Isovaleric Acid in White Chocolate Flavor

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Solution Overview

Problem

White chocolate products lacking nonfat cocoa solids face challenges in modifying flavor and textural attributes, resulting in a lack of richness and smooth mouthfeel, with prominent dairy, sweetener, and fat flavors leading to undesirable notes and a waxy mouthfeel.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating isovaleric acid in an amount of about 500 to 1600 parts per billion into white chocolate compositions, which are dairy-derived and fat-continuous systems, to enhance organoleptic properties by reducing waxy mouthfeel and oxidized flavors while improving flavor complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If white chocolate is made without nonfat cocoa solids, then the product meets the standard of identity for white chocolate, but the flavor attributes become less rich and rounded with prominent dairy and sweetener flavors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance with standard of identityVSAvoidlack of flavor richness and roundedness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces isovaleric acid at specific concentrations (500-1600 ppb) to modify the flavor profile of white chocolate. This chemical parameter change compensates for the absence of nonfat cocoa solids by adding specific flavor notes that enhance richness and roundedness without violating the standard of identity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If alternative fats and sweeteners are used in non-SOI white chocolate, then manufacturing flexibility increases, but the mouthfeel becomes waxy or fatty rather than smooth and silky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveingredient selection flexibilityVSAvoidwaxy or fatty mouthfeel
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The addition of isovaleric acid modifies the sensory perception of the fat matrix in non-SOI white chocolate. This chemical parameter change alters the mouthfeel characteristics, reducing the waxy or fatty sensation and creating a smoother, more desirable texture experience despite the use of alternative fats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If dairy and sweetener components are prominent in white chocolate, then the product maintains its characteristic composition, but undesired oxidized and stale off-notes become more noticeable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedairy and sweetener contentVSAvoidoxidized and stale off-notes
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of prominent dairy and sweetener flavors (which create oxidized and stale off-notes) into a benefit by adding isovaleric acid. This acid masks the undesired notes and enhances the overall flavor profile, transforming the composition's weakness into a strength through selective flavor enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP2387321B1Organoleptically enhanced white chocolate
Publication Date: 2013.03.06 MARS INC
  • EP2387321B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

This invention is directed to an enhanced white chocolate to which has been added isovaleric acid in an amount effective to provide enhanced organoleptic attributes compared to a conventional white chocolate. The invention is also directed to the preparation of the enhanced white chocolate.