Background
The Challenge
The project came with multiple constraints:
- A one-month timeline for development and launch.
- A desire to achieve a dramatic black product color.
- Optimize the nutritional profile with reduced sugar and increased fiber without impacting sweetness and mouthfeel.
Our Approach
We decided to elevate the concept by reformulating the sauce to deliver a stronger nutritional profile while meeting all sensory and cost expectations.
Key actions included:
- Lower Sugar: We replaced part of the sugar with a non-caloric sweetener previously validated through sensory tests, maintaining indulgent sweetness and flavor balance.
- Added Fiber: We integrated ingredients that not only improved nutrition but also provided functional benefits.
Throughout the process, our R&D team conducted multiple rounds of testing to ensure flavor, texture, and appearance remained uncompromised.
The Results
Within taste tests, the customer never noticed a change in taste despite the nutritional upgrade. The brand team was thrilled with the outcome. We managed to:
- Maintain indulgent flavor and texture while quietly improving nutrition by reducing sugar and adding fiber. Our unique ingredient selection also generated cost savings.
- Deliver a visually striking black BBQ sauce with ghost pepper heat.
- Launch on time, meeting the customer’s LTO window.
Summary
At Griffith Foods, we believe products can be delicious, nutritious, and sustainable. This barbeque sauce is an example of our chef-driven creations backed by science to achieve optimal flavor, texture, and functionality. By marrying innovative culinary solutions with nutrition expertise, we deliver products that delight customers and support our partners’ business goals.
Ready to create products that are not only delicious but also nutritious? Contact Griffith Foods today and let’s work together to bring your next innovation to life. Let’s continue Creating Better Together.™
