Texture plays a crucial role in the success of food products in the market, especially as consumers increasingly seek out healthier options. Ingredion, a leading ingredient provider, has a proprietary dictionary and methodology with 274 texture attributes to measure and enhance the texture of food products. Attributes such as spongy, sticky, gooey, firm, chewy, juicy, flaky, and creamy are all taken into consideration.
According to Rob Ritchie, senior vice president for food and industrial ingredients at Ingredion, texture is essential for the success of healthy food products. As companies reformulate their offerings to cater to health-conscious consumers, texture becomes a key factor to consider. Research shows that more than 50% of consumers would reject a food product if they didn’t like the texture.
With the rise in demand for clean-label and healthy foods, companies are looking to streamline their ingredient lists. However, removing certain ingredients can affect the texture of the product, making it less appealing. Ingredion offers clean-label texturizers that maintain creaminess and indulgence in products without the high-fat content.
In the realm of baked goods, using resistant starches can help achieve healthier options while preserving the texture of traditional high-carb items like bread, bagels, or muffins. Ingredion has focused its business on texture and healthful solutions, investing in technology and consumer insights to provide texture options for its customers.
Texture is so influential that descriptions on a product’s label can drive up to 70% of consumer preference. Even lighter textured items are perceived as healthier, with 84% of consumers associating light texture with healthier options. Ingredion CFO Jim Gray noted that customers often seek assistance in creating new products or reformulating existing ones, especially for vegan, no sugar, plant-based, or high-protein offerings.
In conclusion, texture plays a vital role in the success of food products, particularly in the realm of health and wellness. Ingredion’s focus on texture and healthful solutions reflects the importance of texture in creating products that resonate with consumers and meet their evolving preferences for healthier options.
