In today’s food landscape, balancing clean-label expectations with real-world shelf-life performance has never been more critical. As consumers demand products that stay fresher longer—without synthetic preservatives—manufacturers are turning to natural antioxidants and plant-based protection systems to deliver both quality and peace of mind.
At Kalsec, our experts are helping brands around the world extend shelf life naturally, using science-backed solutions that protect flavor, color, and consumer trust. We sat down with Jennifer Young, Food Scientist for Natural Food Protection, to talk about how she helps customers solve complex formulation challenges and discover what’s naturally possible in clean-label protection.
Q: What does “Discover What’s Naturally Possible” mean when you’re working on food protection challenges?
Jennifer: For me, it’s about showing customers that clean-label, plant-based protection systems can work just as effectively—if not better—than synthetic options. We’re proving every day that you don’t have to choose between shelf life, safety, and natural credentials.
Q: What kinds of formulation or shelf-life problems do customers bring you?
Jennifer: It’s usually about oxidation and stability. A customer might say, “My product tastes great on day one, but by week six it’s losing flavor or developing off-notes.” Others come to us because their natural oil or protein system just isn’t holding up under distribution or storage conditions. Our role is to dig into the chemistry, diagnose the root cause, and design a natural solution that’s reliable.
Q: How does Kalsec’s approach to food protection differ from others in the market?
Jennifer: We don’t just sell an ingredient—we partner to solve the whole problem. That might mean running side-by-side oxidation tests, tailoring antioxidant blends, or ensuring that a customer’s clean-label claims stay intact. Because we have both technical depth and culinary insight across Kalsec, our solutions consider not only the science but also how the food will taste, look, and perform in the real world.
Q: What trends are you seeing around oxidation, clean label, or global formulation needs??
Jennifer: Clean label trends are not new; they are however being driven harder by the increase in regulatory restrictions around synthetic ingredients. At the same time, customers are looking to expand their distribution and need longer shelf life to manage the logistics. That tension is driving innovation. We are seeing an increase interest in our natural solutions because they meet the clean label need without compromising the necessary shelf life. And because every region has its own regulations and consumer expectations, we help customers navigate what’s possible in each market.
Q: How do you help customers balance protection, flavor, and label claims?
Jennifer: It’s always a balancing act. Too much protection can change flavor; too little compromises stability. I work closely with our sensory and culinary colleagues to ensure that the solution enhances rather than interferes. At the same time, I’m careful to keep ingredient declarations clean, so our customers can make the claims that matter to their consumers.
Q: Why would a customer want to work with you and your team?
Because we genuinely act as partners. The theoretic ideal is rarely possible, so we use our antioxidant and food science expertise to find the best solution for each customer, product, and manufacturing situation. Our work is highly technical, but we make it accessible—translating complex science into clear, practical solutions. We solve challenges together in a way that protects their product, strengthens their brand, and builds consumer trust.
Want to learn how Kalsec can help you Discover What's Naturally Possible? Connect with our experts today.