In today’s food landscape, flavor has become both an art and a science. Consumers want the boldness of global cuisines, the comfort of familiar favorites, and the transparency of a clean label — all in the same bite. Delivering that balance means understanding how taste, aroma, and texture interact in complex ways, and how natural ingredients can elevate a product without compromise.
At Kalsec, our Natural Taste & Sensory Solutions team helps brands capture the essence of real ingredients and transform them into flavor systems that perform on a global scale. Whether the challenge is enhancing natural flavor impact, masking off-notes, or creating regionally inspired profiles, our experts bring culinary creativity and technical precision together to make food that connects. We sat down with Anna Cheely, Senior Culinary Innovation Manager, to explore how she helps customers bring flavor to life — and discover what’s naturally possible in taste and sensory innovation.
Q: What does “Discover What’s Naturally Possible” mean in your day-to-day work?
Anna: For me, it’s about starting with nature and seeing how far we can take it without losing what makes it special. I always begin with the ingredient itself, with its natural flavor, aroma, and how it behaves in food. From there, I explore how we can highlight or protect those qualities through smart formulation. It’s a mix of kitchen instinct and food science.
Whether you’re creating a plant-based snack or a classic sauce, the goal is the same: to make food that’s nourishing, craveable, and true to its roots. We all do this in our own kitchens, even if we don’t call it “culinary innovation.” The fun part is scaling that spirit and helping brands build products that taste amazing, meet clean label goals, and stand up to real-world processing. That’s where discovery happens for me.
Q: What kinds of challenges do customers bring to you and how do you help solve them?
Anna: I often hear, “We need this product to taste amazing, but it also has to meet strict label requirements.” That might mean reducing sodium, masking plant protein bitterness, or amplifying flavor impact without adding artificial ingredients. My job is to listen closely, then design flavor systems that deliver on taste, clean label expectations, and production realities, so customers don’t have to compromise.
Q: What’s unique about the way Kalsec approaches flavor and sensory development?
Anna: We don’t just look at flavor in isolation, since we approach it like a chef and a scientist at the same time. We consider aroma, mouthfeel, and even the emotional response a consumer has when they take that first bite. Our global insights help us predict what will resonate in different regions, and our technical expertise ensures it works in a commercial environment.
Q: What trends are you seeing across different regions?
Anna: In North America, bold, globally inspired flavors are leading (think chili crisps or smoky heat). In EMEA, there’s strong interest in authentic regional cuisines but also healthier indulgence. In APAC, you see rapid innovation with functional foods and layered taste experiences. Because I collaborate globally, I can help brands tailor their ideas to resonate in multiple markets.
Q: Why would a brand want to work with you and your team over a competitor?
Anna: We’re deeply collaborative. I’m not handing over a formula and walking away because I’m in the kitchen and the lab with you, problem-solving side by side. And because Kalsec is family-owned and independent, we focus on long-term relationships. That means more agility, more trust, and solutions that are built for your future, not just the next launch.
Q: What excites you most about where food innovation is heading?
Anna: I love that boundaries are blurring. Consumers expect products to be delicious, functional, and sustainable, all at once. That pushes us to think more creatively and scientifically. To me, that’s the most exciting space to work in, since I love making food that surprises people while staying true to nature and real ingredients.
Want to learn how Kalsec can help you Discover What's Naturally Possible? Connect with our experts today.