Synergy Develops Flavors for Whey and Stevia

Since whey protein and stevia have been associated with negative taste profiles and bitter off-notes, developing a product that balances taste and the functionality requires a dose of strategy, a degree of insight, and a measure of innovative flavor creation.

Oct 21 2010 --- In response to the demand for high-protein, low-calorie products in sports nutrition and the growing trend for natural products in this category, Synergy Flavors Inc., an international flavors and ingredients company, has tackled the flavoring challenges associated with whey protein and the natural sweetener stevia. Synergy has developed a range of flavors from traditional chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla to more trendy and complex flavors such as honey cream and baked oatmeal. Since whey protein and stevia have been associated with negative taste profiles and bitter off-notes, developing a product that balances taste and the functionality requires a dose of strategy, a degree of insight, and a measure of innovative flavor creation.

Synergy is uniquely positioned in the flavor industry to provide expert solutions for food and beverages containing whey protein as a division of Carbery Ingredients, a leading manufacturer of whey protein. In addition to a protein heritage, Synergy has translated learnings from their partnership with North Carolina State University into a quantitative approach to designing flavors in protein-based products across a broad range of sweetening systems, including stevia.

Greg Bach, Vice President of Business Development at Synergy Flavors, says, "Synergy, along with our parent company Carbery, is dedicated to the principal of increasing the palatability of nutritional products. We're accomplishing this by deploying our joint sensory and analytical tools and working with research organizations to better understand the components that contribute to the off-notes in protein and other functional ingredients."

Synergy is Carbery's flavor ingredients business. With extensive experience in many sectors of the food, beverage, and nutritional industries, Synergy provides integrated products and solutions. To a global customer base, the company offers a wide range of sweet, suitable for organic and certified organic flavors, additionally Vanlab branded vanilla extracts and Saporesse branded savory ingredients. Synergy has production, R&D, and technical facilities in the United States, Europe, Asia and South America. Synergy offers local access to its expertise and provides a strong portfolio of customized and cost-effective flavors to all its markets.