At IFT next week, Solvay will introduce Rhovanil US NAT, an alternative to its existing synthetic Rhovanil that delivers the same high intensity flavor and typical vanillin notes but from a source that meets FDA’s regulatory requirements for natural.
“In the last four to five years we have seen tremendous growth for natural vanillin demand in the US market,” fueled both by the ongoing vanilla bean crisis and consumers’ avoidance of “artificial ingredients and flavors,” Mike Tan, global business manager for Rhovanil US NAT, told FoodNavigator-USA.
But, until now, US consumers that wanted a natural vanillin from Solvay have had to use Rhovanil Natural, which was formulated from a natural organic compound in rice bran to meet the European Union’s stricter standards for natural. And while the higher standards meant the ingredient complied with FDA requirements, the price also was higher than some US manufacturers were able to pay.
Rhovanil US NAT, however, will be available at a price point that is six to seven times lower than Rhovanil Natural – making it more broadly available to manufacturers here.
In addition to the lower price point, Rhovanil US NAT is an easy one-to-one swap with Solvay’s synthetic vanillin and can be used in a wide variety of applications, including chocolate, confectionary, bakery and beverages.
Manufacturers using other synthetic or natural vanillins that are interested in switching to Rhovanil US NAT may need to make some adjustments to their formulations as the base for the ingredient may be different than what they are currently using, warned Edouard Janssen, senior vice president and general manager of Solvay Aroma Performance, Americas.
But, he told FoodNavigator-USA, Solvay is in a unique position to help manufacturers navigate these changes because it offers both natural and synthetic options, which means it knows how to make adjustments for each so that the optimal flavors and aromas are achieved.
Attendees at IFT interested in learning more – or sampling hot-off-the-griddle waffles and cookies made with Rhovanil US NAT – can do so by visiting the company’s booth at S1467.