Symrise taps into “satisfying” plant-based protein products amid evolving consumer attitudes

17 Sep 2021 --- Symrise has bundled and reinforced its taste solutions for plant protein products. The company is addressing the changing attitudes toward meat and traditional dairy products with this. This trend is driven by factors including health motivations, the growing popularity of flexitarian diets, and a desire to benefit the environment by feeding the world’s population.

Plant-based products are no longer niche, with various international consumer groups embracing them for healthier and more sustainable alternatives to traditional meat and dairy products. 

In line with one of Innova Market Insights’ top trends this year, “Plant-Forward,” the theme spotlights expansion to different regions and categories in 2021. According to the market researcher, accelerated demand for new plant-based formats and more sophisticated alternatives is forecasted for upcoming successful launches.

Notably, sales of plant-based alternatives are soaring, especially in Asia, the US and Europe, with more investment in companies, specifically start-ups that offer protein alternatives, reflected by a growing number of companies trying to obtain a share of this fast-paced market.

Symrise helps manufacturers add depth and appeal to plant-based alternatives and products that deliver what consumers are looking for – unique and authentic taste experiences.In this context, Symrise is helping F&B manufacturers meet emerging consumer demands regarding plant-based protein products by analyzing consumer sentiment and market changes. 

These insights guide Symrise’s creation of integrated solutions for alternative protein products. 

In particular, Symrise provides authentic taste solutions for products tasting like meat and vegetarian culinary and dairy alternatives.

Recent examples include the company harnessing AI to discover novel flavor-modulating ingredients in a plethora of plant varieties.

The German flavor house also recently revealed that the plant-based dairy alternatives segment embraces “rapid change.”

In June, Symrise unveiled its latest development, application and sensory laboratories in Dubai. The company has invested around €1 million (US$1.2 million) into the facilities to decode, design and deliver taste solutions for F&B brands in the regions of the Middle East, Pakistan and parts of Africa.

Symrise’s culinary toolbox features a three-fold approach by:

• 1. Masking undesirable protein off-notes. Symrise’s proprietary Proti-scan technology helps to identify the specific off-notes to then optimally balance these.
• 2. Enrichment. Adding richness, juiciness and taste complexity through the use of specific taste blocks.
• 3. Typification. Impart a specific meaty or vegetable taste profile.

Applying these proprietary tools and taste ingredients, Symrise helps customers overcome one of the main barriers to consumer adoption, often rooted in unfavorable taste, which they might experience otherwise. 

“Products that embrace alternative proteins depend for their success on great taste and integrated solutions. Symrise’s integrated solutions can mask the unwanted off-notes of proteins and fibers while providing superior juiciness and richness and, of course, great tastes that are more than a match for traditional products,” says Marieke Hamschmidt, junior global marketing manager – flavor and nutrition division Symrise.

By combining the best of nature with the best of science, Symrise can bring deep-rooted technical acumen to understanding and optimizing plant protein bases. 

Further, the company states that customers benefit from Symrise’s unique backward integration, enabling transparent sourcing of raw materials of superior quality. 

Edited by Elizabeth Green