Flavor Extracts For Beverages
Flavor extracts offer a variety of ways to tease and delight the taste buds. They can boost flavor profiles, provide healthier substitutes, and create unique drink options for consumers.
The right beverage flavors are crucial in attracting and keeping customers. Consumers want healthy products that still deliver delicious taste.
They’re Natural
When it comes to food and drinks, flavor is one of the most important attributes that consumers are always looking for. Regardless of the latest diets or trends, most people want their beverage to taste good, and using natural extracts allows for delicious options that can be enjoyed no matter what kind of drink is being consumed.
The key to successful flavored beverages is balance, and extracts can be a great way to add flavor without adding too much sugar or other unhealthy ingredients. The use of natural flavors also lets companies create a unique taste that is all their own, something that keeps customers coming back time and time again.
Another benefit of using these flavorings is that they are completely safe for the consumer. Many of the ingredients used to make these products are also healthy, and they can help to give a nutritious boost to any drink. The natural nature of these flavors makes them perfect for a wide range of beverages, from refreshing fruit flavors to comforting herbal teas and coffees.
Choosing the right type of flavoring ingredient is crucial, as there are two main types to consider: extracts and emulsions. Both are made from the same base ingredient, which is alcohol, but they differ in where the flavor compounds are suspended. An extract uses a 35% (approximate) alcohol solution to suspend the flavor, while an emulsion suspends the flavor compounds in water and vegetable gum.
They’re Healthy
In a time when health and label-conscious consumers are searching flavor extracts for beverages for more natural products, extracts offer the clean ingredient list many buyers are looking for. Natural flavor extracts are made with a range of raw materials, including vegetables, fruits, spices and herbs, and can be used to add flavor to any drink formulation. They can also be combined with functional ingredients like green tea extract with caffeine, and ginseng or gingko biloba to create a beverage that has more than just taste.
Water is always a healthy choice, and flavored water can be an excellent way to help boost consumption and make it more appealing. Flavor extracts can be added directly to the finished drink or incorporated into a sugar syrup, then added to the liquid to produce a flavor-infused water. This allows the beverage creator to flex their creativity, enjoy their favorite flavors and stay hydrated in style!
When using extracts, there are some signs you can watch out for to ensure the flavor is just right. If you notice a minty taste on the palate or a medicinal flavor, you may have over-flavored your product. Similarly, if you are burping the flavor up an hour or more after your finished beverage, it’s probably too strong. Experiment with your recipe to find the perfect balance of extract flavoring to give it a delicious and memorable finish.
They’re Easy to Use
The best extracts are made with real ingredients and nothing else — no corn syrup or artificial flavors. They’re very easy to make at home and are a great way to add a homemade touch to your beverage creations. Start with a simple syrup recipe (one-to-one sugar and water simmered together until the sugar dissolves) then add your chosen extract. When ready, strain through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove any food bits and store in a lidded glass bottle.
As health and label conscious consumers continue to demand more natural products, extracts can help create beverages that align with their preferences. Natural flavor extracts also add less variability than juices or concentrates. This helps deliver consistency to customers and maintain a stable product during storage and transportation.
One of the key elements for consumers to try a new beverage is its taste. Flavor is what makes a drink memorable, and it’s also the reason why many people return to a favorite brand.
A great example of a flavor combination that can enhance a seasonal drink is the smooth richness of bananas and fresh burst of strawberry. This unique blend intensifies your beverage concept and helps your drinks embody the spirit of springtime. This unique flavor blend is ideal for smoothies, daiquiris or even tasty mocktails.
They’re Fun
Flavor extracts are a great way to have fun and get creative. You can use them in drinks, baked goods, and more. They are easy to use and provide a much healthier alternative than sugary, high-calorie syrups that can be found in many stores. You can also mix extracts with colors to make unique, holiday-inspired foods and drinks. For example, using McCormick(r) NEON! Food Colors and a drop of green McCormick(r) Pure Mint Extract, baking flavoring you can create festive shamrock painted sugar cookies for St. Patrick’s Day, or a purple and pink neon paint that is perfect for Easter.
If you love fruity flavors, try mixing up your flavored water with different extracts. Adding different flavors to your water helps you flex your creative muscles and stay healthy with your drink choices. It also makes it more enjoyable to keep up with your water intake and stay hydrated!
If you are looking for a flavor that is more complex than the typical fruit, try our wild berry extract. This flavor blends the sweet and fragrant undertones of berries to elevate any drink concept. Whether you’re trying to make a tropical-inspired smoothie or a refreshing mocktail, the smooth nuances of our wild berry flavor will take any drink to the next level. For the most authentic flavor, we recommend adding the extract to your beverage one teaspoon at a time and tasting before you add more.