Page 14 - Ameft Journal 2021/1

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(Source: Synergy)
Paired to perfection
When it comes to sports nutriti- on products, however concerns around taste and texture are key barri- ers to purchase. A recent FMCG Gurus Sports Nutrition survey revealed that 50% of consumers find plant-based claims appealing.
A leading global flavour supplier with nutritional expertise, Synergy uses this data to identify taste challenges which need masking, or in some cases, aug- menting, allowing its teams to optimize the taste of its entire product with the addition of Synergy’s specially formula- ted flavour.
Synergy has launched a new range of flavours for plant-based protein pro- ducts. It engineered for plant-protein bases, including pea, brown rice, hemp, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed, the ‘Paired to Perfection’ range comprises varieties of the core sports nutrition flavours of strawberry, vanilla and cho- colate, as well as novel combinations, such as indulgent dessert-inspired, or coffee-based flavours like coffee cara- mel/café latte.
The team of flavour experts at Syner- gy have utilized its robust sensory and analytical resources and has success- fully characterized the varied off notes present in plant-based proteins. In addition to the re-engineered core fla- vours, Synergy has also created a ran- ge of trending flavours which pair well with plant protein bases across pow- ders, ready to drink beverages (RTDs) and bars. Synergy also works with indi- vidual customers to create bespoke fla- vours for plant-based protein products.
Chris Whiting, Category Manager at Synergy Flavours, comments: “Plant- based protein appeals to consumers who are looking to improve their health while at the same time embra- cing a more sustainable diet, especially as they take a more holistic approach to their health and wellbeing. All types of proteins can have taste challenges, making flavour and application exper- tise critical for success in the nutrition category. Synergy has drawn on many years’ experience in delivering excep- tional taste performance in protein
It engineered for plant-protein bases, including pea, brown rice, hemp, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed, the ‘Paired to Perfection’ range comprises varieties of the core sports nutrition flavours of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate, as well as novel combinations.
products to create this new range. Our unique flavour creation process en- sures we deliver successful products for sports nutrition manufacturers which offer more choice to consumers in this increasingly dynamic market”.
Sarah O’Neill, Marketing Manager at Carbery, Synergy’s parent company, added: “In August 2020, we conducted a survey in the UK and the US with consumers who had purchased plant- based nutritional products in the past 6 months. We found that flavour pre- ference varied across applications and regions, with UK consumers generally favoring berry profiles across product formats and US consumers preferring dessert and sweet brown flavour pro- files. These insights helped us to deve- lop regionally specific flavours that pair well with plant protein bases and satis- fy global consumer demands.”
Looking to the future, Synergy plans to support further innovation in making plant proteins applicable in a wider range of products, such as carbonated beve- rages, baked goods, and hot beverages.
146 AMEFT 14|202119 www.amefftt.com