Synergy, a leading global flavor supplier with nutritional expertise, has launched a new range of flavors for plant-based protein products. Specially engineered for plant-protein bases, including pea, brown rice, hemp, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed, the ‘Paired to Perfection’ range comprises varieties of the core sports nutrition flavors of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate, as well as novel combinations, such as indulgent dessert-inspired, or coffee-based flavors like coffee caramel/café latte.

A recent FMCG Gurus Sports Nutrition survey revealed that 50% of consumers find plant-based claims appealing when it comes to sports nutrition products, however concerns around taste and texture are key barriers to purchase.

Utilizing a proprietary process based on the expert application of Synergy’s robust sensory and analytical resources, a team of flavor experts have successfully characterized the varied off notes present in plant-based proteins.  Synergy’s teams use this data to quicky identify taste challenges which need masking, or in some cases, augmenting, allowing our teams to optimize the taste of their entire product with the addition of Synergy’s specially formulated flavor.

In addition to the re-engineered core flavors, Synergy has also created a range of trending flavors which pair well with plant protein bases across powders, ready to drink beverages (RTDs) and bars. Synergy also works with individual customers to create bespoke flavors for plant-based protein products.

Chris Whiting, Category Manager at Synergy Flavors, comments: “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 flavor 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”.

Sarah O’Neill, Marketing Manager at Carbery, Synergy’s parent company, added: “In August 2020, we conducted a survey in the UK and the US with consumers who had purchased plant-based nutritional products in the past 6 months. We found that flavor preference varied across applications and regions, with UK consumers generally favoring berry profiles across product formats and US consumers preferring dessert and sweet brown flavor profiles. These insights helped us to develop regionally specific flavors that pair well with plant protein bases and satisfy global consumer demands.”

Looking to the future, Synergy plans to take on even more challenging plant protein bases and be ready to support further innovation as processing developments make plant proteins applicable in a wider range of products, such as carbonated beverages, baked goods, and hot beverages.

For more information on the range, please visit https://www.synergytaste.com/nutrition/paired-to-perfection