Nut butters in a jar have come a long way! The traditional spread has become increasingly popular over the years, permeating to other applications beyond a simple sandwich spread.
Honey Nut Butters:
• are a source of protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates, making them a satisfying and nutritious ingredient in a number of products.
• showcase versatility. Honey nut butters can be spread on toast, bagels or crackers for a quick and easy snack. They can be used as filling for sandwiches, added to smoothies, as a sauce or dressing additive or as an ingredient in baked goods, such as cookies, brownies or muffins. They add a sweet, nutty flavor and help keep baked goods moist.
• are a wonderful binder in food bars. Various granola and energy bars contain honey nut butters as a source of protein and flavor. Using honey nut butters as a base also helps bind together loose ingredients like nuts, fruits and seeds.
Trends Propelling Nut Butters
A number of recent hot trends are serving as a catalyst for product manufacturers to use honey nut butters in a wide variety of categories.
Protein: One in five consumers said they raised their protein intake in the last year, according to Innova Market Insights, with 17% seeking high protein products. Protein is a key selling point for product marketers due to universal recognition among consumers and perceived health halo.
In fact, bakery and snacks were both named by Innova as the top food categories that would trend in the protein segment in 2023. We see this in a number of honey nut butter product releases designed to promote protein:
