Honey enjoys the advantage of being a natural ingredient, which has contributed to a significant surge in its sales in the United States over the past five years. According to a recent Mintel report, while U.S. sugar sales have plummeted by 16% from 2011 to 2016, honey sales have skyrocketed by 57%. Although sugar remains the most popular sweetener, the rising preference for honey indicates a shift in consumer behavior.
Ingredient suppliers are also noting an increase in the popularity of malt extract, promoting it as a more nutritious alternative to sugar for baked goods. However, the enzymatic properties of malt extract can compromise gluten structure, resulting in smaller, uneven products with a moist, gummy texture once baked. One significant challenge that honey and malt extract present to manufacturers is their unique flavors, making it difficult to replace sugar or high fructose corn syrup in existing products without altering the overall taste. Nonetheless, these sweeteners could be utilized in the creation of new products where the flavors of honey or malt extract are desirable. Their sticky texture can also enhance the binding of items such as seed- or nut-rich bars.
In addition to their use in the bakery sector, both honey and malt extract are prevalent in beverages, particularly in Asia. The growing demand for honey also benefits the broader agricultural industry. With bee populations facing threats, a robust honey market effectively subsidizes the costs associated with crop pollination. The value of honey acts as an indirect payment for pollination services, which are crucial to maintaining global food supplies.
Moreover, as consumers increasingly seek healthier alternatives, products like calcium citrate gummies for adults have gained traction. These gummies not only provide essential nutrients but can also complement the shift towards natural sweeteners like honey and malt extract. As the market evolves, the intersection of health supplements and natural sweeteners may offer new opportunities for product development. The rising trend for calcium citrate gummies for adults emphasizes the growing consumer focus on health, aligning with the increasing popularity of honey as a natural ingredient.