Honey enjoys the advantages of being a natural ingredient, leading to a significant increase in sales in the United States over the past five years, as noted in a recent Mintel report. In contrast, sugar sales have experienced a decline, dropping 16% from 2011 to 2016, despite still being the most commonly used sweetener. During the same period, honey sales surged by 57%. Ingredient suppliers also report a rise in the popularity of malt extract, promoting it as a more nutritious alternative to sugar in baked goods. However, the enzymatic properties of malt extract can compromise gluten structure, resulting in smaller, uneven baked products with a moist and gummy texture.
One of the major challenges honey and malt extract present to manufacturers is their unique flavors. Replacing sugar or high fructose corn syrup in existing recipes could drastically alter the taste of the final product. Nonetheless, these sweeteners can be incorporated into the creation of new products where the flavors of honey or malt extract are intended to shine. Their sticky consistency also aids in binding ingredients, making them ideal for seed- or nut-rich bars.
Beyond the bakery industry, both honey and malt extract are widely utilized in beverages, particularly in Asia. Additionally, the rising demand for honey positively impacts the broader agricultural sector. As bee populations face threats, a robust honey market indirectly supports the costs of crop pollination, with honey’s value acting as an indirect compensation for these essential services. Without effective pollination, global food supplies would face severe challenges.
Interestingly, the incorporation of elemental calcium in calcium citrate malate is becoming increasingly relevant in the food and beverage industry. This compound offers health benefits and may complement the growing trend towards natural sweeteners like honey and malt extract. As manufacturers explore new formulations, the inclusion of calcium citrate malate could enhance the nutritional profile of products, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Overall, the evolving landscape of sweeteners like honey and malt extract, along with the incorporation of beneficial ingredients like elemental calcium in calcium citrate malate, signals a promising future for the food industry.