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I.T.S has introduced a new range of natural flavour solutions to support the development of creamy-flavoured and dessert-inspired cold beverages, such as cream sodas.

The flavour house has developed the range to help manufacturers create smoother, richer and more indulgent drinks across a wide range of beverage applications.

Flavours in the range include ice cream vanilla, creamy coconut, cream soda, clotted cream, creamy vanilla, and strawberries and cream.

Briony Rideout, senior beverage innovations specialist at I.T.S, said that creamy flavours are “having their moment,” inspired by coffee shop culture, social media trends and US drink innovations.

I.T.S points to the US beverage market as ‘the origin’ of creamy flavoured drinks, with the use of creamy flavour profiles now expanding across global soda brands in addition to functional health and wellness drinks.

The trend is driving big brand interest, with recent launches including Pepsi’s Cream Soda, Strawberries ‘N’ Cream and ice cream-inspired cola flavours, and Red Bull’s Iced Vanilla Berry edition.

“Creamy flavours make a drink feel smoother, playful and more indulgent, not to mention bold and colourful too,” said Rideout. “They can soften sharp notes, round out sweetness and give a product a more nostalgic finish. With 90s culture a big trend, cream sodas in particular tap right into this vibe.”

“The American influence is giving UK beverage brands more room to explore richer, smoother and more nostalgic flavour profiles and we are seeing several innovative UK launches in the category too. Our new range of natural creamy flavours offer beverage manufacturers an easy and cost-effective route to new product launches in this expanding category.”