Neotame has been shown to enhance, modify and even mask off-flavors when used at
sweetening levels. This finding may have commercial significance in chewing gum by
prolonging both flavor and sweetness and in soy-based and nutritionally-fortified
products where it may mask flavor notes unique to soy, vitamins and minerals.
Perhaps even more interesting is neotame?s ability to function in a similar capacity
when used at non-sweetening, or sub-threshold levels.
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA 21CFR, 170.3),
flavor enhancers are substances that ?supplement, enhance, or modify the original
taste and/or aroma of a food, without imparting a characteristic taste or aroma of
its own.? These attributes might be perceived as a heightened or prolonged flavor
perception, an increased perception in mouthfeel or a change in acid sharpness.