From Concept to Creation: How Extract Consultants Develop Industry-Leading Flavors

At Extract Consultants, crafting the perfect terpene profile isn’t just about chemistry—it’s about creativity, deep market insight, and a passion for flavor. From nostalgic inspirations to cutting-edge product development, our team meticulously refines every formulation to deliver premium, one-of-a-kind terpene and flavor experiences.

Leading the charge is our Lab Manager, Chris Hayes, whose background in culinary arts and cannabis production gives him a unique edge in the science of terpene formulation.

Chris photographed in the lab, 2025.

The Inspiration: Where It All Begins

Our process starts with inspiration drawn from a wide range of sources. Whether it’s nostalgic flavors from childhood (think Fruit Striped Gum or Baja Blast) or trending consumer preferences, we aim to capture what excites consumers and translate that into terpene formulations that are as effective as they are flavorful.

Chris and the team keep a close eye on industry shifts by monitoring retail data, social media trends, and even the candy and frozen food aisles—where flavor innovations often take shape. We also draw inspiration from produce, the candy aisle, ice cream, and new cocktail creations. We hold regular internal meetings to brainstorm new product directions and collaborate with external flavor developers to ensure we’re always ahead of the curve.

Understanding Market Demand

When customers come to us with requests—whether it’s a unique seasonal release or a custom formulation for a specific application—we use data to validate demand and refine our approach.

For example, while we create fully custom terpene blends tailored to specific product visions, we also develop in-house iterations of classic favorites. Many of these custom formulations eventually become part of our broader product lineup, allowing more brands to take advantage of these expertly crafted flavors.

The Process: Bringing a Flavor to Life

Chris & Max photographed in the lab, 2025.

Once we identify a promising concept, our flavor development process follows a structured path:

1. Initial Concept & Customer Input – We assess whether the flavor is fully custom or inspired by an existing SKU.
   
   
2. Formulation & Prototyping – Our in-house experts, alongside external flavor chemists, create sample formulations, refining based on aroma, taste, and product compatibility.
   
   
3. Testing & Iteration – Through rigorous internal testing, we evaluate how the terpene blend performs across different applications, ensuring it meets both sensory and functional expectations.
   
   
4. Final Approval & Production – Once a formulation is perfected, it enters production with a lead time of roughly six to eight weeks before reaching the market.

A great example of this process is our Werther-inspired caramel profile in our Butterscotch, which went through multiple test iterations before achieving the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and buttery notes.

How We Stand Out

Unlike competitors who focus on mimicking cannabis strains, we take a broader approach by developing full-flavor house formulations that work across multiple industries. While we specialize in terpene-forward profiles, we also emphasize fruit-forward flavors and complex, layered blends that can’t be found elsewhere. Our Terpaja Blast and soda line exemplify this innovative thinking—blurring the lines between traditional terpene applications and mainstream flavor experiences.

Terpaja Blast: A Breakout Success in 2024

One of our biggest success stories this year has been Terpaja Blast—a game-changing flavor that took the market by storm. Initially inspired by nostalgic citrus sodas, this flavor was designed to deliver bold, fruit-forward refreshment with a cannabis-friendly twist.

What makes Terpaja Blast special? Unlike other citrus-based terpene blends, we focused on balancing tart and sweet notes, ensuring it wasn’t just another generic citrus profile. The response was overwhelming—within just a few months of launch, Terpaja Blast skyrocketed to become our second-best-selling flavor of 2024.

Why did it perform so well?

1. Nostalgic Appeal: It tapped into familiar, beloved soda flavors that consumers already crave.
   
   
2. Versatility: Perfect for vapes, and pre-rolls.
   
   
3. Unique Flavor Balance: A bold and complex citrus profile that stands out from competitors.

The Future of Terpene Innovation

Extract Consultants remains committed to pushing boundaries. Whether through custom client formulations, data-backed product development, or leveraging our culinary expertise, we continue to lead in terpene innovation. By staying ahead of market trends, working closely with industry partners, and fostering a team that thrives on creativity, we ensure that every terpene blend we create is not just a product—but an experience.

Looking to develop a custom terpene blend or explore new flavor possibilities for your brand? Contact our team today and let’s bring your vision to life.