T. Hasegawa introduces HASECITRUS technology designed to stabilise citrus flavour in beverages

New technology protects citrus flavours from the dulling effects of oxidation, producing vibrant true-to-fruit flavour profiles with long-lasting consistency in RTD beverages and drink mixes

California-based T. Hasegawa USA Inc., one of the world’s top food and beverage flavour manufacturers, launched an advanced technology designed to help beverage manufacturers create fresh-tasting citrus drinks with better shelf life consistency.

The company introduced HASECITRUS™, a natural flavour stabilising product that protects citrus flavours from the dulling effects of oxidation – a process where oxygen, pH and temperature reacts with flavour compounds in citrus, changing the colour, aroma and taste.

Citrus flavour oxidation causes major problems for beverage producers who need consistency of flavour and shelf stability in packaged form. Both dry and liquid beverages can be affected by UV light and temperature fluctuations, which can affect the pH balance and accelerate the process of oxidation. HASECITRUS uses a shelf-stable design that does not rely on less refined citrus commodities to help manufacturers create beverage formulations that maintain citrus flavour profiles for longer periods without refrigeration or special packaging.

“Citrus beverages are becoming increasingly complex in categories like sports nutrition and energy that feature added functional ingredients like protein and electrolytes – but consumers also want clean label, preservative-free products,” explained Mark Webster, vice president of sales and marketing at T. Hasegawa USA. “This is driving demand for new technologies like HASECITRUS that enable manufacturers to overcome the effects of oxidation and offer natural flavour beverages that remind consumers what fresh citrus tastes like.”

The new technology was developed as part of T. Hasegawa’s “Bridge to Tokyo” program, which combines the R&D expertise and innovations of the company’s global headquarters in Japan and its California-based U.S. subsidiary. HASECITRUS was developed over a two-year period, inspired by technology from the company’s research and flavour innovations center in Japan.

HASECITRUS launches in eight distinct flavour variants including Lemon; Lime; Orange; Blood Orange; Navel Orange; Lemon Lime; White Grapefruit and Pink Grapefruit. These flavours are offered initially in liquid form, with a dry powder option available upon request. HASECITRUS flavours meet FDA guidelines for natural flavours, upholding clean-label formulations, and the product can be made to conform to non-GMO and Kosher certifications.