Table of Contents
Each month, we will be focusing on different topics and looking at how consumer attitudes towards food and drink are changing and shaping the sector. We will also offer our predictions about the future of the industry, and how ingredients suppliers, like us, can support NPD specialists in creating new products.
In the first of the series, our CEO, Kurt Jahncke, looks at how fruit inclusions, including freeze-dried pieces, from Paradise Fruits Freeze Dried and fruit juice drops and pastes from Paradise Fruits Solutions, are helping snack manufacturers to meet a rising demand for healthier products.
“Although people still snack for pleasure over sustenance, the market has undoubtedly changed and is now predominantly driven by five simple factors: health, convenience, taste, texture and innovation. To put it simply, consumers want healthier products that support their busy lifestyles and provide nutritional benefits, without having to compromise on taste and texture.
Healthier snacks, such as cereal bars, baked goods and whole freeze-dried fruit pieces, are more popular than ever because, as well as being suitable to eat on the go which supports busy lifestyles, consumer also want foods that offer functionality, such as high levels of vitamins and minerals. Snacks that include freeze-dried fruit, which retains the majority of its natural, nutritional goodness, can provide this.
In addition, fruit inclusions, such as freeze-dried fruit powders, fruit pastes and drops, can also be used to replace sugar, which appeals to consumers more. This is because, the natural sugars that occur in fruit are typically perceived as being healthier or better for you than added sugar.
Texture is key
When it comes to taste and texture, consumers want to gain more of an ‘experience’ when eating their favourite snacks, which can be provided by inclusions that offer multiple consistencies. Freeze-dried fruit pieces, for example, add both flavour and crunch, but when coupled with pastes create a multi-textured product. As these inclusions are suitable for many applications, not just snacks, they appeal widely to food manufacturers that are developing new products that respond to this growing trend.
Our new high fibre recipe, developed by Paradise Fruits Solutions, provides less than 40% sugar (naturally occurring) than standard fruit ingredients and almost 40g of fibre per 100gm. The recipe is available as fruit granulates, pastes, drops and shapes and has been developed with this in mind, as it helps manufacturers create multi-textured, functional snacks that shoppers want to buy and retailers will want to stock.
The natural look
Visual appeal is also extremely important, so, products that include ingredients that look as natural as possible are going to continue increasing in popularity. We have seen whole or irregular cut freeze-dried fruits that are non-uniform in shape and naturally include higher levels of fibre, such as raspberries and bananas, increase in specification as they provide manufacturers with innovative ways of meeting this demand.
We recently developed our new Crunchy range, which is manufactured through a specially adapted freeze-drying process that allows our customers the option of a one-component recipe made of 100% fruit, or a combination with yoghurt or additional carriers, to respond to this growing trend.
Crunchy inclusions are the naturally healthy choice for manufacturers looking for a lightweight, nutritious and delicious ingredient to add flavour, colour and texture. The 100% pure fruit recipe retains many of the natural flavour and colour characteristics offered by fresh fruit, but in a format more suitable for snack and confectionery applications. This is an ideal option for manufacturers looking to create new and innovative treats and snacks that appeals to health conscious consumers.
The range is available in bespoke sizes, from 1mm to 10mm, making them ideal for use in snacks, confectionery and baked goods, as well as other applications. Flavour combinations include Strawberry & Basil, Raspberry & Thyme, Mango & Rosemary, Orange & Chilli, Mango & Matcha Tea and Strawberry & Tomato. Exotic blends with Apricot, Mango, Banana and Passionfruit and non-fruit flavours including Cappuccino and Salted Caramel are also available. Bespoke recipes can also be developed to suit customer requirements.”
So, if you’re looking to source freeze-dried fruit or fruit-based ingredients to help develop healthier or better for you snacks that appeal to consumers, Paradise Fruits can help. We are a reputable and reliable freeze drying company/fruit and vegetable inclusions supplier with years of experience in providing quality ingredients for various applications, from snacking, bakery and confectionery to teas and instant noodle packs. We work alongside our customers as an extension to their NPD teams to offer advice and develop bespoke fruit and vegetable ingredients suitable for many uses.
For more information,click here to contact us.
