TasteTech has launched a new line of powdered L-Menthol products, incorporating German chemicals company BASF’s base aroma ingredient L-Menthol FCC. The UK-based manufacturer of controlled release flavorings and ingredients offers powdered menthol in three unique formats – spray dried, stabilized powder and “flavour8” – each designed with the controlled release functionality in mind and applicable for natural or synthetic menthol.

“We know how important a role menthol plays within the food industry and in creating fine powder versions of L-Menthol we can offer high-impact, highly concentrated, easy to handle, stable fine powders [up to 93 percent concentration] with excellent dispersibility and low contamination to plant,” says Rob McCarthy, Product Manager of Confectionery at TasteTech.

Spray Dry Particle L-Menthol
With its consistent fine powder form, spray dried L-Menthol is marketed as “simple, stable and cost-effective.” This L-Menthol product variety is said to be easier to handle than liquids, providing a stable mix with other dry ingredients. Cost reduction can be achieved by replacing potentially expensive raw materials with free-flowing and highly concentrated powder flavorings, notes TasteTech.

Powder Stabilization L-Menthol
Powder stabilized L-Menthol is said to impart “great flavor impact” combined with the ease of processing. The free flowing powder is touted as enabling the high loading of the active ingredient up to 93 percent, without re-crystallization or solidification, even in storage. Stabilized powders, such as StabilizedMentholPlus, are up to five times stronger than spray dried equivalents, making them up to 50 percent cheaper, the company highlights. 

Flavour8 L-Menthol
Flavour8 L-Menthol comprises a flavor system that traps the menthol ingredient inside a super soluble barrier material, which provides instant release, high impact flavors when in contact with moisture. This system is marketed as providing two years of shelf life and no odour or flavor cross contamination in the finished product.

“We are proud that TasteTech is using our high-quality L-Menthol and provides a broad market access to stabilised Menthol powders. We are excited to extend the relationship to our other mint ingredients,” says Dr. Wolfgang Krause, Technical Marketing Manager Aroma Ingredients at BASF.

Last March, TasteTech launched a new Gum Kit specifically designed to help chewing gum manufacturers to prolong the flavor of their products, produced using its matrix particle technology. “We currently offer a range of both natural and non-natural encapsulated flavorings from the popular types such as mint and citrus to some more unusual varieties such as cinnamon and ginger which can give more of a delayed-sensation effect,” explains McCarthy.