Kerry introduces new citrus extract with natural extract claim

Photo © iStockphoto.com/VladislavStarozhilov

Kerry (Naas, Ireland) launched an advanced citrus extract technology called New! Citrus Extract, which delivers all the flavor benefits of traditional natural citrus but with the added bonus of a “natural extract” claim. The technology can be applied to a variety of citrus fruits (lime, lemon, orange and tangerine) and applications, including sparkling and still flavored waters, ready-to-drink teas, juice drinks, isotonic and energy drinks, craft carbonated soft drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages such as hard seltzers, malt beverages, mocktails, and flavored beers and spirits. 

Based on Kerry’s broad technical capability, the New! Citrus Extract portfolio was developed with the support of Kerry’s non-thermal liquid/liquid extraction process that delivers highly concentrated extracts with a greatly reduced level of terpenes and sesquiterpenes. This creates a taste profile that has been described as fresh, clean, vibrant, juicy, aromatic and intense, with a clean lingering effect. The process also allows for excellent solubility in water and stability.

“Citrus flavors and extracts have been used in foods and beverages for centuries. By enabling producers to retain the wonderful aroma and flavor of authentic citrus and deliver a fresh, intense, full-bodied citrus taste, our technology represents a major step forward from traditional extract processing,” said Ton Mesters, global product director citrus, of Kerry, in a press release “Our extracts deliver all of the benefits of a natural flavor, but can be labeled a ‘natural extract’, enabling food and beverage developers to clean up their ingredient labels. This new technology enables our customers to offer advanced vibrant flavors for new and unique market products.”

This new technology is more effective than current methods at retaining the superior aroma and flavor of citrus, as well as providing an extended, more full-bodied finish, says Kerry. All products are completely water-soluble and colorless in the finished application, allowing the product developer to replace a natural citrus flavor with a natural citrus extract, i.e., providing a cleaner ingredient label. 

“People love the delicious and refreshing taste of citrus, so it’s not surprising the global food and beverage industry continues to use this iconic taste in new products,” added Mesters. “With Kerry’s advanced extraction technology available in four flavor tonalities (and more on the way), product designers have access to an expanded range of citrus extract options to enhance their design palettes.”