2026 Superior Taste Award winners announced as high-protein innovation fuels new submissions

This year, thousands of products were assessed through blind tastings by an international jury of more than 250 chefs and sommeliers. Among the submissions, the Institute noted a continued increase in products positioned around nutritional benefits, particularly high-protein claims.

High-protein trend reaches new categories

Products promoted for their protein content have expanded well beyond traditional sports nutrition and are now increasingly present across dairy, snacks, ready meals, and beverages. This reflects a broader consumer interest in satiety, active lifestyles and balanced nutrition and creates new opportunities for brands to differentiate through product innovation.

At the same time, protein enrichment can create formulation challenges that may affect flavour balance, mouthfeel or finish. As a result, taste remains an important factor in consumer acceptance and repeat purchase.

"Consumers increasingly expect products to combine nutritional value with an enjoyable eating or drinking experience," said Eric de Spoelbergh, Managing Director of the International Taste Institute. "The number of protein-positioned products entering this year's evaluations suggests that producers recognize taste as an important part of long-term product success."

The increase in high-protein submissions indicates that producers are using sensory evaluations to better understand their product's performance in terms of taste, alongside nutritional positioning and broader commercial objectives.

Independent sensory evaluation process

All participating products are assessed through blind tasting using a structured methodology. Depending on whether the product is a food or drink, evaluations cover criteria such as first impression, visual appeal, aroma, taste, texture and final sensation.

Products receive an overall score, with awards granted as follows:

• 1 star Superior Taste Award (70-80%): Notable taste quality within its category

• 2 star Superior Taste Award (80-90%): Superior taste, standing out among peers
• 3 star Superior Taste Award (90-100%): Exceptional taste, benchmark-level quality

Participating companies also receive detailed sensory feedback from the jury, regardless of whether their product is awarded.

"Unlike standard consumer testing, our jury members bring the culinary expertise to not only assess how good a product tastes, but also explain why," says Laurent van Wassenhove, Managing Director of the International Taste Institute.

International jury

The jury is composed exclusively of expert chefs and sommeliers from a range of countries and culinary backgrounds. Members include professionals associated with recognised gastronomic institutions, elite restaurant guides and sommelier competitions.

Recognition for sustained performance

In addition to the Superior Taste Award, the Institute also recognizes products that perform consistently over time:

• Crystal Taste Award: granted to products awarded 3 stars for three consecutive years
• Diamond Taste Award: granted to products awarded 3 stars seven times over a ten-year period

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