Innovation

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition is rooted in research, technology, and innovation.

Built on a foundation of pioneering technology

We started with the discovery of umami which led to the world’s first umami seasoning, monosodium glutamate. The company continued to grow over the past century through groundbreaking advancements in regenerative medicine, biotechnology, life science, and more. Today, we leverage the strengths and expertise of our divisions to produce high-quality products through our ongoing commitment to innovation.

What Innovation Means to Our Team

Medical Nutrition Innovation with Lynn P.

I founded Cambrooke, now Ajinomoto Cambrooke Inc., because, at the time, there was nothing available on the market that met the nutritional requirements for our kids with phenylketonuria (PKU). We always had to make meals & snacks from scratch because individuals with PKU and other metabolic disorders cannot consume high protein foods such as meat, eggs, cheese, grains (cake, pasta, bread), soy, etc. When these individuals do not follow their diet, it can result in loss of cognitive function and in some cases even death. We were founded on innovation through the production of delicious medical foods that save lives and are committed to continued innovation that creates more options for those with specialized nutrition needs.

Solutions & Ingredients Innovation with Haya A.

True innovation is leveraging the expansive portfolio of Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition’s ingredients to achieve multiple taste sensations and functions within one application or formulation. As a product developer, I aspire to elevate and expand on the taste and texture experience of food products to deliver optimum levels of deliciousness. Our customers collaborate with us as partners and often innovate together to create successful food and beverage brands. The collaboration mindset and innovative technologies allow me to reach new levels of formulation support.

Amino Science Innovation with Mike L.

Innovation is at the core of our culture at Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition and this was tested during the pandemic. Due to COVID-19, the demand for pharmaceutical-grade amino acids skyrocketed as these are critical ingredients for stabilizing medications and vaccines or serving as a preservative to prevent contamination. Our teams were prepared with new processes and ideas that allowed us to adapt to the increased demand and provide high-quality amino acids quickly and efficiently.

Innovation in Action

Process Innovation to Improve Sustainable Practices

During the production of MSG, we reduce waste by recycling. Our goal is to cut down the amount of glutamic acid wasted. We also can reprocess MSG that was found to be out of specification (with the exception of OOS micro product, which must be sent to the landfill due to food safety concerns). By being able to reprocess, we save on sending hundreds of metric tons per year to the landfill.

Delicious Sodium Reduction for Medical Foods

Ajinomoto Cambrooke, Inc. (ACI), a subsidiary of Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, was founded on sound nutrition innovation addressing unmet medical needs. Through our production of delicious foods for special medical purposes, we save lives. We are deeply committed to continuous innovation. By harnessing the power of amino acids and functional ingredients, ACI delivers more options for people with special dietary nutrition needs.

Exclusive Rumen-Protection Technology

Professional feed formulators for dairy cows often face a problem; the existing offerings available to them do not precisely fit the nutritional needs of their cows. AjiPro®-L is a precision-manufactured rumen-protected Lysine supplement developed by our researchers that gives feed formulators the precision and versatility to balance dairy cow diets for maximum efficiency. Its proprietary rumen-protection technology is what makes AjiPro-L the number 1 choice for U.S. feed formulators.

North American Research & Innovation Center (NARIC)

Mission
Discover technologies, ideas and insights toward future innovations by leveraging steady networking and keen intelligence activities. Promote innovation by creating critical collaborative opportunities for the Ajinomoto Group.

Vision U.S.-based Innovation hub of Ajinomoto Group contributing to the creation of the future business model and tech pipelines in food and health that are scalable from North America to other geographies.

Business & Product Innovation – New Business and Product Development with intra-and-intercompany partners toward future innovations

Cross Industrial Open Innovation Platform – Promote innovations by creating critical collaborative opportunities between various organizations and Ajinomoto Groups

Featured Innovation Stories

Through a century of research and development, we have discovered numerous ways to contribute to healthy living. Find out more about our culture of innovation here.

Global Ingredient Leader Searches for Next Generation of Taste and Texture Technologies at the Inaugural NGT3 Competition

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America Inc. announces its inaugural startup challenge, Next Generation Taste & Texture Technologies (NGT3). The global ingredient leader is looking for cutting-edge advancements and is aiming to support ingredient startups by offering them the unique opportunity to partner with AHN’s multinational team to bring new ideas to market.

Digestible Data: Championing Authenticity

Businesses today face a new challenge: how to remain trusted and authentic in the eyes of consumers. According to Edelman’s trust barometer, businesses and corporations have become the most trusted institution since 2020 compared to media, government, and non-governmental organizations. To maintain this trust, businesses must align with the consumer demand for transparency and authenticity. This is particularly true among Gen Z and millennial consumers who want companies to align with their values, address social issues and advocate against injustices, such as xenophobia and racism.

Digestible Data: Navigating the Narrative and Consumer Needs in Plant-Based Substitutes

In recent years, the popularity of plant-based meat skyrocketed due to consumer intrigue in an animal alternative that was more sustainable, ethical, and nutritious. However, the velocity at which these products are selling has waned, with the narrative in the food industry shifting toward skepticism and criticism.

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.