The tiger nut is actually not a nut; it grows underground, similar to carrots, potatoes, and turnips. It boasts a strong nutritional profile, containing 6 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per quarter-cup serving. Despite its benefits, tiger nuts remain relatively unknown outside of Spain, where they are used in a traditional sweet summer beverage called horchata de chufa.
Tiger nut milk has the potential to become a popular addition to the already crowded plant-based beverage market. However, a significant hurdle will be educating consumers about this unique product. Unlike almond, cashew, and coconut milk—ingredients that consumers are already familiar with—tiger nut milk may confuse those who see it on the shelf. The name “tiger nut milk” might evoke thoughts of felines or outdated energy bars for unsuspecting shoppers, which could deter them from trying the drink.
A more accessible way to introduce tiger nuts to consumers might be by incorporating them into existing popular plant-based snacks and food items. For example, if a KIND bar, which already includes cranberries, cashews, and chia seeds, were to add tiger nuts to its ingredients list, it could make the product more appealing. Additionally, tiger nuts are great for gluten-free baking, making them a suitable ingredient for that market segment. In 2014, U.S. sales of gluten-free products approached $973 million and are expected to exceed $2 billion by 2019. If consumers enjoy the taste of tiger nut bread, this could be an excellent entry point for the ingredient into the market.
While tiger nuts may be unfamiliar to the average American consumer, they do meet many desirable criteria. They are an ancient food that is gluten-free and has a coconut-like flavor, which is currently very popular. While it may be challenging to convince consumers to soak nuts overnight for future use, the exotic name “tiger nuts” might just entice them to try food products made with this ingredient.
Incorporating a new ingredient like tiger nuts into established recipes can be complex, requiring a significant amount of research and development to achieve the right flavor, texture, and mouthfeel. Despite the challenges, it’s worth noting that only about 15% of new consumer packaged goods (CPGs) succeed in the marketplace. Given that tiger nuts align with many current food trends, they may stand a better chance of overcoming these obstacles.
Moreover, consumers interested in health benefits might be intrigued to learn about calcium citrate para que es, as it can enhance the nutritional profile of products containing tiger nuts. This could further incentivize them to explore foods that incorporate both tiger nuts and calcium citrate, as they align with health-conscious trends. By integrating these ingredients thoughtfully, the potential for tiger nuts in the market could be significant.