Health with a dash of color: Sunsweet Bakery launches plum-infused purple baked goods

The new bakery division of fruit and juice specialist Sunsweet Growers launched its baked good line in retailers across San Diego and plans a nationwide roll-out over 2013. The company said it is in discussion with distributors including major retailers and is looking into marketing the product internationally too.

The range including breads, rolls, cakes, cookies and breakfast bites contains Sunsweet branded pitted plums Amazins from North California and are made using purple wheat and purple corn.

“Studies have shown that dried plums are higher in antioxidants, higher in fiber and lower in sugar than raisins and dried cranberries and adding these special little fruits to breads, cookies and pastries seemed like the natural evolution for the SunSweet brand,”​ Sunsweet Bakery representative Lisa Cohen-Dideriksen told BakeryandSnacks.com.

“Purple wheat and purple corn have a natural purple hue. In addition to this color benefit, the rich, purple ingredients offer a myriad of health benefits. These ingredients are naturally ‘enhanced’ and offer added nutrition benefits compared to commonly used white or brown wheat. For example, purple wheat is higher in antioxidants and anythocins that white or brown wheat,”​ Cohen-Dideriksen said.

Tempting with color​

“The beautiful, all-natural purple color offers a unique take on classic breads and pastries,”​ she said.

“In addition, it is common knowledge that vibrant color found in fruits and vegetables is often an indicator of the presence of necessary vitamins, minerals and antioxidants,”​ she added.

Cohen-Dideriksen said that the range targets health-conscious consumers looking for a new taste experience, particularly those excited about the health-benefit of plums.

She noted that the products do have a plum flavor but that like raisins, the fruit absorbs other flavors and can enhance the flavor of most proteins.