JP2022532329A - Smokeless tobacco composition - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention comprises a bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

Description

There is an application for exception of loss of novelty

The present invention relates to a smokeless tobacco composition and a method for producing a smokeless tobacco composition.

Tobacco fermentation is generally a process that begins naturally shortly after the tobacco is harvested. This natural process is often deliberately carried out in various industrial processes of the tobacco manufacturing process, as it is early known that tobacco fermentation enhances certain properties of tobacco such as odor and taste.

However, natural and industrially performed tobacco fermentation also has the effect of producing unwanted by-products such as tobacco-specific nitrosamine, abbreviated as TSNA.

It would be desirable to be able to provide an improved smokeless tobacco composition. For example, it is desired to provide a smokeless tobacco composition that is readily provided with such desired properties associated with tobacco fermentation, such as improved odor and taste, but is free from the unwanted side effects of tobacco fermentation. It is also desired to provide smokeless tobacco compositions with improved physical properties to enhance the user's smoking experience.

Some embodiments described herein include bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material is provided with a smokeless tobacco composition having a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm. Tobacco.

In some embodiments described herein, a method for producing a smokeless tobacco composition as defined herein is provided, which method is:
(A) The process of providing unbleached tobacco material and
(B) The process of bleaching unbleached tobacco material to form bleached tobacco material, and
(C) The step of recovering the bleached tobacco material so that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm is included.

Some embodiments described herein provide smokeless tobacco compositions that can be obtained or obtained by methods comprising the following steps.
(A) The process of providing unbleached tobacco material and
(B) The process of bleaching unbleached tobacco material to form bleached tobacco material, and
(C) A step of recovering the bleached tobacco material so that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

These and additional features of the invention are discussed herein with appropriate item headings for ease of reference. However, the teaching in each item is not necessarily limited to each specific item.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the structures, method steps and materials disclosed herein, and thus the structures, method steps and materials may vary somewhat. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are used solely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting.

As used herein and in the claims, the singular "is" ("a", "an") and "that" ("the") indicate that the context is clearly different. Unless otherwise noted, it should be noted that it contains multiple referents.

Unless otherwise specified herein, the term "about" used in the present invention or in the methods of the invention to modify the amount of a component in a tobacco material or tobacco composition is, for example, a concentrate or in the real world. By the typical measurement and liquid handling procedures used to prepare the solutions used, by inadvertent failure in these procedures, or to prepare tobacco raw materials, tobacco compositions, or tobacco products, or to carry out the method. It means a change in quantity that can occur due to differences in the production, supply source, or purity of the components used for the purpose. The term "about" also includes different quantities due to different equilibrium conditions of composition due to the particular initial mixture. The claims include quantitative equivalents, whether modified or unmodified by the term "about".

Unless otherwise stated herein, the term "bleached" is used for this purpose, such as washing with one or more solvents, or treating with one or more bleaching agents, or any combination thereof. It means an object whose visible color has been reduced by any known method, for example, a tobacco raw material.

Unless otherwise specified herein, the term "fermentable carbohydrate" means a carbohydrate that can be metabolized and degraded in and by the human body. For example, the term "fermentable carbohydrate" includes starch, glucose, fructose and sucrose.

Unless otherwise stated herein, the term "oral" in relation to a product is placed somewhere in the user's oral cavity, eg, under the lips, in the same way that wet snuff products are commonly used. Means a product in normal use that is suitable for.

The ranges described herein provide preferred amounts of each component. Each of these ranges may provide a preferred embodiment of the invention alone or in combination with one or more other component ranges.

Composition As described herein, smokeless tobacco compositions include bleached tobacco material, with at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material having a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is a bleached tobacco raw material.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 0.001% to about 50% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 0.001% to about 40% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 0.001% to about 30% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 0.001% to about 20% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 0.05% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 0.5% to about 9% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 1% to about 8% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 2% to about 7% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is described in International Application Publication No. 2015/150506, which is hereby cited by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material contains fermentable carbohydrates of less than about 4% by weight, eg, less than about 2% by weight, eg, less than about 1% by weight, calculated by the total dry weight of the bleached tobacco material. include. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is less than about 4% by weight of starch, glucose, fructose and sucrose bleached tobacco material, eg less than about 2% by weight, eg less than about 1% by weight of these combinations. Included in the total amount of.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an ISO brightness of about 60 or higher, eg, about 70 or higher, eg, about 80 or higher, as measured according to ISO 2470: 1999.

Bleached tobacco that is substantially free of unwanted substances as described in International Application Publication No. 2015/150506, which in some embodiments shall be referred to herein by reference in its entirety. Provided is a smokeless tobacco composition containing a material (bleached tobacco raw material). For example, in some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is less than about 7.0 mg / kg of nitrite and / or total less than about 2.0 mg / kg calculated based on the total dry mass of the smokeless tobacco composition. NNN (N-nitrosonornicotin) and NNK ((4-methylnitrosamine) -1- (3-pyridyl) -1-butanone) and / or NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) of less than about 10.0 μg / kg. And / or B (a) P (benzo (a) pyrene) less than about 5.0 μg / kg and / or Cd and / or less than about 2.0 mg / kg Pb and / or It contains less than about 0.5 mg / kg As and / or less than about 3.0 mg / kg Ni and / or less than about 4.5 mg / kg Cr.

In one embodiment, the smokeless tobacco composition is calculated based on the total dry mass of the smokeless tobacco composition with less than about 3.5 mg / kg nitrite and / or a total amount of less than about 1.0 mg / kg NNN. (N-nitrosonornicotin) and NNK ((4-methylnitrosoamino) -1- (3-pyridyl) -1-butanone) and / or NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) and / or less than about 5.0 μg / kg and / Or B (a) P (benzo (a) pyrene) less than about 2.5 μg / kg and / or Cd and / or less than about 1.0 mg / kg Pb and / or about 0.5 mg / kg. It contains less than 0.25 mg / kg of As and / or less than about 1.5 mg / kg of Ni and / or less than about 2.25 mg / kg of Cr.

In one embodiment, the smokeless tobacco composition is calculated based on the total dry mass of the smokeless tobacco composition with less than about 1.0 mg / kg of nitrite and / or a total amount of less than about 0.2 mg / kg NNN. (N-nitrosonornicotin) and NNK ((4-methylnitrosoamino) -1- (3-pyridyl) -1-butanone) and / or NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) of less than about 0.6 μg / kg and / Or B (a) P (benzo (a) pyrene) less than about 0.6 μg / kg and / or Cd and / or less than about 0.1 mg / kg Pb and / or about 0.1 mg / kg. It contains less than 0.1 mg / kg As and / or less than about 0.1 mg / kg Ni and / or less than about 0.1 mg / kg Cr.

In one embodiment, the bleached tobacco raw material comprises a total amount of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 not exceeding 0.01 mg / kg calculated based on the total dry mass of the bleached tobacco raw material.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is fine particles. As used herein, the term "particle" means that the ratio of length to average width of particles in a material is less than 2: 1, for example less than 1.5: 1, for example 1: 1. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material particles are substantially spherical. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is granular.

At least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles as described herein have a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the particle size is measured by sieving analysis. Thus, in some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size measured by sieving analysis of about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.5 mm. It has a particle size of ~ about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm ~ about 4 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm (eg, by sieving analysis). To be measured). In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.4 mm. It has a particle size of about 10 mm, such as about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm (eg, measured by sieving analysis).

In some embodiments, at least 60% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about. It has a particle size of 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, at least 60% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm (eg, by sieving analysis). To be measured). In some embodiments, at least 60% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.4 mm. It has a particle size of about 10 mm, such as about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm (eg, measured by sieving analysis).

In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about. It has a particle size of 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm (eg, by sieving analysis). To be measured). In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.4 mm. It has a particle size of about 10 mm, such as about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm (eg, measured by sieving analysis).

In some embodiments, at least 80% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about. It has a particle size of 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, at least 80% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm (eg, by sieving analysis). To be measured). In some embodiments, at least 80% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.4 mm. It has a particle size of about 10 mm, such as about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm (eg, measured by sieving analysis).

In some embodiments, at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about. It has a particle size of 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm (eg, by sieving analysis). To be measured). In some embodiments, at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.4 mm. It has a particle size of about 10 mm, such as about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm (eg, measured by sieving analysis).

In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about. It has a particle size of 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm (eg, by sieving analysis). To be measured). In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.4 mm. It has a particle size of about 10 mm, such as about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm (eg, measured by sieving analysis).

In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about. It has a particle size of 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm (eg, by sieving analysis). To be measured). In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles are from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm. It has a particle size of about 10 mm, such as about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm (eg, measured by sieving analysis).

In some embodiments, about 100% by weight of bleached tobacco material particles are about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to. It has a particle size of about 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, about 100% by weight of bleached tobacco material particles have a particle size of about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm (eg, sieving analysis). (Measured by). In some embodiments, about 100% by weight of bleached tobacco material particles are about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.4 mm. It has a particle size of ~ 10 mm, such as about 1.5 mm ~ about 10 mm (eg, measured by sieving analysis).

In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight, for example at least 60% by weight, for example at least 70% by weight, for example at least 80% by weight, for example at least 90% by weight, for example at least 95% by weight, for example at least 99 of the bleached tobacco particles. %% by weight, for example about 100% by weight, is about 1 mm to about 10 mm, for example about 1.5 mm to about 9 mm, for example about 1.5 mm to about 8 mm, for example about 2 mm to about 7 mm, for example about 2 mm to about 6 mm, for example about. It has a particle size of 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm (eg, measured by sieving analysis).

In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1 mm to about 10 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1 mm to about 5 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1 mm to about 10 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1 mm to about 5 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1 mm to about 10 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of about 1 mm to about 5 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis).

The particle size of the bleached tobacco material may be measured by sieving analysis. Those skilled in the art should readily understand that sieving analysis (also known as a gradation test) is the method used to measure the particle size distribution of granular materials. Usually, the sieving analysis involves a nested column of sieving, preferably involving a screen in the form of a wire mesh cloth. A pre-weighed sample is introduced into the top or top sieve of the column, which has the largest screen opening or mesh size (ie, the largest pore size of the sieve). Each lower sieve of the column has a gradual opening or mesh size smaller than the sieve above it. Usually the bottom of the sieve column collects any particles with a particle size smaller than the size of the screen opening or mesh size of the bottom of the column or the bottom sieve (with the smallest screen opening or mesh size). There is a receiving part to do.

In some embodiments, the sieving column may be placed on or in a mechanical stirrer. The stirrer vibrates each of the column sieves. The mechanical stirrer may be operated for a predetermined time to ensure that all particles are collected in the correct sieve. In some embodiments, the sieve column may be stirred for 0.5 to 10 minutes, such as 1 to 10 minutes, such as 1 to 5 minutes, for example about 3 minutes.

After stirring the column sieves, the material collected in each sieve is weighed. Divide the weight of each sample on each sieve by the total weight to calculate the percentage of mass held on each sieve.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the size or mesh size of the screen opening of each sieve of the column used for the sieving analysis will be selected based on the graininess of the sample being analyzed or the known maximum / minimum particle size. You may.

In some embodiments, a column of sieves containing 2-20 sieves, eg 5-15 sieves, may be used for the sieve analysis. In some embodiments, a sieve column containing 10 sieves may be used for sieving analysis.

In some embodiments, the size of the maximum screen opening or mesh of one or more sieves used for sieving analysis is about 50 mm, such as about 40 mm, such as about 30 mm, such as about 20 mm, such as about 10 mm, eg. It may be about 9 mm, for example about 8 mm, for example about 7 mm, for example about 6 mm, for example about 5 mm, for example about 4 mm. In some embodiments, the size of the maximum screen opening or mesh of one or more sieves is at least about 50% by weight, for example at least about 70% by weight, for example at least 95% by weight, for example about 100% by weight. Is about 10 mm so that it has a particle size of about 10 mm or less.

In some embodiments, the size of the minimum screen opening or mesh of one or more sieves is about 1 mm, eg 2 mm. Therefore, all particles having a particle size of less than 1 mm and passing through this sieve are collected and discarded. These small particles or "fine particles" are collected and discarded (or used in other products). Thus, particles of at least about 50% by weight, such as at least about 70% by weight, such as at least 95% by weight, such as about 100% by weight, have a particle size of at least about 1 mm.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1 mm. It has an average particle size of ~ about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm ~ about 4 mm (eg, as measured by sieving analysis). In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an average particle size of about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm (eg, measured by sieving analysis). Has. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as about. It has an average particle size of 1.5 mm to about 10 mm (eg, measured by sieving analysis).

The present inventor is suitable for use as chewing tobacco by containing bleached tobacco material having a particle size as defined herein and does not discolor the user's fingers, and is also an oral smokeless tobacco product. If you make the amazing discovery that you get a smokeless tobacco composition that does not discolor your teeth. Of course, compositions with such bleached tobacco material can be molded and molded in the user's teeth, but will not disintegrate and / or disintegrate in the user's mouth when chewed or chewed.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition further comprises an alginate composition. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition contains an alginate composition of the type and method described in International Application Publication 2010/114445, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the oral smokeless tobacco composition according to this embodiment contains an alginate composition that is dispensed into the composition and contains at least water, alginate and an additional substance intended to be released from the product when using the product. , The composition contains an alginate matrix that retains at least most of the additional material as long as the matrix remains, the alginate matrix disintegrates and / or in the chemical and physical environment present in the user's oral cavity. It is formed to dissolve. In some embodiments, the alginate contains an alginate salt of a monovalent cation. In some embodiments, the alginate is soluble in cold water. The additional substance is one or more of the categories such as API (active pharmaceutical substance), food additive, natural or synthetic nutritional supplement, flavoring substance, natural medicine or naturally produced substance that may be effective for humans. It may be a substance or a combination thereof. Examples of such substances are green tea, white tea, caffeine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, bioperine, Q10, selenium, glutathione, lipoic acid, folic acid, ginseng, pollen extract, antioxidants, minerals. , Paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, Russian root and rose root. In some embodiments, the additional substance may include nicotine, cannabis, cannabinoids or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition comprises guar gum. In such embodiments, guar gum may be included in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, guar gum may be included in an amount of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, guar gum is contained in an amount of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, guar gum is contained in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, guar gum is contained in an amount of about 2% to about 8% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, guar gum is contained in an amount of about 2.5% to about 7.5% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, guar gum is contained in an amount of about 3% to about 7% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, guar gum may be included in an amount of about 4% to about 6% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

The inventor has improved formability by including guar gum in combination with unbleached tobacco material having tangible properties as defined herein, thus improving the perceptual experience when chewed by the user. We have made a phenomenal discovery that we can provide tobacco compositions. As used herein, the term "formability" means that the composition can be pressed into different shapes by pressing with the user's hand or teeth without the need for any additional mechanical means and without crushing and / or collapsing. For example, a composition containing guar gum is softer, has a more dough-like texture, and is therefore easier and more chewy for the user. There has also been a surprising discovery that the inclusion of guar gum improves the amount of active ingredient (eg, nicotine and / or flavor) released by mechanical pressure from the composition.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition may further comprise a guar gum or alginate composition. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition may further comprise a combination of guar gum and an alginate composition. The amount of either or both of these components may be the amount specified above.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition may be provided in the form of loose powder. One of the advantages of smokeless tobacco compositions comprising bleached tobacco materials as defined herein is to provide tobacco products that do not discolor the user's fingers and, in the case of oral smokeless tobacco products, the user's teeth. That's what it means.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is a snuff, i.e., a snuff product suitable for nasal administration. Thus, in some embodiments, nasal snuffs comprising bleached tobacco material are provided, with at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material having a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention is an oral smokeless tobacco composition (ie, suitable for inclusion in the user's mouth). Accordingly, in some embodiments, an oral smokeless tobacco composition comprising a bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm is provided. The oral smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention is not limited to this, but is not limited to this, wet snuff such as snooze, chewing tobacco, sucking tobacco (generally referred to as "lutsch-tabak"), and oral drying. It may be a snuff or a hard snuff.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention comprises snus.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention is chewing tobacco.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention is a chewing tobacco comprising a gum base. The gum base may be selected from, but is not limited to, commercially available chewing gum bases, balloon gum bases, and natural gum base materials.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention may be chewing tobacco having the above characteristics. Some embodiments include bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material is provided with an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition having a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the chewing tobacco composition of the present invention may further comprise the guar gum and / or alginate composition described above.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the invention (such as oral chewing tobacco) may contain a salt (sodium chloride) and / or other flavoring agents.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco compositions of the invention (such as oral chewing tobacco compositions) consist of a group consisting of sodium chloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose, flavoring agents, sodium hydrogencarbonate, and mixtures thereof. Further comprises one or more additives selected. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the invention (such as an oral chewing tobacco composition) further comprises sodium chloride. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention further comprises a flavoring agent. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the invention (such as an oral chewing tobacco composition) further comprises xylitol. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the invention (such as an oral chewing tobacco composition) further comprises sodium bicarbonate. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the invention (such as an oral chewing tobacco composition) further comprises microcrystalline cellulose.

The smokeless tobacco compositions of the invention (such as oral chewing tobacco compositions) are APIs (active pharmaceutical substances), food additives, natural or synthetic nutrients, flavoring substances, natural medicines or natural that may be effective for humans. It may be one or more substances belonging to any of the categories such as product substances or a combination thereof. Examples of such substances are green tea, white tea, caffeine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, bioperine, Q10, selenium, glutathione, lipoic acid, folic acid, ginseng, pollen extract, antioxidants, minerals. , Paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, Russian root and rose root.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the invention (such as an oral chewing tobacco composition) may comprise an active substance, such as the composition of the invention, nicotine, cannabinoids or mixtures thereof.

Cannabinoids are a group of natural or synthetic compounds that act on intracellular cannabinoid receptors (ie, CB1 and CB2) that suppress the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Two of the most important cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The cannabinoids may be naturally occurring from plants such as cannabis (vegetable cannabinoids), naturally occurring from animals (animal cannabinoids), or artificially produced (synthetic cannabinoids).

Cannabinoids are cyclic molecules that exhibit certain properties such as the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, weak toxicity, and slight side reactions.

Cannabis species show at least 85 different plant cannabinoids and are subclassed to include cannabigerols, cannabichromenes, cannabidiols, tetrahydrocannabinols, cannabinols and cannabinoids and other cannabinoids. Will be.

The cannabinoids found in the genus Asa are cannavigerol (CBG), cannabichromen (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiol (CBDL), cannabidiol. Croll (CBL), Cannabidiol (CBV), Tetrahydrocannabinaviline (THCV), Cannabidiolin (CBDV), Cannabichromevalin (CBCV), Cannabidiolovalin (CBGV), Cannabidiolol Monomethyl Ether (CBGM), Cannabine Includes, but is not limited to, roll acid, cannabidiol acid (CBDA), cannabinolpropyl variant (CBNV), cannabinototriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinovalic acid (THCVA). ..

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the invention (such as an oral chewing tobacco composition) further comprises nicotine in addition to the nicotine naturally present in the bleached tobacco material.

The oral smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention may be provided in a calcined or compressed form, from which may be punched or pressed into a portion such as a lozenge or tablet.

In some embodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco products of the present invention can be provided to the user in the form of potions. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the invention is wrapped in a pouch. For example, chewing tobacco may be prepared by enclosing the tobacco material in a permeable pouch.

The pouch keeps the tobacco material in place while allowing substances such as flavor and nicotine to diffuse into the user's mouth through the pouch and be absorbed through the user's mucous membranes. In some embodiments where the smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention is chewing tobacco, the flavor and / or nicotine may be released from the composition when the user chews the product.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention can be provided to the user in a non-potioned form. In one embodiment, the smokeless tobacco composition of the invention is packaged in loose forms in a container such as a can, pouch, or tin container.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco compositions of the present invention may be provided in loose form or in the form of portion-sized sachets. In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention is provided as a disjointed powder. In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention is provided as a powder contained in a pouch. Accordingly, some embodiments include bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material is provided with a pouched oral smokeless tobacco composition having a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm. Will be done.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention is in the form of a powder that can be placed as a disjointed powder or in a pouch. The oral smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention may be in the form of particles (in a loose powder or pouch). In some embodiments, at least 50% of the particles of the oral smokeless tobacco composition are from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm. It has a particle size of about 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the particles of the oral smokeless tobacco composition have a particle size of about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm.

As a further alternative, the oral smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention may be in the form of a film.

The smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention may have a pH of about 7-12, such as about 8-12, such as about 8-9.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the invention is about 5% to about 60% by weight, eg, about 20% to about 60%, eg, about 40 to about 55%, eg, about 45, by weight. It has a water content of% to about 55%, for example about 45% to about 50%. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention has a water content of about 40% to about 60% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

Also described herein are smokeless products that include non-tobacco plant material, in which at least 50% by weight of the non-tobacco plant material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm and is tobacco-free. In other words, described herein is a smokeless non-tobacco product comprising non-tobacco plant material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the non-tobacco plant material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm. The non-tobacco plant material may be selected from the group consisting of corn, oats, tomatoes, barley, rye, sugar cane, buckwheat, potatoes, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, apples, cocoa, bamboo, citrus and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the non-tobacco plant material is or comprises cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the non-tobacco plant material is or comprises microcrystalline cellulose. In some embodiments, the smokeless non-tobacco products of the present invention contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the smokeless non-tobacco product of the present invention comprises guar gum. In some embodiments, the smokeless non-tobacco products of the present invention comprise an alginate composition. Therefore, in some embodiments, the smokeless non-tobacco products of the present invention include non-tobacco plant materials, guar gum, and nicotine. The smokeless non-tobacco product of the present invention may include each of the above characteristics, except that the product comprises a non-tobacco plant material as an alternative to the bleached tobacco material described herein.

Method In another aspect of the invention,
(A) The process of providing unbleached tobacco material and
(B) The process of bleaching unbleached tobacco material to form bleached tobacco material, and
(C) A method for producing a smokeless tobacco composition is provided, which comprises a step of recovering the bleached tobacco material so that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the method is a method of producing the smokeless tobacco composition described above.

Tobacco material that has not been bleached in some embodiments is or comprises chopped tobacco. At least 50% by weight of unbleached tobacco material in some embodiments has a particle size of at least about 1 mm. In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the unbleached tobacco material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm. Have. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material has the same particle size distribution as the bleached tobacco material obtained, for example, as measured by sieving analysis.

In some embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching unbleached tobacco material is
(I) The step of treating the unbleached tobacco material with an acid to an acidic pH, and
(Ii) The step of contacting the unbleached tobacco material with the bleaching agent at a temperature of about 50 ° C. to about 95 ° C. is included.

In some embodiments, the amount of bleach used may be any amount suitable for bleaching the tobacco material. In some embodiments, the amount of bleach may be from about 2% to about 15% by weight of the resulting mixture. For example, the total amount of bleach may be, for example, about 30-250 kg per ton of tobacco material (calculated as pure bleach), for example about 50-200 kg per ton of tobacco material. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material is contacted with the bleach for about 1 hour to about 10 hours, such as about 2 hours to about 8 hours, for example about 4 hours to about 6 hours. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material is brought into contact with the bleach in a temperature range of about 60 ° C to about 90 ° C, for example about 70 ° C to about 80 ° C.

The bleaching agent may be chlorine, chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, enzyme, oxygen, potassium peroxymonosulfate, dimethyldioxirane, peracid or a combination thereof, but is limited thereto. Not done. In some embodiments, the bleaching agent is selected from chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, enzymes or combinations thereof.

Bleach may also be constructed by the use of ultrasound, or may contain at least this.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention may further comprise the step of drying the bleached tobacco material. The drying step may be performed by heating.

For example, in some embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching unbleached tobacco material is
(I) A step of treating the unbleached tobacco material with an aqueous solution containing sulfite ion at an acidic pH in a temperature range of about 70 ° C to about 180 ° C.
(Ii) The step of defibrating the tobacco material from the step (i),
(Iii) The defibrated tobacco material from step (ii) is treated with an effective amount of bleach in a temperature range of about 60 ° C to about 90 ° C.

The step (b) of bleaching unbleached baco material in some embodiments comprises the steps described in WO 2015/150506, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The step (b) of bleaching a tobacco material that has not been bleached in some other embodiments
(I) A process of mechanically defibrating untreated tobacco material to produce deflated tobacco material.
(Ii) A step of treating the defibrated tobacco material from step (i) with at least one bleaching agent to produce a bleached tobacco material.

The step (b) of bleaching unbleached baco material in some embodiments is as described in WO 2018/083114, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. include.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum. In some embodiments, the method of the invention further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with the alginate composition. In some embodiments, the method of the invention further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and an alginate composition alginate composition.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention comprises bleached tobacco material (optionally with guar gum and / or alginate composition) with sodium chloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose, flavoring agents, sodium hydrogencarbonate, API (with). Active medicinal substances), active substances (such as nicotine, cannabis, cannabinoids or mixtures thereof), food additives, natural or synthetic nutrients, natural medicines or naturally occurring substances that can have an effect on humans and them. Further comprises contacting with one or more additives selected from the group consisting of mixtures of. In some embodiments, the method of the invention further comprises contacting bleached tobacco material (optionally with guar gum and / or alginate composition) with nicotine.

In embodiments, the method of the invention comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with the guar gum and / or guar gum, wherein the method of the invention is prior to contacting the bleached tobacco material with the guar gum and / or the guar gum. And / or including the step (bi) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives during and / or after. In some embodiments, the method of the invention is a step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives prior to contacting the bleached tobacco material with the guar gum and / or the alginate composition (bi). )including. In some embodiments, the method of the invention contacts the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives while the bleached tobacco material is in contact with the guar gum and / or the alginate composition (b). -I) is included. In some embodiments, the method of the invention is a step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and / or the alginate composition followed by contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives (bi). )including.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention comprises bleaching the bleached tobacco material from sodium chloride, microcrystalline cellulose and a mixture thereof while the bleached tobacco material is in contact with guar gum and / or the excipient composition. Includes a step (bi) of contacting with one or more additives selected from the group. In some embodiments, the method of the invention is selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, flavoring agents, nicotine and mixtures thereof after contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and / or the alginate composition. The step (bi) of contacting with one or more kinds of additives is included.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with water (b-ii). In some embodiments, the method of the invention comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with water before and / or during and / or after the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum (b-ii). Further included. In some embodiments, the method of the invention comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with water prior to contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum (b-ii). In some embodiments, the method of the invention comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with water (b-ii) during the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum. In some embodiments, the method of the invention comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum followed by contacting the bleached tobacco material with water (b-ii).

In some embodiments, step (c) comprises sifting the bleached tobacco material so that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, steps (a) and (b) of the method of the invention are
(I) A step of extracting the tobacco material with an aqueous solution and providing the tobacco solid and the tobacco extract.
(Ii) A step of treating a solid tobacco material by caustic cleaning and supplying tobacco pulp,
(Iii) A step of bleaching tobacco pulp with a solution containing a strong base, an oxidizing agent or a combination thereof, and providing the bleached tobacco pulp.
(Iv) Including the step of drying the bleached tobacco pulp and supplying the bleached tobacco material.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention further comprises milling the tobacco material prior to the extraction step so that at least 50% by weight of the milled tobacco material has a particle size of at least about 1 mm. At least 50% by weight of unbleached tobacco material in some embodiments has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm. .. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material has the same particle size distribution as the bleached tobacco material obtained, for example, as measured by sieving analysis.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention further comprises hydrolyzing the tobacco pulp with an acid prior to step (ii). The acid may be sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, citric acid or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the caustic wash comprises sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or a mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, the bleaching step (iii) comprises treatment with a strong base and an oxidant, the molar ratio of the amount of the strong base to the amount of the oxidant being from about 1: 1 to about 1: 100. In some embodiments, the bleaching step (iii) comprises treatment with one or more of peracetic acid, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide.

The steps (a) and (b) of bleaching unbleached tobacco material in some embodiments include the steps described in US Patent Application No. 16 / 227,742, the entire contents of which are referenced. It is assumed that it is quoted here.

Another aspect of the invention relates to smokeless tobacco compositions obtained or obtained by the steps of the invention. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a smokeless tobacco composition obtained or obtained by the method described above, wherein the smokeless tobacco composition comprises a bleached tobacco material and is made of a bleached tobacco material. At least 50% by weight has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco compositions of the present invention contain less than about 4% by weight of fermentable carbohydrates, calculated based on the total dry weight of the bleached tobacco material.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition of the present invention is as described in any one of the above embodiments.

Here, the present invention will be described in more detail in the following non-limiting examples.

Example 1 Example 1
Bleached tobacco material was prepared using the following method,

1. 1. Unbleached tobacco material was cut to a length and / or width of about 1 mm to about 10 mm.
2. 2. Tobacco material was opened in a mechanical fiber opener.
3. 3. The opened tobacco material was pickled with sulfuric acid under the following conditions.
Pulp concentration: 5%
Temperature: 50 ° C
Time: 60 minutes pH 2.5
4. Next, the tobacco material was bleached under the following conditions.
Pulp concentration: 12%
Temperature: 80 ° C
Time: 150 minutes Peroxyacetic acid 100 kg per ton of tobacco material
pH: 4-6
5. Next, the tobacco material was dehydrated by centrifugation and chelated with EDTA under the following conditions.
Pulp concentration: 5%
Temperature: 70 ° C
Time: 60 minutes pH: 5.5
5 kg of EDTA per ton of tobacco material
6. Next, the second bleaching step was performed under the following conditions,
Pulp concentration: 12%
Temperature: 90 ° C
Time: 240 minutes 50 kg of hydrogen peroxide per ton of tobacco material
pH: 10.5 to 11.5 י410 kg per ton of tobacco material prepared with NaOH
7. The composition was dehydrated by centrifugation.
8. Finally, the tobacco material was screened so that at least 50% of the bleached tobacco material had a particle size of 2 mm to 5 mm.

Example 2
A smokeless tobacco composition having the following composition was prepared,

The composition is prepared using the method described in Example 1 with the addition of the following additional steps.

9. The bleached tobacco material is mixed with guar gum, salt, sodium bicarbonate and microcrystalline cellulose.
10. The alginate composition is prepared by dissolving alginate in water.
11. The alginate composition is then mixed with the bleached tobacco material and other drying ingredients through a spray nozzle under high pressure. The resulting mixture is stirred.
12. Then add nicotine and flavor and mix.

Smokeless tobacco compositions have been found to be easy for users to chew without losing their shape in the user's mouth. When chewed, the product has a soft dough-like texture, is easily molded and can be chewed. The product has also been found to release the active substance at the desired rate into the user's oral cavity under mechanical pressure from chewing.

The various embodiments described herein are provided merely as an aid to the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are merely representative examples and are neither comprehensive nor exclusive. Of course, the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure limit the disclosure as set forth in the claims or are equivalent of the claims. It should not be considered to be limited to, but it should be considered that other embodiments may be used or modified without departing from the scope and / or ideas of the present disclosure. The various embodiments may appropriately include, be composed of, or are essentially composed of the disclosed components, components, features, parts, processes, means and other combinations. The disclosure also includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (20)

A smokeless tobacco composition comprising bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm. The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 1, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bleached tobacco material is contained in an amount of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. The smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bleached tobacco material contains a fermentable carbohydrate in an amount of less than about 4% by weight of the bleached tobacco material. The smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an alginate composition distributed in a smokeless tobacco composition, wherein the alginate composition comprises water and a salt of alginic acid. .. The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 6, wherein the salt of alginic acid is selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate, magnesium alginate, ammonium alginate and a mixture thereof. The alginate composition contains an alginate matrix, which retains at least most of the additional material, as long as it is not compromised, the alginate matrix being chemically present in the user's mouth. The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the composition is formed so as to disintegrate and / or dissolve in a physical environment. The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 8, wherein the additional substance is an active ingredient such as nicotine. The smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising guar gum. The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 10, wherein the guar gum is contained in an amount of about 1% to about 15% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the guar gum is contained in an amount of about 2% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. The smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the smokeless tobacco composition contains an amount of water of about 40% to about 60% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. The smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the smokeless tobacco composition contains nicotine in addition to all the nicotine naturally occurring in the bleached tobacco material. The smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the smokeless tobacco composition is an oral smokeless tobacco composition such as chewing tobacco. (A) The process of providing unbleached tobacco material and
(B) The process of bleaching unbleached tobacco material to form bleached tobacco material, and
(C) The smokeless according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a step of recovering the bleached tobacco material so that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm. A method for producing a tobacco composition. 16. The method of claim 16, wherein the step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises treating the unbleached tobacco material with an effective amount of bleach. The step (b) of bleaching unbleached tobacco material is
(I) The step of treating the unbleached tobacco material with an acid to an acidic pH, and
(Ii) The method according to claim 17, further comprising contacting the unbleached tobacco material with the bleaching agent at a temperature of about 50 ° C to about 95 ° C. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein at least 50% by weight of the unbleached tobacco material has a particle size of at least about 1 mm. A smokeless tobacco composition obtained or obtained by the method according to any one of claims 16 to 19.