Revolutionising Brewing – Naturally

Revolutionizing Brewing: Unveiling Natural Bittering Products for Clean Label Applications through Innovative Processing

At TNS, we have been at the forefront of innovation in hop processing for the past decade. Our focus has always been on maximising the potential of hops in the brewing process. Not only have we pushed the boundaries of hop oil processing, but we have also delved into the production of bittering products. We are excited to introduce two new natural bittering products ideal for clean label applications: HopAlpha Niso 25% and HopBeta Hulu 20%.

Recognising the need for natural, clean-label bittering products for post-fermentation addition, we set out to develop solutions that align with the evolving demands of the brewing industry. While industry-standard processing methods for post-fermentation bittering products involve metal catalysts or harsh chemical processes, we sought to create alternatives that emulate the natural kettle hop bittering additions. The desire for natural claims is also rising as the brewing industry strives for greater efficiency and adopts hop products over traditional methods. TNS and our dedicated R&D team embraced this challenge, leading to the development of the first two naturally produced hop-bittering products.

HopAlpha Niso 25%:

HopAlpha Niso 25% results from our efforts to improve the efficiency of alpha acid isomerisation during kettle bittering. Only around 30% of conversion to iso-alpha acids occurs naturally. However, our proprietary techniques enhanced this efficiency and isolated the alpha acids from other hop components without metal catalysts. The result is a clean and crisp bitterness that does not linger on the palate, making it more session-able for drinkers. Furthermore, the natural claim associated with HopAlpha Niso 25% is particularly beneficial in Low/No alcohol applications where labelling guidelines are stricter. It can be labelled as a “natural hop flavouring” in such products, further enhancing its appeal.

HopBeta Hulu 20%:

HopBeta Hulu 20% draws inspiration from the traditional use of hulupones by Belgian brewers in lambic beers. Through the ageing of hops, the alpha acids oxidise into degraded products that do not produce light-struck flavours after brewing. An interesting by-product of this ageing process is the oxidation of beta acids into hulupones, contributing to a sessionable bitterness in these beers. Leveraging this natural oxidation process, our team at TNS has created HopBeta Hulu 20%; a post-fermentation added bittering product. Standardised for accurate bitterness unit (BU) additions, HopBeta Hulu 20% offers a softer and more complex bitterness than Iso alpha acids, providing brewers with a unique and natural bittering option. Additionally, it allows brewers of No/Low beer to achieve natural labelling while enhancing the overall flavour profile.

We are excited to announce that HopAlpha Niso 25% and HopBeta Hulu 20% are available now. These innovative bittering products offer brewers a natural and clean-label option and provide unique flavour profiles that can enhance a wide range of beer styles. At TNS, we are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and will continue exploring new methods to maximise the potential of hops in brewing. Join us on this journey and unlock the possibilities of natural bittering products for your brewing creations.
Contact our team today for more information and to explore how our innovative hop processing can elevate your brewing process. Cheers to the future of brewing with natural and clean-label bittering products from TNS.