KAWARU XYLISH

Leading confectionery maker Meiji has announced the launch of a brand new, Willy Wonka-esque flavour-changing gum, Kawaru Xylish. Kawaru means change in Japanese. This brand new 'concept gum', part of the popular Xlyish series which includes flavours such as 'Hyper Cool Mint' and 'Mr. Grape', will hit the shelves on February 15 this year.

There are two flavours of this molecular gastronomy-tastic gum on offer: Grapefruit to Mint and Cola to Mint. The Meiji press release states that the initial flavour - grapefruit or cola - is contained within the sugarcoating and the essence contained within the centre of the gum. Essence of mint has been 'capsulised' in the gum, and this gradually releases, changing the flavour of the gum to mint.

Both flavour varieties will retail for 100 yen for 12 pieces.