02 Oct MaskOver, let’s talk off-note: bitterness
Some ingredients used in food supplements or sports nutrition are chosen for their benefits (antioxidant, energizing, etc.) but can generate unpleasant tastes or odors. These unpleasant tastes/odors are also known as off-notes. Their impact on taste alters the palatability of the product, making it difficult for consumers to take it regularly.
Our focus today is on BITTERNESS. Naturally, it’s a flavor we reject when it’s too present. In fact, who hasn’t winced when eating a food that’s too bitter?
What is bitterness ?
Bitterness is an elusive flavor that grows on us with age. Even if we enjoy certain products such as coffee or beer, bitterness can cause us a problem when ingredients bring this flavor to a food product or dietary supplement.
Taste bud, extract « Le goût une affaire de nez » de Loïc Briand
Taking a more scientific approach, bitterness is a set of molecules that are detected by a family of receptors called Tas2R for “taste receptor, type 2”. Our body has 25 types of receptors that detect bitter compounds, compared with 1 or 2 receptors for other flavors. This means we can detect bitterness at very low doses.
These receptors are located at the back of the tongue and palate, but also in the nose, larynx and oesophagus. This is why bitter notes persist when we eat.
Bitter ingredients known for their benefits
Many ingredients attract the attention of manufacturers because their health benefits are interesting, but their use in the formulation of a supplement can prove complex, as the counterpart is the presence of unpleasant aftertastes. Among the foods that are rich in benefits, but bring bitterness, we can cite :
- Coffee/caffeine: stimulates metabolism and accelerates the burning of fat reserves. It is also an antioxidant and energy booster.
- Broccoli: contributes to the proper functioning of the nervous and immune systems and reduces fatigue.
- Ginseng: has strong antioxidant properties and boosts vitality. It helps restore energy and fitness.
- Grapefruit: rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and boosts the immune system.
How do you improve the taste profile of a product that’s too bitter ?
MaskOver is a natural masking solution* that reduces or masks the presence of bad tastes and odors, while improving the product’s taste and olfactory profile. The pleasure of eating is intrinsically linked to the senses of smell and taste, and with MaskOver, Phodé sets itself apart by offering a global approach to flavor.
Our tailor-made support approach offers a personalized response to all the challenges involved in the overall management of flavor.
With MaskOver, it’s finally possible to reconcile good taste and efficiency!
MaskOver is THE solution for counteracting bitter notes in your products. Don’t hesitate to contact us, we’ll be happy to help you with your off-notes issues.
*Choice of ingredients tailored to customer specifications.
