Honey enjoys the advantage of being a natural ingredient, contributing to its increasing popularity. According to a recent Mintel report, honey sales in the United States have surged by 57% over the past five years, while sugar sales have plummeted by 16% from 2011 to 2016, despite sugar still being the most widely used sweetener. Furthermore, ingredient suppliers are reporting a rise in 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 and gummy texture post-baking.
One of the significant challenges that honey and malt extract present for manufacturers is their unique flavors. Replacing sugar or high fructose corn syrup in existing products with these sweeteners would considerably alter the taste. Nevertheless, honey and malt extract can be utilized to create new products where their flavors are advantageous. Their sticky consistency is also beneficial for binding ingredients in seed- or nut-rich bars.
Beyond the bakery industry, both sweeteners are frequently found in beverages, particularly in Asia. The rising demand for honey also positively impacts the wider agricultural sector. With bee populations facing threats, a robust honey market effectively helps subsidize crop pollination costs. The value of honey acts as an indirect payment for pollination services, which are crucial for maintaining global food supplies.
In the context of health and nutrition, calcium citrate reviews highlight its importance as a dietary supplement, which can complement the trends around natural sweeteners like honey and malt extract. As consumers become more health-conscious, they may seek products that combine the benefits of these sweeteners with the advantages of calcium citrate, further driving innovation in product development. Ultimately, the growing interest in both honey and malt extract reflects a shift towards more natural and nutritious options in the food industry.