Learn from us: Tips, Tricks & Trends The Secret of Flavour Pairing, Taste Combinations That Make Products Sell Well

When making bakery products that many people like, taste is everything. But it’s not just about sweet or savoury, the ability to combine the right flavours or flavour pairing can actually be the main differentiator. The right flavour combination not only makes the product more appealing but also increases its selling value. So, how do you create a balanced combination of flavours that still suits the consumer’s palate?

Understanding the Basics of Flavour Pairing

According to Chef Mickey Gunawan, the success of flavour combinations in a bakery usually starts from base flavours that tend to be neutral and already familiar to the consumer’s palate. Classic pairings like chocolate and cheese, banana and chocolate, or vanilla-based flavours are often chosen because they are easy to accept and provide a familiar balance. In addition, flavour compatibility also plays an important role, for example, combinations within sweet flavours such as chocolate and banana, or savoury combinations such as sausage and cheese.

However, that doesn’t mean we can’t explore flavours further. Some pairings can even be surprising, such as Swedish Meatballs, which combine savoury meatballs with sweet and sour Lingonberry jam. For combinations like this, trial and error is a necessary step to ensure the right flavour balance. This is where creativity and perseverance become the key to success.

Five Flavour Pairing Techniques

There are five main categories in flavour pairing that can be applied to bakery product innovation:

1. Complementary Pairing

A combination that balances the taste or texture of each ingredient in one menu, the most common example is Sea Salt Caramel, where the rich sweetness of caramel is balanced by the savoury taste of sea salt.

You can also try this Complementary Pairing technique in the Pie Tempe Chocolate recipe, which combines the savoury flavour of tempeh with the sweetness of chocolate in a unique dish. The use of FILMA® Prestige (Butter Blend Margarine) provides a distinctive buttery aroma and produces a pie crust that is crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside, becoming the balancing element that harmonises the two flavours, while presenting a different eating experience that remains easily accepted by the consumer’s palate.

2. Contrasting Pairing

This technique combines contrasting flavours to create a more dynamic and non-monotonous eating experience. One example can be seen in Rawon Roll Tart, where the savoury and rich spice flavour of rawon is combined with a slightly sweet, buttery tart crust. This combination may sound unusual, but it offers a fresh and interesting experience for consumers. The use of FILMA® BOS (Butter Oil Substitute) helps create a tart texture that is firm yet soft, while also maintaining its aroma even through the baking process. The result? A roll tart that is more unique, full of character, and still relevant in a market that enjoys flavour exploration.

3. Bridging Pairing

Bridging is a flavour combination brought together by a third ingredient that serves to connect the two main flavours. As seen in Berry Green Tea Sweet Bread, the distinctive bitterness of green tea and the sweet-sour taste of berries are combined in sweet bread dough with a buttery aroma from FILMA® Margarine. The result is a more balanced and unified flavour that remains easy for consumers to enjoy.

4. Regional Pairing

Regional pairing is when we combine ingredients or foods from the same area, making them easier to be accepted by local tastes. An example is Chicken Lemper Puff Pastry, which combines shredded chicken with traditional lemper seasoning that is savoury and rich in spices, with a crispy pastry skin. This innovation retains the traditional flavour, but is packaged in a more modern form. The use of FILMA® Puff Pastry helps create a light and perfectly textured pastry layer, making this creation appealing without losing the familiar taste already known to consumers.

5. Textural Pairing

Textural pairing focuses on the combination of two different textures that complement each other to create balance. One of the most popular combinations is the mix of soft and crispy textures, as seen in the Donat Ayam menu. The deliciousness of this donut comes from its crispy outer layer, coated with Japanese breadcrumbs, combined with a soft and juicy chicken filling. The mix of sautéed chicken, carrots, and mushrooms creates a rich, savoury flavour. The frying process using FILMA® Goodfry Deep Frying Fat helps keep the donut surface dry, crispy, and not oily, ensuring that every bite is crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside.

How Can Flavour Pairing Appeal to Consumers?

Chef Mickey emphasises the importance of understanding who the target market is. “First, determine the segment of consumers you want to reach. Are they young consumers who like exploring new flavours, or family segments who prefer more familiar tastes?” he said. From there, it becomes easier to determine flavour combinations that are suitable and acceptable.

After that, conduct market testing by distributing product samples to potential consumers and gathering feedback to refine the flavour combination before officially launching the product. With this approach, the flavour pairing innovation you create is not only creative but also relevant and has strong potential for success in the market

Maximise Innovation with Quality Ingredient Support

It’s not just about creative ideas; selecting quality ingredients also plays an important role in creating the perfect flavour combination.

Stefanus Edo, Senior Brand Manager of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, said, “FILMA® offers a wide range of products designed to support the needs of bakery business owners, from margarine and shortening to butter blend. Each variant has its own characteristics that can be used to enhance both the taste and final texture of a product. With stable formulations and a distinctive aroma, FILMA® products become an important foundation in creating flavour combinations that are balanced, appealing, and aligned with today’s consumer preferences.”

Want to explore bolder flavour combinations and richer textures? Discover various FILMA® products that can support your business needs at the e-catalog.