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

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2026-08-03
- Length: 28m
- Episode: 347
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-08-03-r-d-radio-natural-flavors-and-taste-modulation-with-lauren-senne-of-imbibe
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/58c1f731

## Summary

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.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Lauren Senne and Imbibe
2. The Path to Certified Flavor Chemist
3. Characterizing Flavor vs. Taste Modulation
4. Aligning Client Expectations for Flavor Profiles
5. The Science of Bitter Blockers and Masking
6. Challenges of Sugar Removal and Sweeteners
7. Clean Label Trends and Clear Protein Sodas

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- Imbibe (company)
- Society of Flavor Chemists (other)
- Stevia (material)
- Monk Fruit (material)
- Emulin (material)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [How I Built Resilience: Kara Goldin of Hint](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-04-01-how-i-built-resilience-kara-goldin-of-hint) (How I Built This)

## Citing this page

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