Revolutionizing ingredient sourcing: The digital journey of 1-2-Taste

In an era of digital acceleration, the food and beverage industry is undergoing a major transformation, and 1-2-Taste is at the forefront of this evolution. Founded in 2020 by Dutch industry veterans Jasper Schouten (CEO) and Arjan Koudijs (CTO), both with extensive experience at global giants like Cargill and IFF, the platform is designed to bring speed, transparency, and scalability to food ingredient sourcing.

In an exclusive interview with FoodTechBiz, Jasper Schouten, Co-Founder and CEO at 1-2-Taste, shared insights into the company’s journey, mission, and disruptive approach to streamlining the traditionally fragmented supply chain.

Bridging the gap in ingredient sourcing with technology

1-2-Taste was born from the realization that, while most industries have adopted digital tools, the food ingredient sector remains slow, fragmented, and reliant on heavy communication," explained Jasper Schouten. “We combined over 45 years of experience to develop a digital-first B2B marketplace that aims to increase productivity and transparency in ingredient sourcing.”

The platform aims to serve as a scalable solution for businesses to expand operations efficiently. Through automation, AI integration, and real-time decision-making tools, 1-2-Taste is eliminating friction in the ingredient supply chain—helping companies cut costs, reduce lead times, and spark innovation.

Streamlining efficiency with a seamless marketplace model

At the heart of 1-2-Taste’s value proposition is its end-to-end digital workflow that radically simplifies the sourcing process for food manufacturers.

Traditional sourcing usually involves a long process of coordinating with suppliers, negotiating prices, and managing logistics. 1-2-Taste makes this easier with a full-featured, self-service platform that lets manufacturers:

• Browse over 1,000 ingredients

• Request R&D samples within clicks

• Access instant quotations

• Place bulk orders, all within a single digital session

“Our AI-powered recommendation engine can suggest ingredients based on the final product a brand wants to manufacture,” Schouten noted. “It’s not just about sourcing but about solving product development challenges faster.”

Common hurdles—supplier delays, inconsistent quality, and opaque pricing—are resolved through a tightly managed ecosystem of vetted suppliers and real-time quote tools. This drastically cuts down the product development cycle time, giving companies a competitive edge in go-to-market speed.

Empowering SMEs with flexibility and support

1-2-Taste distinguishes itself from traditional distributors with a consumer-like B2B eCommerce experience—optimized for speed, convenience, and transparency. However, the platform has carved a special niche in empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“Most SMEs can’t afford large order volumes or long procurement cycles,” said Schouten. “That’s why we offer low minimum order quantities—starting as little as two units—for prototyping and trials. They also get consultative support from our advisors on formulation, documentation, and compliance.”

This blend of digital accessibility and personal support makes 1-2-Taste a game-changer for startups and emerging brands looking to innovate quickly without heavy upfront investment.

Fostering innovation with diverse ingredient options

With over 1,000 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), the platform caters to a broad spectrum of needs. The catalog includes:

• Sweeteners (e.g., Allulose)

• Fibers (e.g., FiberSMART)

• Flavors, colors, emulsifiers, stabilizers, proteins, and nutraceuticals

Beyond just supplying ingredients, 1-2-Taste supports innovation by offering downloadable application notes and specification sheets. This enables R&D teams to incorporate trending elements such as plant-based, clean-label, and functional ingredients into new product lines.

Quality assurance through rigorous vetting

Every supplier joining the 1-2-Taste ecosystem undergoes a comprehensive audit to ensure global compliance and quality. “We check for FSSAI certification, Codex alignment, EU regulations, and more,” Schouten emphasized. “Ingredients are only listed after they meet our strict standards.”

To maintain quality and relevance, the company also works closely with suppliers via data-driven insights, periodic reviews, and marketing collaborations. Seasonal promotions and "Featured Product" sections on the platform offer suppliers visibility while ensuring customers access top-quality, in-demand ingredients.

Technology-driven growth: AI, Integrations & More

1-2-Taste’s robust tech stack is a key enabler of its efficiency. Built on a React-based frontend, the platform ensures smooth navigation and lightning-fast load times. Its AI-powered search and real-time quote engine streamline procurement decisions for buyers and sellers alike.

According to Schouten, upcoming technological advancements include:

• A mobile app for on-the-go sourcing

• ERP/API integrations for enterprise procurement teams

• Advanced AI features to deliver personalized recommendations based on buyer behavior

These tools will further enhance the user experience and operational agility of the platform.

Expanding horizons: India and beyond

With solid traction in established markets, 1-2-Taste is now setting its sights on high-growth regions.

“We are focused on India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities as well as Southeast Asia,” Schouten shared. “Our goal is to onboard over 100 new suppliers and double our ingredient portfolio by Q4 2025.”

The company uses a strategic mix of outreach channels to attract new users and suppliers, including:

• Industry webinars

• Google Ads and LinkedIn campaigns

• Collaborations with food-tech incubators and accelerators

Ensuring compliance & building trust

Ingredient listings on the platform include all relevant documentation—FSSAI licenses, Codex standards, and EU/US FDA certifications—making it easier for buyers to comply with regulatory norms without the usual back-and-forth.

Customers are also well-supported throughout their purchasing journey. “Our support teams are available via live chat, WhatsApp, email, and even dedicated account managers,” Schouten added. “Customer feedback is constantly gathered and used to optimize the user experience.”

Future features & vertical expansion

To further support food manufacturers, 1-2-Taste has ambitious product development plans. These include:

• Category-specific microsites for clean-label and nutraceutical ingredients

• Vertical extensions into adjacent industries using their existing supplier and tech infrastructure

“Everything we’re building is designed to make sourcing as intuitive and seamless as buying from a consumer e-commerce site—but with the depth, compliance, and customization that the food industry demands,” Schouten concluded.

In a sector traditionally slow to evolve, 1-2-Taste is bringing about a much-needed digital transformation. With its combination of cutting-edge technology, deep industry experience, and unwavering focus on user needs, the platform is not just a marketplace—it’s a catalyst for food innovation in the digital age. 

Click here to learn more, why ingredient buyers choose 1-2-Taste