ZOLESSE, a new natural flavour (per FDA definition), is designed to support an effort to help food and beverage manufacturers deliver great-tasting products that meet ever-growing consumer demand for clean label ingredients, all at an optimized cost compared to alternatives.

“As consumers’ preferences change, we develop ingredients and solutions that meet those evolving consumer needs,” said Dean Francis, Chief Executive Officer for SGF.

Non-GMO Project Verified ZOLESSE is a glycosylated stevia extract that labels as natural flavour, enabling manufacturers to keep a short ingredients list.

According to the Innova Market Insights March 2018 report, On-Trend Reformulation: Going Clean Label – Tipping Point for a Trend, the company notes that consumers are looking for food and beverage products that have a cleaner label, meaning the ingredients lists are as short as possible and do not contain items consumers don’t recognize or perceive as artificial or chemical in makeup.

“ZOLESSE is a true formulator-friendly flavour solution,” said Dr. Mel Jackson, Chief Science Officer for SGF. “It eases the concern of formulators who believe consumers may be sensitive to stevia products when reading ‘steviol glycosides’ or ‘stevia extracts’ on the label. Plus, ZOLESSE creates no application hurdle, since it has a negligible effect on the original taste of the products.”

ZOLESSE Natural Flavor is also claimed to have a great synergy with other stevia products; when used together, ZOLESSE helps reduce bitterness, lingering and provides a more sugar-like taste. In addition to working well with stevia, the company says that ZOLESSE can also be used with monk fruit extract and sugar, enhancing sweetness intensity.

“ZOLESSE is the perfect addition to our combined portfolio of stevia products,” said Francis, referring to the unique partnership with Tate & Lyle established in 2017. “Together with Tate & Lyle, we are creating the complete toolbox of clean label solutions for use across food and beverage categories. We’re proud to introduce ZOLESSE Natural Flavor, continuing to uphold this promise.”

ZOLESSE Natural Flavor is available in the US, Mexico, Brazil, Philippines, Indonesia and anywher that FEMA GRAS flavours are accepted.