Sense FPD

Sense FPD Food product development specialists
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Starch selection is rarely interchangeable.Different starch sources and modifications respond differently to heat, shear...
17/03/2026

Starch selection is rarely interchangeable.

Different starch sources and modifications respond differently to heat, shear, acidity, and freezing conditions. Choosing the correct system can determine whether a product remains stable on shelf or breaks down during storage.

Texture is engineered, not accidental.

It is no secret that the boost from energy drinks mainly comes from caffeine.But because most high energy drinks follow ...
13/03/2026

It is no secret that the boost from energy drinks mainly comes from caffeine.

But because most high energy drinks follow strict caffeine regulations, the caffeine levels across many brands end up being very similar.

So we looked at something else.

Energy.

Kilojoules measure the actual energy your body receives from a drink, usually coming from sugar and carbohydrates.

Here is how five well known energy drinks compare in kilojoules.

Which one surprised you the most?

Red Bull? Play Energy Drink? Switch Energy? Dragon Energy Drink? Monster Energy?

Sense recently conducted an Extrusion Process Operations Training with the team at StartWell FoodsThe session covered ra...
12/03/2026

Sense recently conducted an Extrusion Process Operations Training with the team at StartWell Foods

The session covered raw materials, extrusion processing, post extrusion handling, and final product quality assurance, with a focus on how process control influences final product performance and consistency.

Thank you StartWell Foods StartWell Foundation for welcoming us to your facility.

Throwback to one of our core sensory evaluations.Before flavour is experienced, appearance sets the expectation. Colour,...
12/03/2026

Throwback to one of our core sensory evaluations.

Before flavour is experienced, appearance sets the expectation. Colour, gloss, uniformity, and texture all influence how consumers perceive quality.

At Sense we evaluate these attributes under controlled conditions to refine products and ensure visual consistency.

Consistency protects both brand reputation and margin.Without controlled formulations, portion sizes shift, yield fluctu...
11/03/2026

Consistency protects both brand reputation and margin.

Without controlled formulations, portion sizes shift, yield fluctuates, and food cost percentages become unpredictable. Standardised recipes allow for measurable performance across shifts, locations, and teams.

Operational control begins with precision.

Oil and water do not mix. Stability is engineered.Emulsifiers work by reducing surface tension and forming an interfacia...
10/03/2026

Oil and water do not mix. Stability is engineered.

Emulsifiers work by reducing surface tension and forming an interfacial layer that prevents droplets from merging. The strength, elasticity, and coverage of that layer determine whether your product stays smooth or separates over time.

An emulsion is only as stable as the interface that holds it together.

Mayonnaise is usually associated with fat, but sugar is often added to balance acidity and round out flavour.We compared...
06/03/2026

Mayonnaise is usually associated with fat, but sugar is often added to balance acidity and round out flavour.

We compared the sugar content of several popular mayonnaise brands, based on the values listed on their nutrition labels, per 100g.

The differences are larger than many people expect.

Did any of these numbers surprise you?

Looking back at the SENSE F.I.T. Training Course held in 2024, an incredible few days of learning, innovation, and colla...
05/03/2026

Looking back at the SENSE F.I.T. Training Course held in 2024, an incredible few days of learning, innovation, and collaboration.

Delegates joined us for insightful sessions with industry experts, along with exclusive visits to AGT Foods Africa, Cranbrook Flavours, and Start-Well Foods, where they explored the science and technology behind modern food product development.

The experience concluded with the exciting Mystery Basket challenge, where participants developed their own plant based hamburger patties, applying everything they had learned, from formulation to nutrition and costings.

A memorable experience and a great moment to reflect on the innovation and talent within the industry.

Menu design is a financial tool, not just a creative exercise.Contribution margin, item positioning, and pricing psychol...
04/03/2026

Menu design is a financial tool, not just a creative exercise.

Contribution margin, item positioning, and pricing psychology all influence purchasing behaviour. Small structural adjustments to a menu can significantly improve gross profit without increasing food cost or changing suppliers.

Profitability is engineered long before service begins.

Water activity refers to the amount of water in a product that is available for microbial growth, not simply how much to...
03/03/2026

Water activity refers to the amount of water in a product that is available for microbial growth, not simply how much total moisture it contains. It measures how “free” the water is to support bacteria, yeast, and mould, rather than water that is chemically bound to ingredients like sugar, salt, or proteins.

Two products can have similar moisture levels but behave very differently in terms of shelf life. When available water is reduced through formulation or processing, for example by adding sugar or salt, microbial growth slows, stability improves, and safety increases.

Understanding this distinction is fundamental in product development, because controlling water activity is often more important than simply reducing moisture.

A strong concept means nothing without ex*****on.We build culinary systems that align food quality, workflow, cost contr...
02/03/2026

A strong concept means nothing without ex*****on.

We build culinary systems that align food quality, workflow, cost control, and brand positioning into one cohesive operation.

Ready to elevate your offering, speak to us.

Great ideas are common. Commercially viable products are not.We translate innovation into scalable, profitable food prod...
02/03/2026

Great ideas are common. Commercially viable products are not.

We translate innovation into scalable, profitable food products through rigorous development, testing, and optimisation.

If you are planning your next launch, contact us and let’s make it market ready.

Address

7 Fick Street
Potchefstroom
2531

Website

http://www.sensepd.com/

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