Terpenes as
Functional Flavours
Terpenes as functional flavors are a growing trend in the food, beverage, and wellness industries, where these naturally occurring compounds, often derived from plants, not only provide distinctive aromas and flavors but also offer a range of potential health benefits. Terpenes are the aromatic oils that give plants, fruits, and herbs their characteristic scents and tastes, and many of them are known for their functional properties that can support physical, emotional, or mental well-being.
Here's how terpenes function as flavors and contribute to health benefits:
1. Limonene (Citrusy Flavor)
Source: Found in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits.
Functional Benefits:
Mood-boosting: Known to have an uplifting, energizing effect, it may help reduce stress and elevate mood.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: Limonene is rich in antioxidant properties, which can support immune health and reduce inflammation.
Flavor: Limonene offers a zesty, citrusy flavor, making it popular in beverages and food products aiming for a refreshing taste while supporting wellness.
2. Linalool (Floral and Herbal Flavor)
Source: Found in lavender, mint, and some citrus fruits.
Functional Benefits:
Calming and anti-anxiety: Linalool is well known for its calming, relaxing effects, making it ideal for stress relief and promoting better sleep.
Antioxidant properties: Linalool also has potential anti-inflammatory effects and can help protect against oxidative damage.
Flavor: This terpene imparts a floral, slightly sweet flavor, commonly used in teas, chocolates, and wellness products to promote relaxation.
3. Pinene (Pine-like, Earthy Flavor)
Source: Found in pine trees, rosemary, and basil.
Functional Benefits:
Cognitive support: Pinene is believed to enhance focus and memory, making it a potential aid for mental clarity and concentration.
Anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator: Pinene can help reduce inflammation in the body and may promote better airflow to the lungs, making it beneficial for respiratory health.
Flavor: Pinene offers a refreshing, piney flavor, often used in herbal teas and functional beverages to provide a crisp, outdoorsy taste along with its cognitive-enhancing properties.
4. Myrcene (Earthy, Musky Flavor)
Source: Found in mangoes, hops, and certain strains of cannabis.
Functional Benefits:
Relaxing and sedative effects: Myrcene is known for its calming properties and is often used to promote relaxation and aid sleep.
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory: It can help with muscle relaxation and reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for managing pain.
Flavor: This terpene has an earthy, musky flavor with hints of clove or citrus, and is used in beverages and edibles to provide a grounding and soothing sensory experience.
5. Caryophyllene (Spicy, Peppery Flavor)
Source: Found in black pepper, cloves, and certain cannabis strains.
Functional Benefits:
Anti-inflammatory: Caryophyllene has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body, particularly in relation to chronic pain.
Stress relief: It may help to lower stress levels by binding to CB2 receptors in the body, part of the endocannabinoid system.
Flavor: Caryophyllene offers a spicy, peppery flavor, often used in savory foods, beverages, or wellness products with a focus on both flavor and anti-inflammatory effects.
6. Terpinolene (Floral, Herbal Flavor)
Source: Found in lilacs, rosemary, and some fruits.
Functional Benefits:
Antioxidant and antimicrobial: Terpinolene has strong antioxidant properties and can help support immune health and fight off harmful bacteria.
Calming and relaxing: It is also thought to have mood-lifting properties, promoting a sense of peace and well-being.
Flavor: This terpene has a floral, sweet, and herbal flavor, making it popular in aromatic teas and functional beverages designed to reduce stress and support wellness.
7. Beta-Caryophyllene (Peppery, Woody Flavor)
Source: Found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon.
Functional Benefits:
Pain relief: Beta-caryophyllene is unique in that it can directly interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, offering potential relief from pain and inflammation.
Gut health: It may have benefits for gut health and digestion, supporting overall digestive wellness.
Flavor: This terpene has a woody, peppery flavor, often used in savory, spicy, or herbal food and drink products aimed at promoting comfort and digestive support.
8. Eucalyptol (Minty, Cooling Flavor)
Source: Found in eucalyptus, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Functional Benefits:
Respiratory support: Eucalyptol is known for its ability to clear nasal passages and promote easier breathing, making it popular in wellness products for respiratory health.
Anti-inflammatory: It can reduce inflammation, especially in the respiratory tract.
Flavor: Eucalyptol has a cooling, minty flavor, which is often used in mint-based beverages, chewing gums, or herbal teas to refresh the senses and support breathing.
Terpenes as functional flavors offer more than just sensory pleasure — they enhance products by combining distinctive tastes and aromas with health-promoting benefits. These compounds can help with mood regulation, cognitive function, immune support, and stress relief, among many other benefits. Whether in food, beverages, or wellness products, terpenes provide a unique way to experience both flavor and functional wellness, making them an important part of the growing trend toward functional foods and aromatherapy.