UHT Proof Natural Flavours for Dairy and Dairy Alternatives

Natural Flavours Ready for UHT Production

UHT-Proof Natural Flavours for Dairy and Dairy Alternatives

Struggling to get flavour to deliver after UHT processing? Flavouring UHT milk can be tricky. UHT treatment by definition presents barriers for flavour delivery. The ultra-heat treatment involved in the process can dramatically impact on flavour characteristics and profiles. That’s why it is important to run trials and test flavour ingredients to make sure your flavour is really delivering.

In-House UHT Pilot Plant

Tired of running flavoured milk through UHT processing only to find the flavour has changed, or completely disappeared? Sick of the wastage and wasting time? Well, we are here to help. If we were seriously going to make a range of flavours that were made specifically for UHT process, we were going to need to do some testing.

To make sure our testing was spot on, we only went and installed our very own UHT pilot plant. Yes, that’s right, a flavour house has its own UHT pilot plant on-site. But we aren’t just any old flavour house, remember.

With our new state of the art UHT equipment, we were able to run trials with various dairy and dairy alternatives products. This made sure we could check the flavour delivery really came through and that all flavours are fully UHT proofed. Our Flavourists worked closely with our team on the UHT facility to make sure everything was still tasting just as delicious after the UHT treatment.

Our Flavourists could then adapt and make subtle changes to flavour profiles to ensure they could withstand the intense heat of the milk processing.

Natural Flavour Range Tried and Tested for UHT

We’ve now got a tasty little range of unique natural flavours that are ready for your UHT production. We’ve tested and worked these flavours on both dairy and various dairy alternatives milk. So, whatever your preference, we have the flavour.

Take a look at some of our favourites below and request a sample to give it a go.

Banana Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Strawberry Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Toffee Fudge Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Caramel Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Vanilla Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Milk Chocolate Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Dark Chocolate Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Ginger Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Raspberry Ripple Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Black Cherry Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Banoffee Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Coffee Crème Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Gingerbread Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Cookies & Cream Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Honeycomb Natural Flavour (UHT Proof)Request a sample

Flavour In Dairy & Dairy Alternatives – Roundtable Discussion

Ingredients and flavour in the dairy and plant-based alternative industry.

I.T.S. attending Dairy Innovation Strategies 2023 conference

It’s back! For the 9th year running, the who’s who of the dairy and dairy alternatives industry will gather to discuss to future of the industry. 

This year the event is based in the heart of Copenhagen and there has never been a more important time to look into innovation in this evolving sector. Spanning two days (19th – 20th April 2023), and two stages, brands like Danone, Oatly, Coca Cola, Arla Foods, and many more will be setting the world to rights on new innovation.

Ingredients, taste & flavour in the dairy and plant-based alternative industry

The most exciting part of the event will be when our very own Mike Bagshaw takes to the stage to share his insight and secrets of getting the most out of flavour in dairy and plant based alternatives. 

We’ve been working closely with customers on both sides of the diary and plant-based fence on how to really deliver with flavour. Recently we have invested in a state of the art UHT trials facility to help customers run trials of new flavour launches. This has also allowed us to develop a unique range of nautal flavours that cope well under the intense UHT treatment. 

Joining Mike on the panel will be Philippe Teissier Phd, R&I Ferments and Fermentation Director of dairy giants, Danone Nutricia Research.

Click here to find out more on the event and sign up to visit. 

 

Natural Puree Flavours for Brewing at Beer X 2023

Puree Natural Flavours on show at Beer X 2023

Bottoms up! Are you a brewer, or interested in brewing? Then you should head to Livepool on the 15-16th of March for the Beer X exhibition.

Beer X is a yearly event hosted by SIBA that brings together the brewing community to share what has been going on. Beer X isn’t just like any old exhibition, the event also hosts the SIBA awards and plenty of other tasty liquid to sample.

We are returning after a hugely fun and successful 2022 event. We made heaps of new friends and drank a lot of tasty beer. We’ll be pitching up on stand 35 and have some of our very own brewed beer that has been infused with our natural puree flavours.

Come and say hello and share a tipple. The event is situated right on the docks of Liverpool and also hosts some lively after party events throughout the city where brewers can get together after the event.

Drop us a line if you’d like to arrange a meet up, or request some samples prior to the event.

See you there!

Easter Trends 2023

The biggest trends and flavours this Easter.

Make sure you are hip to what is happening in the food and drink sector this Easter. Discover the emerging and classic flavour trends that will be turning heads.

White chocolate flavour takes Easter by storm.

White is officially the new brown this Easter.

White chocolate is very much in vogue at the moment. Take a browse down any supermarket Easter aisle and you’ll see a whole host of white chocolate delights.

Everyone is getting in on the party – Cadbury, Lindt, and KitKat have all been heavily pushing the sweet white stuff.

Maltesers have really been smashing it – “68% of shoppers only buying white bunnies, according to Kantar data for the 16 weeks ending 17 April 2022” says a Mars spokesperson.

Make sure you request a sample of our natural white chocolate flavour.

Easter is for sweet snacking.

The on-the-go and snacking format has been growing in recent years for Easter.

We have seen a growing number of brands develop NPD that comes in new smaller formats. This could be anything from mini selection boxes, mini filled eggs or weird and wonderful chocolate characters.

Easter is most certainly not just for a traditional hollow egg in 2023.

Indulgence takes the spotlight.

Sometimes, bigger is always better. When it comes to Easter, this very much the case.

Health has taken a back seat this year, with the focus clearly being on sweet and sugary flavours. We have also noticed a rise in giant sized eggs, offering all sorts of sweet goodies included.

But, there is a sticking point. We’ve noticed some chocolate eggs drastically reducing in size…we see you.

Get a creme-egg or go home.

This one is our favourite – we can’t get enough of all the delicious new creme eggs available. It seems pretty much every chocolate brand now has their own version of the Cadbury Creme Egg.

Keep em’ coming guys!

Fruit Puree Natural Flavours

Say hello to natural tasting fruit flavours: fruit puree natural flavours.

Do you find that some fruit flavours are far too similar to sweets and confectionery, they just don’t have that natural fruit taste? We have the solution for you. Our puree natural flavours deliver an intense flavour profile with that real natural fruit flavour.

If you’re looking for that extra special flavour, or maybe looking to save costs by reducing the use of real fruit puree, you can’t go wrong with the I.T.S. natural puree flavours.

Save on costs with natural puree flavours.

If you work with fruit purees, you will have noticed the skyrocketing prices recently. Naming no names, but the cost of raspberry puree is becoming a little out of hand. Natural puree flavours offer a more cost-effective and cost-stable approach to getting that natural tasting flavour into food and drink.

Not only do they help save on costs, natural flavours can also be much more straightforward to work with. Add a few drops of flavour and away you go – no issues with cloudiness or having to worry about the stability of the product, all of which can happen with fruit purees. Your production team can thank us later.

It’s all about great tasting flavours.

Our Flavourists at I.T.S. have been busy developing a mouth-watering range of impactful fruit puree flavours that really deliver. Our puree flavour range offers a much more intense and sweet flavour, as if you have just crushed the real fruit itself – whilst also offering complicated ‘cooked’ notes to the tasting profile.

These powerful little flavours work perfectly on their own to deliver an impactful flavour, but can also work alongside actual fruit puree nicely – just so you can cut down the amount used and reduce the overall cost in use.

How to use natural fruit puree flavours.

The I.T.S. natural fruit puree range is open to all – we’ve seen great results used in beverages, dairy products and baked treats. So, whether you’re a keen brewer looking for your next fruity beer, or work in the dairy industry in need of the next big ice cream or yoghurt flavour – we might just have just the trick.

Oh, and not just dairy – did we mention these flavours are completely plant-based and allergen-free?

We’ve also been having a lot of fun in our Test Bakery pumping doughnuts full of jam packed with our puree flavours – delicious!

Don’t just take our word for it.

Get in touch to request a sample from our natural flavour puree range to give it a try yourself.

Strawberry Puree Natural Flavour – Request a sample

Raspberry Puree Natural Flavour – Request a sample

Passionfruit Puree Natural Flavour – Request a sample

Peach Puree Natural Flavour – Request a sample

Apricot Puree Natural Flavour – Request a sample

Banana Puree Natural Flavour – Request a sample

Blackberry Puree Natural Flavour – Request a sample

Mango Puree Natural Flavour – Request a sample

Need more information? Drop us a line to speak to a member of our team and find out more.

Food and Drink Trends 2023

The biggest trends to influence food and drink in 2023

We’ve already given you the latest flavours that will be trending in 2023, now it’s time to look at the bigger picture. We’ve looked at the food and drink industry as a whole and highlighted 6 key trends that will be influencing the market this year.

Frugal Indulgence

As the cost of living crisis causes consumers to feel the pinch, we are seeing people still splash on indulgence, but focusing on value for money.
Don’t let that scare you off from daring to be different though.

Innova Market Research reports that 3 in 5 global consumers with a worsened financial situation also say that they are likely to make a one-time impulse purchase “when the food or beverage product is innovative in flavours/tastes”.

Sustainably Sourced

Sustainability is not lowering on consumers’ agendas, as it is a key factor when purchasing. However, one eye will need to stay on keeping costs down.

A whopping 89% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a brand that implements environmentally-friendly practices.

Plant-Based or Bust?

The cracks are starting to show in the plant-based meat replacement market due to poor taste and high prices. Bakery and dairy will need to ensure they don’t fall into the same trap.

The top reason consumers avoid plant-based products is the fear of poor taste or texture. Something the industry will need to overcome if they want to sustain growth past its initial infancy and intrigue stage.

Valued Personality

Quality products aren’t the only places consumers are seeking value. Consumers today want to buy from brands that also align with them personally.

Don’t be bland, don’t blend in and don’t stay silent. Make sure you stand for something. 62% of Consumers want companies to take a stance on social, cultural, environmental and political issues that are close to their hearts.

Are You Experienced?

It’s all about keeping consumers engaged. Products need to deliver a deeper connection and experience for adventurous consumers looking for escapism.

We’re sure you’ve seen Coca-Cola’s “Pixel” flavoured drinks and Cadbury’s “Mystery Flavour” bars. Experience is all the rage. 57% of consumers find the idea of retro and nostalgic food and drink appealing.

Let’s Get Digital

As digital slowly takes over our everyday lives, food and drink is changing as we know it. From how we consume, to what we buy – it’s clear digital is all-consuming.

The power of social media is clear with the way products look has never been as important. Food and drink is increasingly purchased due to how attractive it is, let’s face it, no one will share a boring product.

Taking it a step further, 74% of consumers feel the Metaverse “is the future”. McDonald’s is already investing in AI for virtual restaurants. We’ll be honest, the Metaverse doesn’t sound very tasty to us.

Get in touch to find out more about our trends.

6 Braver Flavour Trends for 2023

Flavour trends to help you stand out from the crowd in 2023.

It’s the start of the New Year and you’ve just sat down at your desk, dusted off your notepad and started to think about the year ahead. A daunting year, for many reasons – but have no fear, we are here to help on the flavour side of things.

New product development for food and drink heading into 2023 can be confusing. It is a balance of focusing on what already works, whilst also focusing on how to grab consumers’ attention in such a crowded market.

Our advice is to avoid being boring at all costs. Find ways to stand out from the crowd and create something that is really going to excite people. Blending in could be your biggest mistake in 2023.

We’ve highlighted six key braver flavour trends that will help inspire your food and drink development in 2023.

1) Flavours for Life

This is all about your big sellers, your core flavours, the ones that really pay the bills. Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry – you know the drill. Ok, this one isn’t all that brave. But, even we know when to be sensible – sometimes.

Before you venture off getting all excited about a crazy new idea, make sure you have a strong core range that can really compete with flavour. Remember, taste is everything. If you want those big repeat sales and volumes, you’re going to need a core range that delivers.

Top flavour tip: Try exciting flavour twists and positioning claims with your core flavours to help them stand out from the crowd. Core flavours don’t have to be boring. 

2) Classy Cocktails

Cocktails have quite frankly never been bigger. Not only are these flavours being driven by the growing RTD alcohol market, but also the huge rise in low and no products that use cocktail flavours.

Not to mention the category blurring we’ve been seeing, with cocktail flavours being used in bakery and dairy products. It’s an exciting time for cocktail flavours, with new flavours peaking in popularity all the time.

Top flavour tip: The standout flavours we are seeing in cocktails at the moment are Espresso Martini, Negroni and Passionfruit Martini. Make sure you are always on the edge with new cocktail flavours. 

3) Total Tropical

It’s time to get fruity. Some of the most interesting flavours coming through at the moment sit under the tasty category of tropical. This doesn’t just mean your standard fruit punch, or a little bit of pineapple – we’re talking the tropical flavours that really stand out from the crowd.

We’ve been sourcing some of the most obscure (and tasty) tropical fruits the world has to offer to help us develop some impactful and head-turning tropical tastes. It’s also about what you can do with tropical flavours to help them stand out and give them that extra premium and indulgent twist.

Top flavour tip: Try discovering new tropical fruits like Calamansi, or pairing popular tropical flavours with interesting flavour profiles like Passionfruit and Thyme.

4) Innovate Indulgence

Nothing reduces the stress levels and puts a smile on your face like a big slice of cake. Indulgence is very much in this year. There is always a time and a place to push the boat out and have something a little naughty. As basket spend is reduced and purchases will be highly scrutinised, when consumers do splash the cash, they are going to want it to be a treat.

Go wild with indulgent flavours that will really give consumers that warm fuzzy feeling. Chocolate, caramel, toffee, cream – we know, you’re salivating already. Go have fun with this one.

Top flavour tip: Try and push the boundaries – ever tried Miso Caramel? Or something a bit safer that is currently everywhere – Blonde Chocolate.

5) Twisting Traditions

The retro and nostalgia trend has been running strong for the last couple of years now. Brands are increasingly taking customers on a trip down memory lane to take them back to popular flavours of the past. It’s now time to take things a step further and give these much-loved traditional and retro flavours a modern twist.

This is such a great trend as you’ll be using a flavour people already know and love, whilst twisting it up with something new and exciting. A sure thing for success and to get some much-needed shelf space in the supermarket.

Top flavour tip: This trend gets even more exciting when you twist a tradition from a different category. Take a traditional flavour from the bakery category and blend it with a beverage product.

6) A Braver Flavour

The year of 2023 will no doubt see a slowdown in spending, with consumers both cutting back and changing what they eat and drink. The important thing to remember is that food and drink, especially from supermarkets, offers an affordable luxury for people. These aren’t big ticket items like holidays, cars and new tech – this is quick impulse purchases that can help raise the mood.

If people are going to spend more on a luxury food or drink item, they will want to make sure it’s money well spent with an exciting product. Make sure you are pushing boundaries and ensure your new product development is both brave and exciting.

Top flavour tip: If you’re a little worried about going all out with a braver flavour, pair something a bit more out there with something that people already know and love. The familiar flavour will gain their trust, and the braver flavour will tempt their adventurous nature.

Want to know more, or taste some of the braver flavour trends? Get in touch and we’ll sort you out with some flavour samples.

I.T.S. Elves Filling Up Stockings This Christmas

Spreading Christmas joy in our local community.

Every year the Newbury Community Resource Centre helps provide gifts and toys for families in need within the Newbury community as part of the West Berkshire Toy Appeal.

Sadly donations for the toy appeal were massively down this year due to the current financial struggles. The important service is run by a lovely chap called Todd Gilmartin, who just so happens to be good friends with our very own Sam Tucker.

Todd mentioned to Sam the issues they were facing. Sam straight away approached Mike Bagshaw to see if we could help this Christmas. Mike then donated £2,000 worth of brand-new toys to help children in our local area.

This morning we took a stroll over for a tour of the building and to meet the team that works there.

We were blown away by the work and sheer dedication of the team. The service helps so many people – from helping supply essential items to those in need, to helping people with disabilities into work, and is also just a wonderful hub for our community.

Please take a moment to have a look at what they do and send donations their way if you can. Or make sure you look outwards into your local community to see how you can help this Christmas.

We couldn’t stop there…

Along with the West Berkshire Toy Appeal, we also helped out with two other causes close to our hearts. We’ve been working closely with the people below to help spread some Christmas joy:
 Loose Ends
£1,200 donation of gift sets and chocolates.

West Berkshire Toy Appeal
£2,000 donation of children’s toys for families in need.

Willows Edge Care Home
£1,300 worth of gifts for the 31 residents. 

I.T.S. Shortlisted for Ingredients Manufacturing Company of the Year

I.T.S. are going to the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards 2023.

Here we go! After 13 years of being the underdog and one of the few independent flavour suppliers, our rapid growth and successes have been recognised.

Our unique approach to natural flavourings (we call it, A Braver Flavour) have now been highlighted by Food Manufacture and shortlisted for Ingredients Manufacturing Company of the Year in the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards 2023.

In an industry full of huge corporate giants, it’s important we stuck to our guns and core values. I.T.S. have remained proudly independent whilst supplying to some of the largest food and drink manufactures and exciting start-up brands.

We couldn’t help for a little celebration and we are now excited to see what the awards bring next year – fingers crossed.

Mike Bagshaw, Owner of I.T.S. states: “When I started I.T.S. from my kitchen table back in 2009, one of my key aims was to inject some more fun into the flavour industry.

We didn’t look at the other successful flavour houses and say “we want to be like them”, we wanted to be ourselves and offer something different. I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved, and hopefully we can bring home the award in February.”

Christmas Bakery Flavour Watch

The most exciting Christmas 2022 bakery favours in UK retailers.

Looking for the newest and bravest flavours on the market in bakery for Christmas 2022? We’ve done the hard work for you.

We checked out the Christmas offerings from all the UK‘s main retailers and shortlisted the most interesting and brave new flavours to try.

Firecracker Pudding – Aldi

Your dinner table better have a glass of water handy. Aldi are pushing boundaries by introducing a chili flavoured sauce to Christmas pudding.

It doesn’t stop there, it’s a real flavour explosion with vine fruits, cider, Amontillado sherry, and Belgian chocolate chunks. To top it off they even chuck in a sachet of coated popping candy to add that extra bit of excitement.

Blonde Chocolate Christmas Present Torte Bar – Tesco

Blonde Chocolate found its way into Hot Cross Buns launches this year, and like we guessed, it’s hugely prominent across all the retailers’ bakery and dessert lines for Christmas 2022.

Our pick of the bunch is a luxury blonde chocolate torte from Tesco that ticks all our boxes.

Mandarin Negroni Stollen – Waitrose

This launch from Waitrose is a real cracker. Waitrose has paired the traditional Christmas flavour of Stollen with the cocktail of the moment, Negroni.

The classic Negroni cocktail has really made a comeback  and seems to be the cocktail of the moment. Take into account that cocktail flavours are huge in the dessert category in 2022, we think Waitrose could be onto a winner with this one.

Cheesy Churros – Co-op

This one does what it says on the tin. Churros are a sure fire winner and you can’t go wrong with cheese.

Co-op are following on the recent bakery trend of bringing savoury flavours into traditionally sweet applications. And what better application than Churros?

Passionfruit Panna Cotta Star – Morrisons

Exotic and tropical fruits are big at summertime, but who says we can’t enjoy a bit of tropical holiday flavour at Christmas?

Bold move from Morrisons using a typically summer flavour in the middle of all the warming and traditional Christmas flavours. We’ll be trying this one for sure.

Feeling Inspired?

Have these new Christmas launches got your brain ticking about new concepts? Or maybe they are making you doubt your Christmas flavour launches? 

Get in touch with our team today to discuss bringing these, or any other new flavours to life in your next product launch. You might be pushing it, but there could still be time for a last minute Christmas launch idea…?


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