Tablet development
Finding the best balance of cool sensation and good taste through fine adjustment of formulation
Since the launch of Mintia in 1996, its lineup has been developed to include products with various flavors and types with large particles to sustain the cool sensation, and it has been become No. 1 for sales* in the tablet candy market. With improvements to maintain flavor after manufacturing, it continues to evolve.
*Source: INTAGE food SRI/Candy (Tablet candy market)/Nationwide (excluding Okinawa)/All business formats/May 2005–Sep. 2018 (quantity), May 2007–Sep. 2018 (value)
Considering optimal formulations and manufacturing conditions for each flavor
Mintia is made by adding flavoring agents and taste materials to powders that are the foundation for tablets and then forming them in a tableting machine. Adding new products and improved versions together, the annual number of developments amounts to around 30. For the grape flavor alone, there are many variations—among them real grape, rich grape, and juicy grape flavors. In addition, the flavor varies with the forms of flavoring agents and taste materials that include freeze-dried powders, candy chips, and aroma beads. Selecting the optimal combination for the concept, formulation ratios are determined in units smaller than 0.1% (weight percentage in tablet).
Stringent testing standards for checking flavor and other quality aspects
Since the delicate flavor characteristics of Mintia are liable to change with time, it is most important to consider formulas that will keep changes to a minimum. In the development of one type of product, we sometimes make dozens of prototypes, varying the formulation and tableting conditions, and carry out quality tests with strict standards. The formula is determined only after examination by expert sensory evaluation staff who can distinguish between subtle differences in taste.