Willy Wonka's flavor-changing gum may become a reality

One of the craziest imaginary treats in the Willy Wonka books and movies is a gum that changes to distinct flavor over time; a three course meal in gum form. And now that may be moving out of the realm of fantasy into reality.

That's because researchers have developed a way to capture flavors inside microscopic capsules that can be designed to release flavors at different times. And boy, does the potential gum sound...interesting:

Some of the capsules could be filled with flavouring for tomato soup that would break open on contact with saliva, while tougher capsules would contain the flavour for roast beef that would break open as the gum is chewed. A final flavour for blueberry pie could be packaged in capsules that require vigorous chewing to burst.

OK, so maybe that gum sounds awful. But I'm sure some really interesting and crazy foods will come out of this once the tech is put into the right hands.

Tomato soup gum? Might not be bad honestly.

Eh, well it's all flavour anyhow. Would like to see people chew this gum during important meetings with great vigor, but I don't think it's too practical.

I just envisioned some idiot with a huge ass grin sitting at a business table chewing "with great vigor". I lol'd.

Perhaps that may come true, one of these days--I bet it would be that Stride gum, whatever that company is.