According to the latest study, The Green Revolution from 2021, 0.8% of the Spanish population, approximately 315,000 people, identify as vegan. Considering that this demographic is growing year by year, changes in food consumption patterns are expected. The demand for vegan natural flavours is increasing, making it necessary for the food industry to adapt to these new trends.
In this context, Cosmos Aromática, a company specializing in the design of aromas and beverages for the food industry, provides tailored solutions to meet the needs of this expanding market. In this article, we explore what vegan natural flavours are, how they differ from artificial ones, and the most relevant trends in this field.
What Characteristics Must Natural Flavours Have to Be Considered Natural?
Below are the key characteristics that a natural flavour must have:
- Origin from Natural Sources: They must come exclusively from natural sources such as plants, fruits, herbs, spices, roots, flowers, or certain types of mushrooms. Artificial ingredients and chemical synthesis processes are not allowed.
- Non-Chemical Extraction Methods: The process used to obtain the flavour must be physical or biological, such as distillation, cold pressing, or extraction with natural solvents, as these preserve the original composition of the source ingredients.
- Absence of Artificial Additives: A natural flavour should not contain artificial additives such as colorants, preservatives, synthetic sweeteners, or flavour enhancers that do not come from natural sources. Only natural preservatives that help preserve the product’s integrity are permitted.
- No Genetically Modified Ingredients: Natural flavours must not come from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ensuring that the flavour maintains the organic properties of its original source.
- Simple Composition: Natural flavours should be as pure and simple as possible, made up of the original aromatic compounds from the plant or ingredient they originate from, without additional alterations that change their molecular structure.
- No Harsh Chemical Treatments: To be considered natural, flavours should not undergo severe chemical treatments that alter their molecular structure or the aromatic compounds contributing to the flavour. The production methods must respect the integrity of the original ingredient.
Difference Between Natural and Artificial Flavours
Natural flavours originate from natural sources, while artificial flavours are synthetic compounds created in laboratories. The main difference lies in their origin: natural flavours are associated with health and sustainability, while artificial flavours, though cheaper, have been debated for their potential long-term side effects.
Which Natural Flavours Are Most Used in Vegan Foods?
In the vegan product industry, natural flavours are essential for offering tasty and attractive alternatives that replicate traditional flavours without using animal-derived ingredients. Here are some of the most commonly used in these products:
- Fruit and Vegetable Extracts: Extracts from fruits like orange, lemon, and strawberry, and vegetables like carrot and tomato, are common in vegan foods, where the use of vegan natural flavours is essential. They provide freshness and an authentic touch to products like cookies, smoothies, and sauces.
- Spices and Herbs: Spices such as cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, and cardamom, as well as herbs like basil, rosemary, and cilantro, are widely used in vegan foods to add complexity and depth of flavour. They enhance the flavour of the products while offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Essential Oils: Primarily obtained from plants like eucalyptus, mint, and lavender, they are used to create fresh, natural flavours in products like teas, ice creams, and beverages. In addition to flavour, they enhance the consumer’s sensory experience by releasing intense, refreshing aromas.
- Mushroom-Based Flavours: In recent years, edible mushrooms like shiitake or champignon have gained popularity as vegan natural flavouring agents. Their umami flavour, associated with foods like meat, has allowed the vegan food industry to replicate meaty flavours without animal products.
Is It Possible to Replicate Meaty Flavours 100% Naturally?
Yes, it is entirely possible to replicate meaty flavours 100% naturally using plant-based ingredients. Ingredients like mushrooms, seaweed, and certain legumes are known for their ability to mimic the umami flavour of meat, which is often lacking in many vegan products. Additionally, spices such as garlic, onion, and paprika can help intensify these flavours, offering a delicious and natural alternative for vegan consumers.
Some advances in research have also shown that the use of textured plant proteins, such as tofu or tempeh, combined with suitable natural flavourings, can create vegan products that surprisingly replicate the texture and taste of meat.
What Are the Flavour Trends in Vegan Products?
As the demand for vegan products grows, so do flavour trends. Consumers are increasingly interested in exploring new flavours and experimenting with unusual combinations:
- Vegan Comfort Food Flavours: The term “comfort food” refers to foods that offer emotional comfort and satisfaction, often linked to nostalgia. This type of food is gaining ground in the vegan industry with new flavours like cheese, pizza, burgers, and creamy sauces, all 100% plant-based. Vegan natural flavourings that replicate these flavours are key to making products appealing to consumers seeking familiarity without compromising ethical values.
- International Cuisine Influences: Flavours from Asian, African, and Latin American cuisines are trending in vegan products. Ingredients like miso, curry, turmeric, kimchi, and soy sauce are being used to create vibrant, complex flavours that add authenticity to vegan dishes. As a result, consumers can enjoy a broader range of flavours in their vegan diets.
- Health-Boosting Flavours: Another growing trend is the incorporation of flavourings that not only taste great but also provide health benefits. For example, extracts of adaptogenic herbs like ginseng or ashwagandha, and superfoods like spirulina or matcha, are being integrated into vegan products to combine flavour with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and energizing properties.
Flavour and Sustainability in Every Ingredient
Vegan natural flavours play a vital role in today’s food industry, catering to the growing demand for vegan products while offering a healthier and more sustainable alternative to artificial flavourings. If your company is looking for innovative, high-quality solutions to incorporate natural flavours into your products, Cosmos Aromática can assist. Our expertise and dedication in designing aromas and beverages for the food industry allow us to offer the best products: dairy, beverages, baked goods, and savory items.
Contact our team today and discover how we can help you create the most delicious products for your business.
