Nuts, fruits, and other common inclusions deliver many attributes consumers seek, including elevated taste, texture, and nutrition. In addition, these ingredients address consumer increasing interest in plant-based foods and proteins, and often fit clean-label criteria.
“Plant-based protein ingredients represent an important opportunity for snack and bakery manufacturers looking to align their product offerings with consumer demand for healthy, clean-label, and functional foods,” says Laura Gerhard, director of strategy and marketing, Blue Diamond Almonds Global Ingredients Division, Sacramento, CA. “Today, 30 percent of consumers say they check the label for protein, according to data from the NPD Group, and plant-based protein in particular syncs with consumers’ desire to live a healthier and cleaner lifestyle.”