Reb-A bitter taste receptor identified

Givaudan has identified and applied for patents related to its discovery of the bitter taste receptor triggered by Rebaudioside-A (also known as Reb-A), the new stevia-derived ‘natural high intensity sweetener’ recently pronounced safe by the US FDA.

Food and beverage company product developers normally encounter significant taste problems with Reb-A’s lingering and off-notes.

“The combination of our masking and enhancing TasteSolutions technology puts enable customers to solve these product development challenges,” says Mike Size, Givaudan’s global head of beverages.

The company has utilized advances in taste research, sensory science and receptor-guided ingredient discovery to address the bitterness associated with Reb A.