Flavor Products
Dayton Flavors manufactures flavor products for beverage and food applications, available in liquid and spray-dried formats. Products are selected and configured based on application needs, processing conditions, and labeling requirements.
How Our Flavors Are Supplied
Flavors are provided in two primary physical forms: liquid flavors and spray-dried (powder) flavors. The best format depends on your product type, processing method, and how the flavor will be handled during manufacturing. If you’re unsure which format fits your application, we can review your process and recommend an approach.
We develop flavor profiles tailored to specific product concepts, processing methods, and target consumer experiences. Formulations are built with application performance in mind — not just isolated flavor character.
Liquid Flavors
All of our liquid flavors are designed to be fully water-soluble. Because we specialize in beverage applications, solubility and physical stability in aqueous systems are foundational requirements—not afterthoughts.
The carrier system and physical structure of a flavor are selected based on application goals, processing conditions, and labeling considerations. Different systems are used depending on whether the objective is clarity, intensity, low water activity, cost efficiency, or compatibility with specific flavoring components.
Liquid Carrier Options
Emulsified Flavor Systems
Emulsified systems allow oil-based flavor components to be dispersed into water-based products through controlled droplet size and stabilization. This approach supports physical stability, consistent flavor delivery, compatibility with carbonation or heat exposure, and practical cost efficiency in beverage-scale production.
Alcohol-Based Systems
Alcohol may be used as a carrier when certain aromatic compounds are not readily compatible with other solvent systems, or when extraction methods require it. In specific citrus applications, alcohol extracts can help maintain clarity or near-clarity in finished beverages while supporting solubility of oil-based components.
Propylene Glycol (PG) & Glycerin-Based Systems
Propylene glycol and glycerin are selected when low water activity or moisture control is important, such as in confectionery or high-solids applications. These carrier systems provide concentrated flavor delivery, maintain clarity in many finished products, and allow flexibility when additional water is undesirable in the formulation.
System Design Approach
Carrier selection is determined by how flavor components behave within the finished product environment. Solubility, volatility, interaction with water or fat systems, processing exposure, and target intensity are evaluated to structure each flavor for reliable performance under real manufacturing conditions.
Spray-Dried Flavors
Spray-dried flavors are supplied in a dry powder form for applications requiring dry blending or low-moisture handling. This format is commonly used in powdered beverage mixes, stick packs, and other dry systems where uniform dispersion and handling are important.
During spray drying, liquid flavor components are dispersed within a carrier system and rapidly dried into fine particles. This process encapsulates the flavor within a protective matrix, helping shield volatile compounds from oxidation, moisture exposure, and handling stress.
The resulting powder supports controlled release, improved stability, and consistent performance in dry applications.
Labeling and Regulatory Options
Flavor products can be configured based on product category and labeling requirements. Options may include:
- Natural and Artificial designations (as applicable)
- TTB-compliant options for alcoholic beverage applications (when required)
- Organic-compliant options when formulation constraints and ingredient availability support the intended claim
- Allergen and ingredient statement considerations based on product requirements
- Kosher-certified options available upon request.
Regulatory suitability depends on the finished product, application, and label claims. Documentation can be provided as needed to support formulation and compliance review.
Flavors with Added Color (FD&C Colors)
When color is incorporated, FD&C-certified colors are used to support stability under processing, pH variation, and extended shelf-life conditions. These systems provide predictable performance and visual consistency across commercial applications.
Color integration within the flavor system allows controlled dispersion and uniformity in the finished product.
Opacity and Cloud Systems
In beverage applications where visual opacity is desired, cloud systems may be incorporated to achieve the intended appearance.Cloud provides controlled light scattering within the finished product, supporting the characteristic opacity associated with certain juice-style or citrus beverages.
Cloud systems may be integrated directly into the flavor emulsion or supplied separately depending on formulation structure and processing requirements.
Clear → Moderate Cloud → High Opacity
Controlled opacity levels achieved through structured cloud systems.
Selecting the Right Format
Choosing the right flavor format typically depends on:
- Finished product type (beverage vs dry mix vs food application)
- Processing method (heat exposure, carbonation, dilution, filling method)
- Solubility and dispersion needs
- Finished product appearance (color, opacity, and clarity requirements)
- Target labeling and regulatory requirements
Discuss Your Flavor Requirements
If you share your application, processing environment, and label goals, we can recommend an appropriate flavor format and carrier approach.