BASF creates citrus and wood flavor ingredients via biotech

In Germany, chemicals giant BASF has launched two new biobased flavor ingredients with citrus and woody notes.

Isobionics Natural beta-Sinensal 20 offers a citrus peel taste and enhances various flavors. The main advantage of this innovative flavor ingredient is that it is not extracted from orange oil, which opens up the potential for wide use in flavor applications.

Isobionics® Natural alpha-Humulene 90 provides a woody flavor for beverages and essential oils.  The odor is dry woody, resinous, also cedar, piney and patchouli-like, slightly grapefruit and herbal, according to BASF. It is suitable for both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages – especially for mango, raspberry, mint and citrus flavors. .

Both ingredients are produced via fermentation and meet EU and US food-grade standards.  Steffen Götz, Vice President of Aroma Ingredients at BASF, said customers in the global flavor industry are increasingly looking for biotech-based innovations.