Plant protein perfection

Global flavour supplier Synergy​ has launched a new range of flavours specially engineered for plant-protein bases. The ‘Paired to Perfection’ range comprises core sports nutrition flavors of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate, as well as novel combinations, such as dessert-inspired, or coffee-based flavors like coffee caramel/café latte.

Chris Whiting, category manager at Synergy Flavors, explains that Synergy's flavour experts characterised the varied off notes present in plant-based proteins to identify taste challenges associated which need masking, or in some cases, augmenting. 

“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 wellbeing. 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 flavor creation process ensures we deliver successful products for sports nutrition manufacturers which offer more choice to consumers in this increasingly dynamic market”.​

In August 2020, Synergy conducted a survey in the UK and the US with consumers who had purchased plant-based nutritional products in the past six months and found that flavour preference varied across applications and regions, with UK consumers generally favouring berry profiles across product formats and US consumers preferring dessert and sweet brown flavor profiles. With these insights, the team developed regionally specific flavors that pair well with plant protein bases.