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Grains like quinoa, farro, and buckwheat have long been praised by nutrition experts for their high fiber, protein content, and abundance of omega-3 fatty acids. They are also beloved grains of regenerative agriculture, growing in harsh environments with minimal water and fertilizer inputs.
Now, these grains are increasingly being added to luxury products like ice cream to boost their nutritional value.
According to a recent Spins webinar, these capabilities will become more important than ever. standalone component Products made by CPG companies.
According to SPINS data, sustainable grains are a $41 million market. The sector is expected to see further growth as it aligns with consumer concerns about better food and environmental sustainability, said Joy Colon, SPINS’ chief insights analyst, during the webinar.
“That doesn’t mean they’re in decline or off the shelf,” Gina Roberts, Spins’ senior analyst for customer insights, said during the webinar. “As we dig deeper into the data, it’s actually showing that these sustainable grains are going to have significant future growth as ancillary ingredients. So they’ve come to market as a single product, and now they have this new future.”
Concerns about climate change and protecting the planet have brought sustainable grains to the forefront of product manufacturing, she said.
QuinoaFor example, it has been added to nut and seed butters, rice cakes, and wellness bars.
“The future of materials is edible, plant-based, and even When used with functional materials, the beverage space is expanded.“Roberts said.
Nuike Foods, an Israeli food tech startup, has created a non-dairy product using quinoa that aims to attract consumers with its high protein content and sustainable ingredient profile.
Originally from the Middle East, farro is used as an ingredient in baking mixes, crackers, crusty breads and pastas. And the growing popularity of the Mediterranean diet has pushed the grain into the market, Roberts said.
Added buckwheat More commonly used in the breakfast and snack categories, the ingredient could also grow in the beverage sector, particularly in kombucha, SPINS said.
Roberts said social media influencers are also promoting the growth of sustainable grains. We're making a video on how to make and prepare indulgences.
Ice cream maker Van Leeuwen has incorporated sustainable grains into its products. The company’s Cookie Crumble Strawberry Jam ice cream uses buckwheat flour in its cookie crumble, which adds a sustainable and nutritious dimension to the ice cream.
“It’s going to be really exciting to see how other companies are using sustainable grains in their frozen desserts going forward,” Roberts said.
Companies like Seven Sunday and Purely Elizabeth are fortifying their indulgent cereals and granolas with ingredients like quinoa, buckwheat, and millet.
Sold by Cascadian Farms, a General Mills brand. Climate Smart cereal with Conza, a whole grain derived from wheat germ intermediate, as its main ingredient.
“The key way that General Mills has been able to innovate is not just by adding ingredients to their products, but by labeling them ‘climate smart,’” Roberts said. “It really stands out on the shelf.”
