People can’t seem to get enough of pecans. According to IRI data, pecans are the fastest growing nut in new snack applications as consumers crave pecans year-round. In other news, Mintel’s Global New Product Database reveals that new product introductions featuring pecans have increased by 54% during the past decade.
From sweet and savory to smoky and spicy, pecans are enjoyed in trail mixes, protein bars and even plant-based meat alternatives like jerky. Seventy-seven percent of consumers like or love the rich, buttery pecan flavor pecans bring to a finished product, and 70% would like to enjoy pecans all year (Datassential). Product developers are prioritizing products containing pecans because there’s an increasing demand for them in snack applications.
Four Reasons on Why You Should Pursue Pecans in New Product Innovations
1. Increased consumer appeal: Datassential reports that nine in 10 consumers are interested in purchasing products with pecans. While consumers are still savoring pecans in desserts like cookies, pies and ice cream, they are actively seeking them in snacks like trail mixes. Pecans are a great option for consumers who are plant-based, gluten free and keto given their nutrition profile.
2. There’s more to pecans than pecan pie: Known for their rich, buttery texture and naturally sweet flavor profile, pecans have a long tradition of being highlighted in baking and confectionery applications. However, product developers and research chefs are now looking outside the shell and unlocking new pecan potential. There’s a huge opportunity to tap into pecan snack applications like protein bars, energy bites, savory spreads and meat and dairy alternatives.
3. Power in nutrition: When it comes to pecans, great taste is just the beginning. Pecans pack a nutritious punch with a unique mix of unsaturated fats, plant sterols, fiber and flavonoids that make pecans an ideal superfood for product formulation. Plus, the macronutrient of pecans is appealing to many consumers, as they contain 3g of protein, 4g of carbohydrates and 20g of fat (18 grams of monosaturated fat, including oleic acid, and only 2g of saturated fat).
4. Endless Texture Potential: Texture can help shape the sensory experience of the product and plays a pivotal role in formulation development. And, as consumers demand fewer ingredients and easier-to-recognize ingredient listings, product developers are seeing whole, real ingredients that can contribute texture to create tantalizing sensory experiences. From pleasing crunch, to comforting creaminess, to a satisfying chew, pecans deliver the perfect bite and help product developers tap into next-level texture and mouthfeel in a variety of applications.
There are several pecan forms for every function. Shelled pecans can be purchased in a variety of options to provide product developers with different formats to achieve formulation goals including texture, binding, thickening and extending. Pecans vary in size, length and color depending on the variety. There are more than 1,000 varieties of pecans and the most common forms include:
• Halves: Pecan halves are ideal for premium snacks and confectionaries. Add halves to snack mixes, coat or enrobe them in on-trend flavors and seasonings or use halves for substantial crunch and visual appeal in clusters and confectionary.
• Chopped: Available in large, medium, small, extra small and granules, this format can be economical for bars, dairy or bakery applications where pecans would be diced anyway. Add as an inclusion for bars, enhance texture in baked goods, blend into dips, sauces or butters, or craft pecan creamers or dairy applications by soaking and straining.
• Meal: Made of ground pecans, meal can partially substitute flour in baked goods, used as a coating or binding agent for snack bites or add crunch and texture to crusts, bars and baked goods. In addition, meal can help offset expensive ingredients by extending portion sizes of your meat-based applications like dips and sauces without hurting your bottom line.
Learn more about this mighty nut, consumer trends and product concepts at eatpecans.com/professionals
