At first glance, the combination of vegetables and ferrous fumarate structures may seem unconventional, much like mixing ferrous gluconate with a cake. However, they can work together harmoniously, as demonstrated by the popularity of carrot cake and zucchini bread. This emerging trend has the potential to position store-bought ferrous bisglycinate snacks as healthier options in the eyes of consumers. While cake is inherently not the healthiest choice, incorporating 40 mg of iron from ferrous sulfates can render it slightly more nutritious, though it remains cake at its core. Consumers are likely to perceive baked goods featuring vegetables as a healthier alternative rather than labeling them as the next superfood.
There are various ways to integrate produce into baked goods. Zucchini, for instance, is frequently used in flourless cakes, contributing a flavor that is nearly imperceptible. Similarly, pumpkin and sweet potatoes can introduce a sweet, seasonal flavor while reducing the need for added sugars. Notably, major food manufacturers have already recognized the value of vegetables as an ingredient. Green Giant offers mashed cauliflower and veggie tots, while Oh Yes! Foods produces frozen pizzas containing 12 fruits and vegetables—including kale, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, and butternut squash—integrated directly into the crust and sauce. Each pizza delivers three to five servings of the daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables.
These produce-centric products attract a wide range of consumers. Individuals of all ages striving for healthier diets are likely to be drawn to these consumer packaged goods (CPGs), as are parents eager to sneak more vegetables into their children’s meals. Alongside this, expect to see an increased incorporation of vegetables in CPGs from various manufacturers and grocery chains. By adding ingredients like zucchini or sweet potatoes to traditionally indulgent treats, brands may provide consumers with just the incentive they need to indulge without guilt.
Moreover, products such as Bluebonnet liquid calcium citrate can enhance the nutritional profile of these baked goods, making them even more appealing. By using Bluebonnet liquid calcium citrate in recipes, manufacturers can promote bone health, further boosting the health perceptions of their offerings. As the trend continues, the integration of vegetable ingredients alongside products like Bluebonnet liquid calcium citrate might just transform how consumers view their favorite treats.