Saena Baking Co. Achieves NSF Good Manufacturing Practices Certification

Saena Baking Co. Achieves NSF Good Manufacturing Practices Certification

Saena Baking Co. Achieves NSF Good Manufacturing Practices Certification

We are proud to announce that Saena has successfully passed our recent NSF Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) audit with an impressive score of 95.

This independent, third-party audit reviewed every aspect of our production operations. It ensured we meet the highest standards of food safety and quality. The audit evaluated our facility, processes, employee practices, sanitation protocols, maintenance, pest control, chemical control, packaging and labeling, and more. These are all key components of a robust GMP program.

Achieving this certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to producing safe, high-quality pure extracts under the Angel Bake® brand. Our team worked diligently to prepare for this audit. They implemented corrective actions where needed and ensured continuous improvement across our operations.

At Saena, we believe food safety is not a one-time accomplishment but a continual journey. That is why, alongside our GMP program, we have developed a full-scale HACCP program. This strengthens our food safety systems further. It ensures that products we produce meets the strictest safety standards while delivering the pure, authentic flavors our customers trust.

We are grateful to our team for their dedication and to our customers for their continued support. We look forward to continuing to provide you with the highest quality extracts, manufactured safely and responsibly at our Portland, Oregon facility.

Key Highlights:

  • NSF GMP audit completed on June 2, 2025 with a score of 95

  • Commitment to continuous improvement and food safety excellence

  • Full HACCP program underway to complement GMP systems

🔗 For more information about our quality standards and products, visit angelbk.com.

Understanding the Roles of FDA, TTB, FEMA, and GRAS in the Flavor Industry

Understanding the Roles of FDA, TTB, FEMA, and GRAS in the Flavor Industry

Who Regulates Flavor Products? Understanding the Roles of FDA, TTB, FEMA, and GRAS in the Flavor Industry

The world of flavor manufacturing is governed by several U.S. regulatory bodies and scientific panels that work together to ensure that products—like the pure flavoring extracts made at Saena under the Angel Bake® brand—are safe, transparent, and truthfully represented. Whether you are a chef, food manufacturer, or beverage developer, understanding who does what can help you make more informed decisions when selecting premium flavor ingredients.

Below is a clear breakdown of the major regulators and industry organizations behind flavor safety and compliance in the United States.

FDA — Food & Drug Administration

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the safety of most food ingredients sold in the United States—including natural and artificial flavors.
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the FDA regulates:

  • Ingredient safety

  • Labeling and claims

  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

  • Food additives and flavoring substances

  • Adulteration and misbranding protections

For flavor manufacturers like Saena Baking Co., FDA regulations set the framework for:

  • Proper ingredient identity (e.g., “Pure Peppermint Extract”)

  • Safe manufacturing conditions

  • Accurate allergen declarations

  • Clean-label compliance

Learn more:
🔗 FDA on Food Ingredients and Packaging: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging

TTB — Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

The TTB regulates products that contain alcohol—including many flavor extracts that use alcohol as a solvent.
Extracts such as vanilla, citrus, and botanicals often fall under TTB oversight when they:

  • Contain ethanol

  • Are produced in facilities using alcohol

  • Require formula approval (standard of identity)

TTB’s role includes:

  • Regulating the use and storage of alcohol in manufacturing

  • Approving formulations for alcohol-based extracts

  • Monitoring tax compliance related to alcohol usage

Saena Baking Co. works with TTB-approved formulations to ensure that our alcohol-based extracts meet federal specifications for purity, composition, and manufacturing integrity.

Learn more:
🔗 TTB on Nonbeverage Products and Formulas: https://www.ttb.gov/nonbeverage-products

FEMA — Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association

The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) is not a government agency but a scientific and regulatory industry body.
FEMA is responsible for:

  • Reviewing flavoring substances for safety

  • Publishing expert evaluations

  • Maintaining the FEMA GRAS program (Generally Recognized As Safe)

Many flavoring ingredients used in professional kitchens and food manufacturing facilities—including essential oils—are evaluated through FEMA’s expert panel.
FEMA helps the flavor industry maintain high standards of safety, scientific review, and regulatory alignment with FDA.

Learn more:
🔗 FEMA Official Website: https://www.femaflavor.org/

Understanding GRAS — “Generally Recognized As Safe”

GRAS is a regulatory designation that identifies substances considered safe for use in food under the conditions of intended use.
GRAS determinations can occur in two ways:

  1. Through scientific procedures
    — Independent experts review available research and determine safety.

  2. Through common use in food prior to 1958
    — Some ingredients are historically recognized as safe due to long-standing use.

Many natural flavor components—such as citrus oils, peppermint, vanilla, or rose derivatives—are recognized under FEMA GRAS or FDA GRAS criteria.
This provides manufacturers, chefs, and food developers assurance that:

  • The ingredient has undergone scientific review

  • It is accepted for safe use in foods

  • It meets U.S. regulatory expectations

Learn more:
🔗 FDA GRAS Overview: https://www.fda.gov/food/generally-recognized-safe-gras

How These Bodies Work Together

While their responsibilities differ, FDA, TTB, and FEMA collectively create a comprehensive system of oversight:

Organization Role in Flavor Regulation
FDA Ensures ingredient safety, truthful labeling, GMP, and compliance with food laws
TTB Regulates alcohol used in extracts, approves formulas, oversees tax compliance
FEMA Conducts scientific evaluation of flavoring substances; manages FEMA GRAS listings
GRAS Provides a recognized safety framework for flavor chemicals and natural ingredients

Angel Bake® extracts are produced within these regulatory frameworks to guarantee safety, purity, and consistency for both professional and home culinary applications.

Why This Matters for Chefs, Bakers, and Food Manufacturers

When you choose a flavoring product—especially for commercial use—you want assurance that:

  • Ingredients are safe and compliant

  • Manufacturing follows strict standards

  • Labels are accurate and transparent

Pure Rose Extract vs. Imitation: The Majic of Authentic Floral Flavor

Pure Rose Extract vs. Imitation: The Majic of Authentic Floral Flavor

Pure Rose vs. Imitation: The Magic of Authentic Floral Flavor

There’s something undeniably enchanting about the aroma of fresh roses. Yet, if you’ve ever tried a synthetic or “rose-flavored” product and felt underwhelmed, you’re not alone. Real rose essence is a harmonious ensemble of compounds—everything from terpenes to alcohols, esters, and trace phenolics—that come together to create the soft, layered scent we know and love.

An Imitation “Rose” Formula—Simplified

Most imitation rose flavorings rely on a few dominant chemicals to approximate a rosy smell:

  • Phenylethyl alcohol for a sweet floral note

  • Citronellol or geraniol to mimic that fresh rose “top note”

  • Possibly a hint of nerol or minor esters to round out the profile

While this blend can smell “floral,” it rarely captures the full complexity that pure rose extract exudes. If you compare real rose extract side by side with an imitation, you’ll notice the latter can be one-dimensional—sometimes even sharp or soapy—missing the delicate nuances that make real rose so captivating.

What Makes Pure Rose Extract So Special?

Real rose petals, especially those from premium varieties like Bulgarian roses, contain a veritable bouquet of aromatic constituents:

  • Terpenes (e.g., geraniol, citronellol, nerol) that deliver that signature, dewy rose top note

  • Phenylethyl alcohol contributing a soft, sweet floral character

  • Trace esters that weave in subtle fruity or honey-like hints

  • Other minor volatiles that lend depth and “roundness,” preventing any single note from dominating

When gently extracted, these molecules remain in their natural synergy, producing a perfume-like fragrance that is both delicate and rich—something nearly impossible to recreate using just a handful of isolated chemicals.

Saena’s Commitment to True Floral Essence

At Saena, our Angel Bake Bulgarian Rose Extract embodies the authentic flavor journey that nature intended:

  1. No Artificial Shortcuts
    We rely on pure rose petals and a refined extraction process, avoiding synthetic additives that flatten the rose character into something harsh or overpowering.
  2. Naturally Nuanced
    You’ll catch the subtle green-fresh top notes, the sweet floral heart, and the smooth, lingering finish that only real rose essence can provide.
  3. Versatile Uses
    From artisan desserts and confections to cocktails, tea blends, or even savory dishes needing a gentle floral flourish, our rose extract is a culinary game-changer.
  4. Consistent Quality
    We source top-grade roses with stringent quality checks, ensuring each batch meets our standards of potency, purity, and flavor fidelity.

Why Choose True Rose?

While imitation recipes might emulate the main floral elements, they often can’t deliver the subtle transitions—the bright, dewy opening, the satin-soft mid-palate, and the delicate lingering finish. This is the result of nature’s meticulously balanced aromatic profile, refined through generations of cultivation and careful harvesting.

In pastry creams, buttercreams, honey infusions, or even a rose latte, the depth and harmony of genuine rose extract simply can’t be matched by synthetic blends. Consumers often describe the effect as “romantic,” because the floral essence feels authentic rather than perfumy or harsh.

Experience Rose in Its True Form

At Saena, we believe there’s no substitute for what nature does best. Our Angel Bake Bulgarian Rose Extract delivers the full tapestry of rose aroma—terpenes, phenylethyl alcohol, esters, and more—in one convenient, easy-to-use bottle. There’s no need to cobble together a half-dozen flavor chemicals; with our pure extracts, you get a ready-made infusion of real rose character—exactly as the petals intended.

Ready to Explore the True Floral Edge?
Embrace the enchanting world of real rose flavor with Saena’s Bulgarian Rose Extract. For wholesale inquiries, recipes, or more information, contact us at info@saenafoods.com or follow us on Instagram at @angelbake for endless inspiration.

Saena Baking Co. – Crafting authentic flavors that bring the essence of nature straight to your kitchen, one petal at a time.

Saëna receives Kosher Certification from Oregon Kosher

Saëna receives Kosher Certification from Oregon Kosher

Saëna Baking Co. Receives Kosher Certification from Oregon Kosher

We are delighted to announce that Saëna Baking Co. has successfully completed a rigorous audit by the Oregon Kosher Agency and received official Kosher certification for our manufacturing facility and select products. This certification highlights our continued commitment to meeting and exceeding the highest quality and dietary standards.

Our certified products include:

  • Pure Almond Extract
  • Pure Bulgarian Lavender Extract
  • Pure Bulgarian Rose Extract
  • Pure Cardamom Extract
  • Pure Chocolate Extract
  • Pure Clove Extract
  • Pure Extract Giftset
  • Pure Lemon Extract
  • Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract
  • Pure Peppermint Extract
  • Pure Star Anise Extract
  • Pure Valencia Orange Extract

All of these products are certified Pareve, meeting stringent dietary guidelines that provide confidence to our customers.

We proudly align ourselves with the values and integrity represented by the Oregon Kosher Agency, a respected leader in kosher supervision. For more details or to verify our certification, please visit the Oregon Kosher certification portal.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to deliver products that reflect our unwavering dedication to quality and trust.

Pure Extracts vs. Flavored Syrups: A Smarter Choice for Professionals

Pure Extracts vs. Flavored Syrups: A Smarter Choice for Professionals

Pure Extracts vs. Flavored Syrups: A Smarter Choice for Professionals

For chefs, bakers, and beverage artisans, every ingredient matters. From balance and purity to efficiency and cost, professionals seek products that enhance their craft without compromise. While flavored syrups have long been a go-to for adding taste, pure extracts offer a far superior alternative, providing unmatched control and quality. Let’s explore why professionals should consider switching to pure extracts over flavored syrups.

1. Lower Calories, Greater Impact

Flavored syrups are loaded with sugar, contributing unnecessary calories to beverages and desserts. A standard serving of syrup (about 1 oz) can contain 80–100 calories, mostly from sugar. In contrast, pure extracts are virtually calorie-free, as they derive flavor from concentrated natural sources rather than added sugars. This makes extracts a better option for calorie-conscious menus and customers.

2. Control Flavor Without Added Sweetness

One of the biggest drawbacks of flavored syrups is their fixed sugar content. The sweetness is built into the syrup, meaning it’s impossible to increase the intensity of the flavor without also increasing sugar levels. With Angel Bake Pure Extracts by Saëna Baking Co., you control the balance—adjusting the sweetness separately using sugar, honey, or low-calorie alternatives. This flexibility is crucial for professionals who want precise control over flavor profiles without unnecessary sweetness.

3. Freedom to Use Low-Calorie Sweeteners

With pure extracts, chefs and baristas have the freedom to customize their recipes for different dietary needs. Whether using stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, or simply reducing sugar altogether, Angel Bake Pure Extracts allow professionals to meet the growing demand for low-sugar and keto-friendly options without compromising flavor. Flavored syrups, on the other hand, are pre-sweetened and don’t offer this versatility.

4. Cost-Effectiveness: More Flavor, Less Waste

Professionals need ingredients that provide both quality and efficiency. A 2-ounce bottle of Angel Bake Pure Extract delivers 200-300 servings, meaning a single bottle can flavor six times more servings than an equivalent amount of syrup. This reduces waste, storage needs, and overall ingredient costs while ensuring consistent, concentrated flavor in every application.

5. Unmatched Intensity and Fresh, Pure Natural Flavor

Many flavored syrups contain artificial colors, preservatives, and imitation flavorings, which can compromise the integrity of a dish or drink. Angel Bake Pure Extracts by Saena Baking Co. are crafted from premium natural ingredients, delivering bold, fresh, and naturally intense flavors without fillers or artificial additives. For professionals who take pride in using high-quality ingredients, our extracts ensure every dish is infused with authentic, vibrant taste.

The Professional’s Choice

For chefs, mixologists, and bakers who demand precision, purity, and flexibility, Angel Bake Pure Extracts outperform flavored syrups in nearly every way. With lower calories, customizable sweetness, cost-effectiveness, and a commitment to real ingredients, Saena Baking Co. delivers extracts that professionals trust.

Upgrade your craft with Angel Bake Pure Extracts—where intensity meets purity, and fresh, natural flavors bring every creation to life. Whether in a macaron, a handcrafted latte, or a signature cocktail, professionals can rely on our extracts to deliver bold, natural flavor with every drop.

Pure Extracts vs. Fresh and Dried Botanicals: The Smart Choice for Professional Kitchens

Pure Extracts vs. Fresh and Dried Botanicals: The Smart Choice for Professional Kitchens

In the fast-paced world of professional kitchens, flavor is everything. Chefs, bakers, and mixologists rely on their ingredients to deliver not only bold taste but also consistency and reliability across every dish. While fresh and dried botanicals are often considered essential, they come with limitations in flavor intensity, preparation time, and storage challenges. That’s where Angel Bake Pure Extracts shine—offering a more concentrated, full-bodied, and flavorful solution that’s tailored to meet the high demands of professional and commercial kitchens.

Angel Bake Pure Extracts embody the very best of the herbs, botanicals, and fruits they’re made from, delivering unmatched convenience, flavor intensity, and versatility. Let’s dive into why pure extracts—especially Angel Bake Pure Extracts—are the smart, efficient, and cost-effective choice over fresh or dried alternatives.

1. Unrivaled Potency and Aroma with Angel Bake Pure Extracts

Not all extracts are created equal. At Angel Bake, we focus on crafting high-concentration extracts that capture the full essence of their source ingredients. Our extracts are more potent, full-bodied, and flavorful than most on the market, meaning just a few drops can transform an entire dish.

Unlike fresh or dried botanicals, which can vary in strength and freshness, Angel Bake Pure Extracts offer:

  • Consistency: Uniform flavor and aroma in every drop.
  • Powerful Concentration: A higher potency that delivers bold flavors with less product, ensuring every dish shines.

For example:

  • A few drops of our Pure Lemon Extract deliver the vibrant citrus punch of freshly zested lemons without the hassle of zesting.
  • Our Pure Lavender Extract captures the floral aroma of handpicked Bulgarian lavender, offering the true essence of the herb in its purest form.
  • Our Pure Cardamom Extract delivers the warm, spicy complexity of cardamom pods, minus the labor of grinding or measuring.

With Angel Bake, you don’t just flavor your dishes—you create moments of flavorful excellence.

2. Consistency: Perfect Flavor Every Time

Fresh and dried botanicals are inherently inconsistent. The flavor and aroma intensity of herbs, fruits, and spices can vary based on:

  • Seasonality
  • Growing conditions
  • Storage and handling
  • Time since harvest

This variability can lead to unpredictable results, especially in professional kitchens where consistency across every batch and plate is critical.

Angel Bake Pure Extracts eliminate this uncertainty. Each batch of our extracts is meticulously crafted to deliver the same concentrated, full-bodied flavor and aroma every time. With Angel Bake, you can trust that your lemon tart, lavender frosting, or cardamom-spiced cookies will taste just as amazing as the last batch—flawless, every time.

3. Superior Efficiency and Precision

Using fresh or dried botanicals can be time-consuming, requiring extra preparation that eats into valuable kitchen hours. Chopping herbs, grinding spices, zesting citrus, or steeping botanicals not only adds labor but also introduces variability in flavor extraction.

Angel Bake Pure Extracts provide an efficient alternative:

  • Time-Saving: Skip the chopping, zesting, or grinding—just measure a few drops and go.
  • Precise Control: Achieve exact flavor intensity with every dish, thanks to the potent nature of our extracts.
  • Ready-to-Use: Our extracts are instantly ready to enhance your culinary creations, allowing you to focus on artistry rather than tedious prep work.

For professional chefs and bakers, this efficiency means more time to innovate and perfect dishes, without compromising on quality.

4. Shelf Stability: No Spoilage, No Waste

Both fresh and dried botanicals have significant limitations when it comes to shelf life:

  • Fresh botanicals like mint, basil, and citrus zest degrade quickly, losing flavor and aroma within days.
  • Dried botanicals, while more shelf-stable, lose potency over time and can be affected by humidity or improper storage.

Angel Bake Pure Extracts are long-lasting and shelf-stable, with no risk of spoilage or degradation. You can store them for months without worrying about waste or flavor loss. This not only saves you money but also simplifies inventory management in busy kitchens.

For professional kitchens that value both cost-efficiency and flavor consistency, extracts are a game-changer.

5. Perfect for Moisture-Sensitive Applications

Both fresh and dried botanicals introduce moisture into recipes, which can disrupt delicate culinary creations:

  • Fresh herbs or citrus zest can add unwanted water content, affecting the texture of frostings, macarons, chocolates, and baked goods.
  • Dried herbs or spices often need to be rehydrated or steeped, introducing further unpredictability in moisture content.

Angel Bake Pure Extracts, with their minimal moisture content, are the perfect solution for:

  • Chocolates: Infuse tempered chocolate with lavender or orange extract without compromising texture.
  • Pastries: Add lemon extract to macarons or meringues without introducing extra liquid.
  • Buttercreams and Frostings: Create perfectly smooth, flavorful buttercreams with extracts that don’t alter consistency.

This moisture-free flavor delivery makes Angel Bake Pure Extracts ideal for even the most delicate recipes.

6. Versatility Across Culinary Applications

Angel Bake Pure Extracts go beyond simply replacing fresh and dried botanicals—they unlock new possibilities across a wide range of culinary uses. Their concentrated, liquid form makes them easy to incorporate into a variety of recipes, including:

  • Baking: Add depth to cakes, cookies, and breads with cardamom, vanilla, or lemon extracts.
  • Cocktails: Impress guests with aromatic lavender or orange-infused cocktails.
  • Savory Dishes: Enhance marinades, glazes, and dressings with clove, cardamom, or citrus extracts.
  • Beverages: Add subtle floral or citrus notes to teas, lemonades, or lattes.

With Angel Bake, there are no limits to where your creativity can take you.

7. Cost-Effectiveness: A Smart Investment

Fresh and dried botanicals are not only time-consuming—they’re also expensive:

  • Fresh ingredients perish quickly, leading to frequent reordering, spoilage, and waste.
  • Dried ingredients lose potency over time and require careful storage to prevent degradation.

Angel Bake Pure Extracts are a cost-effective alternative:

  • Long Shelf Life: No more spoilage or wasted product.
  • Concentrated Flavor: A little goes a long way—just a few drops can flavor an entire recipe.
  • Reduced Overhead: Save on logistics, storage, and preparation costs.

By switching to Angel Bake extracts, you’ll not only enhance your flavors but also improve your bottom line.

Why Angel Bake Extracts Are the Professional Choice

At Angel Bake, we believe that exceptional flavor starts with exceptional ingredients. Our pure extracts are:

  • More Potent: Delivering bold, concentrated flavor that outshines other extracts on the market.
  • More Aromatic: Capturing the true essence of the botanicals they’re sourced from.
  • More Versatile: Perfect for baking, cooking, beverages, and more.

Whether you’re crafting a classic dessert, an inventive cocktail, or a gourmet entrée, Angel Bake Pure Extracts provide the reliability, intensity, and convenience that professional kitchens demand. We’ve done the hard work of extraction—capturing everything great about fresh and dried botanicals—so you can focus on creating.

Conclusion

Angel Bake Pure Extracts are the gold standard for professional kitchens, offering superior potency, unmatched aroma, and ultimate versatility. By choosing our extracts over fresh or dried botanicals, you gain consistency, efficiency, and cost savings—all while delivering concentrated, full-bodied, and flavorful results your customers will love.

When flavor matters, trust Angel Bake to deliver.