Flavor Formulation for the Plant-Based Movement
As more consumers adapt vegan or flexitarian diets, this has created boundless opportunities for product developers. However, regulatory restrictions in 'clean' plant-based foods can be exceptionally limiting, leaving consumers asking one big question... "WTF?"
Much like the famous catchphrase "Where's the Beef" from the 1980's Wendy's commercial depicting the lack of meat in their competitors burgers, innovation in vegan-friendly food and drink lacks the sensory satisfaction of their traditional market conterparts.
In an industry where taste reigns supreme, most plant-based foods have missed the mark.
Synergy primary consumer research shows less than 15% of plant-based consumers signify taste as a purchase motivator for dairy-alternatives.
Interested in more insights on the dairy-alternative consumer? Access the report here.
How do we bridge the gap?
Let's talk about the YUM factor!
The YUM factor is based on the gustatory response to a pleasurable taste and odor experience says Antelmo Tristani, Sr. Flavor Chemist.
Through the art and science of flavor chemistry Synergy has developed vegan flavor solutions.
[The Vegan Challenge]
Fat equals satisfaction. When removing animal fat we lose the mouthfeel of indulgence which cannot be fully built back by plant-based sources alone.
When using plant-based proteins they often come with their own unfavorable flavor profiles which adds another layer of complexity.
[The Cover Up]
One of the oldest flavor modifiers is salt. Delivering quality flavors for vegan savory applications can be challenging because it is easy to over flavor and over salt these applications.
In the war against sugar, vegan sweet applications often come with many caveats. When sweeteners are being used to mask off-notes this results in new sensory challenges.
As children we are trained to like sugar from infancy...
"After decades of research in sugar molecules and creation of sweetener systems to mimic sugar, we always find ourselves going back to sugar." - A. Tristani
[THE SYNERGY SOLUTION Process]
Defining the end goal
Kicking off a new project begins with touch points to the proper sales, marketing and technical professionals to support consumer insights and formulation guidance.
Presenting a customized solution
Once the project scope is defined flavor and application specialists will design the best performing solution that meet quality and regulatory guidelines.
Approving consumer panels
Ensuring product is ready for market can be supported by our in-house sensory team and production trials to assist clients' independent consumer testing.
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