Sprouted Grains Remain Hot Food Trend

MILWAUKEE – Although food trend predictions for 2016 vary widely, there is one that industry experts seem to universally agree upon: the continuing growth of sprouted grains. In fact, the category is expected to grow eight-fold in the U.S. by 2018.

Driven by consumer demand for these nutritionally dense, yet low fat products, a number of major food retailers and restaurants – such as  Whole Foods, Costco, Aldi, Target, and Panera – have added sprouted grain options to their health-food offerings. Sprouted grains are also getting recognition from nutrition and food industry experts.

“Go for something that’s a whole grain sprouted bread,” said Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a Board-certified Ob-Gyn, author and TV medical correspondent, during a Good Morning America interview. Celebrity chef and natural products industry expert, Mareya Ibrahim, also named sprouted grains in her “Top 8 Healthy Food Trends for 2016” report, citing the low glycemic index and reduced amounts of carbohydrates and starch in sprouted grain products. AP Food Editor J.M. Hirsch also acknowledged the sweeter and nuttier flavor that results from sprouting in his recent trends predictions.

According to Maria Viall, a holistic health practitioner and registered nutritionist, sprouted grains provide a variety of benefits. “Digestive issues are usually at the root of most health problems including weight loss and inflammation,” Viall said. “I find sprouted grains to be a great option for many of my clients, as they are easier to break down during digestion without causing stress on the system. The nutrients are more bioavailable and also help balance blood sugar versus refined grains.”

Wisconsin-based Angelic Bakehouse has been a catalyst for the growth of sprouted grain popularity. In the past five years the company has transformed from a small regional boutique to a national category leader, increasing sales by close to triple digits for the last three years and creating a new super subcategory of sprouted mash™ whole grains – the main ingredient in its baked goods. This production process is vastly different than other sprouted grain bakeries. Instead of using sprouted flour, Angelic crafts its full line of sprouted baked goods, including breads, buns, wraps, and pizza crusts, with its proprietary sprouted mash ingredient.

“Our sprouted mash process results in a purer, more nutrient-dense, and most of all better tasting product,” says Jenny Marino, CEO and president of Angelic Bakehouse. “Today’s consumers are turning the food industry on its head. They demand better ingredients, less processing, and higher nutritional value without sacrificing great taste. Our sprouted grain products give them that, and more. It’s the result of the care we use in crafting this unique ingredient which is made fresh for every batch.”

Angelic Bakehouse has built a loyal following with a simple promise – Pure Bread Perfection™. With each slice of most breads totaling 60 calories and a Weight Watchers SmartPoints Value of 1.5 per slice*, this bread is especially popular among dieters.

2016 is expected to be a year of continued growth. Highlights include continued expansion into Costco locations, and Angelic is working towards Non-GMO Project Verification for its full line of sprouted bread products. Additionally, Angelic will break into the snack category with a new sprouted grain product launch.

“Looking forward there are numerous future new partner projects in the works,” says Marino. “This seems to be the year that major retail and food service brands are committing to get out in front of consumer demand.”

With greater consumer-awareness of the nutritional benefits of sprouted grains, including more protein and fiber, better digestibility, and other functional benefits, it’s easy to see why sprouted grain products, led by Angelic’s unique line of sprouted mash baked goods, have topped the 2016 trends predictions from industry thought-leaders.

For more information about Angelic Bakehouse and its products go to www.angelicbakehouse.com.

*Note to media: Product samples and high resolution images are available upon request.
About Angelic Bakehouse:
Milwaukee-based Angelic Bakehouse is a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-certified facility. Its top 3 selling breads are Non-GMO Project Verified, and its other products are going through the verification process. In addition, all of its products are dairy-free, egg-free, tree nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegetarian and free of HFCS. Angelic Bakehouse’s production facility, process, and sprouted grain breads are certified kosher and Pas Yisroel by OK Kosher Certification.

Angelic products are sold nationwide at retailers including Whole Foods Market, Costco, Sprouts Farmers Market, Meijer, Safeway, Hy-Vee, Woodman’s Markets, Heinen’s, Sendik’s Food Market, Lunds, Mariano’s Fresh Market and Richard’s Foodporium. The company also produces private label products for major food retailers.

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*The SmartPoints™ value for this product was calculated by Angelic Bakehouse and is provided for informational purposes only. This is not an endorsement, sponsorship, or approval of this product or its manufacturer by Weight Watchers International, Inc. the owner of the Weight Watchers® and SmartPoints™ trademarks.