To successfully bake products requires an astute blend of art and science. A fundamental ingredient in the baking process is the leavening agent. Leavening contributes essential sensory characteristics to bakery products.

While taste will remain a dominant factor for all food products, health, wellness and the nutritional value of the product is growing in importance. Several studies point to the fact that consumers are looking to achieve better overall wellness by selecting foods and ingredients that provide a functional health benefit.

Grains are a fundamental ingredient for snack and bakery products. With consumers seeking better-for-you snacking options, grains, which fit squarely into plant-based trends, provide a great combination of flavor, texture and nutrition.

Nuts and seeds are growing in popularity due to an increase in healthy snacking and consumer interest in plant-based products. According to Innova Market Insights, 7 in 10 U.S. consumers sought healthier snacking options in 2018.

Crackers maintain far-reaching appeal. But while the category benefits from increased consumer interest in snacking, crackers have experienced intensified competition from other foods within salty snacks and beyond.

Let them eat cake ... and pies, and cheesecake. Consumers are still seeking indulgent multi-sensory experiences and desserts deliver.

Functional ingredients like dough conditioners are important components of any formulation to help improve the quality, texture and shelf life of snack and bakery products.

Chocolate is one of the most popular and widely consumed products. Everyone likes chocolate. On average people consume 12.57 pounds of chocolate per year. And snacks and baked goods provide many opportunities for people to enjoy chocolate.

Taste remains a key driver in consumer food purchases. According to the 2018 IFIC "Food and Health Survey," taste was rated the No. 1 factor, with 81 percent of consumers stating taste impacts their decisions. Consumers still seek nostalgic, familiar flavors, but also flavors that appeal to their adventurous side.

Fruits are high in essential nutrients, and the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends adults eat at least 1½ to 2 cups per day. According to the CDC, though, only 12 percent of adults meet those guidelines. But snack and bakery product developers have a wide range of options to bolster their wares with more wholesome fruit ingredients.