R&D RADIO: Natural Flavors and Taste Modulation with Lauren Senne of Imbibe

The Startup CPG Podcast · 3 Aug 2026 · 28m · Episode 347

What this episode covers

Lauren Senne, Senior Manager of Applications and Taste Modulation at Imbibe, explains the distinction between characterizing flavors and taste modulation, detailing how bitter blockers bind to receptors to mask off-notes. She discusses the rigorous decade-long path to becoming a certified flavor chemist through the Society of Flavor Chemists and the challenges of aligning client expectations for simple flavors like cherry or vanilla. Senne also covers the technical difficulties of removing sugar from beverages, including the loss of mouthfeel and the 'uncanny valley' of high-intensity sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, while highlighting trends in clean-label and clear protein sodas.

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