Snack mixes today show much promise for widespread appeal. “There is opportunity for growth in the snack mixes industry, as we are beginning to see consumers snack almost as much as they eat full meals,” says Trip Kadey, director of culinary, The French’s Food Co. LLC, Chester, NJ.
This recipe for Curry Spiced Nuts with Dried Tart Cherries meets consumer demand for ethnic flavor profiles, combines on-trend ingredients with complementary flavors and textures, and includes anthocyanin-packed Montmorency tart cherries, which have been linked to a number of health benefits, notes Jeff Manning, chief marketing officer, Cherry Marketing Institute.
When it comes to food trends, consumer interest in better-for-you products continues to grow. The desire to improve their overall health and well-being is prompting many Americans to be more selective when it comes to the foods they buy and eat, including baked goods and snacks. Instead of automatically placing a familiar product into their shopping cart, consumers are now scrutinizing its label for unpronounceable ingredients, artificial flavors and colors, GMOs and high levels of sweeteners and sodium.
Though niche customization represents the new frontier for bar manufacturers, select ingredients still appeal to a wide segment of bar-buying consumers.
Spicy, savory and contrasting remain flavor favorites in the baked goods and snack categories, while reds and all-natural colors are tops for adding visual appeal.
This specialty Stout Wheat Bread with Cherries and Chocolate combines elements of tart and sweet without overwhelming the end product with either taste.
Innovative Bakery Resources brings a new level of specialization to its bread products through unique capabilities for using high levels of inclusions, swirls, toppings, fillings, enrobing and more.