Ingredient Snapshot: Blue Diamond Almonds Global Ingredients Division is continuing its record of innovation with the introduction of 100 percent pure, premium almond oil for the food ingredients market. Almonds are pressed through a chemical-free, physical refinement process and purified via vacuum and steam, resulting in an oil that is free from impurities. Blue Diamond Almond Oil has a clean, mild flavor and a subtle, sweet aroma.

The new product syncs with consumers’—and manufacturers’—growing interest in plant-based foods. Almond ingredients, in particular, are lauded for their nutritional, heart-healthy benefits.

“Not only is almond oil a healthier alternative to other specialty, plant-based oils, it also excels as a functional ingredient,” said Jeff Smith, director of marketing for Blue Diamond Almonds Global Ingredients Division. “The clean and mild flavor of Blue Diamond Almond Oil lets other product flavors shine, making it uniquely positioned for use across multiple applications and food categories.”

Smith noted that the oil is ideal for salad dressings and marinades, especially since it blends well with other oils and does not solidify when refrigerated. As a functional ingredient, it benefits snack bar formulations, as well as at-home and consumer packaged goods (CPG) bakery applications. Its smoke point of 470 F makes it appropriate for high heat applications typically seen in snack food manufacturing, such as frying and baking.

Nutritionally, the oil is high in Vitamin E (39.2 mg/100g), and B-sitosterol. It’s low in saturated fat and high (70 percent) in monounsaturated fat/Omega-9 fatty acids, supporting healthy levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL).

“We know that increasing numbers of adults are making the switch to a more plant-based diet,” said Smith. “Combine that with the overwhelming popularity of almonds in every form—now including a premium oil—and manufacturers have even more options when formulating new, healthy halo products. We’re excited to continue innovating and contributing in this arena.”