“Mature Cheddar cheese is an enduringly popular flavour in the UK, both in terms of sales of block cheese and also in its prominent use in cheese-based savoury products,” says Ciaran Lynch, Synergy's research and development manager.
“However, we recognised that the rich, lasting flavour profile consumers associate with mature Cheddar can be difficult to deliver in applications such as pasties and sauces.”
The new range is designed to provide more concentrated flavour levels than block cheese, which can lose its flavour when heated. Mature Cheddar Flavour Solutions offer higher levels of heat and processing stability, due to the flavour emulsification and encapsulation in their production process.
“Cheddar cheese, in particular, can be a heat-sensitive profile, so it is quite easy to accidentally introduce cooked notes at high-block cheese volumes,” comments Lynch.
‘Price stability’
“Block Cheddar usually also requires a relatively high inclusion rate to deliver a recognisable flavour profile. As well as the price stability issues this can involve, working with high cheese contents can sometimes lead to functional problems such as increased viscosity and emulsification.”
Lynch says tight levels of process control in manufacture mean that the new products provide a standard flavour profile, as well as enabling a reduction in cheese content.
“Synergy engaged in a significant programme of product testing and sensory analysis to understand exactly what consumers look for and enjoy in mature Cheddar profiles, and to develop solutions that can help manufacturers deliver an authentic taste and aroma that meets these expectations.”