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Fall Flavors at Metarom

Fall Flavors at Metarom

October 20, 2023

Fall is here – it’s time to break out cozy sweaters, pie pans, and hiking boots. With the change in the weather comes an opportunity for fall-inspired dishes and drinks. Companies and individuals do well to capitalize on the potent possibilities of seasonal experiences to delight the eye and the tongue. Let Metarom USA bring […]

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Fall is here – it’s time to break out cozy sweaters, pie pans, and hiking boots. With the change in the weather comes an opportunity for fall-inspired dishes and drinks. Companies and individuals do well to capitalize on the potent possibilities of seasonal experiences to delight the eye and the tongue. Let Metarom USA bring you the Fall experience you’ve always wanted.

Whether you’re looking for a specific brown note to add to a yummy dessert or you need broader autumn flavors for a wide range of recipes, get inspiration (not to mention FREE samples!) from the quality source of Metarom USA. Keep reading to discover some of our ready-made 2023 Fall flavors, or you can contact us to craft a custom flavor profile appropriate for this season.

Warm Brown Notes

Here at Metarom USA, we know that Fall brings to mind an array of colors, but you can’t go wrong with a warm, earthy brown. Whether the bright-colored leaves have started falling or not, the rich symphony of sweet brown flavors can dance on your tongue, screaming, “autumn!” Imagine a combination of just a few of our brown Fall flavors:

  • The velvety seduction of vanilla
  • The sumptuous embrace of chocolate
  • The nutty deliciousness of pecan or walnut
  • The unique touch of brown spices

These brown notes are perfect for crafting Autumn flavors.

Savory Fall Flavors

Fall isn’t just about the sweet! We love these savory, even spicy, Fall flavors. For an aromatic allure of herbal blends, elegance of delicate floral notes, and the heartiness of meat-inspired delights, get inspired with the appropriately seasonal selections from Metarom USA in the following categories:

  • Herbal
  • Culinary
  • Floral
  • International
  • Meat

For more information about any of these Autumn flavors, please reach out directly to our team. You can get free samples as well as personalized advice based on your preferences and needs.

Get Ready for Fall Baking

From apple pie to pumpkin bread and everything in between, for many people, fall is the season synonymous with baking. For baking this season, you’ll want baking ingredients or inclusions that typify Autumn flavors, from a caramel drizzle to a hearty fruit glaze.

We offer high-quality bake-stable fillings in caramel and other flavors. Our components will help your recipes taste and work the way they are intended. Our bakery intermediates include:

  • Bake-stable fillings
  • Bake-stable layers
  • Bread improver
  • Bread softener
  • Buttercream
  • Cake fillings
  • Cake toppings
  • Donut fillings
  • Dough conditioner
  • Drizzles
  • Fondant
  • Frostings
  • Fruit jams
  • Glazes
  • Icings
  • Inclusions
  • Jellies

With such a comprehensive selection, we have the Fall flavors to exceed your baking expectations this season.

Dishing up pecan pie

Traditional Alternatives

We understand that traditional flavors are popular for a reason, but also that there are many people for whom the traditions need updating or adapting. If you have special dietary restrictions or are looking for more healthy alternatives to the traditional Fall flavors this season, don’t worry! Metarom USA makes it easy to eat your specific diet with all our options. Take a look at the difference between our traditional and alternative dairy options:

Traditional Dairy Alternative Dairy
Flavored milk and creamers Almond milk or oat milk
Ice cream & frozen desserts Pea milk or rice milk
Yogurts Soy milk
Greek yogurt & kefir Yogurts
Drinkable probiotics Plant-based cheese
Dips & spreads Ice cream (specially made)
Fruit preparations Vegan coffee creamers
Butter & ghee Lactose-free dairy products
Powdered instant dairy foods MCT-based beverages
Dairy-based seasonings Nut butters

As you can see, we’re accommodating with the options for our Autumn flavors. Dietary restrictions, health considerations, or other factors that influence what ingredients you want to be included in your recipes can easily be accommodated with our wide-ranging selections. So many options are available that it is more possible than ever to get the exact combinations to meet your needs and your wants.

If any of the above sounds interesting to you, or you want specific advice from the experts about what alternatives make sense for you, get in touch with our team.

Warm Fall Drinks

When many of us think of Fall flavors, we can’t help but conjure up images of fall drinks. From pumpkin-flavored coffee creamers to a tall glass of apple cider, many beverage selections are uniquely considered to be the property of this fall season. We offer a variety of options for beverages here at Metarom USA, from everyday beverages to alcoholic options to sports drinks to healthy options. Here is a sampling of the possibilities we offer that are perfect for the autumn season:

  • Coffee & matcha
  • Seasonal flavored syrups & concentrates
  • Apple cider
  • Warm dairy-based beverages
  • Teas
  • Fruit juices

If you’re looking for a drink that incorporates Fall flavors, let us know and we can help you craft the perfect flavor profile.

Crafting Your Flavor Profile for Fall

Hopefully, you’ve started to get inspired by our catalog of options above. However, whether you know precisely what Fall flavors you want or are unsure, our talented team can work with you to make your flavor profile. Incorporating warm brown notes, savory options or sweet sensations, traditional ingredients, or alternatives into foods or drinks may seem overwhelming. Still, it’s just a day on the job for our flavor experts. With decades of experience, fall baking combinations and more will come easily to our top-trained team. We can help you customize our ingredients into a stable mixture that can meet all your requirements. There are limitless possibilities for potent Autumn flavors that will work well together.

Secure Your Free Samples of Autumn Flavors Today

Metarom USA is your quality source of Fall flavors. You can request your free samples today here. One of our flavor experts will be in touch with you soon. We’ll create the seasonal flavor profile you crave on the scale appropriate for your project. Let’s form our flavor partnership this fall!


The Many Flavors of Vanilla

The Many Flavors of Vanilla

October 13, 2023

“Vanilla” is mistakenly equated with being “dull” – but vanilla is a refined and diverse ingredient with various uses and possibilities. Natural vanilla is exceptionally scarce and very expensive, and there is a wide range of natural and synthetic vanilla sources and uses. Let’s explore all the flavors of vanilla. We are proud to source […]

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“Vanilla” is mistakenly equated with being “dull” – but vanilla is a refined and diverse ingredient with various uses and possibilities. Natural vanilla is exceptionally scarce and very expensive, and there is a wide range of natural and synthetic vanilla sources and uses. Let’s explore all the flavors of vanilla. We are proud to source the highest quality of different vanilla flavors here at Metarom USA. Request a free sample, or let us know if you want advice in crafting a custom flavor profile using vanilla.

vanilla macarons laid out on a towel

Why Natural Vanilla Is So Scarce and So Expensive

So, what’s the big deal with vanilla? It seems readily available since every restaurant and grocery store has vanilla ice cream as the baseline flavor. But at least 97% of the “vanilla” used in the world is synthetic, and so real, natural vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world (after saffron). Here are some of the requirements for the delicate vanilla orchid plant to thrive:

  • A moist, tropical climate with year-round temperatures around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit
  • There is relatively little wind and reasonably high humidity in the growing area
  • Soil rich in organic matter on terrain that is gently sloping to allow adequate, but not excessive, drainage
  • A mixture of sun and shade
  • At elevation from sea level to about 2,5000 feet
  • Pollination only by the Mexican Melipona bee or a very time-consuming method for pollination by hand

As you can see from this list, it’s hard to find places where vanilla can thrive naturally. This problem makes authentic vanilla rare and thus expensive as an ingredient, though price varies widely for different vanilla flavors. Getting the flavors of vanilla is typically a lengthy and involved process: let’s see where the sources are.

Where Vanilla Comes From

Authentic flavors of vanilla are sourced from a variety of countries. Now that there is the possibility for hand pollination, vanilla can be grown outside of Mexico, where the pollinating bee for authentic vanilla originates. Countries currently involved in providing natural sources of vanilla include:

  • Mexico
  • Madagascar
  • Tahiti
  • Indonesia
  • Other islands, such as the Seychelles and Jamaica
  • India
  • China

As you can see, this is quite a wide-ranging list. With the variety in location comes, of course, different vanilla flavors. Each of these sources of natural vanilla provides slightly different flavors and potencies. For instance, the Vanilla tahitiensis, a Tahitian form of vanilla grown on the island of Niue, has a lower content of actual vanilla but does have a sweeter floral scent and a more delicate or fruitier taste. No matter where natural vanilla is sourced, it will be expensive, but specific harvesting methods will be more prized and rare than other options.

The Range of Synthetic Vanilla Options

Because natural vanilla is so rare, hard to get, and expensive, most options for flavors of vanilla are synthetic. “Vanillin” is the synthetic version of the flavor compound synthesized in a lab. Synthetic versions of vanilla extract, beans, specks, flecks, and more are fabricated en masse to provide the “regular” flavor we all know as vanilla. Artificial vanillin lacks the real depth of the flavor profile in natural vanilla, which has hundreds of flavor compounds in one.

However, just because a flavor is fabricated doesn’t mean it isn’t potent or effective. Synthetic flavors of vanilla are more straightforward and less expensive, which means you get the primary taste of vanilla without going through the cost and extensive preparation process of using the original. Also, because many authentic flavors get lost at high temperatures, synthetic vanilla is preferred for some baked goods.

Different Vanilla Flavors Available at Metarom USA

Here at Metarom USA, we carry a wide range of vanilla products that we manufacture ourselves. Even within our specific categories, specialization and personalization are available; for example, we offer our commercial vanilla extract in several strengths. Please reach out with special requests for your flavors of vanilla, and we can work with you on your unique flavor profile. For a general overview, here are the categories of different vanilla flavors we offer here:

Even when sourcing in bulk, our beans are guaranteed the finest quality, handpicked for pure vanilla flavor straight from the source. Our vanilla beans are often ground to create a thick mass used for chocolate manufacturing. You can request a sample for your flavor profile if you are interested in this possibility.

For the presence of vanilla to be evident to both the eye and the tongue, there’s nothing better than our authentic vanilla specks. Specks are often used to bring vanilla flavors to dairy applications, like protein shakes. In our process, we exhaust vanilla beans, then dry, sterilize, and grind them into a powder, forming these specks. These specks mimic the appearance of our next category at a fraction of their cost:

Bringing authentic flavor and appearance, our careful process secures uniform size for our beans with exhaustion, sieving, and more. Quality is guaranteed with our different vanilla flavors.

For bulk needs such as vanilla for whipped cream, frosting, ice creams, and more, we offer quality vanilla bean paste with a more intense version of the flavor than you can get in extracts:

A popular choice, our commercial vanilla extract is meticulously created to be quality in various strengths. We can be your supplier and consultant on using vanilla in your flavor profile.

two crossed vanilla bean pods

Enjoy the Many Flavors of Vanilla

If you’re looking to include any flavors of vanilla in your custom flavor profile, let us know, and we can help you find the right choice from our different vanilla flavors that will fit your needs. We can provide a free sample of a given option for vanilla, as well as our expert advice in crafting recipes with quality ingredients.


International Authentic Flavors Are Trending

International Authentic Flavors Are Trending

September 20, 2023

In the food service, restaurant, and other related industries, one of the keys to success is tapping into what trends customers want to see. For 2023, the results are clear: consumers are looking for richly authentic flavors worldwide. For suppliers, restaurants, and more, using international flavors is no longer a niche option; instead, incorporating global […]

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In the food service, restaurant, and other related industries, one of the keys to success is tapping into what trends customers want to see. For 2023, the results are clear: consumers are looking for richly authentic flavors worldwide. For suppliers, restaurants, and more, using international flavors is no longer a niche option; instead, incorporating global taste profiles has become, if not the standard, at least a familiar possibility that consumers often expect or crave. Let’s explore more details of this trend.

A wide variety of international foods

Why Is There a Trend for Authentic Flavors From International Sources?

The food industry traditionally conducts a variety of studies at least annually to determine what consumers seek in their cuisines. For 2023, the results are overwhelmingly toward globally-inspired flavor profiles, as shown in more detail with the statistics below. While, of course, no trend is fully explainable, there are some clear reasons why this trend for authentic flavors from international sources has become so widespread at this time. In part due to the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited travel, there has been a dramatic increase in the popularity of flavor profiles that incorporate flavors from wide-ranging sources. Instead of consumers having to travel to a foreign country to taste that nation’s food, people want to have access to the flavors in the comfort of their community. “Traveling through taste” has become the hope for people from California to Calcutta.

As DSM director of business development and innovation Gilbert Verschelling explains, “Through increased authenticity, bolder tastes or sustainability, the past few years have seen drastic shifts in food and drink trends.” Senior development chef at Kerry concurs, explaining how continued globalization has made it so “international flavors are no longer limited to specific food and beverages anymore and have inspired food and beverage innovation across categories.”

Of course, the conception of international flavors could be more specific. To Americans, a rarer Indian spice will be an exotic international choice. At the same time, the people from that area of India would consider it commonplace and instead might be amazed by the greasy proportions of a Big Mac and fries. Still, by examining this trend, companies can assess the flavors most appealing to their consumers. Let’s get into some numbers chronicling the rise in demand for global flavors.

From the Experts: The Rise in Demand for Global Flavors

According to the Datassential fall reports, MARS food services explains that “global cuisine is in demand at restaurants: more than half of consumers got their last globally influenced food away from home,” and “younger generations in particular are eating internationally-inspired meals regularly.” When stuck inside for quarantine, people got tired of their same old flavors; years later, the urge is even more robust to branch out and experience “novelty,” “adventure,” and “unexpected food pairings,” including “spices and fusions,” as explained by the marketing coordinator at Embassy Ingredients, Ritika Mehrotra, as what’s in demand for flavors in 2023.

In related data, the definitive food and beverage trend report from Japan-based flavor producer T. Hasegawa explains that consumers today are “looking for internationally inspired options.” But random inclusion of ingredients isn’t sufficient. Fully 70% of consumers think familiarity with ingredients is essential when encountering an unfamiliar food and that guidance on how to eat it is important, according to Datassential’s Global Flavors Keynote Report. Another critical feature explained by Mehrotra is that “consumers also want to know the exotic flavors they are enjoying have been produced sustainably,” so “the challenge for food manufacturers is not only driving functionality and flavor in the kitchen but also creating a positive impact in the supply chain.”

In summary, this year, people want to:

  • Try authentic global cuisines without having to travel abroad
  • Experience unusual or unique flavor combinations
  • Get traditional, sustainable, and ethically sourced ingredients

“Have it all,” which Soumya Nair, global consumer research and insights director at Kerry, defines as “reduced-sugar/sugar-free products with full flavor and mouthfeel, plant-based alternatives that taste like the real deal…low cost but full flavor…”

An Asian dish with seafood and noodles

By the Details: Some Standout Findings

In a summary from Food Beverage Insider, trending flavors were found:

  • Biggest regions: South America, Asia, and Africa
  • Biggest ingredients: sesame seeds, ginger, jerk, spicy honey, miso, tahini
  • Biggest countries as sources of flavor: Korea, South Africa, Italy, Japan, and Greece

In another critical understanding, Nair explained that, after the pandemic, “people are more in tune with their health,” with “functionally forward ingredients to flavors that subtly imply better health — such as flavors like ginger or drinks with immune health support.” Balanced nutrition is a factor that needs to be considered along with, rather than in opposition to, the trend for authentic flavors.

Application: What Does Applying this Trend Look Like?

So, we’ve established that consumers are looking for authentic flavors from around the world. How does that work? Of course, depending on the specifics of the industry, there are a wide variety of ways this trend gets applied. Regional differences and individual adaptation also need to be considered. But one of the most potent ways without overhauling entire menus or warehouses is using new spices in traditional recipes.

According to Mehrotra, spices are the key to staying on trend with authentic flavors because “they are a great way to enhance, balance and compliment any dish – both savory and sweet,” while providing the “in demand” “unexpected food pairings…and fusions….as consumers experiment with adding new twists to their tastebuds.” One more sentence of explanation.

Another implementation comes with incorporating novel international tastes into familiar, classic foods for a balance of accessibility and uniqueness. Think of dishes as “internationally inspired,” where most components are traditional, and even one can be an authentic international choice to make things exciting. Soumya Nair suggests that because “consumers want achievable adventures and playfulness with their food and beverages,” and “adding unexpected flavors to a classic menu item or even adding unconventional garnishes can play into this trend.”

A Powerful Flavor Concept: Fusion Cuisine

Defined as dishes that combine disparate influences, flavors, and sources, fusion cuisine forms a hybrid perfect for consumers hoping to enjoy international flavors uniquely. Fusion cuisine, of course, can be accomplished in simple ways that may or may not be particularly “authentic,” but when there is authenticity along with ingenuity, popularity skyrockets. For example, spaghetti is an early example of fusion cuisine; we think it is purely Italian now, but its origins are also in Chinese noodles. Putting these two flavors together makes a dish that stays relevant and familiar no matter where you are.

Today’s fusion cuisine is often experimental, with bold flavor choices related to the adventure and novelty prized in the trending authentic flavors.

Sourcing Authentic Flavors

When sourcing authentic flavors, it’s best to choose the international flavors that are best for your needs, keeping in mind considerations such as ethical and sustainable sourcing. These issues can be overwhelming, but luckily, there are experts in creating flavor profiles who can provide customized support in staying on trend with authentic flavors. If you’re interested in getting flavors from around the world, let us know, and we can help you craft the perfect flavor profile.


Dessert Flavors from Metarom: We Have a Flavor for That

Dessert Flavors from Metarom: We Have a Flavor for That

September 13, 2023

Flavor is a component in all categories of foods and beverages. However, dessert is one where variety proves to be especially critical. Enjoy inspiration from our extensive dessert flavor library below to jumpstart your leveled-up dessert flavors. Need a specific savory note to round out your dessert? We have a flavor for that. Looking for […]

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Flavor is a component in all categories of foods and beverages. However, dessert is one where variety proves to be especially critical. Enjoy inspiration from our extensive dessert flavor library below to jumpstart your leveled-up dessert flavors.

Need a specific savory note to round out your dessert? We have a flavor for that. Looking for a healthier alternative to a traditional classic? We have a flavor for that, too. Want the perfect extract in your sweet treat? You guessed it: we have a flavor for that. From the highest quality vanilla extract to spoon into your mix to a non-traditional bake-stable filling or fruit inclusion that can add a powerful touch to the recipe, Metarom USA carries the elements needed to create unique desserts that stand out in a crowd. If you want to craft your desserts with us, let us know so our team can collaborate with you on custom dessert flavor profiles.

Crepes with fresh fruit

Choose Sweet Favorites: Caramel, Vanilla, Chocolate, and More

When it comes to crafting a profile to flavor a dessert, you need to find the right quality sweet element. One of the sweetest flavor choices possible is caramel. At Metarom USA, our flavor expertise is with caramel, where our origins are in France almost three-quarters of a century ago. Our caramel line includes old-fashioned traditional syrups as a base, extending into caramel flavors, colors, creams, toppings, fillings, powders, and more. Custom dessert flavors are the standard here at Metarom USA.

Another popular choice for a sweet dessert flavor that offers a range of possibilities in our flavor library is vanilla. Vanilla is not a throwaway component; its quality can set the tone for the entire flavor profile. With quality vanilla extract, seeds, specks, and ground beans, enjoy a wide variety of options for including the potent sweetness of vanilla in your desserts. You can ask us for samples and the current vanilla market pricing if you choose this flavor for your treats.

We also offer other sweet ingredients that can be used to flavor your desserts, including various types of divine chocolates. If sweet is the description you want to apply to your dessert, we have you covered with options at Metarom USA. Reach out for specifics on the favorite or unique sweet possibilities that we have available to include in your desserts.

Put the Savory In Your Dessert

Usually, when anyone thinks “dessert,” they think “sweet,” but you’d be surprised at the power of a savory note in suitable dessert recipes. Carefully selected spices, herbal notes, floral additions, or savory international flavors could bring the right touch to your flavor profile. We also offer various nut selections, such as pecans and walnuts, to bring desserts to the next level. Take a look at the categories available for savory selections in our flavor library here at Metarom USA:

  • Herbal
  • Culinary
  • Floral
  • International
  • Meat

You can request more information and free samples of any of these possibilities of savory dessert flavors.

Fall in Love with Our Baking Intermediates

Cookies, cakes, sweet breads, and more! So many desserts are baked goods, and so it follows that many of our dessert flavors are baking intermediates. With support from Metarom USA, dessert recipes can incorporate quality ingredients in unique combinations, from the filling inside to the frosting on top.

Our high-quality bake-stable fillings can transform a routine dessert into an extraordinary experience, and that’s just the beginning of the options in the Metarom USA dessert flavor library. Explore dessert-friendly options in our bakery intermediates, which include:

  • Bake-stable fillings
  • Bake-stable layers
  • Bread improver
  • Bread softener
  • Buttercream
  • Cake fillings
  • Cake toppings
  • Donut fillings
  • Dough conditioner
  • Drizzles
  • Fondant
  • Frostings
  • Fruit jams
  • Glazes
  • Icings
  • Inclusions
  • Jellies

This comprehensive selection encompasses a wide variety of possibilities, but our experts will work with you to create a one-of-a-kind recipe with our quality flavor possibilities.

a chocolate cookie with white ice cream and caramel drizzle

Incorporate Alternatives to Traditional Dessert Flavors as Necessary

While Metarom USA carries the best of the best for the traditional classics, our flavor library also incorporates alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, wanting healthier versions of their favorites, or with other special circumstances needing adaptations in their recipes. In this example of dairy, you can see how we offer options for alternatives to fit any needs. See for yourself below:

Traditional Dairy

Alternative Dairy

Flavored milk and creamers Almond milk or oat milk
Ice cream & frozen desserts Pea milk or rice milk
Yogurts Soy milk
Greek yogurt & kefir Yogurts
Drinkable probiotics Plant-based cheese
Dips & spreads Ice cream (specially made)
Fruit preparations Vegan coffee creamers
Butter & ghee Lactose-free dairy products
Powdered instant dairy foods MCT-based beverages
Dairy-based seasonings Nut butters

Accommodations with our are possible no matter what the end goal is just get in touch with our team to let them know what factors are involved, such as dietary restrictions and health considerations, and we can accommodate the request with the wide variety of options available in our flavor library.

Drink Your Dessert

A beverage may not be many people’s first thought for a dessert, but many drinks, such as smoothies and ciders, fall squarely in the dessert category from an ingredient standpoint. At Metarom USA, we offer ingredients for beverages that incorporate dessert flavors, such as flavored syrups or concentrates and some fruit juices.

Let us know if you want these beverage ingredients, or any other flavors, to be water-based, oil-based, powder-based, extracts, or spray-dried. We offer custom solutions in our flavor library to accommodate all kinds of dessert recipes and more. If you’re looking for a drink or other ingredient incorporating dessert flavors, let us know, and we can help you craft the perfect flavor profile.