Product Development

The making of a thing

Thematic naming conventionS

"A name is a story waiting to be told."
Strong naming conventions make the brand feel like a system, not just a set of disconnected products. When every name stems from the core, it builds recognition, coherence, and a language your audience learns to speak—one where each product feels like a natural extension of the brand’s world. It’s not just naming—it’s worldbuilding, scalability, and storytelling wrapped into one.

BASE FORMULATION STRUCTURE

“We are what we make. And what we make, makes us.”

    • Chicle – Chicle is a natural latex from the sapodilla tree, historically used in gum. It's biodegradable and sustainable if harvested responsibly.

      • Viability: Medium-High. Must ensure consistent supply and correct curing. Often blended with other natural resins like jelutong or rosin for ideal texture.

      • Alternatives/Enhancers:Mastic gum (from Pistacia lentiscus), jelutong (Dyera costulata), natural beeswax (for texture), and resin from spruce or pine (traditional North American use).

    • Xylitol (from birch or corn) – Anti-cavity and widely used in natural gums.

    • Monk Fruit Extract (Luo Han Guo) – Very sweet (300x sugar), zero-calorie.

    • Stevia Leaf Extract (Reb-A) – Bitterness can be masked by monk fruit.

    • Yacon Syrup or Powder – Prebiotic, sweet, and has a molasses-like flavor.

    • Coconut oil (Fractionated or MCT) – Light, stable, pleasant mouthfeel.

    • Vegetable-derived lecithin – Sunflower lecithin improves texture and moisture retention.

    • Plant-derived waxes – Carnauba or candelilla waxes for pliability.

    • Matcha – Earthy flavor and natural green color.

    • Beetroot Powder – Red/pink hue.

    • Turmeric – Vibrant yellow + anti-inflammatory.

    • Berry extracts (acai, blueberry, pomegranate) – Taste and pigment.

    • Citrus Peel Oils – Natural uplifting flavors.

    • Herbal tinctures or essential oils (mint, lavender, ginger) – For strong, bioactive taste.

FORMULATION STRATEGY

  • Key Ingredients:

    • Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) – Mood enhancement and cognitive function.

    • Rhodiola rosea – Adaptogen for mental clarity and physical endurance.

    • St. John's Wort – Mood support (be mindful of interactions).

    • Vitamin B Complex – Especially B6, B12 for energy and brain support.

    • Theobromine (from cacao) – Natural stimulant, smoother than caffeine.

    Flavor Pairing Options:

    • Cacao + Mint (Theobromine synergy)

    • Citrus + Ginger (Bright, stimulating)

    • Berry + Rhodiola (Tart + adaptogenic)

  • Key Ingredients:

    • Kava Kava – Deep relaxation (regulate dosage carefully).

    • L-theanine (from green tea) – Calming, enhances alpha brain waves.

    • Ashwagandha – Reduces cortisol, grounding adaptogen.

    • Kanna – Dual use here for balancing serotonin.

    Flavor Pairing Options:

    • Lavender + Mint (cooling and calming)

    • Green Tea + Matcha + Vanilla (L-theanine synergy)

    • Cucumber + Lemon Balm (Fresh, herbal)

  • Key Ingredients:

    • Melatonin – Well-known sleep aid.

    • Chamomile – Gentle, floral relaxation.

    • Magnesium Glycinate – Sleep support + muscle relaxation.

    • Passion Flower + Lemon Balm + Kava – Sedative herbs with calming synergy.

    Flavor Pairing Options:

    • Chamomile + Honey (classic nighttime tea)

    • Vanilla + Cinnamon + Lavender (warm, dreamy)

    • Lemon Balm + Peppermint (crisp but mellow)

    • Active herbs and adaptogens must be microencapsulated or in powdered extract form.

    • Aim for sublingual absorption (let active compounds absorb in the mouth).

    • Control flavor release using time-release powder coatings or dual-layering in gum pellets.

    • Aspartame / Acesulfame K / Sucralose – synthetic.

    • Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5).

    • BHT (preservative).

Absorption Optimization

Sublingual & Buccal Absorption Optimization (Single Delivery)
Certain active ingredients—especially those like Kanna, Melatonin, L-theanine, and B vitamins—can be absorbed directly through the mucosal tissues in the mouth (under the tongue or inside cheeks). This can lead to: Faster onset, Higher bioavailability, Bypassing the digestive system (no liver breakdown). Strategies Within the Gum:

  • Ensure all botanicals and vitamins are in finely milled form (<150 microns).

  • Use plant-based encapsulation (like cyclodextrins) to mask bitterness and protect sensitive actives from degrading during storage.

  • Modify texture using plant waxes (e.g., candelilla, carnauba) so actives release over 5–10 minutes of chewing.

  • In pressing or extrusion, layer certain actives closer to the outer matrix to be released early in the chew cycle.

  • Add a touch of acidifiers (like malic acid) to optimize pH in the mouth for better sublingual uptake (especially for alkaloids like theobromine or kanna).

preliminary base formulations