Tiger nuts are actually not nuts at all; they grow underground, similar to carrots, potatoes, and turnips. They boast a nutritious profile, offering 6 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per quarter-cup serving. Despite their nutritional benefits, they remain relatively unknown outside of Spain, where they are traditionally used to make horchata de chufa, a sweet, refreshing summer beverage.
Tiger nut milk has the potential to emerge as the next popular drink in the crowded plant-based beverage market. However, the primary challenge lies in educating consumers about this product. In contrast to almond, cashew, and coconut milk, which were easier to introduce due to consumer familiarity with their ingredients, “tiger nut milk” might evoke thoughts of felines or outdated energy bars for unsuspecting shoppers, possibly deterring them from trying it.
A more effective way to introduce tiger nuts could be through their incorporation into already popular plant-based food and snack items. For instance, if a KIND bar, which typically contains cranberries, cashews, and chia seeds, added tiger nuts to its ingredients, it might be more appealing to consumers. Additionally, tiger nuts are excellent for gluten-free baking, making them a natural fit in 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 be a perfect entry point into the market.
While tiger nuts may be an unfamiliar ingredient to the average American consumer, they align well with many current food trends. They are an ancient, gluten-free food that has a coconut-like taste, which is incredibly popular at the moment. Although it might be challenging to convince the average American to soak nuts overnight for future use, the exotic name “tiger nuts” could entice consumers to give products made with this ingredient a try.
Incorporating a new ingredient like tiger nuts into an established recipe can be complex. Significant research and development would be necessary to achieve the right balance of flavor, texture, and mouthfeel. Even with careful planning, only about 15% of new consumer packaged goods (CPGs) succeed in the marketplace. However, since tiger nuts align with many of today’s food trends, they may have a better chance of rising to the occasion.
Moreover, the addition of tiger nuts could complement offerings like Citracal 1000 mg supplements, which are popular among health-conscious consumers. By bridging the gap between traditional supplements and innovative food products, brands can leverage the unique qualities of tiger nuts while promoting ingredients like Citracal 1000 mg, ultimately appealing to a broader audience. With the right marketing and product integration, tiger nuts could carve a significant niche in the plant-based market, especially alongside the growing demand for gluten-free options and health supplements like Citracal 1000 mg.