Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Umami Flavor Enhancer for Next-Gen Food Tech

Publication ID: 24-11856973_0002_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Umami Flavor Enhancer for Next-Gen Food Tech,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856973_0002_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856973_0002_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,973.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed an instant soup stock solid seasoning and its manufacturing method. However, the seasoning's umami flavor potential was limited to traditional food products. This invention addresses the need for versatile, high-umami flavor enhancers in emerging industries, where consumer demand for flavorful and nutritious products is growing.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive step lies in recognizing the instant soup stock solid seasoning's potential beyond traditional food products and adapting it to address specific challenges and opportunities in new industries. The novelty resides in the unexpected combination of the seasoning with various base materials, resulting in innovative products with enhanced flavor profiles.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include modifying the seasoning's composition to accommodate specific industry requirements or exploring additional applications, such as in pharmaceuticals or cosmetics. Variations may involve adjusting the seasoning's umami level, incorporating other flavor enhancers, or using different manufacturing processes to create distinct flavor profiles.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This invention has significant commercial potential in the growing markets of plant-based meat alternatives, healthy snack foods, premium infant formula, gourmet pet food, and specialty gourmet products. The technology's versatility and adaptability make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to differentiate their products and meet evolving consumer demands.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A23 A23L23/10
A A23 A23L5/34
A A23 A23L5/51
A A23 A23L5/55
A A23 A23L13/10
A A23 A23L13/52
A A23 A23L27/10
A A23 A23L27/88
A A23 A23P30/10
A A23 A23V2002/00

Field of Art

Food processing and flavor enhancement technologies, specifically focused on seasoning production, meat alternatives, and food additive compositions. Requires expertise in food science, chemical engineering, flavor chemistry, and manufacturing processes for food products

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A food scientist or food technologist with advanced degree, practical experience in flavor development, seasoning formulation, and understanding of umami flavor enhancement techniques. Familiar with microwave drying, ingredient extraction, and cross-industry food ingredient applications

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's instant soup stock solid seasoning provides a foundational umami-rich ingredient that can be readily adapted across multiple food product categories. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the original seasoning technology, utilizing known food processing techniques to create novel applications. The PTD's claims demonstrate standard industry practice of repurposing flavor-enhancing ingredients across different food manufacturing contexts.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Microwave drying method for creating concentrated soup stock seasoning with high inosinic acid content
PTD Variation
Applying the seasoning to plant-based meat alternatives to enhance umami flavor profile
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable result of transferring flavor enhancement techniques across protein-based food products, utilizing known umami flavor transfer mechanisms
Source Patent Element
Soup stock mixture with concentrated flavor compounds
PTD Variation
Creating customized flavor profiles in snack foods by applying seasoning to base materials
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of flavor modification using concentrated seasoning, representing a standard design choice in food product development
Source Patent Element
Soup stock containing high concentration of inosinic acid
PTD Variation
Blending seasoning with additional nutrients for infant formula enhancement
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite identified solution for nutritional supplementation, leveraging existing flavor compound technology in functional food development
Source Patent Element
Method of processing raw meat and soup stock into dried seasoning
PTD Variation
Combining seasoning with natural preservatives for pet food flavoring and preservation
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious extension of food preservation techniques, applying known ingredient interaction principles across different food product categories
Source Patent Element
Concentrated soup stock seasoning with complex flavor profile
PTD Variation
Using seasoning as a gourmet ingredient enhancer in combination with other culinary ingredients
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of flavor-intensive ingredient in advanced culinary contexts, representing standard professional cooking technique
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11856973's teachings, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the disclosed food product variations obvious and non-inventive. The systematic application of the instant soup stock solid seasoning across diverse food manufacturing contexts represents a predictable evolution of the original seasoning technology, thereby rendering potential derivative claims obvious and unpatentable under standard obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,973
TitleInstant soup stock solid seasoning and method for manufacturing same
Assignee(s)Ariake Japan Co., Ltd.