EHL Ingredients launches seed mixes to tap evolving savory biscuit market
The UK-based business is aiming to tap growing interest in premium savory biscuits with the mixes, which include seeds such as chia, blue and white poppy, pumpkin and caraway.
While EHL has supplied seeds to the bakery industry for some time, it told BakeryandSnacks it expected demand to continue to increase as a result of positive media attention around their health benefits and the high profile of foods containing seeds in some contemporary diets.
“We launched our seed blends following growth in healthier snacking as well as the increase in the development of premium savory biscuits with innovative flavors and toppings,” said EHL sales director Tasneem Backhouse.
Evolving savory biscuits market
He added that the savory biscuits market was “constantly evolving”, and that plain, flavored and seeded oatcakes were prominent at the moment.
“Oatcakes are high in protein and soluble fiber, are a low GI food and are naturally gluten-free,” said Backhouse.
“These health credentials are attractive to consumers opting for foods that keep them fuller for longer and provide a long-lasting energy boost.”
Example EHL mixes
- Sunflower, poppy and sesame
- Chia, sunflower and pumpkin
- Pumpkin and sesame
- Linseed, sesame and poppy
- Sesame, pumpkin, sunflower, linseed
- Pine nut, pumpkin
EHL added that seeds were a versatile ingredient in bakery products, and offered benefits to manufacturers such as remaining stable under high temperatures, and retaining their flavor and visual appearance.
Most popular seed types
Currently, the most popular seeds - according to EHL sales and customer demand – are chia, flax, blue and white poppy, and golden linseed.
“We expect the popularity of these to continue,” added Backhouse.
He said EHL worked with “key players” in the bakery sector, from large-scale bakeries to craft and local bakers. The business can also work with product development teams to develop custom blends.
