Flavor extracts and concentrates are both flavoring additives for food, beverages, cosmetics, and other products. While both add flavor, they have significant differences in their composition, strength, and usage. We’ll explore the differences between flavor extracts and flavor concentrates to help you distinguish these ingredients.
Composition
Manufacturers make flavor extracts by pressing or extracting the flavor from a primary ingredient into a liquid base (typically alcohol). The liquid base rests to remove the sourness and capture the fresh flavor. Flavor extracts are usually made with natural ingredients and excel at flavoring various products.
Flavor concentrates, on the other hand, are highly concentrated flavoring additives created by intensifying the profiles of natural or synthetic flavors. Liquid flavor concentrates provide a long-lasting and intense flavor with just a few drops. They are available in both oil and PG-based versions, making them excellent for a variety of applications.
Strength
Flavor concentrates are significantly stronger than extracts, so you can use them in smaller quantities while creating a more potent taste. A recipe may call for several teaspoons of extract, but flavor concentrates typically require you to add only a few drops to achieve the same taste. Concentrates offer precise control over the taste of dishes or beverages, so people use them for a wallop of flavor.
Usage
Usage is a major difference between flavor extracts and flavor concentrates. Flavor extracts are ideal for adding subtle flavors to a recipe because they play a supporting role in creating complexity. They are ideal for baking and mixology, where the goal is to balance flavors rather than create an overpowering aroma.
Flavor concentrates provide a bold, standalone flavor to any concoction. They are ideal for creating unique flavor combinations and can work in applications from E-liquids to lip balms.
Flavor extracts provide a supporting role in blending flavors, while concentrates create distinctive tastes. By understanding the differences between these additives, you can choose the best ingredient for your needs and create amazing products.