Fruit-based granulates add nuttiness to snacks without the associated risks of eating nuts

Health and wellbeing has been an emerging trend in the F&B space for many years and although still a major factor for consumers, the current pandemic has pinpointed their focus on health more than ever. Today, snackers are also seeking out products that will help to brighten their moods.

Snacks offer a sense of comfort and positivity, something that has become especially important for helping to make the situation seem a little easier for those working from home or isolating. In fact, Mintel research reveals that while 50% of people say they snack to treat themselves, 37% do it to give themselves a break during the day and 24% snack to relieve stress.

As a result, there has been a rise in the development of products containing healthy ingredients such as fruit-based inclusions, which provide a great balance between nutrition and indulgence being naturally lower in sugar, but still decadent in taste and textures.

Thrifty is nifty

It also is no surprise that shoppers have become thriftier to lower costs during these uncertain times, but also for environmental reasons to reduce food waste. Consumers are also taking more care with portion sizes and seeking out ingredients that offer functionalities like protein and high fibre.

Snacks packed with fruit inclusions like cereal bars, fruit snack packs, trail mixes and baked goods are fast becoming favourable alternative to traditional breakfast and lunch meals, while giving consumers a fast and convenient way to get into their five portions of fruit and vegetables per day.

We also expect to see special dietary requirements – such as plant-base, keto and paleo, among other – become even more mainstream, with allergens such as nuts and dairy a key focus. According to the non-profit European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF), research carried out in 2016 found that as many as 11.7% of Europeans suffer from a nut allergy.

Many, however, still enjoy the taste of nuts, which has led to a rising demand for nut-flavoured ingredients that still provide the enjoyment of nuts without the associated risks of eating them.

Paradise Fruits by Jahncke is geared up to support manufacturers looking to meet this demand and has developed a range of nut-free granulates that nut intolerant consumers can safely consume.

Available in eight flavours – Almond, Peanut, Peanut Caramel, Peanut Chocolate, Hazelnut, Pecan, Walnut and Pistachio – the granulates are suitable for a wide range of snacks, as well as other applications as they bake stable, are free flowing, are easy to dose and have a minimum 12 month shelf life. 

Using the granulates as a complete replacement to nut-based ingredients also means manufacturers can operate a completely nut-free and allergen safe production line or facility.

This opens further avenues as the claim of snacks being manufactured in a completely nut free environment is gaining in appeal with both retailers and consumers.