When launching or scaling a food product, one of the most important decisions is whether to use a standard recipe or invest in a custom formulation. Each path has its advantages, depending on your brand’s goals, budget, and market positioning. At Avon Food, we help brands navigate this choice to ensure their products stand out while meeting operational and financial needs.
Standard Recipes: Faster, Cost-Effective, and Proven
Many co-packers offer standard recipes—pre-developed formulations that have been tested and refined. These recipes are designed to meet general market preferences and can be a great option for brands looking for a quicker, more cost-effective way to bring a product to market.
Pros of Standard Recipes:
-
Speed to Market – With a pre-developed formulation, production can begin almost immediately, avoiding lengthy R&D timelines.
-
Lower Development Costs – No need to invest in extensive formulation and testing, making it a budget-friendly option.
-
Proven Success – Standard recipes are often based on well-performing flavors and formulations, reducing risk.
-
Regulatory Compliance – These recipes have already been vetted for compliance, ensuring a smoother approval process.
Potential Drawbacks:
-
Limited Differentiation – Since other brands may use similar formulations, standing out in a crowded market can be challenging.
-
Less Control Over Ingredients – Customization options may be limited, meaning brands may not be able to align entirely with their desired ingredient standards or unique selling points.
Custom Formulation: Unique, Tailored, and Brand-Defining
For brands looking to create a truly unique product, custom formulation is the way to go. This involves working with a team of food scientists and product developers to create a proprietary recipe that aligns with specific taste, texture, and ingredient requirements.
Pros of Custom Formulation:
-
Brand Differentiation – A custom formula ensures your product stands out with a unique taste and ingredients tailored to your vision.
-
Ingredient Control – You have full control over sourcing, allowing for clean-label, organic, or other specialized formulations.
-
Scalability & Ownership – A proprietary recipe means you own the formulation, preventing competitors from replicating your product.
-
Meets Specific Nutritional or Dietary Needs – Custom formulation allows for keto, gluten-free, low-sodium, or other dietary adaptations.
Potential Drawbacks:
-
Higher Development Costs – Custom formulation requires investment in R&D, testing, and potential iterations.
-
Longer Time to Market – Developing and refining a new formula can take weeks or months before production begins.
-
Regulatory Considerations – Custom formulations may require additional regulatory approvals, adding complexity to the process.
Which Option is Right for Your Brand?
The decision between standard recipes and custom formulation depends on your goals:
-
If speed, cost, and simplicity are top priorities, a standard recipe may be the best fit.
-
If uniqueness, control, and long-term brand equity are key, custom formulation is worth the investment.
At Avon Food, we offer both options—allowing brands to choose what works best for their strategy. Whether you’re looking for a trusted, high-quality standard recipe or need a partner to bring your custom vision to life, we’re here to help.
Ready to Create the Perfect Product?
Let’s discuss how Avon Food can support your brand’s growth with the right formulation approach. Contact us today!