plants, delivering both strong and authentic flavour profiles.
Thus, they help ensure well-balanced flavour in the
end product, which can be particularly important for low-
and zero sugar formulations.
As direct derivates of botanicals, natural extracts are a
valuable addition to ingredient lists, supporting, for example,
vegan or vegetarian positioning. Being all-natural and
GMO-free, they go straight to the heart of a product’s natural
appeal and create value by validating a clean label or a
brand’s “free-from” promise.
Moreover, extracts convey not just the flavour essence
of their corresponding plants, but also the beliefs and traditions
associated with them. In terms of a product’s marketing,
the presence of natural extracts causes a psychological
“halo-effect”, thus creating a good impression of the product,
influenced by positive feelings related to the extracts.
Strength, relaxation and mental focus
According to Sensient Flavors, utilizing healing plants wellknown
in traditional medicine will be one of the leading
flavour trends in the ice cream segment in 2021. Thanks to
Ingredients ¦ IDM
carefully chosen extraction techniques, natural extracts can
also conserve the functional properties of healing botanicals
– and so gently assist bodily functions, for example, by
promoting calming effects, boosting mental energy or supporting
the immune system.
Elderberry extract is a perfect example of an ingredient
that is both tasty and functional. It has emerged as a superfood
in the growing vitamin category thanks to its high
content of phytonutrients that help protect cells against
oxidative stress. The same dual purpose is true of Passionflower,
as it provides more than just a fresh and fruity taste.
The plant has antidepressant and calming effects, as it
boosts the level of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the
brain. This has been shown to ease anxiety and promote relaxation,
without affecting concentration.4 Ever popular is
Chamomile – not only as an old favourite flavouring agent
but also one of the most ancient natural remedies for the
treatment of stress, anxiety and insomnia.
Natural herbal power also has much to offer when it
comes to improving focus and concentration, enhancing
memory and stimulating mental energy. For example,
Green tea helps to promote mental performance and reaction
time, thanks to unique amino acid L-theanine contained
in the leaves. Another valuable mind enhancer is
unroasted Green Coffee Beans. The extracts of Green Coffee
Beans, such as those produced by Sensient Flavors, are
extremely high in caffeine (9-12% wt.) and thus promise a
mind and motivation boost when used in ice cream.
Spice up your life
With 66 per cent of dairy consumers keen to experiment with
new and unusual flavours when shopping for food5, it is perhaps
not surprising that classic flavours such as vanilla, strawberry
or chocolate seem to be rather outdated when it comes
to new ice cream creations. Taking their place is a new up
and coming flavour trend highlighted by Sensient Flavours.
Known as Swavory, it is an eclectic fusion of sweet and savoury
tastes. Currently, the lines between sweet and savoury
tastes are blurring in the ice cream segment, with inclusions
such as cheese, breads and pretzels growing in popularity.
(photo: shutterstock)
Natural extracts help ensure well-balanced flavour in the
end product (photo: shutterstock)
January/February 2021 ¦ international-dairy.com · 19
/international-dairy.com
