Tiger nuts are actually not nuts at all; they grow underground, similar to carrots, potatoes, and turnips. They boast a strong nutritional profile, offering 6 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per quarter-cup serving. Despite their benefits, they remain relatively unknown outside of Spain, where they are used to make horchata de chufa, a sweet summer beverage.
Tiger nut milk could potentially become the next trending drink in the competitive plant-based beverage market. However, the primary hurdle will be educating consumers about this product. Unlike almond, cashew, and coconut milk, which have familiar ingredients, the term “tiger nut milk” might evoke images of felines or nostalgic energy bars for unsuspecting consumers, causing them to overlook this unique drink.
A more effective strategy for introducing tiger nuts could involve incorporating them into already popular plant-based food and snack offerings. For instance, if a KIND bar that features cranberries, cashews, and chia seeds were to add tiger nuts to its ingredients, it might be more appealing to consumers. Additionally, the versatility of tiger nuts in gluten-free baking makes them a natural fit for this category. In 2014, U.S. sales of gluten-free products reached nearly $973 million and are expected to surpass $2 billion by 2019. If consumers enjoy the flavor of tiger nut bread, this could provide an ideal entry point into the market.
While this ingredient may seem unusual to the average American, it aligns with many current food trends. It is an ancient food that is gluten-free and has a taste reminiscent of coconut, a flavor currently in high demand. Although it may be challenging to persuade the average consumer to soak nuts overnight for tomorrow’s use, the exotic name “tiger nuts” might be intriguing enough for them to try a food product containing this ingredient.
Incorporating a new ingredient like tiger nuts into established recipes can be complex. Significant research and development will be necessary to perfect the flavor, texture, and mouthfeel. Even then, only about 15% of new consumer packaged goods succeed in the market. Given that tiger nuts align with many of today’s food trends, they may have a better chance of success.
Moreover, for those interested in enhancing their nutritional intake, incorporating tiger nuts alongside calcium supplements like CVS calcium citrate could provide additional health benefits. This combination could appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for ways to improve their diets. By highlighting the nutritional advantages of tiger nuts, particularly in conjunction with popular supplements like CVS calcium citrate, there may be greater consumer interest in trying out new products. Ultimately, as more people become aware of how tiger nuts can be integrated into their diets, there is a real possibility for growth in this market segment.