June 19, 2021
Beetroot flavoured ice cream might storm to make up a new product line over the next 12 months, as consumer demand for the growing superfood component is likely to drive them nuts!!!
According to European Freeze Dry, interest in the root vegetable is increasing as product managers investigate the nutritional benefits of beets.
Already utilized in several plant-based meat alternatives, salads, dips, and cold juices, Beetroot’s health benefits and brilliant colouring put it at the top of many New Product Development (NPD) managers’ wish lists.
According to European Freeze Dry, current studies on the nutritional and physiological advantages of beetroot reveal that it can help lower blood pressure has significant antioxidant capabilities and can promote digestive health.
Furthermore, the nitrates in beetroot can boost oxygen intake and exercise performance, and preliminary research suggests that it may help lessen the incidence of certain malignancies. As a result, new product developers are investigating how it may be included in future product lines such as healthier ice creams and chocolates, while its natural red pigment can be added to other ingredients such as sushi rice, pizza doughs, and a variety of other foods.
“We know that the NPD trend towards plant-based superfoods is continuing to rise, and brands are expressing a real interest in beetroot because to its fantastic health-enhancing properties,” said Diana Morris, national manager UK for European Freeze Dry.
“We are seeing a boom in beetroot-based meals, similar to what we have previously seen in the market for dishes with spinach, chickpeas, and banana. While it may appear unusual to some, we believe that adding beetroot powder to ice cream will be one of the next big food trends. Freeze-dried granules are a tried and true approach to improve the quality of ice cream while also providing health benefits and an aerated alternative.
“Because it is such a flexible ingredient, we plan to use it in a variety of meals and goods in the future.”
With Europe’s largest exporters of beetroot being Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, the ingredient also provides benefits in terms of reduced food miles, fresher produce, and lower transportation costs, implying that the continent is about to benefit from beetroot in a more sustainable way than other superfoods.