Givaudan unveils breakthrough masking solutions for seven proteins

Givaudan, the world’s leading flavour and fragrance company, has unveiled a selection of masking solutions in combination with a new smart masking tool, offering flavourists fast access to high-performance solutions to combat off-notes across plant-based proteins. This effort has resulted in the largest, most comprehensive collection of data related to plant proteins and taste ingredients in the industry.

Givaudan’s amassment of data and knowledge allows for holistic solutions to counter off-notes across six plant-based proteins: soy; pea; faba; rice; oats; algae, and whey, a dairy protein. The smart masking tool, an expansion of Givaudan’s extensive, ongoing SmartTools programme, was created by conducting over 2,000 evaluations, tried and tested by Givaudan’s expert panel over the past year-and-a-half. New maskers were then developed as a result of the extensive knowledge gained.

Masking off-notes in protein is a time-intensive and often complicated process, as one ingredient may counteract a particular off-note but exacerbate another. And while each additional ingredient adds complexity it may also increase overall cost.

“Striking the balance between functionality, texture, taste, nutrition and cost when working with alternative proteins is difficult to achieve without fully understanding the interactions of all the ingredients in the food or beverage product,” said Flavio Garofalo, Global Category Director Savoury Flavours and Natural Ingredients at Givaudan.

“Givaudan’s smart masking tool offers an innovative way of working with these proteins, providing flavourists with the ability to safeguard the taste and textural integrity of the products, regardless of the protein supplier and the techniques they use to isolate the protein. This approach also ensures that every ingredient in a product has a function and avoids the cycle of using one ingredient to mask another and then another”.

 
Conducting fundamental research in order to understand all aspects related to off-notes generated by proteins means that Givaudan will be equipped to create additional taste ingredients going forward. While the smart masking tool and subsequent maskers have been developed for nutritional beverages, their benefits are already proving useful in other applications; notably, work has begun on applying this knowledge to solutions for meat alternatives.  

These recent developments, that will be rolled out across all regions in the coming weeks and months, demonstrate significant progress in addressing the taste challenges associated with plant-based protein in nutritional beverages, as well as shining a light on further product development opportunities with lesser known proteins.

Notes to the editor
The protein challenge
The challenge of masking off notes in protein-rich foods is not a new one, with developers often turning to sugar and salt to change the taste perception and combat astringency and dryness. However, these traditional solutions do not correlate with consumer demand for healthy, nutritious and functional products and often don’t achieve the desired taste outcome.

Givaudan is consistently investing time in research and innovation. The smart tool and maskers build on TasteSolutions® ingredients developed over the last 15 years allows the Company to continue to integrate even better solutions, helping customers make great tasting products that consumers enjoy. 

About Givaudan
Givaudan is the global leader in the creation of flavours and fragrances. In close collaboration with food, beverage, consumer product and fragrance partners, Givaudan develops tastes and scents that delight consumers the world over. With a passion to understand consumers’ preferences and a relentless drive to innovate, Givaudan is at the forefront of creating flavours and fragrances that ‘engage your senses’. The Company achieved sales of CHF 5.5 billion in 2018. Headquartered in Switzerland with local presence in over 145 locations, the Company has almost 13,600 employees worldwide. Givaudan invites you to discover more at www.givaudan.com.

About Givaudan Flavours
Givaudan’s comprehensive knowledge of local flavours, extensive global footprint and strategic insights enable close partnerships with customers wherever they may be. With a customised approach to product creation, the Flavour Division is a powerhouse of knowledge, innovation and creativity equipped to surprise customers and consumers with fresh, unique ideas and solutions. Givaudan creates lasting flavour and taste experiences that touch emotions across key segments including beverages, sweet goods, savoury and snacks; regardless of product category Givaudan’s passion is to make food and beverage products taste delicious. We invite you to ‘engage your senses’ and learn more about Flavours at www.givaudan.com/flavours.

For further information please contact
Jeff Peppet, Givaudan Flavours
T +1 513 293 3740
E jeff.peppet@givaudan.com