Author: adam cohen

The EU Smoke Flavour Ban: What It Means for Seasonings & Sauces

Posted on by adam cohen

From sauces and marinades to coatings and rubs, smoke is a hero flavour in so many savoury products. But from 1 July 2026, the EU will ban the use of eight traditional smoke flavourings across a wide range of foods.

If you work in dry blends, wet sauces, coatings or marinades, this isn’t just a regulatory footnote. It has the potential to reshape some of your best-selling SKUs.

The good news? You don’t have to give up those bold, smoky profiles consumers love. Natural smoke-free flavours can help you stay compliant and keep products tasting just as good.

What the EU Smoke Flavours Ban Means for you.

For NPD and reformulation teams, this means:

  • Some existing recipes will no longer be compliant after 1 July 2026
  • “Smoky” call-outs may be at risk if the profile suddenly drops off
  • You’ll need to reformulate without losing that crucial signature taste

In short, your smoke notes need a new source.

Why Natural Smoke-Free Flavours Are The Ideal Swap

Natural smoke-free flavours are designed to deliver the taste and aroma of smoke, without using banned smoke condensates.

They can help you:

  • Stay compliant with the new EU rules
  • Support cleaner labels and more natural positioning
  • Easily use in existing dry or liquid recipes
  • Maintain the complexity of smoke: char, wood, spice, sweetness and umami

Because they’re not traditional smoke flavourings, natural smoke-free flavours let you future-proof your ranges while keeping that smoky flavour taste.

Our Range of Natural Smoke-Free Flavours for Seasonings & Sauces

We’ve developed a range of natural smoke-free flavours that work brilliantly in blends, liquids and everything in between.

Here’s a selection of profiles popular in seasonings and sauces:

Flavour CodeFlavour NameMain Flavour Characteristics in Cheese
13250Hickory Style Smoke FlavouringSavoury, bitter, phenolic, meaty
13471Smoke Type FlavouringCharred, woody, sweet, caramel
13660Smoke-Style FlavouringWoody, nutty, savoury
13668Smoke Style Flavouring (Applewood)Charred, sweet, mild
14055Smoke-Style FlavouringSpicy, charred, strong, meaty
14175Applewood Smoke Type FlavouringAppley, fruity, sharp, nutty
14603Beechwood Type Smoke FreeMild, earthy, woody, charred

Ready to Future-Proof Your Seasonings & Sauces?

Make sure the EU smoke flavour ban is at the top of your list. We’re here to help you keep the smoke and lose the risk. We can help support you with:

  • Tailored flavour recommendations for your specific applications.
  • Help with flavour application and guidance on dosage levels.
  • Matching work to help you keep your existing signature profiles.

Want to try natural smoke-free flavours for yourself? Request a sample today and experience how our smoke-free flavours can transform your cheese products.

REQUEST A SAMPLE

The EU Smoke Flavour Ban: What It Means for Cheese Makers

Posted on by adam cohen

The clock is ticking for cheese manufacturers across Europe. Starting 1 July 2026, the European Union will officially ban the use of traditional smoke flavourings in most food categories, including cheese. This decision aims to phase out eight specific traditional smoke flavourings.

But before you start thinking about ditching your smoked cheddar or gouda, there’s good news. Natural smoke-free flavours are here to help you maintain that rich, smoky profile without breaching the new regulations.

What the EU Smoke Flavours Ban Means for Cheese Manufacturers

Smoked cheeses are more than just a product, they’re a tradition. Whether it’s a tangy smoked gouda or a robust smoked cheddar, these flavours are crucial to your offerings. With the upcoming ban, it’s important to find compliant alternatives that don’t compromise on taste.

Why Natural Smoke-Free Flavours Are the Solution

Natural smoke-free flavours replicate the taste and aroma of traditional smoke without using banned smoke condensates. They are:

  • Compliant with EU regulations
  • Clean-label friendly
  • Easy to integrate into existing cheese recipes

These flavours are especially effective in cheese, delivering woody, nutty, spicy, and caramel notes that make smoked cheese so loved.

Our Range of Natural Smoke-Free Flavours for Cheese

At I.T.S. we offer a range of natural smoke-free flavours designed specifically for cheese applications:

Flavour CodeFlavour NameMain Flavour Characteristics in Cheese
13250Hickory Style Smoke FlavouringSavoury, bitter, phenolic, meaty
13471Smoke Type FlavouringCharred, woody, sweet, caramel
13660Smoke-Style FlavouringWoody, nutty, savoury
13668Smoke Style Flavouring (Applewood)Charred, sweet, mild
14055Smoke-Style FlavouringSpicy, charred, strong, meaty
14175Applewood Smoke Type FlavouringAppley, fruity, sharp, nutty
14603Beechwood Type Smoke FreeMild, earthy, woody, charred

How Cheese Makers Can Stay Ahead

Adopting natural smoke-free flavours now helps you:

  • Maintain signature smoky profiles in cheeses
  • Stay fully compliant with the EU ban from 1 July 2026
  • Appeal to health-conscious and clean-label consumers
  • Avoid costly reformulations or product withdrawals

Want to try natural smoke free flavours for yourself? Request a sample today and experience how our smoke-free flavours can transform your cheese products.

REQUEST A SAMPLE

Crossbreed Fruit Flavours: The Next Big Trend in Food & Drink

Posted on by adam cohen

Have you ever tried a tangelo? No? You’re missing out…

Crossbreed fruits like pineberries and tangelos have been making waves in UK supermarkets. Retailers like Waitrose have championed these hybrids, showing consumers that fruit doesn’t just have to be a boring old apple or banana.

A whole new fruity world is opening up.

Now, these exciting crossbred flavours are moving from the fruit aisle into product development, and brands that move fast can capture the buzz.

We’ve created a brand-new range of 100% natural crossbreed flavours designed to help you bring this trend straight into your drinks, snacks, bakery, or dairy launches

Discover Our Natural Crossbreed Flavour Range

Each flavour is designed to replicate the excitement of real fruit crossbreeds, bold, juicy, and brave.

  • Melon Berry Flavour – a refreshingly juicy melon base lifted with sweet berry notes; bright, light, and perfect for summer product launches.
  • Tangelo Flavour – a zesty blend of tangerine and pomelo; citrus with a twist that’s perfect for soft drinks or confectionery.
  • Limelon Flavour – sharp lime meets mellow melon; crisp, cooling, and seriously thirst-quenching for beverages and frozen treats.
  • Blood Lime Flavour – rich citrus depth with ruby-red intensity; a sophisticated yet playful flavour for cocktails, desserts, or dairy.
  • Pineberry Flavour – strawberry’s tropical cousin; pale, pretty, and pineapple-kissed, ideal for eye-catching yogurts or bakery.
  • Boysenberry Flavour – a bold dark berry with jammy richness; indulgent and perfect for sauces, fillings, or premium drinks.
  • Peach Berry Flavour – soft, juicy peach rounded with a ripe berry sweetness; smooth, sunny, and versatile across applications.

Why Are Crossbreed Flavours Trending?

Crossbreed fruits and flavours are more than a novelty, they tap into key consumer trends:

  • Curiosity factor: familiar yet different, they encourage trial and discovery.
  • Visual appeal: striking colours and unique looks make them a hit on social media.
  • Premium positioning: retailers like Waitrose use crossbreeds to create a sense of exclusivity and excitement.
  • Flavour exploration: hybrids deliver exciting twists on everyday favourites, ideal for new product development.

100% Natural, Trend-Led, and Ready for NPD

Our crossbreed flavours are:

  • 100% natural: no artificial notes, just clean-label flavour impact.
  • Versatile: developed for use across beverages, snacks, bakery, and dairy.
  • Allergen-free, BRCGS AA certified & carbon neutral flavours.

If you’re looking to be braver with flavour, our crossbreed flavour range is the perfect way to stand out in a crowded market.

Request a Sample Today

Don’t get left behind, taste the future of flavour. Request a sample of our natural crossbreed flavours and discover how they can elevate your next product launch.

Contact us today to request your crossbreed flavour samples.

Don’t Let Almond & Cherry Shortages Burst Your Bakewell Bubble

Posted on by adam cohen

Ah, the Cherry Bakewell, sweet, nutty, and super tasty. But, bad news: almonds are getting tricky to source, and cherries aren’t exactly rolling in either. Both are having huge issues with supply, driving costs sky high.

Have no fear, you’re flavour friends are here to lend a helping hand.

All the Almond Flavour, None of the Allergens

Our natural almond flavour packs all the nutty goodness you love, but here’s the twist: it’s allergen-free. That’s right, your bakewell can taste just as dreamy without sending nut-allergic customers running for the hills. Who says you can’t have your almond and eat it too?

Stable your almond supply, cut your almond costs and go allergen-free. No brainer.

Cherry on Top

And what’s a Bakewell without cherries? Our natural cherry flavour hits all the fruity, jammy notes your consumers crave, without having to wrestle with fickle fruit supply chains. Sweet, tangy, reliable.

We’ve got heaps of different cherry flavour profiles to try, so get in touch and we’ll send some samples for you to give a go.

Tailor-Made Flavours, Made Easy

Need something specific or unique? Our team works with you to craft flavours that hit the mark every single time, keeping your products on trend, on brief, and on shelves. Think of us as your flavour sidekick, always ready to jump in and save the day.

Stay Ahead, Stay Delicious

Shortages, rising costs, unpredictable crops, food manufacturing isn’t for the faint of heart. But we’re here to help you can keep innovating, delight your customers, and stay one step ahead of the competition.

At I.T.S., we believe in A Braver Flavour. Let’s turn these challenges into opportunities.

Reach out today and let’s get started.

Why Natural Flavours Are a Smart Move as Cherry Prices Climb

Posted on by adam cohen

Cherry prices are on the rise across Europe and beyond. Thanks to frost, poor harvests and supply chain hiccups. And when real fruit gets pricey (or hard to get hold of), leaning too heavily on cherries and cherry purees can be risky.

Even though UK crops held up well this year, the global shortage is still pushing prices up, making things tricky for food and drink brands.

And just to make things even more complicated…cherry is booming right now.

Cherry is one of the trendiest flavours of 2025. Popping up in everything from bold new sodas and tangy sours to retro desserts and creamy yoghurts. Consumers love it, retailers want it, and brands are going big on it.

So, how do you keep up with demand without breaking the bank?

That’s where natural cherry flavours come in. All the taste, minus the cost or supply headaches.

Here’s how they can help:

  • Big, bold taste – they deliver on flavour, so your products hit the mark every time.
  • Reliable – no batch-to-batch flavour drift.
  • Stable supply – no sudden shortages or shipping delays.
  • More cost-effective – no exposure to volatile fruit markets.
  • Super versatile – great across drinks, dairy, bakery and desserts.

Request a sample of some of our cherry natural flavours:

  • Acerola Cherry
  • Black Cherry
  • Cherry Purree
  • Fleshy Cherry
  • Maraschino Cherry
  • Red Cherry
  • Sour Cherry
  • Sweet Cherry

Get in touch to get started, and we’ll send you some samples to give a try.

Beer Flavour Trends You Need to Know Heading into 2026

Posted on by adam cohen

We’ve crunched the numbers from the latest product launches and flavour trends in beer across the UK, Europe, and North America. The results are packed with juicy insights.

Flavoured beer is showing no signs of slowing down. Brewers are getting even braver with what they put in the tank.

UK Beer Flavours: Bold, Brave & Unexpected

Flavours are really taking off in the UK beer scene right now:

  • Watermelon (+50%*) – juicy, refreshing and subtly sweet. Instant summer vibes and pairs well with light lagers and sours.
  • Yuzu (+41%*) – bursting with Asian fruity influence, it’s exotic and accessible. Yuzu is finally having its day.
  • Hazelnut (+32%*) – Indulgence for dark beers and dessert-style flavours. One for the autumn-winter warmers.
  • Pineapple (+26%*) and Cherry (+21%*) – two big trending flavours in the entire beverage world.

Europe Beer Flavours: Fruity Meets Floral

European brewers are being just as bold with flavour, with some interesting twists and big-time classic flavours.

  • Strawberry (+44%*) – universally loved and super versatile. Strawberry beers have a big history in Europe, and now they are gaining more popularity.
  • Pina Colada (+32%*) – beer meets cocktails. Brings a new audience and excitement to beer. Great in lactose sours and dessert IPAs.
  • Vanilla (+28%*) – looking to add depth and smoothness? Vanilla is here for you.
  • Hibiscus (+26%*) – floral and tartness can add a new dimension to a beer. Beautiful in sours and lower ABV beers.

North America Beer Flavours: Big Flavours, Big Statements

The U.S. is doing what it does best, going bold.

  • Punch (+73%*) – inspired by hard seltzers and big juicy flavours. Punch style flavours add a big and bold fruity flavour.
  • Limeade (+32%*) – lime style beers have always had a niche in the US beer market, but now this looks to be exploding.
  • Black Cherry (+19*) – the flavour of the moment both in the UK and US is making waves in beer. Adopted by the healthy soda market and now having an influence on beer.
  • Peanut Beer (+11%*) – Let’s face it, they love putting peanut butter on everything. Why not beer? A great one for the darker side of beer.

Feeling inspired? Want to know more? Drop us a message to receive our full beer flavour report.

*Compound Annual Growth Rate (%) of flavour beer launches 2020 – 2024 (Innova Market Research Insights)

Request Full Beer Flavour Report

Drop us a message to download the full report.

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Natural Flavours That Actually Work in Hydration Drinks

Posted on by adam cohen

At I.T.S., we don’t do bland. We do bolder, braver flavours and our hydration flavour range is no exception.

Let’s be honest: if it doesn’t taste amazing, it doesn’t sell.

We work with brands who know that flavour is the make-or-break. That’s why we’ve created a natural flavour range that’s built to perform in all types of hydration drinks, from electrolyte RTDs to hydration powders and tablets, even the tricky ones packed with adaptogens and functional ingredients.

Clean label. Big taste. No compromises.

Why Flavour Matters in Hydration Drinks

Hydration has gone mainstream. It’s no longer just for sport, it’s about wellness, energy, recovery, focus, and feeling good every day.

But here’s the challenge:
Hydration drinks often contain electrolytes and functional ingredients that don’t always taste great on their own

That’s where we come in.

At I.T.S., we’ve built a natural flavour range that:

  • Works in low or no sugar systems
  • Masks off-notes from electrolytes and functional ingredients
  • Plant-based, EU clean-label compliant, and allergen-free
  • Comes in liquid and powder formats to suit all hydration products

Flavours That Hit Hard and Keep You Coming Back

Every flavour’s been tested in real-world hydration applications. So you know it’ll deliver in taste and in function.

Lemon & Lime
Zingy, bright, and seriously thirst-quenching. The go-to classic.

Peach
Soft, juicy, mellow — perfect for rounding out sharper blends.

Watermelon
Crisp, clean, and cool. Like summer in a sachet.

Cherry
Bold and tart with a nostalgic twist. A big hitter in powders.

Yuzu
Zesty and floral with a premium citrus bite. Adds edge and freshness.

Tropical
Bright fruit punch with notes of pineapple, mango, and passionfruit. Fun, vibrant, and energetic.

Raspberry
Tangy, sharp, and real. Zero artificial aftertaste.

Formulation-Friendly from Day One

We’ve developed these flavours with formulators and developers in mind. We know the pressure to move fast, meet claims, and still deliver a great-tasting product.

We offer:

  • Quick turnaround on orders and samples
  • Flexible formats for RTDs, tablets, sachets, and drops
  • Low MOQs for agile NPD
  • Flavour masking, flavour matching, and technical support when you need it most

Hydration products are only getting more complex, we’re here to make flavour the easiest part of the puzzle.

Ready to Launch Hydration That Tastes Brave?

Whether you’re developing:

  • A clean-label electrolyte drink
  • A hydration powder for active lifestyles
  • A post-workout blend with added adaptogens and protein
  • Or a water enhancer that stands out from the rest

Drop us a message, request samples, or chat with our team.

8 Soft Drink Flavours That Are Making a Splash

Posted on by adam cohen

Without a doubt, function and flavour are the two most important factors in the soft drinks market. If your product isn’t offering an added benefit and bold flavour, you’re missing a trick.

We’ve scoured the market and taken a peek at what’s in the NPD pipeline to highlight the top flavour trends in functional soft drinks.

Let’s get into it.

Watermelon & Mint

Summer staple goes mainstream.

Refreshing, colourful, and highly social media-friendly. A go-to for warm weather, watermelon is now getting a grown-up twist with mint. It’s light and perfect for both still and sparkling formats.

Function focus: A great fit for hydration and energy boosting drinks.

Black Cherry & Vanilla

Retro gets an indulgent twist.

Cherry is back with a bang. Think 90s cherry cola, but dialled up with vanilla creaminess. It’s nostalgic and comforting. Taps into the throwback trend and indulgent drinking.

Function focus: The vanilla notes will help this flavour shine in protein-enriched drinks.

Concord Grape

Grape is all growing up and branching out.

Sweet, a little retro, and people love the colour. Always a firm favourite in the US, but now it’s ready to shine worldwide.

Function focus: A great choice for the gut health soda market.

White Peach & Ginger

Light, elegant and levelled up.

White peach offers a softer and more floral flavour note. Add ginger, and you get an instant fiery punch.

Function focus: A firm favourite in the low and no alcohol sector.

Yuzu Lemonade

Zesty with global appeal.

If you haven’t tried yuzu yet, you’re missing out. It’s like lemon, but more fragrant, slightly floral, and with Eastern appeal. Paired with lemonade? Sold.

Function focus: Perfect for a vitamin filled and health focused drink.

Pineapple & Jalapeño

Sweet meets heat.

Sweet pineapple meets a cheeky kick of jalapeño. It’s the kind of flavour that gets people talking (and sipping).

Function focus: A flavour that taps nicely into the immunity boosting trend.

Hibiscus & Raspberry

Floral, fruity, and a little tart.

Pairs together refreshing fruity notes of raspberry with the delicate floral hint of hibiscus.

Function focus: This combo is finding its feet in kombucha and adult soft drinks.

Korean Pear

The wildcard flavour.

Clean, crisp, and subtle, with a wellness twist. Korean pear is being hyped as a natural hangover helper and really bringing the Eastern influence to soft drinks.

Function focus: With connotations of hangover cures, this plays nicely into the growing hydration trend.

Get started with some natural flavour samples.

Feeling inspired? Get in touch to request a natural flavour sample and get your next launch ready.

What Is Korean Pear Juice and Why Is It Trending in Functional Beverages?

Posted on by adam cohen

If you’re developing the next big drink launch, Korean Pear should be on your radar. Known for its crisp, floral sweetness and natural detoxifying benefits, this juice is gaining global traction as a natural hangover remedy and a refreshing twist for health-focused drink innovations.

It’s already making waves in the UK, US, and Australian markets, and for good reason. Korean Pear Juice checks multiple 2025 beverage trends in one juicy hit.

Key Drink Trends Korean Pear Flavour Taps Into

  1. Eastern Flavours Are Going Mainstream
    Korean and Japanese ingredients like yuzu, matcha, and ginseng have gone from niche to necessary. Consumers are embracing global flavours and seeking authentic Eastern inspired beverages. Korean Pear fits this demand with its unique, slightly floral pear profile and cultural credibility.
  1. Hydration Is the New Wellness Hero
    Functional hydration is no longer a niche, it’s a core consumer expectation. From RTD electrolyte drinks to hydrating sparkling waters, hydration is trending. Korean Pear Juice, naturally high in water and potassium, aligns perfectly with this movement.
  1. Flavours That Stand Out and Sell
    Consumers want bold, memorable flavours, especially those with a story or health benefit. Korean Pear combines wellness connotations and taste all in one. It’s ideal for use in:
    • Natural energy drinks
    • Nootropic waters
    • Functional sodas
    • Alcohol alternatives

Add Korean Pear Flavour to Your Drinks Brand

Want to create a drink that stands out on shelf and taps into multiple consumer trends? Korean Pear could be your next signature flavour.

Contact us today to request a sample of our new Korean Pear natural flavour.