AbstractVarious amino acids and their mixtures were heated both with D‐arabino‐hexosulose and with D‐fructose to 100°C and to 130°C, respectively. The character of flavour was determined by the sensory profile analysis. Three main types of odour were present: 1) roasted, burnt, and caramel odour type prevailing in mixtures of amino acids with D‐fructose; 2) flowery, fruity, sweet, and heavy notes prevailing in mixtures of amino acids with D‐arabino‐hexosulose where intensive Strecker degradation takes place; 3) acid, light, and pungent notes. The Strecker degradation is obviously very important in flavour formation during Maillard reactions but other reactions imparting caramel or roasted flavours participate in the reac