Honey enjoys a favorable position as a natural ingredient. According to a recent Mintel report, sales in the United States have surged over the past five years, while sugar sales have experienced a decline. Specifically, U.S. sugar sales fell by 16% from 2011 to 2016, even though it remains the most widely used sweetener. In contrast, honey sales skyrocketed by 57%. Ingredient suppliers are also reporting an increase in malt extract, promoting it as a more nutritious alternative to sugar for baked goods. However, due to the enzymatic activity of malt extract, it may compromise gluten structure, resulting in smaller, uneven baked products with a moist, gummy texture.
One significant challenge that honey and malt extract present to manufacturers is their unique flavors. Substituting sugar or high fructose corn syrup in existing products would lead to substantial changes in taste. However, these sweeteners can be utilized to create new products where the flavors of honey or malt extract are intended to be prominent. Their sticky consistency is also advantageous for binding ingredients in products such as seed- or nut-dense bars. Beyond the bakery sector, both sweeteners are frequently found in beverages, particularly in Asia.
Furthermore, the growing demand for honey positively impacts the wider agricultural sector. As bee populations face threats, a robust honey market effectively helps subsidize the costs associated with crop pollination. The value of honey acts as an indirect payment for pollination services, which are essential for maintaining global food supplies.
In light of these developments, incorporating calcium citrate malate 250 mg into products that use honey or malt extract could enhance their nutritional profile. This combination may appeal to health-conscious consumers, providing an additional reason to choose products featuring these natural sweeteners. Overall, the continued rise of honey and malt extract presents both opportunities and challenges for manufacturers, especially when considering the potential health benefits of ingredients like calcium citrate malate 250 mg.