Following a recent move by EU member states to endorse proposals to ban traditional smoked food flavours, I.T.S has launched a range of ‘smoke-free’ natural smoke flavourings as an alternative option.
The new natural flavours will mean food and beverage manufacturers can safely and legally use the smoked style flavours without the need for complex on-pack labelling declarations.
“While demand for smoked flavours, particularly in the meat and, increasingly, in the plant-based category, legislation surrounding the use, labelling and declaration on-pack of smoke flavours has always been quite distinct. As a result, manufacturers have been reluctant to use ‘real smoke’”, explains Carl Smith, head of innovations at I.T.S.
“This move by the European Commission means that manufacturers will need to quickly source natural alternatives to create the flavour and aroma of smoke in their products. Our smoke free flavours offer this and, even better, they can simply be declared as ‘Natural Flavourings’ on packaging for clean label appeal”.
The 15 products in the range include familiar ‘smoked’ styles such as Hickory, Beechwood or applewood, smoked paprika and smoked BBQ, but more unusual ones which carefully combine the smoke element with other flavours such as smoked vanilla, smoked Maple, and smoked fruits such as apple, plum and strawberry for example.
According to I.T.S, smoky flavours are in demand not just for adding depth to meat such as bacon or hams but in plant-based foods including meat analogues too as well as in other applications ranging from speciality breads and other baked goods through to cheese, ready meals and snacks.
