EHL Ingredients is preparing for a protein packed 2016, as nuts, grains and beans are set to soar in popularity due to the latest health trends. Additionally, sales of organic ingredients and medicinal herbs are predicted to grow as part of a marked increase in health conscious consumers.

Alternative, natural baking ingredients, free from foods and healthier replacements are likely to overtake artificial products, as new research reveals consumers would accept decreased shelf life and lower quality taste in exchange for the removal of artificial ingredients in their products.

Tasneem Backhouse, sales director at EHL Ingredients, says, “Protein is a key buzzword in the food industry and we expect its popularity to grow even further in 2016. We have seen increase in sales for our protein packed ingredients such as seeds, nuts and grains, suggesting consumer demand is gathering pace for protein intake.

"Tasty, versatile and nutritious, walnuts and almonds offer great sources of protein. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fats and antioxidants, while almonds are calcium-rich and high in vitamin E making them an attractive inclusion in bakery items and snack foods.

"Theres a clear consumer trend for only eating whole, natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats and wholegrain carbohydrates and because health conscious consumers are opting for natural alternatives wher possible, sales of organic herbs and spices are set to increase in 2016. These are an easy and effective way of adding flavour to healthy dishes, so healthy doesnt have to mean boring."

In 2015, EHL Ingredients saw a 15% increase in sales of dried organic beans including chickpeas, haricot beans and red kidney beans. These are ideal for food manufacturers to add to healthy recipes such as Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Mexican and Indian soups, stews, tagines, chilli dishes and curries, either for vegetarian and vegan starters or meals, or as additions to meat and fish dishes.

As well as this, in 2014 sales of gluten free products reached £184 million, up 15% from 2013, and a report by Mintel found 15% of households were avoiding gluten and wheat. A fresh approach to tea and coffee has also been noted as an emerging trend by EHL Ingredients, which now offers products such as nettle leaves for tea and dandelion coffee.