PORTLAND, Ore. (Pitch Engine) — As consumers increasingly realize the importance of eating whole grains as part of a healthy diet, Bob’s Red Mill has seen a number of somewhat surprising foods gain in popularity.
In fact, based on sales and customer feedback, the long-time leading provider of whole grain foods has identified the following five products as stars that are expected to rise even higher in 2012:
1. Almond Meal – Almond meal/flour is simply raw blanched whole almonds that have been ground into a fine powder. While it has long been used in baked goods such as macarons, pastries, cakes, muffins, cookies, etc., almond meal recently has gained popularity for those on low-carbohydrate diets. It adds moistness and a rich nutty taste to foods, while keeping the carb count down and providing generous amounts of fiber and protein.
2. Xanthan Gum – Traditionally used in a variety of commercially produced products as a thickening agent, Xanthan Gum has recently become popular for home use, as well. Xanthan Gum is a natural carbohydrate derived from a tiny microorganism called Xanthomonas campestris. Its rise in popularity may be tied to the increase in the numbers of people eating gluten-free diets -- Xanthan Gum is commonly used in gluten-free baking to add volume, adhesiveness and thickness to bread and other gluten-free baked goods. It also is often added to homemade salad dressings and other sauces.
3. Whole Wheat Pearl Couscous – Bob’s Red Mill just released its line of Pearl Couscous in 2011, and already the Whole Wheat Pearl Couscous has become one of the company’s more popular items. These pearls of toasted 100% whole grain wheat flour offer a lovely texture and nutty flavor and make for a nutritious alternative to pasta or rice, in both main dishes and sides. It’s perfect in soups, salads, pilafs or simply on its own.
4. Coconut Flour – More than just a delicious taste of the tropics, Coconut Flour is a healthy alternative to wheat and other grain flours. It is high in fiber, low in digestible carbohydrates, a good source of protein and gluten free, and it lends baked goods an incomparably rich texture and a unique, natural sweetness.
5. Chia Seed - Chia Seed, derived from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, is an ancient South American super food that has gained modern popularity because of its energizing properties and nutritional benefits. Chia Seed is packed with dietary fiber, protein, nutrients and more Omega-3 than any other natural source. It also provides the capability to absorb more than nine times its volume in water, which aids in weight loss and helps diabetics maintain a healthy blood sugar level.