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Bake Right & Bake Healthy: Trends in Healthy Baking

With more and more people prioritizing their health and well-being, it's no surprise that the trend of healthy baking has taken off in recent years. From gluten-free and sugar-free options to using whole grains and natural sweeteners, health-conscious bakery products are becoming increasingly popular. With this shift towards healthier eating, it's clear that consumers are no longer willing to sacrifice taste for nutrition and are seeking out baked goods that are both delicious and nutritious. Gone are the days when baked treats were considered guilty pleasures - now, consumers are seeking out options that offer both taste and health benefits.

The Trending Health-Consciousness & Consumer Demand for Healthy Alternatives in Bakery Products
There is a trend and need for health-conscious bakery products because people are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of their diet on their overall health and well-being. Health-conscious bakery products offer options that are lower in calories, sugar, unhealthy fats, and higher in fibre, protein & other essential nutrients, making them a better choice for those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, consumers are looking for bakery products that cater to specific dietary needs. The demand for these products is driven by a growing interest in health and wellness, as well as an increasing number of people with food sensitivities and allergies.
 
The Trending Categories of Bakery Ingredients used in Healthy Baking
The combination of health consciousness, dietary restrictions, social media influence, information availability, and convenience has led to a significant increase in demand for healthier alternatives in bakery products. The categories of healthy bakery alternatives will include:

Natural Sweeteners
Natural sweeteners have become increasingly popular in the world of baking as a healthier alternative to traditional processed sugars. Some of the most commonly used natural sweeteners in baking include 100% real & natural honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, coconut sugar, date sugar and stevia. These sweeteners are lower in calories and having a low glycaemic index When used in as per the mentioned amount, natural sweeteners can add a delicious sweetness to baked goods while also providing a healthier option for those looking to cut back on refined sugars.
 
Wholegrains & Millets
Whole grains and millets are becoming increasingly popular as healthy bakery alternatives. Unlike refined grains, which have been stripped of their nutrient-rich bran and germ, whole grains and millets are minimally processed and packed with vitamins, minerals & fibre. They are either used individually or as a blend in bakery flours. These grains can be used in a variety of baked goods, including breads, pastry flours, cookies, waffles, tea cakes and crackers. Baking with wholegrains, millets & multigrain not only provides more nutritional value but also provides satiety, adds a hearty flavour, improves texture & appearance of the finished product.
 
Plant-based Milks
Plant-based milk are increasingly being used as a substitute of animal milk & a safe dairy alternative. Not only are they lower in fat and calories, but they are also free from lactose and cholesterol. With a variety of options such as almond, soy, oats, and coconut milk, these plant-based milks provide a delicious and nutritious alternative to create healthier versions of classic baked goods. From cakes and cookies to bread and muffins, and can add a unique flavor and texture to these treats.
 
Plant Oils
Plant oils are increasingly being recognized as a healthier alternative to traditional bakery ingredients like butter, palm oil and margarine. Not only are they lower in saturated fats & cholesterol, but they also contain beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids. In particular, oils such as olive oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil are commonly used in baking as they have a mild flavor that complements sweet and savoury baked goods. These oils can also be used as substitutes for butter or other fats in recipes to reduce the overall saturated fat content.
 
Nut Butters
Nut butters, such as peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter, have gained popularity as a healthy alternative in the bakery industry. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, and are a great source of nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Nut butters can be used in a variety of baked goods, including cookies, cakes, and muffins, to replace traditional ingredients like butter, oil, and eggs. Nut butters are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of baking recipes, making them a convenient and healthy choice.

Plant-based Flours
Plant-based flours, made from nuts, legumes, grains, and vegetables, have become increasingly popular as a healthy alternative to traditional refined flour in baked goods. These flours are high in protein, rich in fibre, antioxidants, vitamins & minerals. In addition, they are naturally vegan and gluten-free. They can add a unique flavour & texture to baked goods, from almond flour in macarons to chickpea flour in flatbreads.
 
Natural Food Colourings
Natural food colourings are becoming increasingly popular as healthy alternatives to artificial food colourings in bakery products. Some of the natural food colourings being used in baking include beetroot powder for a deep pink or red colour, turmeric for a vibrant yellow or orange hue, spirulina or butterfly pea flower extract for purple-blue tints, and matcha powder for green, coffee powder for brown. These natural food colourings not only add a beautiful touch of colour to baked goods but also offer health benefits, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, they are free from the harmful additives found in artificial food colourings
 
Seeds & Nuts
Seeds and nuts are increasingly being used as healthy bakery alternatives due to their numerous health benefits. They are packed with essential nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, fibre, and vitamins that can help improve overall health. When used in baking, they can add a delicious nutty flavour and crunchy texture to various baked goods, from bread to cookies and cakes. Sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, almonds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, flax seeds are just a few names of the favourite nuts & seeds used by professional bakers

Bakery businesses & professional bakers definitely need to #BakeRight & #BakeHealthy to meet the widely expanding consumer demand for nutritious bakery products made using #NaturalIngredients and #HealthyAlternatives. With SwissBake®, meet the rising needs for healthier products by using our innovative Swiss-formulated bakery solutions through our range of multigrain, gluten-free, high-fibre, protein-rich & seed-rich bread mixes and wholegrain flours to substitute your classic products with a healthy twist!