At SupplySide Global in Las Vegas, Nevada, US (Oct 29–30), Givaudan is showcasing its science-backed innovations for cognitive performance, stress management, and gut health. According to the company, Cereboost, Zensera, and Arrabina-P are natural actives that can enhance performance and well-being without compromising taste.
Moreover, Givaudan is offering interactive demos and new research connecting these natural compounds to measurable benefits. Cereboost improves focus and reaction time, as shown in a recent Michigan State University and PitFit study with elite drivers. Zensera supports calm and focus under stress, while Arrabina-P delivers gentle, low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) prebiotic benefits for digestive wellness.
Live on the trade show floor, Nutrition Insight sits down with Anne-Lise Auger, the global product manager for mind and energy at Givaudan, its category technical leader, Romain Le Cozannet, and Brian Appell, Givaudan’s marketing manager for health solutions, about how these innovations embody the company’s mission to unite science, sensory experience, and holistic performance in next-generation wellness solutions.
How do Cereboost and Zensera differ in their mechanisms of action, and what evidence supports same-day effects for consumers seeking cognitive and stress-related benefits?
Auger: Cereboost and Zensera were developed to meet the daily consumer need for cognitive performance under various need states. Zensera works primarily by optimizing GABA (gamma Aminobutyric acid, γ-Aminobutyric acid) activity, a key neurotransmitter that supports cognitive performance under stress, including mental clarity, mindfulness, and multitasking. It has been clinically shown to support cognitive performance for up to five hours under stressful conditions.
Le Cozannet: Cereboost is backed by several clinical studies to support mental performance — including focus, attention, and reaction time — in as little as one hour after intake. It works through several mechanisms. It activates the gut-brain axis by modulating microbiota related to cognitive health. It increases acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory, learning, attention, and arousal. Cereboost also stimulates the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with various cognitive functions, including working memory and attention.
How does Arrabina-P’s multi-fiber formulation help mitigate digestive discomfort while delivering microbiome benefits?
Le Cozannet: Arrabina-P’s complex of fibers includes arabinoxylan, xylooligosaccharides, beta-glucans, and lignins — all of which are naturally found in wheat straw. Specifically, arabinoxylan, which makes up the majority of the fiber in Arrabin-P, is a highly branched fiber. This complex structure means that Arrabina-P ferments much more slowly and farther down the GI tract, which mitigates the issues from other simpler prebiotic fibers, like inulin, such as gas, bloating, and GI discomfort. The tolerance study shows that taking 15 or more grams of Arrabina-P had no reported adverse events.
Functional ingredients can sometimes compromise taste or texture. How does Givaudan approach the challenge of creating products that are both effective and enjoyable for consumers?
Appell: With the growth of “functional everywhere” trends, consumers want an “experience.” They want products that provide efficacy balanced with expectations of good taste and texture. Givaudan’s roots are in developing “enjoyment experiences” in food and beverage, and it was a logical step to extend our extensive experience in flavor, texture/sweetness modulation, and masking to optimize our botanical portfolio for supplements, foods, and beverages.
A race car simulation game at Givaudan’s booth at SupplySide Global 2025.We have two approaches to our botanical portfolio. One is to optimize the manufacturing process to make it versatile across various applications at a low effective dose. For example, Zensera is a water-soluble, carrier-free powder optimized to have little impact on flavor, color, or taste. For challenging ingredients, Givaudan starts with a thorough understanding of compounds contributing to off-notes/textures and developing solutions to minimize them.
I think we’re unique in that our first approach isn’t necessarily using maskers as a solution but rather flavor solutions that can hide — or even complement a botanical taste. These approaches often overlap, and they allow us to support our customers looking to get into the functional category quickly.
Can you share how Givaudan collaborates with brands and researchers to translate these findings into consumer-ready products?
Le Cozannet: It always starts with uncovering consumer needs. Givaudan invests heavily in primary and secondary research to understand what’s at the top of consumers’ minds. We vet that research with our brand partners to confirm that it aligns with their market perceptions. When we have that alignment, then we engage with researchers to design studies and outcomes on our ingredients to address those needs and language (i.e. claims) that is consumer relevant.
With growing interest in mental wellness, gut health, and sports nutrition, what do you see as the next wave of natural, science-backed, functional ingredients?
Appell: It’s an interesting time to be developing formulas because many of these benefits are starting to converge. As self-care continues to grow, consumers are looking for easy (convenient) ways to incorporate their needs into as few products as possible (that is, they don’t want several pills for several different benefits, but rather fewer pills for multiple benefits) and as quickly as possible.
The “functional everywhere” trend means foods and beverages are fair play and perhaps even more important because they need to deliver on benefits and taste. So the next wave of functional ingredients need to comply with those needs: deliver benefits in a low, effective dose; work across various applications; provide time-bound benefits and provide an enjoyable experience.
