Givaudan launches next-generation innovation for stress management with Zensera™
Clinically researched lemon balm ingredient supports calmness and cognitive performance¹ under stress²
Givaudan announces the launch of Zensera™, a patent-pending lemon balm extract that supports both calmness and cognitive performance under stress2. Zensera™ is effective at a low 300mg dose, providing a same-day health benefit in nutraceutical applications. With excellent solubility, light taste and colour, this clean-label ingredient is also suitable for select beverages.
“Givaudan is dedicated to helping our customers meet the wellness needs of consumers with rigorously researched natural ingredients,” said Timothée Olagne, Head of Marketing, Health & Functional Solutions at Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing. “With 70% of adults in the U.S. feeling overwhelmed by work and daily responsibilities3, and 37% struggling to take action when stressed4, Zensera™ provides brands with a unique opportunity to support consumers when stress gets in the way.”
Clinically substantiated, Zensera™ offers a scientifically backed and convenient natural ingredient with:
- Optimised potency
Zensera™ was developed through careful compound screening5 and is made using a patent-pending process to deliver maximum effectiveness and applicability.
- Low dose efficacy
Consumers can experience benefits of Zensera™ with just a single dose of 300mg.2
- Proven benefits
In a Randomised Clinical Trial (RCT), 106 moderately stressed but otherwise healthy subjects were given either 300mg of Zensera™ or a placebo. After performing tasks designed to simulate a stressful day, the results showed significant differences in cognitive performance1 in areas such as attention, alertness, focus and problem-solving compared to placebo.2
- Same day calming support
Zensera™ was shown to support calmness for at least 5 hours after consumption.2 This lasting efficacy makes it ideal for better managing long days that involve sustained cognitive demands.
- Versatile applications
With excellent solubility and a light taste vs. other lemon balm extracts, Zensera™ can easily be incorporated into select beverages.
- Responsible sourcing
Zensera™ is responsibly cultivated in Europe with a strong commitment to sustainability, in accordance with the principles of the company’s Sourcing4Good programme.
Givaudan will be showcasing Zensera™ at Vitafoods 2025, in Barcelona, Spain, where the ingredient will be unveiled during a presentation titled ‘A New Approach to Stress Management’ at the New Ingredients Theatre on Monday 21 May, at 16:30 (CEST). Attendees are invited to visit the Givaudan stand 3J54 for an exclusive tasting of Zensera™. They can also speak with Givaudan experts to learn more about how this groundbreaking lemon balm extract can help consumers maintain calmness and enhance cognitive performance1 under stress. You can find more about Zensera™ here.
Cognitive performance reflects your brain’s ability to process all the information it takes in from your senses. The study referred to on this page focused largely on executive function: the mental processes that help you set and carry out goals.
Givaudan, data on file, publication in process.
American Psychological Association (2020) ‘Stress in AmericaTM 2020. A National Mental Health Crisis’, Available online (accessed 25 April 2025).
American Psychological Association (2022) ‘Stress in America 2022: Concerned for the future, beset by inflation’, Available online (accessed 25 April 2025).
Givaudan, data on file.
About Givaudan
Givaudan is a global leader in Fragrance & Beauty and Taste & Wellbeing. We celebrate the beauty of human experience by creating for happier, healthier lives with love for nature. Together with our customers we deliver food experiences, craft inspired fragrances and develop beauty and wellbeing solutions that make people look and feel good. In 2024, Givaudan employed over 16,900 people worldwide and achieved CHF 7.4 billion in sales with a free cash flow of 15.6%. With a heritage that stretches back over 250 years, we are committed to driving long-term, purpose-led growth by improving people's health and happiness and increasing our positive impact on nature. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Discover more at www.givaudan.com
About Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing
Powered by innovation and creativity, Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing aims to shape the future of food by becoming the co-creation partner of choice to its customers. Built on its global leadership position in flavours and taste, the Company goes beyond to create food experiences that do good and feel good, for body, mind and planet. With an expanded portfolio of products across flavours, taste, functional and nutritional solutions and a deep knowledge of the food ecosystem, Givaudan’s passion is to collaborate with customers and partners to develop game-changing innovations in food and beverage. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Learn more about how we are shaping the future of food at www.givaudan.com/taste-wellbeing.
For further information please contact
Eve Landen, Taste & Wellbeing Communications
E eve.landen@givaudan.com