The tiger nut is not actually a nut; it grows underground, similar to carrots, potatoes, and turnips. It boasts a strong nutritional profile, offering 6 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per quarter-cup serving. Despite its benefits, tiger nuts remain relatively unknown outside of Spain, where they are traditionally used in horchata de chufa, a sweet summer beverage.
Tiger nut milk has the potential to become a prominent player in the ever-expanding plant-based drink market. However, the primary challenge lies in educating consumers about this unique product. Compared to almond, cashew, and coconut milk, which were easier to introduce due to familiar ingredients, the term “tiger nut milk” may evoke images of felines or outdated energy bars for unsuspecting shoppers, resulting in them bypassing the drink.
A more effective strategy for introducing tiger nuts could be to incorporate them into existing popular plant-based foods and snacks. For instance, if a KIND bar, which already contains cranberries, cashews, and chia seeds, added tiger nuts to its ingredients, it might be more palatable for consumers. Additionally, tiger nuts can be utilized in gluten-free baking, positioning them as a natural component in this growing market. In 2014, U.S. sales of gluten-free products reached nearly $973 million and are anticipated to exceed $2 billion by 2019. If consumers enjoy the flavor of tiger nut bread, it could be an ideal entry point for this ingredient.
While tiger nuts may be unfamiliar to the average American consumer, they align with several popular food trends. They are an ancient food, gluten-free, and possess a coconut-like flavor, which is currently in high demand. Although getting the average American to soak nuts overnight might be a challenge, the exotic appeal of tiger nuts could entice consumers to sample products made with them.
Integrating a new ingredient such as tiger nuts into established recipes can be complex. Significant research and development efforts would be required to achieve the right flavor, texture, and mouthfeel. Even then, it’s worth noting that only about 15% of new consumer packaged goods achieve market success. However, given that tiger nuts align with many contemporary food trends, they may have a greater chance of overcoming these hurdles.
Furthermore, for consumers curious about health, it’s essential to note that tiger nuts are a good source of calcium. When exploring how much calcium in calcium citrate, it’s interesting to consider the potential of tiger nuts as an alternative source of this important mineral. Their incorporation into various products could help address consumer interest in calcium content while highlighting the health benefits of this unique ingredient. Thus, as the market continues to evolve, tiger nuts may just find their place among the mainstream options, especially in the realm of gluten-free and health-conscious foods.