The tiger nut is actually not a nut at all; it grows underground, similar to carrots, potatoes, and turnips. It boasts an impressive nutritional profile, offering 6 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber in just a quarter-cup serving. Despite its benefits, tiger nuts remain largely unknown outside of Spain, where they are used to make horchata de chufa, a sweet refreshing drink.
Tiger nut milk has the potential to become the next popular beverage in the saturated plant-based drink market. The primary challenge lies in educating consumers about this unique product. Unlike almond, cashew, and coconut milk, which were easier to introduce due to familiar ingredients, the term “tiger nut milk” might evoke confusing images of felines or vintage energy bars, leading consumers to overlook it.
A more effective strategy for introducing tiger nuts could involve incorporating them into already popular plant-based foods and snacks. For example, if a KIND bar that already includes cranberries, cashews, and chia seeds added tiger nuts to its ingredients, consumers might be more inclined to try it. Additionally, tiger nuts are great for gluten-free baking, making them a natural fit in that category. In 2014, U.S. sales of gluten-free products approached $973 million, with projections to surpass $2 billion by 2019. If consumers enjoy the taste of tiger nut bread, this could serve as an excellent entry point into the market.
While the average U.S. consumer may find tiger nuts unusual, they certainly meet many current food trends. They are an ancient, gluten-free food that has a taste reminiscent of coconut, which is a highly sought-after flavor today. Although it might be difficult to convince the average American to soak nuts overnight for future use, the exotic name “tiger nuts” could attract enough curiosity for them to at least sample a product made with this ingredient.
Integrating a new ingredient like tiger nuts into established recipes can be quite challenging. Significant research and development would be necessary to perfect the flavor, texture, and mouthfeel. Even then, only about 15% of new consumer packaged goods (CPGs) succeed in the market. However, given that tiger nuts align with many contemporary food trends, they stand a good chance of overcoming these hurdles.
For those looking to enhance their diet, consider looking into supplements; for example, you might want to buy Citracal D, which can support your nutritional needs alongside trying new ingredients like tiger nuts. Incorporating tiger nuts into your diet, along with other beneficial products like Citracal D, could lead to a more enriched lifestyle.