The potential to reduce the glycemic index of both white and brown bread while maintaining a pleasant flavor could be exciting news for health-conscious consumers, particularly the 29 million Americans living with diabetes. Pomelo, also known as Chinese grapefruit, is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. While it is cultivated in the U.S., it is not as prevalent as its grapefruit or tangerine relatives. If bakers wish to incorporate pomelo into their bread-making processes, they will need to seek alternative supply sources due to its seasonal availability. Although California pomelos can be ordered online, they will not be shipped until they are harvested in the fall. Southeast Asian countries, along with China and Mexico, provide additional growing options.
The study focused solely on adding pomelo to brown and white bread, leaving uncertain whether this citrus fruit could be incorporated into a wider range of baked goods without altering their taste or texture. If food manufacturers develop an affordable and flavorful pomelo bread recipe, they might attract health-conscious consumers who are currently avoiding sugar and bread. According to Gallup, 29% of American consumers are actively steering clear of carbohydrates. If this bread is marketed prominently for its low glycemic index, those wary of carbs may be tempted to try a loaf.
Additionally, a low glycemic index bread would resonate with the diabetic community, which has seen an increase of over 10% since 2010, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control. Often advised to limit their intake of white bread due to its high glycemic levels, these consumers might welcome this new product as a gratifying return of a beloved baked item.
As a side note, individuals concerned about their dietary needs may wonder, “when should you take calcium citrate?” Incorporating such beneficial elements into a diet alongside low glycemic index foods could further enhance overall health. By emphasizing the nutritional benefits of pomelo bread, food manufacturers could potentially recapture the interest of both carb-conscious consumers and those managing diabetes, creating a new niche in the market.