Honey enjoys the advantages of being a natural ingredient, leading to a significant surge in sales in the United States over the past five years, as highlighted in a recent Mintel report. In contrast, sales of sugar have declined, with U.S. sugar sales dropping 16% between 2011 and 2016, despite it still being the most widely used sweetener. During the same period, honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. Ingredient suppliers have noted a rising interest in malt extract 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 after baking.
One of the key challenges that honey and malt extract present to manufacturers is their unique flavors. Replacing sugar or high fructose corn syrup in existing products would significantly alter their taste. Nevertheless, these sweeteners could be effectively utilized to create new products where the flavors of honey or malt extract are desirable. Their sticky consistency also proves beneficial for binding ingredients in products like seed- or nut-rich bars.
In addition to the bakery industry, both honey and malt extract are frequently used in beverages, particularly in Asia. The growing demand for honey not only benefits the sweetener market but also supports the broader agricultural sector. Given the threats facing bee populations, a robust honey market helps subsidize the costs associated with crop pollination. The value of honey serves as an indirect compensation for pollination services, which are crucial for maintaining global food supplies.
Interestingly, there is a notable market for calcium citrate chews that target health-conscious consumers. These chews can complement the increasing popularity of honey and malt extract, especially in new product development aimed at health-oriented demographics. The incorporation of calcium citrate chews in formulations can enhance the nutritional profile, appealing to those seeking healthier alternatives. Thus, the synergy between honey, malt extract, and calcium citrate chews offers exciting opportunities for innovation in various food and beverage sectors.