Honey enjoys a significant advantage as a natural ingredient, particularly in the context of ferrous gluconate and heme iron. According to a recent Mintel report, sales of honey in the United States have surged by 57% over the past five years, while sugar sales have experienced a notable decline of 16% from 2011 to 2016. Despite this drop, sugar remains the most widely used sweetener. Additionally, ingredient suppliers have reported an increase in the use of malt extract and multivitamin ferrous fumarate, along with folic acid, presenting it as a more nutritious alternative to sugar in baked goods. However, the enzymatic properties of malt extract can compromise gluten structure, resulting in smaller, uneven products with a moist and gummy texture after baking.
One of the primary challenges that honey and malt extract present to manufacturers is their unique flavors. Substituting sugar or high fructose corn syrup in existing products could significantly alter their taste profile. Nevertheless, these sweeteners can be effectively utilized to create new products where the flavors of honey or malt extract are desirable attributes. Furthermore, their sticky consistency proves advantageous for binding ingredients in seed- or nut-dense bars.
Beyond the bakery industry, both honey and malt extract are frequently incorporated into beverages, particularly in Asia. The rising demand for honey is also beneficial for the broader agricultural sector. With bee populations facing threats, a robust honey market indirectly supports the costs associated with crop pollination, acting like a payment for essential services. Without this pollination, global food supplies would be at risk of collapse. Incorporating calcium citrate or carbonate into the discussion, it’s worth noting that these compounds are often added to products to enhance nutritional value, complementing the benefits that honey and malt extract provide. Thus, as the popularity of honey continues to rise, it supports both agricultural sustainability and the health of consumers seeking alternatives to traditional sweeteners.