Abstract: An aroma or flavor-imparting composition containing methional, dienals and thiazoles in proportions satisfying 0?A?100, 0?B?100, 0?C?60 and A+B+C=100 wherein A shows parts by weight of methional, B shows parts by weight of dienals and C shows parts by weight of thiazoles. Foods containing these compositions, and method of imparting aroma or flavor to food are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a composition which is useful for flavoring food or drinks. The method includes utilizing a heating reaction of methionine and a sugar, which results in methional being present in the composition at a higher concentration. The present invention also provides a food, etc. containing the composition produced by the method. Methionine and a sugar are mixed, and the mixture is heated under a two stage process having particular pH conditions for a particular time at a particular temperature. Moreover, during the mixing and heating of methionine and a sugar, one or more of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride and phosphate is/are added, and the mixture is heated under particular pH conditions for a particular time at a particular temperature.