Synergy Flavours has launched 4Protein to optimise the taste of whey protein products.

Designed to make product formulation easier, it is declarable on-pack as a natural flavour and offers a range of texture and flavour benefits.

Synergy surveyed international core users of sports nutrition products to define their expectation of great taste. Creamy taste and consistency were discovered to be the most appealing taste characteristics, while problem off-notes like mouth-drying, cardboard, bitterness and astringency continue to impact product appeal and remain a barrier to the nutrition category.

Capturing these insights, Synergys product development process focused on achieving optimal taste performance for consumers, and a versatile, convenient and cost-effective solution for manufacturers. Product performance was validated by an in-house, expert sensory panel.

Through the addition of Synergys solution, manufacturers can create a natural, creamy taste and sweetness in their products, mask off-notes and improve mouthfeel in whey protein isolate (WPI) and whey protein concentrate (WPC), as well as delivering a richer, creamier taste and texture across different whey protein sources.

Chris Whiting, category manager, Synergy Flavours, commented: "Synergys 4Protein range lifts the overall taste experience of whey protein products, making them more indulgent and premium. While flavour profiles and variants have improved significantly in recent years, the mainstream adoption of protein has created more discerning consumers and were all too aware of the main complaints of core users of sports nutrition products."