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HealthTech Bio Actives (HTBA), a producer of citrus flavonoids and active forms of vitamin B12, has announced the unveiling of its OptiTaste taste modulation solutions platform. This initiative, which will be showcased during IFT FIRST, seeks to address the growing demand for enhanced flavour profiles in food and beverage applications while promoting health and nutrition.

The OptiTaste platform is designed to tackle common formulation challenges in the industry, offering solutions that optimise sweetness, balance flavour profiles and mask undesirable tastes. This approach is particularly relevant as manufacturers increasingly focus on reducing sugar content and improving overall product quality amidst rising consumer health consciousness.

The platform is built on HTBA’s expertise in flavonoid-based taste modulation. It includes several innovative solutions:

OptiTaste Sweetness: Aimed at optimising sweetness profiles while minimising added sugars.

OptiTaste Balance: Enhances mouthfeel and fine-tunes bitterness and flavour top-notes, catering to diverse flavour preferences.

OptiTaste Masking: Suppresses astringency and masks off-notes and aftertastes, addressing common consumer complaints regarding bitterness in products.

During IFT, HTBA will offer samples of various prototypes, including a salted caramel smart energy popcorn infused with caffeine and MecobalActive vitamin B12.

The emphasis on natural origin ingredients, including Upcycled Certified components, aligns with current trends favouring sustainability and ethical sourcing. HTBA’s approach not only addresses flavour enhancement but also responds to consumer demands for cleaner labels and environmentally friendly practices.

Tom D'Hoore, chief commercial officer of HTBA, highlighted the company's commitment to advancing its food and beverage offerings, particularly following the completion of a new state-of-the-art production facility in Murcia, Spain. This facility is part of a broader €25 million investment in research, development, and manufacturing modernisation, aimed at enhancing HTBA's capability to deliver innovative solutions to its partners.