In the ever-evolving food industry, particularly with the rise of health-conscious consumers, understanding how innovative ingredients are perceived is essential. Brands are constantly innovating with new ingredients that offer both health benefits and unique taste profiles. One such ingredient gaining attention is sweet proteins like Brazzein, developed by the brand Oobli. These proteins offer low-sugar sweetness with natural origins, a game-changer in the world of health-focused food products like chocolates and refreshing beverages.
However, these ingredients are not yet authorized in all markets, making it challenging to gather traditional insights through studies conducted in regions where they aren't approved. This is where Sensia comes in. Sensia, with its AI-driven consumer insights platform, helps brands uncover early and hidden insights from consumer reviews, enabling them to understand how new ingredients are perceived even in limited markets.
Leveraging Sensia for Ingredient Perception Insights
Sensia can identify how consumers are reacting to new and innovative ingredients, like sweet proteins, by analyzing real-time feedback from product reviews. This capability enables brands to quickly detect potential challenges or areas for improvement based on consumer reactions.
In this article, we will examine how Sensia’s insights can help brands like Oobli, which uses Brazzein sweet proteins, improve product offerings and develop marketing strategies based on consumer acceptance of novel ingredients.
Ingredient Preferences and Acceptance in Oobli Products
Sensia’s analysis of consumer reviews for Oobli products reveals critical insights into how the key ingredients are perceived. The following table summarizes consumer preferences, dislikes, and suggestions for improvement regarding some of Oobli's innovative ingredients, such as Brazzein.
| Ingredient |
Preferred Attributes |
Disliked Attributes |
Innovation Recommendations |
Share of Voice |
| Cocoa Butter |
High quality, smooth texture, melts in the mouth |
None noted |
Maintain high-quality standards |
15% |
| Whole Milk Powder |
Contributes to creaminess, good flavor |
None noted |
Maintain current use |
12% |
| Unsweetened Chocolate |
Rich chocolate flavor |
Sometimes too bitter |
Balance bitterness with more natural sweeteners |
18% |
| Chicory Root Powder |
High in fiber, aids in gut health |
Slight aftertaste |
Explore alternatives with less aftertaste |
10% |
| Tapioca Fiber |
High fiber content, good texture |
None noted |
Maintain current use |
8% |
| Organic Coconut Sugar |
Natural sweetener, low glycemic index |
Not as sweet as traditional sugar |
Consider blending with other natural sweeteners |
20% |
| Oubli Fruit Sweet Proteins |
Low sugar, natural, no artificial sweeteners |
Unfamiliar taste, slight aftertaste |
Continue educating consumers about benefits |
17% |
Key Insights from Consumer Feedback
Consumers generally appreciate the health-conscious ingredients used in Oobli products, especially the use of natural sweeteners and fibers that provide health benefits like low sugar and high fiber content. However, there are some concerns related to taste and aftertaste, particularly with chicory root powder and sweet proteins like Brazzein.
For example, one consumer review states:
"I love how low carbs these are, and how they really are good for your stomach. I'm intolerant to most artificial sugars, and shouldn’t eat a lot of sugar. After eating these chocolates I got no stomach discomfort." – Dark Chocolate Bars (Almond Dark Chocolate).
While the reception of these innovative ingredients is generally positive, some consumers mention a slight aftertaste or unfamiliarity with the taste of certain ingredients, which could impact wider acceptance.
Perceived Effectiveness of Sweet Proteins and Other Ingredients
Sensia’s analysis also focuses on how effective consumers find the key ingredients in Oobli's chocolates, especially in terms of taste and health benefits. The following table highlights the perceived effectiveness of ingredients based on consumer feedback:
| Ingredient |
Positive Perceptions |
Negative Perceptions |
Share of Voice |
| Oubli Fruit Sweet Proteins |
Low sugar content, no artificial sweeteners, suitable for keto diets |
Unpleasant aftertaste, concerns about safety |
45% |
| Coconut Sugar |
Natural sweetness, no sugar alcohols |
Less sweet than regular chocolate |
35% |
| Chicory Root Fiber |
High fiber content, gut health benefits |
Potential for causing stomach upset |
20% |
Consumer Feedback
Consumers appreciate the natural, health-conscious ingredients like sweet proteins, associating them with benefits such as reduced sugar intake and improved gut health. However, some concerns about aftertaste and the safety of newer ingredients like sweet proteins could affect repeat purchases.
For instance, one review highlights the positive aspects:
"Awesome combination with the smooth consistency of the chocolate with the contrast of the crunchy rice crisps. It offers a nice layered experience as you eat your next bite." – Milk Chocolate Crisp 'n Rice.
Yet, another review raises concerns:
"The aftertaste on this bar is kind of like a bitter cocoa. The studies showing it to be safe are conducted by the Oobli company that makes this chocolate which is a bit concerning." – Oobli Milk Chocolate Bars.
Opportunities for Ingredient Innovation
Sensia’s insights help identify areas where ingredient innovation can enhance product offerings and improve consumer satisfaction. Based on consumer reviews, here are several opportunities for refining ingredients in Oobli’s products:
| Ingredient |
Innovation Idea |
Expected Benefit |
Share of Voice |
| Sweet Proteins |
Explore alternative natural sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia in combination with sweet proteins |
Improved taste, broader acceptance among health-conscious consumers |
~15% of reviews mention aftertaste issues |
| Cocoa Content |
Adjust cocoa percentage for a better balance between milk and dark chocolate flavors |
Appeals to a wider range of chocolate preferences |
~20% prefer different cocoa balance |
| Fiber Source |
Replace chicory root fiber with inulin or oat fiber |
Reduced aftertaste, smoother texture |
~10% of reviews note fiber-related aftertaste |
| Milk Powder |
Introduce plant-based milk powders (e.g., oat milk powder) for a vegan option |
Appeals to vegan consumers, expands market reach |
~8% of reviews express interest in vegan options |
| Flavor Additives |
Add natural flavor enhancers like vanilla bean or orange zest |
Enhanced flavor profile, reduced aftertaste |
~12% of reviews mention flavor enhancement opportunities |
Actionable Recommendations
- Refine Sweetening Agents: Consider using alternative natural sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia alongside sweet proteins to address aftertaste concerns.
- Adjust Cocoa Content: Experiment with cocoa percentages to offer a better balance between milk and dark chocolate flavors, satisfying a broader range of consumer preferences.
- Alternative Fiber Sources: Replace chicory root fiber with other natural fibers like inulin or oat fiber to reduce aftertaste and improve texture.
- Introduce Vegan Options: Develop plant-based options using oat milk powder to attract vegan consumers and those with dairy sensitivities.
- Enhance Flavor Profiles: Incorporate natural flavor enhancers like vanilla bean or orange zest to improve overall taste and reduce any aftertaste.
By addressing these recommendations, Oobli can continue to improve its innovative, health-focused products and build stronger consumer trust and loyalty.
For more detailed insights, access the full report here.