Author: itsflavours

Hard Seltzer: Should You Believe The Hype?

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Will the hard seltzer transform the alcoholic drinks market, or is it all hype and no flavour?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock over the last couple of years, you’ll be aware of the latest craze to hit the alcoholic drinks market. The hard seltzer is providing a healthier alternative to beer and ready to drink alcoholic drinks that usually come packed with sugar.

For anyone doubting the future of the hard seltzer market, forecasts show it will “far surpass” initial predictions of 281 million case sales in the US by 2023, two years early, according to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. This was echoed by the Stone Brewing CEO, Maria Stipp, who stated “At the current rate, seltzer will pass craft in terms of category size. So, that’s meaningful to us.” This also highlights the huge trend in breweries and distillers getting involved in the hard seltzer market.

What is a hard seltzer?

Hard seltzers are incredibly simple and cheap to produce – carbonated water, with alcohol and flavourings. The product gained fame in the US with the eye-catching White Claw who were the first brand to gain real attention. Since then countless brands and drink developers have jumped on the craze to try to recreate the popular White Claw product.

You’ll be able to spot a hard seltzer a mile off as all the branding seem to follow the same design style – a white can and a splash of bright colour. Brewdog, Smirnoff, Kopparberg are some of the bigger brands to try their hand, but the market is also full of young start-up’s looking to target the growing health-conscious consumer segment.

So, does hard seltzer live up to the promise?

Given all the pretty packaging and huge hype, do these products deliver on flavour? Close, but no cigar. We think they are currently just falling short. Sure, they taste fruity and some even try adding some other ingredients to make them slightly more interesting – but for us, they always end up falling a little flat. It’s a bit like how flavoured water never really hugely took off – yeah, it tastes ok, but not something that’ll blow you away.

We love a little tipple at I.T.S. so took it upon ourselves to pretty much taste all the hard seltzers currently available in UK supermarkets. A very mixed bag of results, some simply didn’t deliver and some offered real promise, however, none blew us away.

One of the biggest issues we found was the complete lack of mouthfeel in the products, which just make them feel very plain and empty. Of course, the lack of sugar is also an issue as we are used to our fruity products being nice and sweet.

Revolutionising the flavour of the hard seltzer

We started thinking, these hard seltzers have so much promise, but aren’t quite there yet – how can we help? We knew they needed to be sweeter and have a more advanced mouthfeel, but still not increase the sugar content. Easy.

Enter our new 100% natural sweetness and mouthfeel booster, SweetLITE Body. By using SweetLITE Body you can add both the missing sweetness and mouthfeel to a hard seltzer without big changes in the ingredients listed on the can. This game-changing solution is simply labelled as a natural flavouring and inulin.

Problem solved. The drink is expected to take more than 15 per cent of the US beer and cider market by 2024, and also showing similar signs of growth in the UK.

Want to give it a go? Get in touch to request a sample of SweetLITE Body.

Savoury Flavour Trends You Can’t Ignore

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Take a look at the savoury flavour trends you just won’t be able to ignore.

Food has become much more than just part of your daily routine. Food is now a journey, a destination, an experience. People’s love of food starts at the most essential part – flavour. Taste is quite simply, everything.
 
Flavour trends move quicker than ever. Brands and consumers are constantly on the lookout for the next big flavour experience. Well, have no fear, we’ve done the hard work for you.
 
Our team of technologists have put together a new Savoury Flavour Trends Presentation that will give you all the knowledge of what flavours you need to be experimenting with as we head towards 2022.
 
Whether you’re looking for flavours in meat replacements, savoury snacks, meat and seafood products, or sauces and condiments – we’ve got the top flavour tip for you.
 
The booming plant-based market has excelled the demand and innovation of savoury natural flavourings. We supply and manufacture a wide range of savoury natural flavourings and seasonings to meet all requirements.
 
Get in touch today to request free samples of our Savoury Trends and a copy of the Savoury Trends Presentation.

Natural Flavourings Made From Real Fruit Extracts

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Our premium range of natural flavourings are made from actual fruit extracts and distillates.

You can’t get much more natural than this. Natural flavourings that are all made containing materials derived from the source described in the name i.e. “From The Named Fruit”(FTNF).
 
So, for example, in our FTNF Strawberry Flavouring, a minimum of 95% of the flavouring is made from extracts or distillates taken from actual strawberries. This means the flavouring can be labelled as a “Natural Strawberry Flavouring”. What’s not to like?
 
Just so you know, if present, the remaining 5% (maximum) of flavour materials come from other naturally derived sources and used to round off the flavour profile.
 
 
Why Would You Need An FTNF Flavouring?
 
These flavours come in super handy when you want to advertise images of eye-catching fruit on your packaging. For example, if you wanted lots of juicy strawberries on your yoghurt lid, or a vibrant lemon on your beverage bottle – you’ll need the strawberry or lemon FTNF flavouring.
 
In some cases (where the flavouring components are 100% from the named fruit), FTNF flavours can also be labelled as extracts or distillates on packaging to make your products have an even stronger clean label appeal.
 
 
Why We Love FTNF Flavourings
 
Briony Rideout our Beverage Specialist explains “We are seeing more and more of our customers ask about FTNF flavours as they seek the strongest clean label declaration. It doesn’t hurt that they also taste absolutely delicious.”
 
Briony has been working with our Chief Flavourist, Gail Underwood to develop FTNF flavours that really get our customers excited. Briony says “Working with Gail on this range of flavours is so much fun. Gail is one of the most experienced flavourists in the industry, she’s worked wonders with these. I’m blown away every time a new flavour is released.”
 
We have a wide range of FTNF flavourings in both powder and liquid formats. Check out some of our favourites from our FTNF range below and request a sample today:
 
Blueberry FTNF Flavouring – Request a sample
 
Blood Orange FTNF Flavouring – Request a sample
 
Sicilian Lemon FTNF Flavouring – Request a sample
 
Raspberry FTNF Flavouring – Request a sample
 
Blackcurrant FTNF Flavouring – Request a sample
 
Strawberry FTNF Flavouring – Request a sample
 
Apple FTNF Flavouring – Request a sample
 
Cherry FTNF Flavouring – Request a sample
 
Banana FTNF Flavouring – Request a sample
 
Mango FTNF Flavouring – Request a sample
 
Lime FTNF Flavouring – Request a sample
 
Grapefruit FTNF Flavouring – Request a sample
 
Get in touch to find out more and see the full list of our FTNF flavours.

A Braver Flavour For Summer Food and Drink Launches

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We’ve been busy developing some new braver flavourings perfect for summer launches.

This summer is sure to be packed with new summer releases and plenty of exotic flavours. This year more than ever customers will be on the lookout for escapism and exciting flavours to transport them to the feeling of being on holiday.

Of course the big flavours like pineapple, mango and passion fruit will be everywhere, but it’s time to do some flavour discovery. If you’re looking for the ideal flavour for an eye-catching limited edition product, or maybe create an exciting hybrid flavour – we have been busy developing a new range of braver summer flavours that will work perfectly.

Brazilian Orange Flavouring

We’ll start things off nice and gently with a new twist on a classic. Everyone loves orange, but it’s time to give it that extra premium feel. Trust us, this one is like the juiciest orange you’ve ever tasted.

Request Brazilian Orange Flavouring sample

Loquat Flavouring

Here’s a little known flavour that we are sure is destined for big things. Think a mix between apricot and peach – heaven, right? This super fresh tasting fruit is big in South America and often used in smoothies and part of fruit salads.

Request Loquat Flavouring sample

Ambarella Flavouring

Now, this is where we start getting a little braver. Ambarella is a little known tropical fruit that is also known as spondias dulcis. This is typically found in countries such as Jamaica, Costa Rica and Malaysia. It’s a versatile flavour that can be used for both sweet and savoury foods. It’s often found in fruity curries and also works well with lime and chilli.

Request Ambarella Flavouring sample

Carambola Flavouring

Carambola, or you might know it as Star Fruit is another fruit hailing from South East Asia. This cheeky little number is something slightly different. It has a nice subtle sweetness but presents a tart and slightly sour undertone which gives a really unique flavour that is hard to match. Certainly one to give a go if you’re looking for something a bit different. Plus, who doesn’t love the sound of Star Fruit Flavour?

Request Carambola Flavouring sample

Elderflower FTNF Flavouring

No big surprises or discoveries here, but this one fits perfectly into our growing FTNF (From the Named Fruit) range. Elderflower is the perfect British summertime flavour for beverages and now this delicious flavour comes in FTNF – what’s not to like?

Request Elderflower FTNF Flavouring sample

Persian Style Lime Flavouring

Who doesn’t love lime? We couldn’t have a list of summer flavours and not include it. This one isn’t just any old lime. This one really packs a punch and is fresh as a lime flavour is going to get. Great for that extra special or premium lime product.

Request Persian Style Lime Flavouring sample

Kiwi and Cucumber Flavouring

We’re saving the best until last here. This one is just possibly the most refreshing thing you’ll ever try. We had this as part of our Flavour Trends Report this year and it’s safe to say it went down a storm.

Surprisingly this one works a treat in milk drinks…trust us. Of course, it also fits like a hand in glove for regular drinks – hard seltzer, anyone?

Request Kiwi and Cucumber Flavouring sample

Get in touch if you’d like to request any samples of our new braver summer flavours.

SweetLITE™ Body: Natural Sweetness And Mouthfeel

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It’s finally here, the answer to your biggest headache. I.T.S. present the definite all-natural sweetness and mouthfeel booster for beverages.

The bane of most beverage technologists lives is trying to reduce sugar content, but still maintain the same great taste and desired mouthfeel. Well, the team at I.T.S. has gone and done it.

100% NATURAL SWEETNESS AND MOUTHFEEL BOOSTER

The new 100% natural ingredient has been proven to reduce sugar content by up to 50% in a variety of beverage applications. The new product joins our already impressive range of sugar reduction solutions as part of our SweetLITE™ range. We’ve labelled it SweetLITE™ Body as it provides the taste and texture combined to give the consumer the perception that the product is full of sugar.

There is simply no easier way to remove calories from product development – the natural powder is completely water soluble and carries no colour changes when used at recommended levels. It’s incredibly versatile and suitable for most applications and all pH ranges. SweetLITE™ Body is as tough as ingredients come and not affected by temperature or forms of processing.

SUGAR REDUCTION MADE EASY

We aren’t ones for trying to dazzle you with science or over complicate things – no processing instructions needed, just drop in the recommended amount, give it a quick stir and you are good to go. What’s better is it’s simply labelled as a natural flavouring and dietary fibre on your packaging.

Briony Rideout, I.T.S. Beverage Specialist explains “It’s brilliant to offer such a remarkable solution. When I first tried it I couldn’t quite believe how simple and effective it is. SweetLITE™ Body has really hit the ground running, and we are already underway using the product in many new trials with brands.”

I.T.S. LEADING THE WAY IN BEVERAGE INGREDIENTS

SweeLITE™ Body once again proves the success of I.T.S. within the beverage ingredient sector. We’ve been running for just over 10 years and already have some of the most talked about solutions in the market, not to mention always staying one step ahead.

Mike Bagshaw, Owner and Founder of I.T.S. says “I’m incredibly proud of I.T.S. on the release of our new SweetLITE™ Body application. We are a small team but consistently produce big results. In a sector with so much noise and incredibly overcomplicated ingredients, we produce straightforward and effective solutions for our customers that always come out on top.”

FREE NEXT DAY SUGAR REDUCTION SAMPLES

If you’d like us to put our money where our mouth is, get in touch and we’ll send you over some free samples to try out.

I.T.S. To Become Carbon Negative

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To celebrate World Earth Day we are proudly announcing our plans to become a carbon negative flavouring supplier.

Put simply, we are looking to remove more CO2 emissions than we put into the atmosphere.

We recognise the responsibility we have to help preserve the planet. We also recognise the great efforts many of our customers put into helping with the sustainability of our planet.

The food and beverage industry plays a huge role globally in the high levels of pollution – it’s time that companies started to make a bigger impact in preserving the planet for generations to come.

Mike Bagshaw, Owner and Founder of I.T.S. explains “It’s something we are very passionate about and we’ve been looking at doing for a while. But the truth is we don’t have time to wait, action needs to be taken. We are looking forward to offering our customers flavourings that help save the planet when we become carbon negative.”

We will initially put plans in place to operate as carbon neutral and then move to a carbon-negative operation.

More information and exciting sustainable projects are in the pipeline – keep an eye out.

Beverage Is Seeing A Rise In Sensation Flavours

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NATURAL FLAVOURS THAT TRANSFORM LO & NO DRINKS

With over 10 million UK adults now teetotal, the beverage industry is moving quickly to develop new premium low and no products.

With the rise in low and no alcoholic drinks, developers are looking for ways to keep that extra something special in the drink, even without alcohol. If consumers are going to give up their alcohol, they are going to want more than a glass of fizzy orange. This is where sensations come in. Adding sensations works to help give products that extra bit of sophistication and depth to keep that “grown-up” feel to your evening drink.

LOW AND NO BEVERAGES ON THE RISE

Recent stats have shown that 19% of the UK adult population are now teetotal – that’s over a whopping 10 million people. Leading spirit brand, Bombay Sapphire is preparing for this growing trend and have estimated the sector to grow a dramatic 400% over the next 4 years. That is a lot of people looking for new and interesting alternatives to their gin and tonic.

For a sector that is based around social occasions and celebrations, it’s crucial beverage brands adapt quickly, and keep their low and no products on-trend.

SENSATION FLAVOURS KEEP LO & NO BEVERAGE INTERESTING

Our team of Flavourists have been quick to address this shift in consumer behaviour and have been working with brands on ways to help add that sophistication and something special to their beverage products.

We have developed a unique range of natural flavourings that can ensure beverages continue to add excitement and experience. Our sensation range of natural flavourings can help add much-needed mouthfeel, heat or even coolness to beverage products.

NATURAL FLAVOURS THAT HELP YOU FEEL THE BURN

One of our most successful sensation flavours has got to be our “heating” range. This flavour gives the sensation that something is spiced or provides a strong alcohol feeling, with the burning effect once it’s been swallowed. These work really well in products that are looking to carry through that unique impact of alcohol.

Natural flavours can also help add complex flavours profiles like smokiness or bitterness – two key flavours you’ll find in alcoholic beverages. 

BOOST ALCOHOLIC FLAVOUR NOTES

Along with our non-mint derived cooling flavourings, the heating flavours match perfectly with our alcoholic booster flavourings. You can now develop an alcohol-free beverage with unique alcoholic flavour profiles and also add the extra layer of heat sensation.

From whisky, gin and rum to even more complex cocktail flavours like Negroni – we have a flavour library that covers all basis.

BUILD YOUR FLAVOUR PROFILE

Let’s face it, what would the beverage development world be without natural flavours? From citrus and tropical, to your classic core lemon and lime. Make sure your flavour packs a punch before going to market. 

Get in touch to request a sample of any of our flavourings to talk through in more detail with our team.

Flavour Focus: Cherry Blossom

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We give you the low down on why you should be trying Cherry Blossom.

Now, we know what you’re thinking – Cherry Blossom is the flavour of spring and we’re in August. Well, we are never ones to play by the rules and we think Cherry Blossom is so tasty it works equally well beneath the sun’s rays of summer as it does in blossoming spring.

Widely recognised as Japan’s national flower, Cherry Blossom offers both a floral and fruity scent which works perfectly for refreshing summer products. It’s a subtle flavour profile which still manages to hold its own when paired with other flavours.

Cherry Blossom has one of those unique flavour profiles that brings together many different sectors and applications due to its versatility. Refreshing drinks, light ice creams or innovative bakery – Cherry Blossom is a great flavour no matter what sector you work in.

It’s also a flavour that ticks multiple flavour trend boxes, with both Eastern flavours and the popularity of floral. You’ve probably seen Cherry Blossom in many big brand launches over the last year. Coca Cola, Häagen-Dazs, Nestle and Starbucks have all jumped on board with this appealing, colourful and tasty trend.

It’s certainly a flavour you need to at least try out, so get in touch and request your free sample of our Cherry Blossom natural flavouring. Available in both liquid and powder flavouring.

Reducing Sugar Content With Natural Flavourings

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Natural flavourings can offer much more than just making food and drink taste great. Find out they can also make things healthier.

As experts in natural flavourings, we use them for many different things. The most obvious is of course to make things taste great. We’ve been making just about anything taste great for years. From cakes and biscuits, to ice cream and cheese – not to mention all the delicious beverage flavours we come up with.

But natural flavourings can be used for so much more than just enhancing flavour in food and drink. These clever little flavourings can also do all sorts of wonderful things like improve mouthfeel, prolong freshness, mask nasty tastes, reduce salt content and of course, help with sugar reduction.

Why is reducing sugar so important?

Back in 2016, Public Health England reacted to the public health issue of obesity within the UK. The government took steps to put pressure on just about anyone that was manufacturing food and drink to reduce their sugar content by 20%. This was going to be no easy challenge for the food and drink industry, as sugar not only greatly impacts on flavour, but also impacts issues like shelf life and texture.

How do natural flavourings help with sugar reduction?

Now, enter the flavour industry. The flavour industry quickly realised that flavourings could be part of the answer to the sugar reduction crisis. If a flavouring can make something taste of strawberry, why can’t it also make it taste sweeter?

Natural flavourings would present a much more appealing option to reducing sugar content than traditional artificial sweeteners that have been used for many years. Here is a product that is 100% natural and can help to dramatically reduce sugar content in just about any product.

Presenting the I.T.S. SweetLITE™ solutions

At I.T.S. we are incredibly proud of our range of sugar reduction solutions. Our SweetLITE™ range provides a full scope across bakery, dairy, beverage and just about any application. The solutions help to offer customers sugar reduction claims of up to 50% and can also be declared as “natural flavourings” on pack. Not only do these not impact on taste but they can also improve mouthfeel and texture of products.

We realise that sugar reduction is never a one size fits all approach, this is why we have put together such a wide range of solutions, which is ever-growing as we develop to meet the needs of our customers.

Don’t believe the hype?

Now, we’re not saying we are the only flavour house that can offer you sugar reduction in your products, but we’re saying we are comfortable that you’d be hard pushed to find more effective solutions.

Our SweetLITE™ range has often been benchmarked against competitor technologies and more often than not comes out on top. It’s just something we’re good at and also incredibly passionate about.

Get in touch to find out more and how your products can benefit from our sugar reduction solutions.

Request a sample of our sugar reduction solutions.

I.T.S. Flavour Trends 2021

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Probably the most important flavour trends forecast you’ll ever read. There has never been a more important time to get updated with flavour trends.

After a turbulent year in the food and drink industry, 2020 has left people looking for hope and growth in 2021. As experts in natural flavourings, we work closely with many sectors in food and beverage to make sure we know what flavours are trending.

Our team have been busy researching which flavours will be big this year and the flavours that will help you stand out from the crowd.

Trend 1) Back to Basics

We aren’t out of the woods yet. Before you go racing ahead looking for the next big thing, review your range and ensure your core flavours are strong. We’re talking all the classics – chocolate, strawberry, lemon, blueberry – you know, the big sellers.

Retailers are still going to be tight on product lines and consumers shopping times will still be reduced, so your core range remains your most important flavours. This doesn’t mean you should stand still, get out there and start benchmarking against other flavours. Make sure yours is the best.

Request flavouring samples

Trend 2) Summer Flavours

We may have lost summer 2020, but we are going to make damn sure summer 2021 isn’t one to forget. Christmas is over, Easter is up in the air, but Summer 2021 is the one to aim for.

By summer, if all goes well, the world should be starting to open up again and it’ll be the time for your new flavours and products to shine. This one isn’t complicated – fruity flavours, refreshing flavours, cocktail flavours, flavours that remind people of their holidays and escapism, you’ve got this.

The key strategy should be to keep your head down and focus on your core flavours, but be busy developing ready for a big summer 2021. Watch out for a whole load of new beverage launches in 2021, we know as we’re being briefed already.

Request flavouring samples

Trend 3) Sensation Flavours

Now this one’s fun. Not just adding new flavours to your products, but sensations. What’s a sensation you ask? Well, it’s anything that adds an extra bit of ‘zing’ to a product. It could be heat, cooling, tingling, bitterness – anything that can add more depth and excitement.

With Limited Edition products looking to be a big hit this year due to brands still being uncertain and more ability to sell direct to consumer, Sensation Flavours could be the ideal flavour for a limited edition run.

Our top tip is to combine with one of our trends for last year, Fantasy Flavours. Last year Fantasy Flavours really took a hold on the market, now combine that with a Sensation Flavour and you could be onto something.

Request flavouring samples

Trend 4) Citrus 2.0

One of our favourites and always relevant is Citrus. We’re sure this should just be included in Flavour Trend reports every year as it’s always popular.

This year it takes extra relevance as it will play a big part in the Summer Flavours trend. Also, we’re not talking any old citrus flavours, we’re talking Citrus 2.0 – forget orange, lemon and lime, things are getting interesting in Citrus.

Request flavouring samples

Trend 5) Asian Aspirations

It’s back! Yes, Asian flavours were on our flavour report last year. Along with just about every other flavour house, we shouted this from the rooftops, why? Because of the Olympics of course, and then it got cancelled. Well, the Olympics will still happen and so will this flavour trend.

So, dust off those old notebooks from last year and start revisiting your Asian flavour ideas and get going.

Request flavouring samples

Trend 6) A Braver Flavour

Go on, be brave, we dare you. Now is the time to stand out and try something different, something braver.

Yes, you should focus on core flavours. Yes, you should focus on summer – but, there is still time to be brave. Brave flavours will help take consumers on a journey of escapism.

Whilst everyone is focusing on core flavours and retailers begin to get more faith back in experimenting, the opportunity for A Braver Flavour really opens up. What better time to be brave and stand out when everyone else is doing the same thing?

Request flavouring samples

There you have it – that’s what flavour trends will be big this year. To find out more and how these flavours can work with your products get in touch to arrange a flavour trends workshop with our team.