dsm-firmenich unveils flavor maskers for RTM drinks and protein bars

dsm-firmenich, a leading innovator in nutrition, health, and beauty, announces the launch of a new range of ModulaSENSE maskers, unlocking the full potential of its plant protein, Vertis CanolaPRO. Developed using receptor-based technology, the new ModulaSENSE maskers precisely target bitterness, astringency, and licorice-like notes at a molecular level, delivering superior accuracy and performance in ready-to-mix (RTM) drinks and protein bars made with 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.

Consumers across North America and Europe increasingly seek high-protein plant-based options, without compromising on taste. This leaves brands facing a growing challenge: how to deliver nutrition that is not only functional but also delicious.

Vertis CanolaPRO is a versatile and 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.[i] The ingredient imparts unique functionality benefits with excellent solubility, foaming, emulsification, and gelation properties. Vertis CanolaPRO is a certified upcycled ingredient that valorizes an existing side stream of canola oil production.

Using cutting-edge flavor science, ModulaSENSE maskers target multiple sensory pathways and intercept unwanted flavors 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.

By uniting advanced flavor science with a high-quality plant protein like Vertis CanolaPRO, dsm-firmenich reaffirms its commitment to shaping a future where alternative proteins deliver on taste, performance, and sustainability—and reach more consumers worldwide.

[i] Vertis™CanolaPRO® is free from milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.