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Harvesting the Facts: Busting Almond Sustainability Myths

August 8th, 2023

Uncover the facts by breaking down almond sustainability myths related to:

  • Water Use
  • Pollinators

When shopping for food and beverages, today’s consumers look beyond taste and nutrition – they value the sustainability of the brands they buy from and the ingredients that go into those products. Things like water use, pollinator and biodiversity health, and food waste are taken into consideration, and are influencing purchase decisions, with 85% of global shoppers shifting toward more sustainable products1.

However, with so much information available at the click of a button, it’s easy for misconceptions and myths to form surrounding the sustainability of California almond production. From water inefficiency to biodiversity, it’s important to navigate fact from fiction so customers can make purchase decisions that align with their values.

Let’s start busting two common almond sustainability myths:

Myth #1 – Almond Farming Is a Waste of Water

Myth #2 – Almond Orchards are Tough on Bees

Formulators aware of positive environmental impacts available from Blue Diamond Growers almond production can make more informed decisions when selecting ingredients. This allows them to bolster product claims and secure customers who actively choose products that align with their values. Using Blue Diamond almonds, formulators can develop enhanced offerings that meet a broad range of global demands surrounding sustainability, health and nutrition and more. Through our sustainable initiatives, Blue Diamond almond ingredients, including almond protein powder, almond butter, and almond flour, can help food brands on their journey to sustainably delicious innovation. Learn more about the environmental efforts of Blue Diamond Growers by checking out our 2022 Sustainability Report here.

Interested in learning how Blue Diamond almonds work with your sustainability commitments? Check out our Q&A article featuring expertise from Dr. Dan Sonke, Senior Director of Sustainability at Blue Diamond Global Ingredients Division here. If you’re hungry for more insights on what to expect from sustainable innovation, contact us or request a sample today.

References:

1 “How Do Consumers Really Feel About Sustainability,” Food Industry Executive. 2022.
2 Ramesh Sagili. Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University.
3 Topitzhofer, et al. Assessment of Pollen Diversity Available to Honey Bees in Major Cropping Systems During Pollination in the Western United States. Journal of Economic Entomology. 2019.
4 Ramesh Sagili. Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University.
5 “Upcycled food launches leap as concerns around waste grow: report,” Food Dive. 2022.

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Inspiration for On-The-Go Foods and Beverages

July 17th, 2023

Discover the value almonds can bring to convenience products, such as:

  • Packaged Oats
  • Ready-To-Drink Protein Shake
  • Almond Flour Wrap

Providing a convenient, healthy, and ready-to-consume product can help differentiate your offering from the competition-especially because consumers are becoming more cost-conscious and are seeking more benefits from their purchases. A report found that the top purchase drivers for consumers in 2023 are affordability, immunity support, and convenience1, making the healthy, on-the-go market a huge growth opportunity for food brands. Formulators must navigate ongoing consumer trends, such as clean label and plant-based, with convenience foods and beverages that consumers can trust to grab off the shelves and enjoy.

Here are three ways to meet the consumer demand for convenience foods and beverages:

1. Honey Almond Overnight Oats

Almond inclusions are perfect for a nutritious, on-the-go breakfast such as oatmeal. Add a crunchy texture with whole, sliced, diced, slivered, or split almonds, and a drizzle of almond butter to offer a combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Consumers can add hot water or milk, stir, and enjoy on-the-go without needing to use a stove or get any dishes dirty in the process. Almond ingredients complement other inclusions like fruit, producing a wide range of textures and flavors, while still remaining gluten-free and clean label.

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2. Ready-To-Drink (RTD) Almond Protein Shake

RTD protein shakes with almond protein powder can be a midday snack, or a quick, nutritious meal replacement. According to data, the global ready-to-drink protein beverages market will reach $2.67 billion USD by 2031, growing 6.8% annually2. The incorporation of plant-based protein within a convenient RTD beverage, allows consumers to grab-and-go without compromising nutrition. While some plant-based proteins can produce an unappealing mouthfeel or “earthy” flavor, almond protein powder provides a smooth mouthfeel, with neutral, flavor-masking characteristics that blend well with other flavors and ingredients.

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3. To-Go Almond Flour Wrap

Provide a quick and easy lunch for gluten-free consumers with a wrap made from almond flour. Depending on the texture desired, formulators can choose between a natural almond flour, which offers a more natural and rustic appearance, or an extra-fine blanched almond flour, which is great for creating a soft, delicate wrap. Regardless of the almond flour variety chosen, the almond base offers excellent flavor with all the healthy fats and important nutrients consumers are looking for, like fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E.

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Want to learn more about how almond ingredients can help you innovate convenient, nutritious products, contact us or request a sample today.

References:

1 “Consumers focused on affordability, convenience in food shopping,” Drug Store News. 2023.
2 “Ready-To-Drink (RTD) Protein Beverages Market Size, Trends, Shares, Growth Status, Report And Forecast 2030,” Alliance News. 2023.

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Q&A: What’s for Breakfast?

July 17th, 2023

Uncover consumer breakfast preferences, including:

  • Shifts in purchase behaviors
  • What’s influencing trends
  • How to innovate trending formulations

Consumers not only want healthier breakfast options with natural ingredients, plant-based protein, and satiating fiber, they also expect those products to offer outstanding taste and texture in a convenient, on-the-go package.

We talked with Laura Gerhard, Vice President of Blue Diamond Global Ingredients Division, about how product developers can tap into evolving breakfast trends and ensure they’re meeting emerging consumer demands.

Uncover consumer breakfast preferences, including:

  • Shifts in purchase behaviors
  • What’s influencing trends
  • How to innovate trending formulations

Consumers not only want healthier breakfast options with natural ingredients, plant-based protein, and satiating fiber, they also expect those products to offer outstanding taste and texture in a convenient, on-the-go package.

We talked with Laura Gerhard, Vice President of Blue Diamond Global Ingredients Division, about how product developers can tap into evolving breakfast trends and ensure they’re meeting emerging consumer demands.

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How have consumers' breakfast habits shifted over recent years?

The pandemic drove interest in health and wellness, and consumers had the time to prepare a nutritious meal at home. Now that they're back to their busy lifestyles, global shoppers continue to prioritize health with nutritious food and beverages, but they want those breakfast foods in a time-efficient manner. Therefore, formulators must innovate healthy, convenient breakfast foods that save time in the morning and deliver ample nutrition.

The pandemic drove interest in health and wellness, and consumers had the time to prepare a nutritious meal at home. Now that they're back to their busy lifestyles, global shoppers continue to prioritize health with nutritious food and beverages, but they want those breakfast foods in a time-efficient manner. Therefore, formulators must innovate healthy, convenient breakfast foods that save time in the morning and deliver ample nutrition.

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What do consumers look for in breakfast or cereal products?

As I touched on, many consumers are interested in better-for-you breakfast offerings, opting for those that have healthier inclusions, less sugar, and higher protein content. At the same time, there is a growing desire for on-the-go cereals and breakfast foods with creative flavor profiles and indulgent mix-ins-a meal that mimics the healthy foods consumers are seeing on their social media feeds.

There's significant opportunity for brands to innovate new selections that can balance health and wellness trends with demands for more creativity. Adding contrasting textures through fruit and nut inclusions through bars, muesli and smoothie bowls is one way that brands could appeal to these emerging trends, and innovate a convenient, nutritious offering.

As I touched on, many consumers are interested in better-for-you breakfast offerings, opting for those that have healthier inclusions, less sugar, and higher protein content. At the same time, there is a growing desire for on-the-go cereals and breakfast foods with creative flavor profiles and indulgent mix-ins-a meal that mimics the healthy foods consumers are seeing on their social media feeds.

There's significant opportunity for brands to innovate new selections that can balance health and wellness trends with demands for more creativity. Adding contrasting textures through fruit and nut inclusions through bars, muesli and smoothie bowls is one way that brands could appeal to these emerging trends, and innovate a convenient, nutritious offering.

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What impact has social media had on food and beverage purchase behaviors?

Social media, from LinkedIn to Instagram, has a profoundly strong influence on global consumer purchase behaviors, encouraging individuals to seek out products their peers recommend. Whether it's a viral TikTok video promoting a healthy plant-based protein breakfast shake, or an Instagram post of an açai bowl with a creamy almond butter drizzle, people are being influenced by those third-party, unbiased recommendations they trust.

Social media, from LinkedIn to Instagram, has a profoundly strong influence on global consumer purchase behaviors, encouraging individuals to seek out products their peers recommend. Whether it's a viral TikTok video promoting a healthy plant-based protein breakfast shake, or an Instagram post of an açai bowl with a creamy almond butter drizzle, people are being influenced by those third-party, unbiased recommendations they trust.

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What will drive innovation in the years ahead? 

Recent research shows that the trend of convenient, healthy foods is here to stay1. The preference for quick, healthy foods will continue to drive an increased use of plant-based ingredients in breakfast offerings, as they are typically clean, nutritious and pair well with on-the-go formulations. We expect brands to innovate with a strong focus on those plant-based ingredients, especially those that add versatile and valuable nutritional benefits like protein and fiber. Specifically, many consumers are looking for foods that can contribute to a healthy immune and digestive system, placing a renewed importance on high fiber content in a convenient package.

Recent research shows that the trend of convenient, healthy foods is here to stay1. The preference for quick, healthy foods will continue to drive an increased use of plant-based ingredients in breakfast offerings, as they are typically clean, nutritious and pair well with on-the-go formulations. We expect brands to innovate with a strong focus on those plant-based ingredients, especially those that add versatile and valuable nutritional benefits like protein and fiber. Specifically, many consumers are looking for foods that can contribute to a healthy immune and digestive system, placing a renewed importance on high fiber content in a convenient package.

0723-02-on-the-go-convenience

What can almonds bring to breakfast foods in terms of functionality, variety and convenience?

Almonds are a satisfying, versatile way to fuel healthy, active lifestyles and an easy way to add powerful nutrition and crunch to breakfast offerings. An almond inclusion - such as almond slices, dices, or slivers - adds to total protein and nutritional content, which is very important for consumers looking for a convenient breakfast option that adheres to their nutrition goals.

For example, dry roasted almonds are especially ideal for cereal applications because they offer a more complex flavor profile than unroasted almonds and have an extra crunchy texture. Other almond ingredients, such as almond protein powder, can also be featured in on-the-go breakfast products, adding plant-based protein and fiber to cereal and breakfast bars for quick nutrition-an attribute incredibly important to busy, health-conscious consumers.

Almonds are a satisfying, versatile way to fuel healthy, active lifestyles and an easy way to add powerful nutrition and crunch to breakfast offerings. An almond inclusion - such as almond slices, dices, or slivers - adds to total protein and nutritional content, which is very important for consumers looking for a convenient breakfast option that adheres to their nutrition goals.

For example, dry roasted almonds are especially ideal for cereal applications because they offer a more complex flavor profile than unroasted almonds and have an extra crunchy texture. Other almond ingredients, such as almond protein powder, can also be featured in on-the-go breakfast products, adding plant-based protein and fiber to cereal and breakfast bars for quick nutrition-an attribute incredibly important to busy, health-conscious consumers.

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If you're looking for more insights on how to add more value to your better-for-you baked indulgences, check out our article here. Have any questions for our experts or want to get the formulation process started? Contact us, or request a sample today!

References:

1 "Breakfast Report: Beyond the Basics," Store Brands. 2023.

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How Today’s Premium Brands Capture Savvy Shoppers

July 17th, 2023

Learn what’s shaping perceptions around premium brands and private label, such as:  

  • Shifting Branding Views 
  • Convenience  
  • Social Media Influence 

In the wake of historic inflationary costs and economic turmoil, consumers worldwide are reevaluating their food and beverage purchase behaviors. In fact, a report found that increased food costs have become consumers' primary concern - ranking above gas, clothing and housing1. Among those concerned, 94% have changed their spending habits in response1, discovering ways of stretching their dollar without compromising on value, quality, or nutrition. Often sold at grocery or convenience stores for a lower cost than premium products, private label products may attract consumers concerned with affordability. Although 41% of shoppers say that they've purchased more private labels since 2020, with 30% citing higher grocery prices as the reason for doing so, price is not the only factor that drives a purchase2.

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The perceived value of a product is just as important to shoppers, and this is where premium brands can really compete with private labels. Despite global shoppers looking to save money, they are also seeking products that are more innovative, more aligned with their social and ethical values, and of a higher perceived quality. By offering sought-after functional nutrition, such as higher protein and fiber, premium brands can deliver a product that justifies the higher price point. In fact, 60% of shoppers reported preferring the higher quality item over the cheaper alternative3. As a result, this competition encourages consumers to focus on factors other than price.

Discover what factors are driving the shift toward a focus on value:

Changing Views of Brand Name

When a consumer makes a purchase, the perception battle between premium and private label plays a crucial role. While premium products were historically viewed as more trustworthy and holding a higher value, recent innovations for private label products have been successful in evoking a sense of trustworthiness and nutrition-often for a lower cost. As a result, consumers no longer recognize private label as less appealing than a brand name product4.

Formulators for premium brands can keep up with private labels by innovating food and beverages with nutrient-dense, recognizable ingredients, like almonds, to establish a sense of higher perceived value. Whether it's a non-dairy yogurt with granola and almond inclusions, or a decadent frozen custard with almond butter drizzle, food manufacturers can develop innovative, in-demand products that have an enhanced nutritional value and quality with almond ingredients.

Convenience

The global ready-to-eat meals market is expected to grow at a 10.98% compound annual growth rate, reaching $188 billion by 20305. This means that people are still seeking elevated and convenient experiences despite increasing global food prices. Whether it's a "heat and eat" meal from a store, or a protein bar they can throw in a work bag, a range of private label to enhanced convenience offerings can bring the value of being easy to consume on the go - while still providing the necessary nutrition consumers seek.

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Ideal for a trail mix or protein bar, almond ingredients, like almond butter and almond protein powder, can be used within premium convenience products to help shoppers maintain a busy lifestyle, without compromising on their nutrition goals. When using almond ingredients, formulators can infuse healthy fats, protein, and fiber to keep consumers full and fueled.

Social Media's Influence

Whether it's a recommendation from an influencer or a close friend, consumers across the world are evolving their purchase behaviors based on what they're seeing online. With 71% of Gen Z and 58% of Millennial consumers noting that they view food and nutrition social media content6, and the global functional foods market expected to expand at an 8.5% annual rate by 20327, it's evident that food consumption and interests of global consumers are being shaped by social media.

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One of the top trends on social media involves plant-based products, with experts linking the rise of veganism to the growth of social media and influencers8. Seeing a third-party review of an almond crusted cauliflower dish or almond flour brownies, for example, could help influence a premium purchase, especially if value touted is related to health, nutrition, and sustainability.

As demands continue to shift and increased food prices remain, the influence of convenience, social media, and the ongoing assumptions around premium vs. private label becomes increasingly impactful on consumer purchases. By staying up to date with consumer demands, and providing increased overall value through functional nutrition, premium brands can compete alongside private label despite having a higher price point. Trustworthy, nutrient-dense, versatile and delicious, Blue Diamond's almond ingredients help food formulators innovate - and reshape - the world of premium offerings by providing more value than ever to consumers.

Want to learn more about what's shaping innovation? Check out our Q&A article featuring expertise from Laura Gerhard, Vice President at Blue Diamond Global Ingredients Division here. If you're hungry for more insights on what to expect from convenient innovation, contact us or request a sample today.

References:

1 "Grocery shoppers redefine value amid inflationary pressures," Food Business News. June 2023.
2 "Food retailers infiltrate new categories with private-label products," SmartBrief. April 2023.
3 "More consumers are opting for quality over price, survey finds," Consumer Affairs. 2023.
4 "How Private Label Merchandise Is Reshaping Retail," Forbes. February 2023.
5 "Ready-To-Eat Meals Market Overview," Market Research. April 2023.
6 "IFIC assesses social media's impact on food choices," Food Business News. 2023.
7 "Functional Foods Market Set to Surpass a Valuation of US$ 678.3 Billion by 2023," Market.US. 2023.
8 "Veganism and Social Media," ADK Insights. 2022.

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February 11th, 2022

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