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Small molecules that reduce the bitter properties of food and beverages

Agriculture
Food Production & Products
Food Nutrition & Quality Enhancement
Foods, Additives, & Supplements
College
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES)
Researchers
Peterson, Devin
Gao, Chengyu
Licensing Manager
Dahlman, Jason "Jay"
(614)292-7945
dahlman.3@osu.edu

T2020-141 The Need: Flavor Modulating Compounds for Healthier Food and Beverages

In a world where taste preferences drive consumer choices, the demand for nutritious and palatable food and beverages remains at an all-time high. However, many nutrient-rich foods, such as vegetables and whole grains, often possess bitter flavors that can be unappealing to consumers. To make these foods more enjoyable and mask the bitterness, manufacturers frequently resort to excessive amounts of unhealthy additives like fats, sugars, and salts. The result is a trade-off between taste and health, leaving consumers seeking a solution that provides both flavor satisfaction and nutritional benefits.

The Technology: Innovative Flavor Modulating Compounds

Our technology offers a groundbreaking solution to the challenge of balancing taste and health in food and beverages. Developed as additives for the food industry, our flavor modulating compounds effectively block or modulate bitter flavors, enabling significant reductions in the need for added sugars and salts. By utilizing these compounds, manufacturers can maintain the palatability of their products without compromising on nutritional value.

Commercial Applications: Unlocking the Potential

The versatility of our flavor modulating compounds opens up numerous commercial applications across various food and beverage categories:

  • Healthy Snacks: Create nutritious and appealing snacks using bitter-rich ingredients, like vegetable chips and whole grain crackers, while minimizing the need for excessive unhealthy additives.
  • Low-Sugar Beverages: Develop refreshing drinks with reduced sugar content, ensuring that consumers enjoy a satisfying taste experience without the guilt of excess sugar consumption.
  • Nutrient-Enhanced Foods: Enhance the flavor profile of nutrient-rich foods, such as salads and soups, to make them more enjoyable, encouraging healthier eating habits.
  • Confectionery: Improve the taste of health-focused sweets and candies, enabling confectionery brands to cater to health-conscious consumers.
  • Ready-to-Eat Meals: Incorporate flavor modulating compounds into pre-packaged meals, enhancing taste while adhering to nutritional guidelines.

Benefits/Advantages: Elevating Consumer Experience and Market Appeal

Our flavor modulating compounds offer an array of advantages for food and beverage manufacturers, making them a valuable addition to any product development strategy:

  • Healthier Product Profiles: Enable the creation of low-sugar, low-salt products, supporting consumer health and well-being.
  • Uncompromised Taste: Maintain delicious flavor profiles while reducing or eliminating unhealthy additives, satisfying consumer cravings.
  • Market Differentiation: Stand out in a crowded market by offering healthier alternatives without sacrificing taste.
  • Health-Conscious Appeal: Attract health-conscious consumers seeking better-for-you options, expanding your target audience.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Align with evolving nutritional guidelines and regulations, positioning your products for long-term success.

In conclusion, our flavor modulating compounds revolutionize the way food and beverages are formulated. By addressing the commercial need for healthier options without compromising on taste, our technology unlocks vast opportunities for manufacturers to create products that appeal to consumers' palates and prioritize their well-being. Join us on this journey towards a future of delightful, nutritious, and flavorful food and drink experiences.