Chewy confectionery products, and processes for producing said products,
are provided as delivery systems for minerals such as calcium. The
carbohydrates of the fortified confectionery products comprise at least
one reducing sugar and one non-reducing sugar in a preferred ratio of
about 1:0.2 to about 1:1 reducing sugar: non-reducing sugar. The chewy
confectionery products offer a matrix for about 0.2 wt. % to 45 wt. % of
a fortifying component while maintaining a smooth and soft texture.