As consumers increasingly take a proactive approach to their diet, lifestyle and well-being, interest in products with enhanced nutritional and health benefits has grown significantly.
Consequently, brands and food manufacturers are constantly tasked with the challenge of incorporating new and on-trend ingredients that provide added functionality without compromising on taste.
According to ADM’s Sugar Reduction Study conducted this year, while health-conscious consumers are becoming more mindful of the type and amount of sweetener in products, they still crave “indulgent, full-sugar experiences”.
“Our study found that 77% of Asia-Pacific (APAC) consumers seek to reduce sugar in their diets. However, 82% of them still look for products with appealing or interesting tastes.
“ADM helps brands meet these expectations for low- or no-sugar products and claims through our holistic toolbox of sweetening solutions, including TasteSpark. Additionally, selected ingredients in our portfolio can also aid in rebuilding functionality lost from sugar reduction,” Zona Negri, APAC Marketing Director (Flavours) at ADM, told FoodNavigator-Asia.
The TasteSpark portfolio comprises a range of natural flavour modulation solutions, powered by the company’s proprietary “captive flavour technology”.
These can reduce, remove or replace sugar, salt and fat in products, mask off-notes while enhancing desired tastes, improve mouthfeel, and rebalance the interconnected elements of flavour to optimise the eating and drinking experience.
The solutions can be applied across various categories, including beverages, dairy, sweet snacks, savoury foods, and dietary supplements.
“By combining ADM’s formulation expertise with proprietary ingredients and natural, captive raw materials, TasteSpark solutions are customised to support manufacturers in addressing formulation challenges, creating healthier products, and delivering next-level taste experiences, even when traditional ingredients are removed or replaced.”
The company is also exploring how this range can elevate the overall flavour and texture profile of plant-based proteins.
Flavours of life
As the world gets increasingly shaped by technology, the company expects 2025 to be a year where consumers embrace a “new human nature”, rediscovering themselves through flavours that resonate with different facets of the human experience.
This forecast is based on its 2025 Flavour and Colour Trends Report, which highlighted several key trends, including rising demand for flavour profiles that are familiar and nostalgic, a greater focus on mood-enhancing taste experiences, unconventional ingredient pairings, and “made for you” product options.
Particularly in terms of personalisation, Negri said that manufacturers can make use of TasteSpark’s flavour modulation technology to develop bespoke products to offer an engaging and customised taste experience that cater to individual needs and preferences.
