Almond Allure

The delicate flavor and satisfying crunch of almonds appeal to a wide range of consumers, as evidenced by the growing demand for the versatile tree nut. According to Blue Diamond Almonds, worldwide consumption of almonds has grown at an average annual rate of 10% since 2005, while North America has seen consumption rise more than 80% since 2000. Blue Diamond has seen its own ingredients business increase 50% from 2010 to 2011.

Almonds add flavor, texture, visual appeal and nutrition to a variety of applications, such as confections, baked goods, dairy products and other prepared convenience foods," says Jennifer Eastman, R&D food scientist, Blue Diamond. Almonds are a versatile food ingredient suited to both sweet and savory applications."

Nutritionally, almonds have more calcium than milk and more protein than eggs per 28 gram serving, according to Eastman. Additionally, a 1-oz. serving of almonds provides 35% of the recommended daily value of vitamin E.  They are a good source of fiber (12% by weight), and their fat content is predominantly unsaturated (approximately 90%), and nearly 70% of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated, which promotes heart health. 

Adding almond nutrition to formulations is easy, due to a wide array of almond forms and ingredients. Whole almonds are well-suited to a range of applications, especially confectionery and snack mixes. According to Eastman, the use of flavored almonds, like salt and vinegar or habanero, has become a popular trend in snack products. Almond flavor can also be enhanced by roasting or oil-roasting. Other popular almond forms include slivers, which add flavor and texture to salads, rice or other grain dishes, such as couscous, and almond meal, which can be used to ice cakes and pastry, or can be used in confectionery, marzipan, baked products or breading.

In addition to these tried-and-true almond forms, Eastman sees increased use of new almond ingredients. Were excited about the potential for almond milk as an ingredient," she says. For example, almond milk can be used in sauces as a lower-fat, non-dairy alternative. It can also be a great foundation for non-dairy milk shakes. Another new application is finely diced almonds being incorporated into coating systems where extra crunch is desired in the end application. And though natural almond slices are not new, their use is broadening in food applications. With a variety of sizes available, slices provide the opportunity for good  'coverage' within the application, while at the same time offer an affordable choice because you do not have the density of using a whole or half almond."

Blue Diamond Almonds

1802 C Street
P.O. Box 1768
Sacramento CA, 95811

Phone: 800/987-2329

Website: bluediamond.com