Synergy launches plant-based protein flavour range that is “paired to perfection”

Published: 8-Oct-2020

Synergy, a leading global flavour supplier with nutritional expertise, has launched a new range of flavours for plant-based protein products

Specially 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, such as indulgent dessert-inspired, or coffee-based flavours such as coffee caramel/café latte.

A recent FMCG Gurus sports nutrition survey revealed that 50% of consumers find plant-based claims to be appealing when it comes to sports nutrition products; however, concerns around taste and texture are key barriers to purchase.

Utilising a proprietary process based on the expert application of Synergy’s robust sensory and analytical resources, a team of flavour experts have successfully characterised the varied off notes present in plant-based proteins.

Synergy’s teams use this data to quicky identify taste challenges that need masking or, in some cases, augmenting, allowing our teams to optimise the taste of their entire product with the addition of Synergy’s specially formulated flavour.

In addition to the re-engineered core flavours, Synergy has also created a range of trending flavours that pair well with plant protein bases across powders, ready to drink beverages (RTDs) and bars. Synergy also works with individual customers to create bespoke flavours for plant-based protein products.

Synergy launches plant-based protein flavour range that is “paired to perfection”

Chris Whiting, Category Manager at Synergy Flavors, comments: “Plant-based protein appeals to consumers who are looking to improve their health while at the same time embracing a more sustainable diet, especially as they take a more holistic approach to their health and well-being."

"All types of proteins can have taste challenges, making flavour and application expertise critical for success in the nutrition category."

"Synergy has drawn on many years’ experience in delivering exceptional taste performance in protein products to create this new range. Our unique flavour creation process ensures we deliver successful products for sports nutrition manufacturers that 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 preference varied across applications and regions, with UK consumers generally favoring berry profiles across product formats and US consumers preferring dessert and sweet brown flavour profiles."

"These insights helped us to develop regionally specific flavours that pair well with plant protein bases and satisfy global consumer demands.”

Looking to the future, Synergy plans to take on even more challenging plant protein bases and be ready to support further innovation as processing developments make plant proteins applicable in a wider range of products, such as carbonated beverages, baked goods and hot beverages.

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