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Tate & Lyle has unveiled its proprietary formulation tool, Tate & Lyle Sensation, in the Asia-Pacific region.

This tool is set to transform the product development process, particularly within the rapidly evolving yogurt category, by aligning consumer preferences for mouthfeel with precise ingredient solutions.

The launch of Tate & Lyle Sensation marks a significant advancement in the company’s commitment to enhancing mouthfeel capabilities, a critical aspect of consumer satisfaction in F&B products.

This innovative tool translates consumer desires into scientific sensory language, enabling food manufacturers to create products that meet specific mouthfeel attributes more efficiently.

Forrest Evans, head of category development and planning for Asia-Pacific at Tate & Lyle, said: “The yogurt category in Asia is evolving quickly, with consumers increasingly seeking healthier, versatile and indulgent options without sacrificing texture".

He added: "Tate & Lyle Sensation streamlines the formulation process, allowing our customers to deliver superior sensory experiences faster and more accurately”.

The tool operates through a unique three-step process:

• Insight: Mapping consumer preferences for mouthfeel across various geographies and food categories.

• Translate: Converting consumer feedback into a scientific sensory lexicon.

• Solution: Developing a customised toolkit of ingredient solutions tailored to achieve desired mouthfeel characteristics.

This launch is particularly relevant in markets like China, where yogurt is not only a popular food choice but also a symbol of wellness.

Tate & Lyle's research identified two primary consumption occasions for yogurt in China: as a health-promoting option consumed after meals and as an indulgent treat enjoyed during breaks. These insights further underscore the need for products that deliver on both taste and texture.

Marcia Petit, global head of sensory at Tate & Lyle, noted that mouthfeel is essential for creating appealing yogurt products. “Our research shows that consumers in Asian markets are looking for both sensory delight and nutritional value,” she said.

She continued: “Tate & Lyle Sensation helps translate those consumer desires into actionable insights, making it easier for manufacturers to deliver the exact textures consumers crave”.

This initiative builds on Tate & Lyle’s extensive expertise in ingredient innovation, particularly following its recent acquisition of CP Kelco, which has enhanced its portfolio of mouthfeel ingredients.

The company now offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including starches, fibres, gums, pectins, sweeteners and proteins, positioning itself as a leader in the realm of food texture and mouthfeel.