US 20040013772A1

(19) United States

(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0013772 A1
Weiss et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jan. 22, 2004
(54) EDIBLE DRINKING STRAW FORTIFIED Publication Classification
WITH NUTRITONAL SUPPLEMENTS
(51) Int. Cl." ....................................................... A23G 1100
(76) Inventors: Sanford B. Weiss, Los Angeles, CA (52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 426/104
(US); Andrew I. Wolf, Los Angeles,
CA (US) (57) ABSTRACT
Correspondence Address: An edible, nutrient-rich drinking Straw for use in consuming
Matthew A. Newboles beverages. Preferably, the drinking straw is formed from one
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER or more compressed fruit powders, natural flavor, natural
SUTE 250 color and humectant that is extruded to assume the drinking
75 ENTERPRISE Straw shape. Thereafter a Sealing coating, Such as wax, is
ALISO VIEJO, CA 92656 (US) applied to the Straw. The Straw of the present invention may
be formulated to have a desired rate at which it dissolves into
(21) Appl. No.: 10/196,883 a beverage, and may further be formed to have any of a
variety of alternative configurations, Such as other types of
(22) Filed: Jul. 17, 2002 utensils for consuming food and beverages.
Patent Application Publication Jan. 22, 2004 Sheet 1 of 2 US 2004/0013772 A1

-- 4.
EXTRUSION
PROCESS ...
laterial
-o- 4.

42g. 3
2O 122

42g/. 4. 42g.
Patent Application Publication Jan. 22, 2004 Sheet 2 of 2 US 2004/0013772 A1

30
MIXING
NGREDIENTS

40

50

60

90
US 2004/0013772 A1 Jan. 22, 2004

EDIBLE DRINKING STRAW FORTIFIED WITH be formulated to have a desired flavor, and capable of
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS assuming a variety of configurations to make the same more
appealing to consumers, and especially to children.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATIONS BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0001) (Not Applicable) 0008. The present invention specifically addresses and
alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED regard, the present invention is directed to an edible drinking
RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT Straw for use in consuming beverages that can thereafter be
0002) (Not Applicable) consumed. According to a preferred embodiment, the Straw
comprises the combination of a fruit powder base mixed
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION with a humectant, natural color, natural flavor, and option
ally, one of more nutritional Supplements, Such as Vitamins,
0.003 Drinking straws are well-known and extensively minerals, herbal extracts, and the like that are extruded and
utilized to consume beverages. Generally, drinking Straws cut to form the desired straw shape. The extruded straw
comprise an elongate cylindrical sleeve defining a lumen Structure is thereafter coated with an edible water repellent
therein through which a liquid beverage can be consumed. coating, Such as carnauba wax, a shellac or other coatings
ESSentially, an opposed end of the Straw is Submerged within typically used in the candy industry, and packaged in a
the beverage to be consumed, the latter of which is drawn moisture proof barrier.
upwardly there through via a vacuum force created by the 0009. The formulation of the straw can be selectively
user's mouth on the other opposed end of the Straw. manipulated to enable the Straw to possess one or more
0004. The vast majority of drinking straws currently in desired qualities. For example, a higher concentration of the
use are manufactured from plastic. In this respect, most humectant may be added to impart greater flexibility. Addi
Straws are typically manufactured through an extrusion tionally, the concentrate can be extruded to have any of a
proceSS whereby Straws are formed to have a desired length, variety of shapes and need not be limited in its application
cut, and thereafter packaged. Because the same are made as a drinking Straw. For example, the Straw of the present
from plastic, however, the same pose significant problems. invention can be formed to Serve as a combination Spoon and
More specifically, by virtue of being formed from plastic, the drinking Straw or otherwise formed as any of a variety of
Straws are not biodegradable and, because the same are conventional eating utensils, Such as forks, knives, Spoons,
typically disposed of following use, create a Substantial chop Sticks, and the like. Moreover, in another embodiment,
Source of pollution. Such feature is particularly problematic the Straw may be configured as a whistle or flute-type
given the fact that Straws are typically utilized for short musical instrument to thus make the same more appealing,
duration (i.e., the consumption of one beverage) and are especially to children.
ill-suited for reuse.
0010. In use, the drinking straw of the present invention,
0005 Along these lines, perhaps the most wide spread or any other form the same may take, may be utilized in a
use of drinking Straws is in relation to the consumption of conventional manner (i.e., as per regular drinking Straws and
Soft drinkS Sold through convenience Stores and fast food utensils). In contrast to Such conventional drinking Straws
restaurants. While Such establishments offer tremendous and utensils, however, those of the present invention can be
convenience, often times the food products offered thereby consumed either during or after the consumption of the
are Substantially deficient in essential nutrients. Indeed, most beverage or food product utilized therewith. Along these
Soft drinkS comprise nothing more than carbonated bever lines, it is contemplated that the edible drinking Straw and
ages having a high Sugar content, which at best contains only variations thereof according to the present invention can be
a slight fraction of natural fruit juice. utilized as a flavor enhancer to impart a desired taste to a
0006. As such, it is apparent that the needs in the art, food product or complement a particular meal. To that end,
although unrelated, are at least two fold. More specifically, it is contemplated that the edible drinking Straw and varia
problems have been and continue to exist with respect to the tions thereof made according to the present invention can be
formulated to have a desired melt rate at which the same
use of conventional drinking Straws as well as the generally dissolves or otherwise releases one or more flavor enhancing
nutrient-void beverages typically consumed there with. In agents to a given food or beverage product. Similarly, the
light of Such shortcomings, it is clearly apparent that there present invention may be utilized as a vehicle to impart
is a Substantial need for a nutritional food product or desired nutrients and other nutritional Supplements to a food
Supplement, preferably in the form of a conventional drink item, and in particular a food item typically devoid of any
ing Straw, that is capable of functioning as a nutritional food type of nutritional value, Such as Soft drinks and the like.
product imparting essential nutrients while Simultaneously
functioning as a conventional Straw. 0011. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention
0007 Moreover, there is a need for Such a straw that can to provide an edible drinking Straw and other edible eating
actually be utilized as a vehicle to enhance the flavor of a utensils that, in addition to facilitating the ability of an
given beverage while at the Same time imparting essential individual to consume a particular beverage and/or food
nutrients to be consumed. There is likewise a need for Such product, can themselves be consumed.
a Straw that can be alternatively molded into a variety of 0012 Another object of the present invention is to pro
utensils for consuming food that themselves can be con vide an edible drinking Straw and other edible eating utensils
Sumed, which thus pose no threat of pollution and the like. that are capable of imparting a desired flavor to the beverage
Such item would further preferably be of low expense, may and/or food product consumed thereby.
US 2004/0013772 A1 Jan. 22, 2004

0013 Another object of the present invention is to pro nection with the illustrated embodiments. It is understood,
vide an edible drinking Straw and other edible eating utensils however, that the same or equivalent functions and
that are capable of Serving as a nutritional food Source and Sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments
can be fortified with nutritional Supplements, Such as Vita and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the
mins, minerals, herbal extracts, and the like, to promote Scope of this invention.
health and well being, and especially provide nutrition when 0025 The present invention is directed to an edible
used in combination with foods typically void of nutritional drinking Straw plus other types of edible eating utensils that
value.
can be readily consumed during or after the consumption of
0.014) Another object of the present invention is to pro a beverage or food product. Advantageously, the drinking
vide an edible drinking Straw and other edible eating utensils Straw and utensils of the present invention are formed from
that are made from all natural ingredients and do not include all natural ingredients, and can function as a nutritional food
any type of preservatives or artificial additives. product capable of delivering any of a variety of nutritional
0.015. Another object of the present invention is to pro Supplements, Such as Vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, or
vide an edible drinking Straw and other edible eating utensils any other type of Supplement known in the art. Moreover,
that can be formed to have any of a variety of desired the edible drinking Straw and utensils of the present inven
properties, including taking the form of a musical instru tion can be utilized to impart a desired flavor to a particular
ment, and can be made especially appealing for consump beverage or food product, especially with respect to fruit
tion by children. flavors and the like as discussed more fully below. Still
further, the edible drinking Straw and utensils of the present
0016 Still further objects of the present invention is to invention have the advantage of not only Supplementing the
provide an edible drinking Straw and other edible eating nutritional value of a food or beverage consumed thereby, in
utensils that can be readily and easily manufactured utilizing particular fast food items and Soft drinks, but also, do not
conventional manufacturing techniques, utilizes commer pose any type of wasteful byproduct which must necessarily
cially available materials, can be manufactured at an be discarded, as are most drinking Straws and utensils
extremely low cost, and can be readily Substituted for formed from plastic materials that are often discarded fol
existing drinking Straws and utensils currently in use, par lowing a Single use.
ticularly with respect to disposable drinking Straws and 0026. Preferably, the edible drinking straw 10 of the
utensils provided in most cafeterias, most fast food restau present invention is formed from an extruded mixture as
rants, and the like. shown in FIG. 3 comprising the combination of one or more
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS fruit powders, a humectant, natural flavor and natural color.
In this respect, the straw will comprise at least 80.0% by
0.017. These as well as other features of the present weight of fruit powder, and more preferably, between
invention will become more apparent upon reference to the approximately 85.0-95.0% by weight of fruit powder. In a
drawings wherein: most highly refined embodiment, the edible straw will be
0.018 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glass containing formed from approximately 91.0% fruit powder by weight.
a beverage and edible drinking Straw therein, the drinking 0027. Along these lines, it will be readily appreciated by
Straw being constructed in accordance to a preferred those skilled in the art that Such fruit powder may take any
embodiment of the present invention. of a variety of a conventional fruit powders, Such as banana,
0019 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the edible drinking apple, pear and the like, all of which will preferably have
Straw the present invention as constructed in accordance less than 3.0% moisture content. Among Suppliers of Such
with a Second preferred embodiment. fruit powders for use in the present invention include
TreeTop, Inc. of Selah, Wash.
0020 FIG. 3 is a side view depicting an extrusion 0028. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the
proceSS utilized in formulating the edible drinking Straw the art that in order to cause the Straw to possess a particular type
present invention. of flavor, such powders may be used individually or in
0021) FIG. 4 is a cross section taken along line 4-4 of combination to thus obtain a balance in the concentrations of
FIG 3. Sugars and Starches present in the respective powders. For
0022 FIG. 5 is an alternative cross sectional view of the example, it should be understood that a blend of apple and
edible drinking Straw the present invention. pear powderS may be desired to impart a highly Sweetened
fruit taste.
0023 FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting the steps perform
ing the edible drinking Straw of the present invention. 0029 With respect to the humectant, the same may
comprise any of a variety of edible humectants known in the
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE art. One preferred humectant includes glycerine, which is
INVENTION preferably present anywhere from 0.5% to 6.0% by weight.
According to a preferred embodiment, glycerine is present in
0024. The detailed description as set forth below in an amount of approximately 3.0% by weight. As will further
connection with the appended drawings is intended as a be appreciated by those skilled in the art, by virtue of the
description of the presently preferred embodiments of the properties of the humectant to impart a gel like consistency,
invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in the amount of the humectant may be varied within such
which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. range in order to impart the desired degree of flexibility or
The description Sets forth the functions and Sequences of rigidity, consistent with most plastic drinking Straws cur
Steps for constructing and operating the invention in con rently in use.
US 2004/0013772 A1 Jan. 22, 2004

0.030. With respect to the natural color and flavor com 0035. Following the cutting step, a coating 60 is then
ponents, the same may take any of a variety of well-known formed about the drinking Straw structure. In this respect,
flavors and colors in the art. For example, the natural color the Straw is coated with an edible water repellant coating,
component can comprise any type of natural color food which preferably comprises carnauba wax, a shellac, or
additive Such as Sugar beet eXtract, carrot extract, grape skin other type of coating typically used in the candy industry. AS
extract, chlorophyl eXtract, and the like. The same may will be appreciated, for any coating utilized, the same should
likewise be procured from any of a variety of Sources, Such possess Superior water repellant properties in order to pre
as D. D. Williamson of Louisville, Ky. Similarly, the natural vent the Straw from rapidly re-hydrating to the extent the
flavor component may take any of a variety known in the art same is Subjected to levels of higher humidity (i.e., higher
and may be procured from any of a variety of Sources, Such than the 5.0% humidity under which the present manufac
as Flavor Producers, Inc., of Los Angeles, Calif. With turing process is conducted). To form Such coating, any of
respect to Such components, the natural color will be present a variety of conventional techniques may be utilized, includ
in an amount between approximately 0.25% to 3.0% by ing Spraying or dipping techniques known in the art.
weight, with approximately 1.0% being most preferred, and
the natural flavor will be present in an amount anywhere 0036) Once the coating has been formed upon the straw,
from 1.0% to 10.0% by weight, with approximately 5.0% the straw may then be packaged 70. To that end, the product
being preferred. is packaged in any of a variety of conventional packaging
materials having a good moisture barrier to prevent the
0031. In an optional, yet important aspect of the present product from rehydrating. In this respect, it is believed that
invention, there may further be added one or more nutri the straws of the present invention should be hermetically
tional Supplement components to enhance the nutritional Sealed using a proper moisture barrier film, which may be
value of the edible Straws and utensil products disclosed Selected from any of a wide variety of films commercially
herein. In this respect, it is contemplated that any of a variety available.
of nutritional Supplements, including but not limited to,
Vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, amino acids or other 0037. In an alternative method for making the drinking
types of dietary Supplements, Such as creatine and other Straws of the present invention, although not necessarily
types of functional and/or medicinal foods can be included preferred, the materials are mixed as per Step 30 discussed
within the ingredients utilized in the edible drinking Straws above, followed by a low pressure extrusion 40 of Such
and utensils of the present invention. mixture to form the straw-like structure, followed by the
0032 Refering now to FIG. 6, there is depicted a flow cutting step 50. The cut extruded material is then dried in
chart illustrating the steps for forming the edible drinking order to thoroughly dehydrate the Straw product. Following
Straw of the present invention. AS illustrated, the proceSS the drying Step, the coating and packaging steps are per
comprises the initial Step 30 of mixing the ingredients formed as discussed above. Such alternative methodology
together. Due to the excitable nature of the ingredients may be useful in Some applications where it is desired to
utilized to form the drinking Straw and utensils of the present form a Softer Straw or a Straw having a higher moisture
invention, the same must necessarily mixed in a low humid content. To enable the Straw to retain Some degree of rigidity,
ity environment, which is preferably an environment of however, as will be necessary to function as a Straw, the
5.0% humidity or less, with 3.0% humidity or less being drying Step is necessary to ensure Sufficient dehydration.
most preferred. The ingredients may be mixed via any of a 0038 Generally, to the extent the drinking straws of the
variety of conventional mixing methods shown in the art. present invention are formed according to the foregoing
0033) Once a homogenous mixture has been attained, methods and including the proportionate amount of ingre
Such mixture is then extruded 40 to form the desired dients, the Same can be used to drink liquids 12 from
drinking Straw configuration. Preferably, a twin extruder is beverage containers 14 and/or eat Solids, as per conventional
utilized that has the capability of compacting the powdered straws and the like as depicted in FIG. 1, and should last for
ingredients mixed together to thus enable the same to bind at least 30 minutes without degrading to the point to where
more Securely to assume the drinking Straw shape, as the same can no longer be utilized. It will be recognized,
depicted in FIG. 1. As per conventional food extrusion however, that the melt rate may be adjusted based upon the
processes, the Straw diameter may be adjusted by changing degree of compaction of ingredients made during the extru
the extruder forming die and as Such, can advantageously Sion process as well as the thickness of the coating applied
allow for the creation of various internal and external to the Straw product prior to packaging. Other factors
diameters, Such as the circular cross-section 20 depicted in effecting the Structural rigidity of the Straw can be manipu
FIG. 4 or fluted cross-section 22 depicted in FIG. 5,as may lated via the extrusion and cutting process. More specifi
be necessary or desired for certain applications. cally, a Straw having a thicker wall portion and shorter
length will be structurally more rigid than a Straw having a
0034) Following extrusion, the fruit mixture is cut 50 to larger inner diameter and longer length. Such adjustments
a desired length utilizing a conventional cutter. In one can readily be made by one skilled in the art to Suit a
alternative cutting process, the extruded fruit mixture is cut particular application.
Such that a Smaller cut is formed upon one of the opposing
ends of the extruded straw with the tubular fruit mixture 0039. In addition to being utilized as a drinking straw 10
being flattened at Such cut end via a roller to thus form a or a drinking Straw having a Spoon 24 formed at an end
flattened end that can be utilized as a Spoon 24, as shown in thereof, the compositions and methods of the present inven
FIG. 2. According to Such variation, the drinking Straw is tion can further be utilized to manufacture a wide variety of
capable of functioning as both a drinking Straw and as a eating utensils. In this respect, it will be understood and
Spoon, as per conventional designs utilized to consume ice appreciated that the fruit powder-based composition can be
cream and crushed ice-based beverages. extruded or otherwise molded to assume fork, knife and/or
US 2004/0013772 A1 Jan. 22, 2004

Spoon configurations. It is further contemplated that chop 3. The edible drinking straw of claim 1 wherein said
Sticks can be formed utilizing the compositions and methods humectant is present in an amount from about 0.5-5.0% by
of the present invention. weight.
0040. In this respect, it is contemplated that the straws 4. The edible drinking straw of claim 1 wherein said
and utensils provided herein may be readily substituted for natural color is present in an amount from about 0.25-3.0%
by weight.
conventional Straws and utensils currently in use, and in 5. The edible drinking straw of claim 1 wherein said
particular, disposable plastic utensils which are typically natural flavor is present in an amount from 1.0%-10.0% by
discarded after a single use. Accordingly, in addition to weight.
providing a nutritious and wholesome food product, it is 6. The edible drinking straw of claim 1 wherein said fruit
contemplated that the drinking Straw and utensils formed by powder Selected from the group consisting of banana pow
the compositions and methods of the present invention will der, apple powder, pear powder and combinations thereof.
create Substantially less refuse typically associated with
meals purchased through cafeterias, fast food restaurants 7. The edible drinking straw of claim 1 wherein said
and the like. humectant comprises glycerine.
8. The edible drinking straw of claim 1 wherein said
0041. In addition to the foregoing, it is contemplated that natural color is Selected from the group consisting of Sugar
the edible straw 10 of the present invention may be config beet extract, carrot extract, grape skin extract, and chloro
ured to take the form of a whistle or other type of wind phyl extract.
driven musical instrument (i.e., a flute). Specifically it is 9. The edible drinking straw of claim 10 wherein said
contemplated that Such flute-type instrument or whistle Straw further comprises:
configuration can enable the Straw to play musical notes or
otherwise act as a noise making instrument to thus increase a) a nutritional Supplement.
the appeal of the Straw for use in consumption by children. 10. The edible drinking straw of claim 9 wherein said
nutritional Supplement is Selected from the group consisting
0.042 Along these lines, it is contemplated that any of a of a Vitamin, a mineral, an herbal extract, a protein, an amino
variety of well-known flute and/or whistle configurations acid, a functional food and a medicinal food.
can be incorporated into the edible drinking straw 10 of the 11. The edible drinking straw of claim 1 wherein:
present invention. To achieve that end, it is contemplated
that various apertures will be formed upon Such Straw during a) said fruit powder is present in an amount of approxi
the extrusion process or after the extrusion is cut to form the mately 91.0% by weight;
Straw. To yet further enhance the attractiveness and appeal of b) said humectant is present in an amount of approxi
the Straw of the present invention, it is contemplated that the mately 3.0% by weight;
Straw may further include ornamentation or other type of
decorative indicia Such as trademark logos and the like c) said natural flavor is present in an amount of approxi
formed from edible materials. Such as food colorings and the mately 5.0% by weight; and
like, to thus increase the Visual appeal of the drinking Straw. d) said natural color is present in an amount of approxi
Along these lines, it is contemplated that Such decorative mately 1.0% by weight.
indicia and ornamentation may take any of a variety of forms 12. A method for forming an edible drinking Straw com
known in the art that can be readily applied to the extruded prising the Steps:
tubular straw structure as shown in FIG. 3.
0043. As will be appreciated, additional modifications a) providing fruit powder, a humectant, natural color, and
and improvements of the present invention may also be natural flavor,
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the b) mixing fruit powder, humectant, natural flavor, and
particular combination of parts and Steps described and natural color in step a) to form an admixture;
illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain
embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to c) compacting and extruding said admixture produced in
Serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods Step b) to form an elongate cylindrical tubular sleeve;
within the Spirit and Scope of the invention. d) cutting said elongate tubular sleeve to have a select
length and defining first and Second opposed ends,
What is claimed is: e) applying an edible water repellant coating upon said
1. An edible drinking Straw comprising: tubular sleeve cut in Step d); and
a) approximately 95.0% or less by weight fruit powder; f) packaging said coated tubular sleeve produced in step
b) approximately 5.0% or less by weight a humectant; e).
13. The method of claim 12 wherein in step a), said fruit
c) approximately 10.0% or less by weight natural flavor; powder is Selected from the group consisting of banana
d) approximately 3.0% or less by weight natural color; powder, apple powder, and pear powder.
and 14. The method of claim 12 wherein in step a) such
humectant is comprised of glycerine.
e) wherein said fruit powder, humectant, natural flavor 15. The method of claim 12 wherein in steps b), c), d) and
and natural color are blended and compacted to assume e) are performed in an environment of 5.0% humidity or
Said drinking Straw configuration. leSS.
2. The edible drinking straw of claim 1 wherein said fruit 16. The method of claim 12 wherein in step e), said edible
powder is present in an amount of at least 80.0% by weight. water repellant coating comprises carnauba wax.
US 2004/0013772 A1 Jan. 22, 2004

17. The method of claim 12 wherein step a) further 20. The edible drinking straw of claim 1 wherein said
comprises providing a nutritional Supplement; and wherein edible drinking Straw further includes at least one aperture
Step b) comprises mixing said nutritional Supplement with formed along the length thereof for imparting a whistle
Said fruit powder, humectant, natural flavor, and natural Sound by a user.
color to form said first admixture.
18. A method for forming an eating utensil comprising the 21. The edible drinking straw of claim 1 wherein said
Steps: edible drinking Straw includes a plurality of apertures
capable of being Selectively covered by a user's fingers to
a) providing fruit powder, a humectant, natural color, and thus enable the Straw to function as a flute.
natural flavor,
22. The edible drinking straw of claim 1 wherein said
b) mixing fruit powder, humectant, natural flavor, and edible drinking Straw further includes decorative indicia
natural color in step a) to form an admixture; formed thereon.
c) molding Said admixture in step 6 to assume the shape 23. The method of claim 12 wherein prior to or during
of a utensil Selected from the group consisting of a Step d), at least one aperture is formed along a tubular sleeve
knife, a fork, a Spoon, and a chopStick, to thus enable the elongate tubular sleeve to function as a
d) applying an edible water repellant coating upon said whistle.
utensil molded in step d); and 24. The method of claim 12 wherein prior to or during
e) packaging said utensil coated in Step d). Step d), multiple apertures are formed along the length of
19. The method of claim 12 wherein following step d), a Said elongate tubular sleeve to thus enable the elongate
respective end of said extruded tubular sleeve is flattened tubular sleeve to function as a flute.
Such that a respective end of Said tubular structure assumes
a generally Spoon shape.