The invention relates to chewable gum base compositions, to chewing gums
containing them, and to processes for preparing them. The gum base
compositions comprise (a) a polyvinyl acetate matrix, in which the
polyvinyl acetate is in the form of a continuous phase, and (b) casein, a
modified casein, or both casein and a modified casein, wherein particles
of casein and/or modified casein are dispersed throughout the polyvinyl
acetate matrix.In preferred embodiments the gum base compositions also
contain polyglycerol polyricinoleate, mono- and di-glycerides esterified
with mono-acetyl and di-acetyl tartaric acid, acetylated monoglycerides,
lecithin and sodium or calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate. Chewing gums of the
present invention contain a chewable gum base as described above, in
combination with one or more sweeteners and/or flavouring agents, and
preferably also glycerol triacetate and stearic acid.