Inclusions are traditionally understood as a sensory ingredient. They add flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Then again, Parker Products also offers a range of inclusion products that add functional value—including fortified items and clean-label coated nuts and seeds.

Parker can add nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin B’s, and assorted amino acids to many snack blends as well as certain toppings and inclusions. These fortifications promote both healthy mind and body.

Parker also provides natural, clean label praline nuts and seeds, which provide functional value, including healthy fats. Nuts such as almonds and cashews are currently in great consumer demand, due to their ability to provide satiety through a combination of natural protein, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. In addition to a traditional sugar-based praline coating, Parker can infuse natural sweeteners like honey, agave, molasses, and maple syrup to produce an on-trend inclusion suitable for ice cream, snack, confectionery and baking applications.

Perhaps Parker’s most creative functional ingredient is their unique agave-glazed quinoa inclusion. Quinoa is among the hottest food items with health-conscious consumers, as this South American “supergrain” is rich in sought-after nutrients, including antioxidants, protein, calcium, and fiber.

For this ingredient, Parker takes puffed quinoa and coats it in natural agave syrup. The glaze acts as a moisture barrier that allows the ingredient to perform well in ice cream, baked goods, and snack products and, together with the quinoa, results in an indulgent inclusion that dons a health halo.

— Parker Products, www.parkerproducts.com