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Abstract

An edible matrix composition that has a chewable texture and that contains at least one encapsulated component is obtained by admixing at least one plasticizer, and a ground, free-flowing particulate mixture which comprises at least one fat, at least one starch, and at least one sugar which have been mixed and heated without substanitially gelatinizing the starch. A chewable texture is obtained rather than a hard, glassy matrix because the starch is substantially ungelatinized. However, a flavorful product is obtained without destroying a heat sensitive encapsulant because the starch is admixed with ingredients comprising fat or oil and sugar and the mixture is heated to develop flavor at high temperatures prior to admixing with the heat sensitive encapsulant. The encapsulated component may be at least one biologically active component, pharmaceutical component, nutraceutical component, or microorganism. In preferred embodiments, the free-flowing mixture is obtained by grinding cookies. The free-flowing mixture, such as ground cookies and the plasticizer, such as oil and water are mixed with an encapsulant to obtain a formable dough or crumbly mass. The formable dough is shaped or formed into pieces or pellets and dried to a shelf-stable moisture content

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First Claim