The popularity of ancient grains has never been higher in the American food market as consumers continue to associate a “healthier-for-you” halo with products that contain ancient grains. The “less processed” food appeal of ancient grains is favored by many consumers because these grains retain their original form compared to their modern counterparts.
The grains grown and harvested by ancient civilizations in South and Central America, Asia and Africa fall into this category of ancient grains; and are often nuttier in flavor and in some varieties, may offer more beneficial fiber, protein, vitamin and mineral content.
According to Innova Insights, the ancient grain category shows a solid growth of 37% from 2011 – 2014 in new product launches with Quinoa leading the trend. Breakfast cereals are the biggest market category for ancient grain launches followed by bread and bread products.
(Source: Food Ingredients First)
Popular with consumers who have allergy sensitivities, many of these ancient grains are certifiable as gluten-free and allergen-free.
In this special edition, we feature products from our suppliers that have already made an impact at dinner tables such as Quinoa and Chia, and to newly growing ancient grains like Freekeh.
Firebird Artisan Mills
Firebird Artisan Mills is a dedicated, certified gluten-free milling facility that procures, processes, and packages several varieties of ancient grains. The range of gluten-free ancient grains they process include: amaranth, quinoa, teff, sorghum, millet, and buckwheat. All of the grains they purchase are non-GMO and are processed in their BRC Certified facility.
In addition to processing the ancient grains, they also offer mixing solutions using one of several of the ancient grain flours in these special blends.
- Organic GF Amaranth
- Organic and Conventional GF Quinoa
- Organic and Conventional GF Teff (both ivory and brown)
- Organic and Conventional GF Sorghum
- Organic and Conventional GF Millet
- Organic and Conventional GF Light and Dark Buckwheat
Glanbia Nutritionals
Glanbia Nutritionals, one of the market leaders in this fast growing segment, offers a wide variety of ancient grain ingredients and application support for their use in bars, beverages, snacks, bakery, and cereals. Look to Glanbia for ingredient solutions using chia, flax, quinoa, oats, pea, and other highly nutritious ancient grain ingredients.
Their unique formulation expertise and creative range of chia ingredients (Bevgrad Chia™, Selectchia™ and Choicechia™) can help you grow your business with the addition of more ancient grain product offerings. And, their New HarvestPro™ Crisps are vegan with protein levels ranging from 50 to 60%. Non-GMO and gluten-free, they can provide not only great taste but great texture for any bar, cluster or cereal applications, while delivering an eye-catching way to call out ancient grains on any label.
Woodland Foods
After a centuries-long love affair with wheat flour, U.S. food culture is rediscovering the pleasures and nutritional benefits of other grains. Chefs and home cooks alike are increasing their cooking and baking with alternative grains and alternative grain flours. Whether inspired by the growing interest in gluten-free foods or simply in search of something new and different, chefs are seeking out flour made from ancient grains.
Woodland Foods’ ancient grains add distinctive flavor and texture, as well as robust nutrition, to breads, pancakes, cookies, cakes and other baked goods.
Please contact Skidmore Sales for samples, to add ancient grain appeal to your product lines.
