stopped when the weight change was less than 1 mg during a 90 seconds time period. The moisture content (i.e. oven volatile content) as weight percent of the original weight of the sample is then calculated automatically by the Moisture Analyzer HB43.

[0127] As mentioned herein above, the content of oven volatiles other than water (i.e. nonaqueous oven volatiles) in tobacco flour, is normally less than 1% by weight. Therefore the moisture content of tobacco material as measured using the herein described method substantially corresponds to the actual water content of the tobacco material. In the examples, the given water content of the initial tobacco preparations is the calculated sum of oven volatiles content of the tobacco material and the non-tobacco plant fibers if present, as measured by the above disclosed method, and, where applicable, the amount of water added to the tobacco material in the process.

EXAMPLE 1

[0128] Microcapsules were formed in the following manner.

[0129] 40,0 g of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, type 2910, viscosity 3 mPa*s (SheffCel 60HD3, purchased from Kerry) was dissolved in 360 g of purified water resulting in a 400 g weight solution.

[0130] For the coating process a fluid bed Mini-Glatt (from Glatt GmbH, Binzen) with bottom spray coating (Wurster) was used. The spray nozzle was 0.5 mm in diameter. The bottom filter was 100 µm, mounted on a bottom plate with diameter 7.5 cm.

[0131] 90 g of Millicaps 1000 E_1413279 (from V. MANE FILS, France) was charged in the fluid bed. The Millicaps were substantially gelatin microcapsules containing a liquid peppermint/menthol flavorant. 230 g of the above prepared solution was sprayed on to the Millicaps 1000 E_1413279. Settings for the process were as indicated in Table 1.

Table 1

Airflow (Nm3/h)	30
Inlet temperature (C°)	50
Product temperature vessel (C°)	38-40
Spray rate (g/min)	1.0
Spray pressure (Bar)	1.4

[0132] The formed microcapsules were then sieved through a sieve with a mesh size of 2 mm and the upper fraction was removed.

[0133] The moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 2 below. Thus, the moist snus of the moist snus product consisted of grinded and heated moist tobacco prepared as described above, sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water in amounts as indicated in Table 2.

[0134] The above manufactured microcapsules were mixed with the moist snus, said moist snus having a total amount of moisture of about 46 % by weight based on the moist snus, to provide a moist snus product. The composition of the moist snus product is indicated in Table 2.

[0135] The moist snus product was packaged in pouches, each pouch having with a weight of about 0.8 g. The pouches were stored in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks at room temperature.

Table 2

Component	Amount (g)	Composition (wt%)
Grinded and heated, moist tobacco	1000	58.57
Sodium carbonate	39.5	2.31
Potassium sulphate	18.4	1.1
Sodium chloride	137.2	8.0
Ethanol	6.5	0.38
Water	335.1	19.63
Microcapsules	170.7	10
	Total: 1707.4	Total: 100.0

[0136] After storage for two weeks at room temperature the pouches consisting of moist snus and microcapsules were evaluated regarding chemical storage stability as follows.

Table 3

Replicate Number	Total flavor (area)	Replicate Number	Free flavor (area)
1	597306	11	29173
2	515899	12	24394
3	594576	13	16594
4	559856	14	25271
5	720990	15	15482
6	535040	16	30848
7	546461	17	29818
8	534130	18	34242
9	537571	19	40389
10	714206	20	23119
Average area:	585604		26933
Free flavor (%):			4.60*

*The free flavor content in Table 3 was calculated as: Free flavor (%) = Average area free flavor / Average area total flavor

[0137] Analysis regarding content of menthol was performed in two batches, one for free flavor and one for total flavor. As indicated in Table 3, the free flavor content of the moist snuff was only 4.6% after storage 2 weeks in room temperature. It can be concluded that the HPMC coated gelatin microcapsules containing the liquid flavorant did not release the flavorant to any significant extent. Thus, the HPMC coated gelatin microcapsules containing the liquid flavorant are substantially storage stable in the moist snus.

EXAMPLE 2

[0138] Pouches consisting of the moist snus and microcapsules, said pouches being manufactured as in Example 1, were evaluated regarding flavor release function as follows. The pouches were stored for two weeks in a sealed plastic bag prior to use.

[0139] 11 test persons used the pouches for 60 minutes. The pouch was put between the gum and the upper lip and the pouch was fixed in that position during the whole test period. After 60 minutes of use, the total amount of menthol left in the used pouches were analyzed and compared to the total amount of analyzed menthol in unused pouches. The test persons used two pouches each. The pouches were analyzed using GC/MS according to the method described above. The results are indicated in Table 4 (Total flavor of unused pouches) and Table 5 (Total flavor of used pouches). The microcapsule flavorant was peppermint and menthol. The analysis was performed with respect to menthol.

Table 4. Unused pouches.

Pouch number	Total Flavor Area
1	1105014
2	858570
3	1154509
4	1221487
5	1017850
6	666178
7	623384
8	475759
9	899776
10	788656
Average area:	881118.3

Table 5. Used pouches.

Test subject	Total Flavor Area
Test subject 1	739092
	867590
Test subject 2	707936
	737196
Test subject 3	1011796
	791629
Test subject 4	937970
	594446
Test subject 5	242863
	638312
Test subject 6	1025285
	758070
Test subject 7	882021
	922175
Test subject 8	1011325
	811957
Test subject 9	880684
	907847
Test subject 10	1012301
	932638
Test subject 11	499154
	899143
Average area:	809610.5

[0140] The amount of extracted menthol (%) was then calculated as:
Extracted menthol (%) = (Average area unused pouches - Average area used pouches) / (Average area unused pouches). As indicated above, the average area unused pouches is 881118.3, and the average area used pouches is 809610.5. It follows that (881118.3 - 809610.5) / (881118.3) = 8.1%. Thus, release of menthol from the HPMC coated gelatin microcapsules took place when the test persons used the pouches as indicated above. The test persons were also asked to evaluate their experience of flavorization. The flavor intensity was measured on a scale from 0 to 5, where 0 indicates no experience of flavor and 5 a high experience of flavor intensity. The sensory evaluation was made five and 60 minutes after having placed the oral moist snuff product in the mouth. The mean flavor intensity was calculated for the 11 test persons at 5 and 60 minutes respectively, and the result is shown in Figure 1. It can be concluded that the experienced flavor intensity increased over time.

EXAMPLE 3

[0141] Millicaps 1000 E_1413279 were purchased from V. MANE FILS, France. The Millicaps were substantially gelatin microcapsules containing a liquid menthol flavorant.

[0142] Moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 6 below. Thus, the moist snus of the moist snus product consisted of grinded and heated moist tobacco, sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water in amounts as indicated in Table 6.

[0143] The Millicaps were mixed with the moist snus, said moist snus having a total amount of moisture of about 46 % by weight based on said moist snus, to provide a moist snus product. The composition of the moist snus product was as indicated in Table 6.

[0144] The moist snus product was packaged in pouches, each pouch having a weight of about 0.8 g. 10 pouches were prepared. The pouches were stored for two weeks at room temperature in a sealed plastic bag.

Table 6

Component	Amount (g)	Composition (wt%)
Grinded and heated, moist tobacco	1000	58.57
Sodium carbonate	39.5	2.31
Potassium sulphate	18.4	1.1
Sodium chloride	137.2	8.0
Ethanol	6.5	0.38
Water	335.1	19.63
Millicaps 1000 E_1413279	170.7	10
	Total: 1707.4	Total: 100.0

[0145] After storage for two weeks at room temperature the pouches consisting of moist snus and Millicaps 1000 E_1413279 were analyzed regarding content of menthol according to the GC/MS method described in Example 1. One batch was for free flavor and one was batch for total flavor. As indicated in Table 7, 83 % of the total amount of menthol was found in the moist snus after storage 2 weeks in room temperature.

Table 7

Sample Number	Total flavor (area)	Sample Number	Free flavor (area)
1	668923	11	693849
2	656006	12	576435
3	783536	13	598902
4	781676	14	642069
5	774948	15	714342
6	749421	16	496699
7	637317	17	626955
8	788075	18	588688
9	702484	19	625506
10	766540	20	498865
Average area:	730893		606231
Average free flavor (%):			83*

*Calculated as: Free flavor (%) = Average area free flavor / Average area total flavor. As indicated above, the average area free flavor is 606231, and the average area total flavor is 730893. It follows that the free flavor is 606231/ 730893=83%. It can be concluded that the gelatin microcapsules released the menthol flavorant during storage. Thus, the gelatin microcapsules do not exhibit storage stability in the moist snus. Further, it can be concluded that addition of the salts in the amounts indicated in Table 6 did not prevent release of the menthol flavorant from the gelatin microcapsules.

EXAMPLE 4

[0146] Two samples were prepared as follows.

Sample 1

[0147] Moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 8 below. The total amount of moisture of the moist snus was about 45 % by weight based on said moist snus.

[0148] 3.0 g of the moist snus and 0.15 g of HPMC coated gelatin microcapsules, said microcapsules being prepared as in Example 1, were mixed to provide the moist snus product indicated in Table 8.

[0149] The mixture was then stored in a sealed test tube in room temperature for two weeks. The composition of the moist snus product was as indicated in Table 8.

Table 8

Component	Composition (wt%)
Grinded and heated, moist tobacco	62
Sodium carbonate	2.5
Potassium sulphate	1.1
Sodium chloride	8.5
Ethanol	0.3
Water	20.8
Microcapsules	4.8
	Total: 100.0

Sample 2

[0150] Commercially available pouches consisting of snus "Skruf fresh tranbar xtra stark white slim" (Skruf Snus AB) were chopped to provide 3.0 g snus with a moisture content of about 43% which was then mixed with 0.15 g of the HPMC coated gelatin microcapsules prepared in Example 1. The mixture was then stored in a sealed test tube in room temperature for two weeks.

[0151] Samples 1 and 2 were analyzed regarding content of menthol according to the method described in Example 1. The results are indicated in Table 9.

Table 9

Sample Number	Stored Mixture	Free flavor (%)
1.	Moist snus and microcapsules as indicated in Table 8	3
2.	Skruf Tranbar and microcapsules	42

[0152] As can be seen from Table 9, the free flavor content of the stored Sample 1 was only 3% indicating that substantially no flavor release from the microcapsules had taken place. In contrast, the free flavor content of the stored Sample 2 was 42% indicating a significant flavor release from the microcapsules.

[0153] It can be concluded that the HPMC coated gelatin microcapsules were substantially stable upon storage in the moist snus of Sample 1. In comparison with Sample 1, the storage stability of the HPMC coated gelatin microcapsules in the commercially available snuff of Sample 2 was observed to be lower.

EXAMPLE 5

[0154] Microcapsules were formed in the following manner.

[0155] 20.7 g of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, type 2910, viscosity 3mPa*s (SheffCel 60HD3, purchased from Kerry) and 2.3 g of talc was mixed with 207 g of water resulting in a 230 g weight suspension.

[0156] 90 g of Millicaps 1000E_1413279 (from V. MANE FILS, France) was charged in the fluid bed. The Millicaps were substantially gelatin microcapsules containing a liquid peppermint/menthol flavorant. The above prepared 230 g weight suspension with talc and dissolved hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was then sprayed on to the Millicaps 1000E_1413279. Process equipment and settings for the process as indicated in example 1.

[0157] The formed microcapsules were then sieved through a sieve with a mesh size of 2 mm and the upper fraction was removed.

[0158] The moist snus was prepared as in example 1. The total amount of moisture of the snus was about 46 % by weight based on said moist snuff.

[0159] The above manufactured microcapsules were mixed with the moist snus. The composition of the moist product is indicated in Table 2.

[0160] About 7 g of the above moist product were then stored in a sealed glass bottle for two weeks at room temperature.

[0161] After storage for two weeks at room temperature the above moist product consisting of moist snus and microcapsules were evaluated regarding chemical storage stability as follows.

Table 10

Replicate Number	Total flavor (area)	Replicate Number	Free flavor (area)
1	6294470	4	336014
2	6597660	5	271897
3	6818950	6	325276
Average area:	6570360		311062.3
Free flavor (%):			4.73

*The free flavor content in Table 10 was calculated as: Free flavor (%) = Average area free flavor / Average area total flavor

[0162] Analysis regarding content of menthol was performed in two batches, one for free flavor and one for total flavor. As indicated in table 10, the free flavor content of the moist snus was only 4.73% after storage 2 weeks in room temperature. It can be concluded that the HPMC-talc coated gelatin microcapsules containing the liquid flavorant did not release the flavorant to any significant extent. Thus, the HPMC-talc coated gelatin microcapsules containing the liquid flavorant are substantially storage stable in the moist snus.

EXAMPLE 6

[0163] Moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium carbonate, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 11 below. The total amount of moisture of the snus was about 46 % by weight based on said moist snus. Thus, the moist snus of the moist snus product consisted of grinded and heated moist tobacco prepared as described above, sodium carbonate, ethanol and water in amounts as indicated in Table 11.

[0164] Microcapsules manufactured as in Example 5 were mixed with the moist snus to provide a moist snus product. The composition of the moist snus product is indicated in Table 11.

Table 11

Component	Amount (g)	Composition (wt%)
Grinded and heated, moist tobacco	1000	73.9
Sodium carbonate	18.9	1.4
Ethanol	6.51	0.48
Water	192.6	14.2
Microcapsules	135.3	10
	Total: 1353.3	Total: 100

[0165] About 7 g of the above moist product were then stored in a sealed glass bottle for two weeks at room temperature.

[0166] After storage for two weeks at room temperature the above moist product consisting of moist snus and microcapsules were evaluated regarding chemical storage stability as follows.

[0167] Analysis regarding content of menthol was performed in two batches, one for free flavor and one for total flavor. As indicated in table 12, the free flavor content of the moist snus was 41.6% after storage 2 weeks in room temperature.

Table 12

Replicate Number	Total flavor (area)	Replicate Number	Free flavor (area)
1	6841680	4	2708730
2	6272840	5	2694330
3	6346000	6	2696230
Average area:	6486840		2699763
Free flavor (%):			41.6*

*The free flavor content in Table 12 was calculated as: Free flavor (%) = Average area free flavor / Average area total flavor

[0168] As indicated above, the average area free flavor is 2699763, and the average area total flavor is 6486840. It follows that the free flavor is 2699763/6486840=41.6%. Thus, lowering the salt content decreases the stability of the microcapsules in the moist snus.

EXAMPLE 7

[0169] Moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 13 below. The total amount of moisture of the snus was about 46 % by weight based on said moist snus. Thus, the moist snus of the moist snus product consisted of grinded and heated moist tobacco prepared as described above, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, ethanol and water in amounts as indicated in Table 13.

[0170] Microcapsules manufactured as in Example 5 were mixed with the moist snus to provide a moist snus product. The composition of the moist snus product is indicated in Table 13.

Table 13

Component	Amount (g)	Composition (wt%)
Grinded and heated, moist tobacco	1000	58.48
Sodium carbonate	39.58	2.31
Sodium chloride	155.78	9.11
Ethanol	6.51	0.38
Water	336.97	19.71
Microcapsules	170.98	10
	Total: 1709.8	Total: 100

[0171] About 7 g of the above moist product were then stored in a sealed glass bottle for two weeks at room temperature.

[0172] After storage for two weeks at room temperature the above moist product consisting of moist snus and microcapsules were evaluated regarding chemical storage stability as follows.

[0173] Analysis regarding content of menthol was performed in two batches, one for free flavor and one for total flavor. As indicated in table 14, the free flavor content of the moist snus was only 4.67% after storage 2 weeks in room temperature. It can be concluded that the HPMC-talc coated gelatin microcapsules containing the liquid flavorant did not release the flavorant to any significant extent. Thus, the HPMC-talc coated gelatin microcapsules containing the liquid flavorant are substantially storage stable in the moist snus when replacing potassium sulphate with sodium chloride.

Table 14

Replicate Number	Total flavor (area)	Replicate Number	Free flavor (area)
1	6398000	4	322942
2	5717580	5	256656
3	6201680	6	276732
Average area:	6105753		285443,3
Free flavor (%):			4,67

*The free flavor content in Table 14 was calculated as: Free flavor (%) = Average area free flavor / Average area total flavor

EXAMPLE 8

[0174] Moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 15 below. The total amount of moisture of the snus was about 46 % by weight based on said moist snus. Thus, the moist snus of the moist snus product consisted of grinded and heated moist tobacco prepared as described above, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, ethanol and water in amounts as indicated in Table 15.

[0175] Microcapsules manufactured as in Example 5 were mixed with the moist snus to provide a moist snus product. The composition of the moist snus product is indicated in Table 15.

Table 15

Component	Amount (g)	Composition (wt%)
Grinded and heated, moist tobacco	1000	68.97
Sodium carbonate	29.75	2.05
Sodium chloride	36.91	2.55
Ethanol	6.51	0.45
Water	231.67	15.98
Microcapsules	144.98	10
	Total: 1449.8	Total: 100

[0176] About 7 g of the above moist product were then stored in a sealed glass bottle for two weeks at room temperature.

[0177] After storage for two weeks at room temperature the above moist product consisting of moist snus and microcapsules were evaluated regarding chemical storage stability as follows.

[0178] Analysis regarding content of menthol was performed in two batches, one for free flavor and one for total flavor. As indicated in table 16, the free flavor content of the moist snus was 29.1% after storage 2 weeks in room temperature.

Table 16

Replicate Number	Total flavor (area)	Replicate Number	Free flavor (area)
1	5213410	4	1796100
2	6426730	5	1855740
3	7204900	6	1841340
Average area:	6281680		1831060
Free flavor (%):			29.1

*The free flavor content in Table 16 was calculated as: Free flavor (%) = Average area free flavor / Average area total flavor

[0179] As indicated above, the average area free flavor is 1831060, and the average area total flavor is 6281680. It follows that the free flavor is 1831060/6281680=29.1%. Thus, lowering the salt content decreases the stability of the microcapsules in the moist snus.

EXAMPLE 9

[0180] Moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, potassium sulphate, propylene glycole, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 17 below. The total amount of moisture of the snus was about 46 % by weight based on said moist snus. Thus, the moist snus of the moist snus product consisted of grinded and heated moist tobacco prepared as described above, sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, potassium sulphate, propylene glycole, ethanol and water in amounts as indicated in Table 17.

[0181] Microcapsules manufactured as in Example 5 were mixed with the moist snus to provide a moist snus product. The composition of the moist snus product is indicated in Table 17.

Table 17

Component	Amount (g)	Composition (wt%)
Grinded and heated, moist tobacco	1000	51.66
Sodium carbonate	58.59	3.03
Potassium sulphate	27.28	1.41
Sodium chloride	221.34	11.43
Propylene glycole	38.74	2.00
Ethanol	6.51	0.34
Water	389.74	20.13
Microcapsules	193.58	10
	Total: 1935.78	Total: 100

[0182] About 7 g of the above moist product were then stored in a sealed glass bottle for two weeks at room temperature.

[0183] After storage for two weeks at room temperature the above moist product consisting of moist snus and microcapsules were evaluated regarding chemical storage stability as follows.

[0184] Analysis regarding content of menthol was performed in two batches, one for free flavor and one for total flavor. As indicated in table 18, the free flavor content of the moist snus was only 5.3% after storage 2 weeks in room temperature. It can be concluded that the HPMC-talc coated gelatin microcapsules containing the liquid flavorant did not release the flavorant to any significant extent. Thus, the HPMC-talc coated gelatin microcapsules containing the liquid flavorant are substantially storage stable in the moist snus.

Table 18

Replicate Number	Total flavor (area)	Replicate Number	Free flavor (area)
1	5792720	4	273098
2	6265110	5	348625
3	5885220	6	325472
Average area:	5981017		315731.7
Free flavor (%):			5.28

*The free flavor content in Table 18 was calculated as: Free flavor (%) = Average area free flavor / Average area total flavor

EXAMPLE 10. Measurement of conductivity of moist snus.

[0185] The following method may be used to measure the conductivity of moist snus. Equipment: conductivity measurement apparatus, glass beaker and a magnetic stirrer. Procedure: Mix 1.5 g of moist snus with distilled water until the total weight becomes 450.0 g. The thus obtained mixture is stirred using the magnetic stirrer at about 200 rpm for about 2 minutes. A probe of the measurement apparatus is dipped into the thus obtained mixture a couple of times until a stable conductivity value is obtained. The mixture is allowed to stand for about 1 minute. The obtained conductivity value is recorded.

Claims

1. An oral smokeless moist snuff product comprising:

(a) an oral smokeless moist snuff composition comprising:

- disintegrated plant material,

- one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combination thereof, and

- water,

wherein the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight based on the total weight of water and total weight of the one or more salts in the oral moist smokeless snuff composition,
wherein the total amount of moisture, said total amount of moisture being the total amount of oven volatile ingredients, is within the range of from 35 % by weight to 60 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition;

(b) particles comprising a flavorant and a cellulose-derivatized polymer selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and any combination thereof,

wherein the amount of said particles is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

2. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to claim 1, wherein the disintegrated plant material comprises or consists of disintegrated tobacco and/or disintegrated non-tobacco plant fibres.

3. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more salts comprises or consists of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and potassium sulphate.

4. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more salts comprises sodium sulphate and/or potassium sulphate and a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and any combination thereof.

5. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more salts comprises sodium carbonate, sodium chloride and optionally one or more salts selected from the group consisting of potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combination thereof.

6. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 25 % by weight or from 20 % by weight to 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and total weight of the one or more salts in the oral smokeless moist snuff composition.

7. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the amount of particles is within the range of from 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight or from 5 % by weight to 10 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.

8. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the total amount of moisture is 35 % by weight, 40 % by weight, 45 % by weight, 50 % by weight, 55 % by weight or 60 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition.

9. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the one or more salts is mixed with the disintegrated plant material.

10. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the particles are microcapsules and/or granules.

11. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the flavorant is encapsulated by a coating comprising said cellulose-derivatized polymer.

12. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the flavorant is encapsulated by an inner coating comprising gelatine and an outer coating comprising said cellulose-derivatized polymer.

13. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said cellulose-derivatized polymer comprises or consists of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

14. An oral smokeless moist snuff product according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the flavor is liquid or solid and selected from the group consisting of menthol, peppermint, spearmint, liquorice, anethol, geranium, lemon oil, orange oil, grapefruit oil, bergamot oil, vanilla, coffee, coconut, almond, pecan, walnut, peanut, hazelnut, ginger, fennel, clove, anise, cardamom, coriander, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, jasmine, lavender, wintergreen, cocoa and cumarin.

15. Method for adding a flavorant to an oral smokeless moist snuff product according to any one of the previous claims, said method comprising the steps of:

a) applying a flavorant onto at least part of one inside surface of a packaging container for an oral smokeless moist snuff product,

b) placing the oral smokeless moist snuff product as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 in the packaging container, and

c) closing the packaging container.

Ansprüche

1. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt, umfassend:

(a) eine orale, rauchlose, feuchte Schnupfzusammensetzung, umfassend:

- zerkleinertes Pflanzenmaterial,

- eines oder mehrere Salze, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus Natriumchlorid, Natriumcarbonat, Kaliumcarbonat, Natriumsulfat, Kaliumsulfat, Natriumlactat, Kaliumlactat und einer beliebigen Kombination davon, und

- Wasser,

wobei die Gesamtmenge des einen oder der mehreren Salze im Bereich von 15 Gew.-% bis 35 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das Gesamtgewicht von Wasser und das Gesamtgewicht des einen oder der mehreren Salze in der oralen, feuchten, rauchlosen Schnupfzusammensetzung, liegt,
wobei die Gesamtmenge an Feuchtigkeit, wobei die Gesamtmenge an Feuchtigkeit die Gesamtmenge an flüchtigen Bestandteilen des Ofens ist, im Bereich von 35 Gew.-% bis 60 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das Gesamtgewicht der oralen, rauchlosen, feuchten Schnupfzusammensetzung, liegt;

(b) Teilchen, umfassend einen Aromastoff und ein Cellulose-derivatisiertes Polymer, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Methylcellulose und einer beliebigen Kombination davon, wobei die Menge der Teilchen im Bereich von 1 Gew.-% bis 25 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das Gesamtgewicht des oralen, rauchlosen, feuchten Schnupfprodukts, liegt.

2. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach Anspruch 1, wobei das zerkleinerte Pflanzenmaterial zerkleinerten Tabak und/oder zerkleinerte, nichttabakhaltige Pflanzenfasern umfasst oder daraus besteht.

3. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das eine oder die mehreren Salze Natriumchlorid, Natriumcarbonat und Kaliumsulfat umfassen oder daraus bestehen.

4. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei das eine oder die mehreren Salze Natriumsulfat und/oder Kaliumsulfat und ein Salz, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus Natriumchlorid, Natriumcarbonat, Kaliumcarbonat und einer beliebigen Kombination davon, umfasst.

5. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei das eine oder die mehreren Salze Natriumcarbonat, Natriumchlorid und gegebenenfalls ein oder mehrere Salze, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus Kaliumcarbonat, Natriumsulfat, Kaliumsulfat, Natriumlactat, Kaliumlactat und einer beliebigen Kombination davon, umfasst.

6. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Gesamtmenge des einen oder der mehreren Salze im Bereich von 15 Gew.-% bis 25 Gew.-% oder von 20 Gew.-% bis 25 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das Gesamtgewicht von Wasser und das Gesamtgewicht des einen oder der mehreren Salze in der oralen, rauchlosen, feuchten Schnupfzusammensetzung, liegt.

7. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Menge der Teilchen im Bereich von 5 Gew.-% bis 25 Gew.-% oder von 5 Gew.-% bis 10 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das Gesamtgewicht des oralen, rauchlosen, feuchten Schnupfprodukts, liegt.

8. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Gesamtmenge der Feuchtigkeit 35 Gew.-%, 40 Gew.-%, 45 Gew.-%, 50 Gew.-%, 55 Gew.-% oder 60 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das Gesamtgewicht der oralen, rauchlosen, feuchten Schnupfzusammensetzung, beträgt.

9. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das eine oder die mehreren Salze mit dem zerkleinerten Pflanzenmaterial vermischt sind.

10. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Teilchen Mikrokapseln und/oder Granulate sind.

11. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Aromastoff durch eine Beschichtung eingekapselt ist, die das Cellulose-derivatisierte Polymer umfasst.

12. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Aromastoff durch eine innere Beschichtung, die Gelatine umfasst, und eine äußere Beschichtung, die das Cellulose-derivatisierte Polymer umfasst, eingekapselt ist.

13. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Cellulose-derivatisierte Polymer Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose umfasst oder daraus besteht.

14. Orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Aroma flüssig oder fest ist und ausgewählt ist aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus Menthol, Pfefferminze, Spearmint, Süßholz, Anethol, Geranie, Zitronenöl, Orangenöl, Grapefruitöl, Bergamotteöl, Vanille, Kaffee, Kokosnuss, Mandel, Pekannuss, Walnuss, Erdnuss, Haselnuss, Ingwer, Fenchel, Nelke, Anis, Kardamom, Koriander, Basilikum, Oregano, Rosmarin, Thymian, Salbei, Jasmin, Lavendel, Wintergrün, Kakao und Cumarin.

15. Verfahren zur Zugabe eines Aromastoffes zu einem oralen, rauchlosen, feuchten Schnupfprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Verfahren die Schritte umfasst:

a) Aufbringen eines Aromastoffes auf mindestens einen Teil der Innenfläche eines Verpackungsbehälters für ein orales, rauchloses, feuchtes Schnupfprodukt,

b) Anordnen des oralen, rauchlosen, feuchten Schnupfprodukts, wie in einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 14 definiert, in dem Verpackungsbehälter und

c) Verschließen des Verpackungsbehälters.

Revendications

1. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale comprenant :

(a) une composition de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale comprenant :

- un matériau végétal désintégré,

- un ou plusieurs sels choisis dans le groupe constitué du chlorure de sodium, du carbonate de sodium, du carbonate de potassium, du sulfate de sodium, du sulfate de potassium, du lactate de sodium, du lactate de potassium et de toute combinaison de ceux-ci, et

- de l'eau,

dans lequel la quantité totale des un ou plusieurs sels est dans la plage de 15 % en poids à 35 % en poids sur la base du poids total de l'eau et du poids total des un ou plusieurs sels dans la composition de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale,
dans lequel la quantité totale d'humidité, ladite quantité totale d'humidité étant la quantité totale des ingrédients volatils dans un four, est dans la plage de 35 % en poids à 60% en poids sur la base du poids total de la composition de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale ;

(b) des particules comprenant un agent aromatisant et un polymère dérivé de cellulose choisi dans le groupe constitué de l'hydroxypropyl-méthylcellulose, de l'hydroxypropyl-cellulose, de la méthyl-cellulose et de toute combinaison de celles-ci,

dans lequel la quantité desdites particules est dans la plage de 1% en poids à 25 % en poids sur la base du poids total du produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale.

2. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le matériau végétal désintégré comprend ou est constitué de tabac désintégré et/ou de fibres végétales désintégrées sans tabac.

3. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel les un ou plusieurs sels comprennent ou sont constitués du chlorure de sodium, du carbonate de sodium et du sulfate de potassium.

4. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel les un ou plusieurs sels comprennent du sulfate de sodium et/ou du sulfate de potassium et un sel choisi dans le groupe constitué du chlorure de sodium, du carbonate de sodium, du carbonate de potassium et de toute combinaison de ceux-ci.

5. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel les un ou plusieurs sels comprennent du carbonate de sodium, du chlorure de sodium et éventuellement un ou plusieurs sels choisis dans le groupe constitué du carbonate de potassium, du sulfate de sodium, du sulfate de potassium, du lactate de sodium, du lactate de potassium et de toute combinaison de ceux-ci.

6. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la quantité totale des un ou plusieurs sels est dans la plage de 15 % en poids à 25 % en poids ou de 20 % en poids à 25 % en poids, sur la base du poids total de l'eau et au poids total des un ou plusieurs sels dans la composition de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale.

7. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la quantité de particules est dans la plage de 5 % en poids à 25 % en poids ou de 5 % en poids à 10 % en poids, sur la base du poids total du produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale.

8. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la quantité totale d'humidité est de 35 % en poids, de 40 % en poids, de 45 % en poids, de 50 % en poids, de 55 % en poids ou de 60 % en poids, sur la base du poids total de la composition de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale.

9. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les un ou plusieurs sels sont mélangés avec le matériau végétal désintégré.

10. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les particules sont des microcapsules et/ou des granulés.

11. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'agent aromatisant est encapsulé dans un revêtement comprenant ledit polymère dérivé de cellulose.

12. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'agent aromatisant est encapsulé dans un revêtement interne comprenant de la gélatine et un revêtement externe comprenant ledit polymère dérivé de cellulose.

13. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit polymère dérivé de cellulose comprend ou est constitué d'hydroxypropyl-méthylcellulose.

14. Produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'agent aromatisant est liquide ou solide et est choisi dans le groupe constitué du menthol, de la menthe poivrée, de la menthe verte, de la réglisse, de l'anéthol, du géranium, de l'essence de citron, de l'essence d'orange, de l'essence de pamplemousse, de l'essence de bergamote, de la vanille, du café, de la noix de coco, de l'amande, du pécan, de la noix, de l'arachide, de la noisette, du gingembre, de l'aneth, du girofle, de l'anis, de la cardamome, de la coriandre, du basilic, de l'origan, du romarin, du thym, de la sauge, du jasmin, de la lavande, du pyrole, du cacao et de la coumarine.

15. Procédé d'addition d'un agent aromatisant à un produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ledit procédé comprenant les étapes suivantes :

a) application d'un agent aromatisant sur au moins une partie de la surface intérieure d'un récipient d'emballage pour un produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale,

b) placement du produit de tabac à priser humide sans fumée orale tel que défini dans l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 14 dans le récipient d'emballage, et

c) fermeture du récipient d'emballage.

Drawing