Flavor Extracts For Beverages
Flavor Extracts For Beverages
Flavor extracts are a great way to create unique drink flavors without the use of syrup. These all-natural products are also more cost-effective than many pump-bottle syrups.
They are made by soaking raw materials in alcohol and water to extract their essential flavoring elements. The result is a clear* product that can be used in recipes requiring low to no heat.
They’re versatile
Regardless of the latest diets and food trends, flavor is one attribute that consumers never want to compromise. Fortunately, beverage formulators have tools like extracts to help them create beverages that meet consumer demand for flavor.
Extracts are concentrated versions of natural Flavors from fruits, plants, spices, or herbs that provide distinct taste and aroma profiles to foods and beverages. They are popular in baking, cooking, and beverage-making to infuse recipes with distinct flavors without the need for fresh ingredients. In drinks, they can be used to elevate cocktails and mocktails or infused with fruit, ice cream, coffee, and tea beverages for unique taste profiles.
For example, a root beer extract can bring the classic taste of soda to non-alcoholic cocktails and mocktails. Similarly, a lemon extract can add a bright citrus kick to drinks. And vanilla extract can be an excellent addition flavor extracts for beverages to a variety of non-alcoholic cocktails and mocktails, as well as iced coffees and milkshakes.
The versatility of extracts can make them a powerful ingredient for beverage developers to leverage in formulating products that meet today’s consumer demand for clean labels and enhanced health benefits. Functional extracts like green tea extract with caffeine or ginseng can also enhance the health profile of drinks. Incorporating them into a recipe can create innovative beverages that are both delicious and good for you.
They’re natural
In addition to being a healthy alternative to synthetic flavors, which have been shown to be harmful, natural extracts are also more environmentally friendly than traditional food coloring. This is because there is no need to transport large quantities of liquid dyes and emulsions from the manufacturing plant to the retail store.
Additionally, many natural extracts are manufactured by using ingredients that have been grown and produced in a sustainable manner. This includes sourcing ingredients from organic or ethically-sourced suppliers. This is particularly important for beverages that must meet strict consumer expectations regarding the sustainability of ingredients and the environment.
The main ingredient used in the production of a natural extract is typically alcohol, which helps to separate the oil and water components of the flavoring source. This allows the natural essence to be captured in the form of an additive.
Some of the most popular natural extracts include vanilla, lemon rinds, and almonds. They are a great addition to recipes that require low or no heat, and can be easily mixed into iced coffee, smoothies, tea, and hot chocolate.
Aside from delivering natural flavor, these additives can be an effective baking flavoring way to increase the sweetness of your beverage. However, they are not recommended for sodas, energy drinks, or other high-sugar products, which should instead be flavored with artificial sweeteners.
They’re convenient
When it comes to beverages, consumers don’t want to sacrifice taste. That’s why they are steadfast in their pursuit of lower-calorie, no sugar added options that are made with natural ingredients and extracts. For beverage formulators, this means they have to find innovative ways to meet these consumer demands while ensuring that their drinks are still delicious.
The right flavor extract can help them do just that. The use of extracts allows them to flex their creative muscles and add the savory flavors they crave without having to invest in or make a multitude of different syrups. With a few drops of extracts, they can turn water into a refreshing fruit punch, give coffee the boost it needs to kick start their day, or even create an aromatic tea that’s perfect for relaxing with friends.
To help them find the perfect extracts for their formulations, beverage creators need to look at the quality and integrity of the ingredients. They also need to consider the company’s understanding of the formulation process and their willingness to work with a formulation team to develop unique, innovative solutions.
While many people are familiar with the vanilla-scented wall in every baking aisle, extracts come in a variety of scents and tastes. These water-soluble products are made in a base of natural ethanol alcohol and are food-grade, Kosher, vegan and gluten-free. They are comparable in strength to our Flavor Concentrates and can be used in all applications where clarity/translucency is important.
They’re fun
If you’re into DIY, it is possible to make your own extracts. Just steep vanilla pods in vodka or another alcohol of your choice for 3 to a year or until it’s dark in color. If you don’t want to wait a long time, there are also companies that will produce extracts from ingredients like whole spices and fruit and sell them in 2 ounce bottles with droppers.
You can experiment with different combinations to see what flavors you like best. Some of the most fun are those that mix the five basic tastes: bitter, salty, sour, sweet and umami (a meatlike taste, which can be produced by adding monosodium glutamate).
A good example of this is the combination of orange extract with raspberry extract. This creates a tropical-tasting beverage that can help people rehydrate, as well as get their fruit intake for the day.
As the industry continues to evolve to meet consumer demands, beverage manufacturers will continue to look for ways to improve their formulations. Flavor extracts are a powerful tool that can help them achieve their goals and be more creative in developing beverages.
