A model of flavor release from encapsulated flavor particles immersed in water has been developed that correlates well with experimental data. Flavor release from particles was determined by measuring both the quantities released from the particle to water and from water to air in the headspace. The model presented here predicts a very different release with time from the encapsulated flavor if the particle develops a hydrogel at the surface (swelling) compared to gradual erosion. Controlled heating showed more retention of flavor when the particle swells compared to a more rapid flavor release under conditions of particle erosion. (C) 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.