We’re taking it back to the basics with our newest line of seasonings! This collection features three innovative seasonings inspired by the five basic tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami. These blends were designed to ignite the senses and offer a unique sensory experience. 

So, what exactly are the five basic tastes? In addition to influencing how we experience different foods and flavors, they have three physiological functions: triggering digestive reflex systems, enhancing the feelings of pleasure and satiety while eating, and assessing the quality of sampled food products to prevent the consumption of potential toxins. For centuries, the basic tastes have been seen as part of our survival instincts. They help us detect bitter poisons and sour foods that may be unsafe to eat, as well as help trigger warning signs when consuming too much salt. Although our physical bodies recognize each of the tastes, descriptive language for them is sparse in Western culture and many people find them difficult to identify. Studies have shown that 28% of the males and 10% of the females consistently confuse sour and bitter tastes (1).

Despite many consumers not being able to pinpoint the differences between them through taste, bold takes on basic taste flavors continue to trend. According to Mintel, viral snack trends find commonality in the extreme as consumers have been obsessed with snacks with sweet and sour flavor profiles (2). And this trend isn’t going away anytime soon; Gen Z and Millennial consumers continue to be incredibly interested in food and beverage products with extreme or bold flavor profiles. This collection takes the five basic tastes and intensifies them in a way that will keep consumers wanting more.

With the expertise of our sensory scientist, Annette Hottenstein, as well as our corporate executive chef and R&D team, we’ve crafted a selection of seasonings that enhance each of the basic tastes in a way that is inventive and inviting. We embraced the challenge of enhancing bitter, sour, and salty tastes to create enjoyable flavors that are sure to peak consumers’ interests. The recipes we’ve designed to showcase this collection are just the beginning of the possibilities with these three seasoning blends and can be used on a wide range of food products including prepared meals, proteins, spreads, desserts, and more.

Dark chocolate, cardamom, and black pepper combine perfectly in this unique seasoning to create a flavor profile that will leave consumers wanting more. Highlighting bitter tastes and featuring a dash of sweetness, our Peppered Cocoa Spice creates an unexpectedly delicious flavor for beverages, spreads, sauces, and more.

Umami, umami, umami! Consumers won’t be able to get enough of the savory tastes we created in our Ultimate Umami Blend. Our ramen recipe that showcases this blend makes the ideal comfort food for all seasons and delivers the perfect flavor for satisfying those umami and salty cravings. The possibilities are endless with this versatile seasoning that can be added to a wide range of food products including proteins, sides, and salad dressings.

Our Tropical Sour Seasoning might just be a Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumer’s dream. This mouthwatering seasoning brings bright colors and bold sour flavors to life. From spreads to snack products, this seasoning can be incorporated into many food products, delivering an addicting flavor that consumers will be totally obsessed with.

The Back to Basics Collection was packaged with the help of The Arc of Carroll County, an organization that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To read more about The Arc, click here.