dsm-firmenich’s ModulaSENSE maskers target bitterness, astringency, and liquorice-like notes

dsm-firmenich’s new line of ModulaSENSE maskers are offering manufacturers greater precision and performance in ready-to-mix (RTM) drinks and protein bars when made with Vertis CanolaPRO by accurately targeting bitterness, astringency, and liquorice-like notes at the molecular level.

The new ModulaSENSE maskers, which were created utilising receptor-based technology, fully utilise its plant protein, Vertis CanolaPRO.

Vertis CanolaPRO is a complete, highly digestible, and sustainable rapeseed protein isolate. However, like many plant proteins, it may present sensory challenges in certain applications. These new maskers will enable manufacturers to formulate higher-protein and better tasting RTM drinks and protein bars.

Vertis CanolaPRO is a sustainable source of high-quality plant nutrition. It is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, with a protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score of one, and is free from all major allergens (Vertis CanolaPRO is free from milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. The ingredient imparts functionality benefits with excellent solubility, foaming, emulsification, and gelation properties. Vertis CanolaPRO is a certified upcycled ingredient that valorises an existing side stream of canola oil production.

Using cutting-edge flavour science, ModulaSENSE maskers target multiple sensory pathways and intercept unwanted flavours before they activate key taste receptors. This enables higher volumes of Vertis CanolaPRO to be used in RTM drinks and protein bar applications while elevating the taste profile of these highly nutritious applications.

Alejandra Camacho, vice president, global innovation leader, dairy taste & plant-based, at dsm-firmenich says: “There is a critical need in the plant protein space – better nutrition without compromise on taste. Using our deep molecular understanding of protein structures and interactions, alongside cutting-edge technologies to identify the correct masking ratios, we’re facilitating the sustainable protein transition. ModulaSENSE combined with Vertis CanolaPRO unlocks more opportunities for our customers, plus better tasting, sustainable, and functional nutrition for consumers.”

These new ModulaSENSE maskers are available in North America from July 2025 and will be available in Europe from September 2025. The new range has been developed for RTM drinks and protein bars, with plans to expand into other applications in the future.