Category: Dairy & Dairy Free

The EU Smoke Flavour Ban: What It Means for Cheese Makers

Posted on by adam cohen

The clock is ticking for cheese manufacturers across Europe. Starting 1 July 2026, the European Union will officially ban the use of traditional smoke flavourings in most food categories, including cheese. This decision aims to phase out eight specific traditional smoke flavourings.

But before you start thinking about ditching your smoked cheddar or gouda, there’s good news. Natural smoke-free flavours are here to help you maintain that rich, smoky profile without breaching the new regulations.

What the EU Smoke Flavours Ban Means for Cheese Manufacturers

Smoked cheeses are more than just a product, they’re a tradition. Whether it’s a tangy smoked gouda or a robust smoked cheddar, these flavours are crucial to your offerings. With the upcoming ban, it’s important to find compliant alternatives that don’t compromise on taste.

Why Natural Smoke-Free Flavours Are the Solution

Natural smoke-free flavours replicate the taste and aroma of traditional smoke without using banned smoke condensates. They are:

  • Compliant with EU regulations
  • Clean-label friendly
  • Easy to integrate into existing cheese recipes

These flavours are especially effective in cheese, delivering woody, nutty, spicy, and caramel notes that make smoked cheese so loved.

Our Range of Natural Smoke-Free Flavours for Cheese

At I.T.S. we offer a range of natural smoke-free flavours designed specifically for cheese applications:

Flavour CodeFlavour NameMain Flavour Characteristics in Cheese
13250Hickory Style Smoke FlavouringSavoury, bitter, phenolic, meaty
13471Smoke Type FlavouringCharred, woody, sweet, caramel
13660Smoke-Style FlavouringWoody, nutty, savoury
13668Smoke Style Flavouring (Applewood)Charred, sweet, mild
14055Smoke-Style FlavouringSpicy, charred, strong, meaty
14175Applewood Smoke Type FlavouringAppley, fruity, sharp, nutty
14603Beechwood Type Smoke FreeMild, earthy, woody, charred

How Cheese Makers Can Stay Ahead

Adopting natural smoke-free flavours now helps you:

  • Maintain signature smoky profiles in cheeses
  • Stay fully compliant with the EU ban from 1 July 2026
  • Appeal to health-conscious and clean-label consumers
  • Avoid costly reformulations or product withdrawals

Want to try natural smoke free flavours for yourself? Request a sample today and experience how our smoke-free flavours can transform your cheese products.

REQUEST A SAMPLE

Crossbreed Fruit Flavours: The Next Big Trend in Food & Drink

Posted on by adam cohen

Have you ever tried a tangelo? No? You’re missing out…

Crossbreed fruits like pineberries and tangelos have been making waves in UK supermarkets. Retailers like Waitrose have championed these hybrids, showing consumers that fruit doesn’t just have to be a boring old apple or banana.

A whole new fruity world is opening up.

Now, these exciting crossbred flavours are moving from the fruit aisle into product development, and brands that move fast can capture the buzz.

We’ve created a brand-new range of 100% natural crossbreed flavours designed to help you bring this trend straight into your drinks, snacks, bakery, or dairy launches

Discover Our Natural Crossbreed Flavour Range

Each flavour is designed to replicate the excitement of real fruit crossbreeds, bold, juicy, and brave.

  • Melon Berry Flavour – a refreshingly juicy melon base lifted with sweet berry notes; bright, light, and perfect for summer product launches.
  • Tangelo Flavour – a zesty blend of tangerine and pomelo; citrus with a twist that’s perfect for soft drinks or confectionery.
  • Limelon Flavour – sharp lime meets mellow melon; crisp, cooling, and seriously thirst-quenching for beverages and frozen treats.
  • Blood Lime Flavour – rich citrus depth with ruby-red intensity; a sophisticated yet playful flavour for cocktails, desserts, or dairy.
  • Pineberry Flavour – strawberry’s tropical cousin; pale, pretty, and pineapple-kissed, ideal for eye-catching yogurts or bakery.
  • Boysenberry Flavour – a bold dark berry with jammy richness; indulgent and perfect for sauces, fillings, or premium drinks.
  • Peach Berry Flavour – soft, juicy peach rounded with a ripe berry sweetness; smooth, sunny, and versatile across applications.

Why Are Crossbreed Flavours Trending?

Crossbreed fruits and flavours are more than a novelty, they tap into key consumer trends:

  • Curiosity factor: familiar yet different, they encourage trial and discovery.
  • Visual appeal: striking colours and unique looks make them a hit on social media.
  • Premium positioning: retailers like Waitrose use crossbreeds to create a sense of exclusivity and excitement.
  • Flavour exploration: hybrids deliver exciting twists on everyday favourites, ideal for new product development.

100% Natural, Trend-Led, and Ready for NPD

Our crossbreed flavours are:

  • 100% natural: no artificial notes, just clean-label flavour impact.
  • Versatile: developed for use across beverages, snacks, bakery, and dairy.
  • Allergen-free, BRCGS AA certified & carbon neutral flavours.

If you’re looking to be braver with flavour, our crossbreed flavour range is the perfect way to stand out in a crowded market.

Request a Sample Today

Don’t get left behind, taste the future of flavour. Request a sample of our natural crossbreed flavours and discover how they can elevate your next product launch.

Contact us today to request your crossbreed flavour samples.

Why Natural Flavours Are a Smart Move as Cherry Prices Climb

Posted on by adam cohen

Cherry prices are on the rise across Europe and beyond. Thanks to frost, poor harvests and supply chain hiccups. And when real fruit gets pricey (or hard to get hold of), leaning too heavily on cherries and cherry purees can be risky.

Even though UK crops held up well this year, the global shortage is still pushing prices up, making things tricky for food and drink brands.

And just to make things even more complicated…cherry is booming right now.

Cherry is one of the trendiest flavours of 2025. Popping up in everything from bold new sodas and tangy sours to retro desserts and creamy yoghurts. Consumers love it, retailers want it, and brands are going big on it.

So, how do you keep up with demand without breaking the bank?

That’s where natural cherry flavours come in. All the taste, minus the cost or supply headaches.

Here’s how they can help:

  • Big, bold taste – they deliver on flavour, so your products hit the mark every time.
  • Reliable – no batch-to-batch flavour drift.
  • Stable supply – no sudden shortages or shipping delays.
  • More cost-effective – no exposure to volatile fruit markets.
  • Super versatile – great across drinks, dairy, bakery and desserts.

Request a sample of some of our cherry natural flavours:

  • Acerola Cherry
  • Black Cherry
  • Cherry Purree
  • Fleshy Cherry
  • Maraschino Cherry
  • Red Cherry
  • Sour Cherry
  • Sweet Cherry

Get in touch to get started, and we’ll send you some samples to give a try.

What’s Next for Food & Drink? Food and Beverage Market Trends.

Posted on by itsflavours

The food and drink world is shifting fast, and we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve. Let’s dive into what’s shaking up the industry right now.

Brace yourselves… it’s not all that pretty.

Big Picture: The World is a Bit of a Mess

We all know it—things are uncertain. Global conflicts, climate chaos, and economic pressures are hitting people hard. Social media amplifies this uncertainty, making the world feel both closer and further apart at the same time.

We are living in a time of extremes. No more fence-sitting.

Tech Bites Back: AI & Weight Loss Trends

Technology is on the brink of massive change. We’re shifting from a world that uses technology to a world led by technology.

  • AI is everywhere—even in food and drink. A +720% rise in AI-related product launches tells us one thing: brands are using tech to innovate. AI is transforming everything from manufacturing and supply chains to product development.
  • The Ozempic effect is real. The Hollywood weight-loss jab has gone mainstream. The appetite suppressant, made famous by the stars, is gaining momentum. There’s been a 10% increase in weight-management product launches. Consumers want healthier options that don’t compromise on flavour. The challenge? Making these products taste amazing. That’s where natural flavour innovation comes in.

If you’re not on the tech train already, get prepped and jump on board. You can’t afford to be left behind.

Just for You: Let’s Get Personal

This might just be the most important trend. Health claims have never been so niche and personal. People want food that fits their lifestyle, culture, and health needs.

  • 48% of U.S. women say they need better education on women’s health and nutrition.
  • 50% of global consumers want food and drink that reflects their traditions.

This is a massive opportunity. Whether it’s bringing bold regional flavours into mainstream products, crafting nostalgic comfort flavours, or adding functional benefits like hydration and brain health, brands that get personal will win big.

Trust Issues: The Time for Brands is Now

Supermarkets are upping their game. The big retailers are offering premium flavours and formats at competitive prices, pushing brands harder than ever. Gone are the days when own-label products were the boring option. Brands must double down on loyalty to build stronger relationships with customers.

  • 40% of UK consumers want to know more about the people behind their food.
  • 58% say collaborations between brands make products more appealing.

That means transparency, authenticity, and great storytelling matter. Showcasing sustainability, origin stories, and partnerships isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential.

The Pricing Crisis: What’s Getting More Expensive Now?

Cocoa, oranges, butter—yikes, it’s getting crazy out there. What’s next? Make sure you have a Plan B to protect your supply chain and margins.

  • Cocoa prices? Up 300% in 2024. Chocolate makers, we feel your pain.
  • Butter costs keep climbing. Thirty-seven out of 117 butter SKUs in UK supermarkets went up in price late last year.
  • Oranges are in short supply. Juices and citrus-flavoured products are taking a hit.

So, what’s the move? Brands are getting creative—reformulating recipes, exploring alternative ingredients, and using natural flavours to maintain taste while balancing costs. Smart solutions are everything right now.

The Bottom Line: How to Navigate this Mess

The food and drink industry is changing fast. Prices are rising, tech is evolving, and consumer expectations are higher than ever. Brands that stay flexible, invest in bold flavours, and build trust will come out on top.

At I.T.S., we’ve got the natural flavour solutions to keep your products exciting, relevant, and cost-effective. Let’s talk about how we can help.

Flavour Trends 2025: What Product Developers Need to Know

Posted on by itsflavours

Attention all food and beverage innovators – 2025 is shaping up to be a game-changing year in flavour. Consumers are craving bolder experiences, nostalgic throwbacks, and global inspirations, and it’s up to you to bring those trends to life.

We’ve dived into the latest market trends, so you don’t have to. Here’s what’s driving consumer preferences – and how you can stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.

Eastern Eats: The Global Flavours Taking Over

Asian cuisine has been quietly dominating menus, and now it’s taking over flavour innovation too. Expect to see punchy, tropical, and aromatic flavours hitting everything from beverages to bakery.

Flavour Opportunities:

  • Yuzu (+19%) – A citrus superstar making waves in drinks, desserts, and even condiments.
  • Japanese-Inspired Flavours (+20%) – Think matcha, miso, and wasabi breaking into new categories.
  • Korean Flavours (+32%) – Gochujang, kimchi, and soy-garlic are ready to shake up snacks, marinades, and beverages.
  • Lychee (+10%) – Floral, fruity, and ideal for premium drinks.

Key Takeaway: Eastern flavours aren’t just a trend – they’re a movement. Consumers are craving depth, umami, and complexity in their flavour experiences.

Request a flavour sample

Big, Bold & In-Your-Face Flavours

Forget subtle. Consumers want impactful flavours that stand out from the first bite (or sip). Think smoky, salty, sour, and rich umami profiles designed to create memorable experiences.

Flavour Opportunities:

  • Salty (+40%) – Lean into salt-forward snacks, salted caramel desserts and sweet and salty flavour explosion.
  • Margarita (+17%) – Expand into alcohol-free RTDs, sorbets, desserts and even cupcakes!
  • Hickory Smoked (+10%) – Add depth to sauces, cheese, meats, and plant-based alternatives.
  • Sour (+20%) – Perfect for next-gen confectionery, sour ales, and something a little bit different.

Key Takeaway: Consumers expect bold, statement flavours. How will your next launch deliver?

Request a flavour sample

Swicy: The Sweet + Spicy Revolution

The fusion of sweet and spicy—aka “swicy”—is on fire (literally). Gen Z loves it, and it’s popping up in snacks, condiments, cocktails, and desserts.

Flavour Opportunities:

  • Flamin’ Hot (+10%) – How can you evolve the spicy snack craze?
  • Green Chili (+23%) – Consumers are looking for heat with depth.
  • Sweet BBQ (+16%) – Perfect for marinades, nuts, glazes, and dips

Key Takeaway: This trend isn’t slowing down. If your sweet & spicy line isn’t evolving, it’s falling behind.

Request a flavour sample

Mad About Melon: The Breakout Fruit of 2025

Melon is emerging as the next big flavour, particularly in beverages, frozen treats, and confectionery.

Opportunities for Flavour:

  • Melon (+24%) – A staple in RTDs, hydration drinks, and summer-inspired snacks.
  • Honeydew (+68%) – Underutilized in dairy, cocktails, and functional foods.

Key Takeaway: Consumers associate melon with refreshment and fun – capitalize on that emotional connection.

Request a flavour sample

Everlasting Flavours: Nostalgia with a Twist

Retro flavours are making a modern comeback – but with premium, creative twists. Think childhood favourites reimagined for today’s sophisticated consumer.

Opportunities for Flavour:

  • S’mores (+73%) – The classic indulgent American dessert snack. A natural fit for desserts, dairy, and coffee syrups.
  • Honeycomb (+18%) – Luxurious ice creams, spreads, and bakery items. A trusted indulgent flavour. 
  • Blue Raspberry (+24%) – Retro, bold, and prime for energy drinks and candies.

Key Takeaway: Tap into emotional connections by modernizing comforting, nostalgic flavours.

Request a flavour sample

Brave Flavours: The New Frontier

Consumers – especially younger demographics – are seeking adventurous, boundary-pushing flavours. Expect floral, tropical, and heat-infused options to rise.

Opportunities for Flavour:

  • Habanero Chili (+37%) – A growing player in chocolate, sauces, and RTD cocktails. More spicy flavours exploding into new product development. 
  • Pina Colada (+21%) – Trending in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage categories – perfect flavour to cross over into new sectors like dairy and bakery.
  • Elderberry (+28%) – An exciting verry flavour that works perfectly with botanical-infused options for teas, spirits, and wellness brands.

Key Takeaway: Stand out by offering unexpected flavour combinations that challenge the norm.

Request a flavour sample

What’s Next? Stay Ahead of the Curve

Flavour trends in 2025 are lasting longer, hitting harder, and requiring more innovation.

To succeed, product developers should:

  • Embrace bold, high-impact flavours that create instant appeal.
  • Personalize nostalgia by giving classic flavours an updated twist.
  • Leverage global and botanical inspirations for a premium feel.
  • Plan for supply chain challenges – pricing on key ingredients like cocoa and butter is volatile.

Ready to innovate? The future of flavour is waiting – make sure your next launch is on-trend and unforgettable.

Which trends are shaping your product roadmap? Get in touch to request sample or find out more.

Key Trends in Dairy – Dairy Innovation Strategies Conference 2024

Posted on by itsflavours

It’s time to talk flavour trends in the dairy industry.

The I.T.S. team will be joining some of the biggest names of the dairy and dairy-free industry in Copenhagen at the Dairy Innovation Strategy Conference 2024.

The conference takes place on 24th – 25th of April at the AC Hotel Bella Sky, Copenhagen.

The yearly conference welcomes in the 10th year and the agenda looks bigger than ever. The conference offers a unique space for the dairy industry to network and discuss all the latest trends and technical developments. We’ll be on hand to cover all things flavour.

Taking the stage to talk about natural flavours in dairy and dairy-free.

Never one to turn down the chance to share our opinions on flavour – we’ll be taking to the stage to discuss flavour trends. Owner of I.T.S. Mike Bagshaw, will join a panel discussion focusing on key trends in dairy – enrichment, fortification, taste and ways of consumption.

Completing the panel lineup will be Vicky Davis (Global Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina), Johan Garssen (Chief Scientific Advisor, Danone), and Sarah Bjerre Lindboe (QEHS and Innovation Manager, Dragsbæk Group).

Experience and taste our latest and on-trend natural flavours.

After the dust has settled on our dairy trends panel discussion you’ll be able to find the team hanging around on a brightly coloured table showcasing our flavours. We’ll be pitching up and bringing along some of our favourites to show off. You’ll be able to sample classic core flavours and a braver flavour. We’ll also have something a little bit special, so make sure you pop by our table and have a taste. 

Heading to the event and want to catch up? Or maybe you just want to chat how our flavours could help you? Get in touch and we’d be happy to help. 


REQUEST FLAVOUR SAMPLES

Hottest Flavour Trends in Dairy & Dairy Alternatives 2023

Posted on by itsflavours

Moo-ve over boring flavours in dairy and dairy alternatives.

It’s time for boring flavours in the dairy and dairy category to moo-ve over. We have put in the hard work of looking at the category to outline the biggest and fastest growing flavours emerging.

Our new report outlines the flavours you need to be working with in a whole range of dairy categories. Ice cream flavours, yoghurt flavours and of course flavoured milk – we’ve looked at it all.

Your one stop shop for all your flavour trend needs in the dairy and dairy alternative category. There has never been a more exciting time for the category as the growing dairy alternative space is pushing innovation with new and exciting flavours. 

Click here to download the report and get started with braver flavours.

UHT Proof Natural Flavours for Dairy and Dairy Alternatives

Posted on by itsflavours

Natural Flavours Ready for UHT Production

UHT-Proof Natural Flavours for Dairy and Dairy Alternatives

Struggling to get flavour to deliver after UHT processing? Flavouring UHT milk can be tricky. UHT treatment by definition presents barriers for flavour delivery. The ultra-heat treatment involved in the process can dramatically impact on flavour characteristics and profiles. That’s why it is important to run trials and test flavour ingredients to make sure your flavour is really delivering.

In-House UHT Pilot Plant

Tired of running flavoured milk through UHT processing only to find the flavour has changed, or completely disappeared? Sick of the wastage and wasting time? Well, we are here to help. If we were seriously going to make a range of flavours that were made specifically for UHT process, we were going to need to do some testing.

To make sure our testing was spot on, we only went and installed our very own UHT pilot plant. Yes, that’s right, a flavour house has its own UHT pilot plant on-site. But we aren’t just any old flavour house, remember.

With our new state of the art UHT equipment, we were able to run trials with various dairy and dairy alternatives products. This made sure we could check the flavour delivery really came through and that all flavours are fully UHT proofed. Our Flavourists worked closely with our team on the UHT facility to make sure everything was still tasting just as delicious after the UHT treatment.

Our Flavourists could then adapt and make subtle changes to flavour profiles to ensure they could withstand the intense heat of the milk processing.

Natural Flavour Range Tried and Tested for UHT

We’ve now got a tasty little range of unique natural flavours that are ready for your UHT production. We’ve tested and worked these flavours on both dairy and various dairy alternatives milk. So, whatever your preference, we have the flavour.

Take a look at some of our favourites below and request a sample to give it a go.

Banana Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Strawberry Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Toffee Fudge Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Caramel Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Vanilla Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Milk Chocolate Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Dark Chocolate Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Ginger Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Raspberry Ripple Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Black Cherry Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Banoffee Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Coffee Crème Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Gingerbread Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Cookies & Cream Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample

Honeycomb Natural Flavour (UHT Proof) – Request a sample