The latest iteration of the Healthy Baking Seminar was held recently in Boston and touched on the latest trends affecting the healthful baking market.
A panel on gluten-free baking discussed both the effects of gluten on those suffering from celiac disease as well as suggestions on how bakers can start their own gluten-free line of bakery products. A lunch session also revealed how the Marks & Spencer chain in the United Kingdom developed its line of gluten-free products.
Other sessions included Karen Trilevsky’s discussion about the process her bakery, FullBloom Baking Co., went through to achieve platinum LEED certification. Fiber and reduced sodium also were addressed, and attendees had the opportunity to discuss several different healthful baking subjects in a small-group format in a series of round robin sessions. The next Healthy Baking Seminar will be held March 10 in Anaheim, Calif. Visit www.bakingconferences.com for more information.
ConnAgra Mills offers a variety of grains to make a range of healthful bakery products. Ultragrain® combines whole wheat goodness with the flavor, appearance and texture of refined flour. Sustagrain®, a proprietary identity-preserved barley variety, is designed to boost fiber, not bulk. The company also offers a line of ancient grains: amaranth, millet, quinoa, sorghum and teff. Call ConAgra Mills at 800/851-9618. www.conagramills.com
Ribus® ingredients provide solutions for conventional, natural and certified organic products by improving costs, efficiency and labels. Nu-BAKE® is a patented hypoallergenic (glutenfree) extract from rice bran that delivers functionality and a clean label. Its functional properties include dough conditioning; improved uniformity, texture and moisture retention; and extension of shelf life. Call Ribus at 314/727-4287. www.ribus.com
Earth Balance’s natural shortening is the world’s first 100 percent vegan shortening. It’s free of cholesterol, trans fat, dairy and lactose. The company also offers a buttery spread, which is free of hydrogenated oils, trans fatty acids and dietary cholesterol. It is certified kosher, gluten-free and 100 percent vegan. Both products are available in 30-lb. packages. Call Earth Balance at 201/421-3970. www.earthbalancenatural.com
Fibrex® sugar beet fiber is a multifunctional dietary ingredient that provides moisture retention and texture to bakery products and is available in granulations ranging from flakes to very fine powders. The high fiber content and unique composition of soluble and insoluble fiber makes it a natural choice, and it is gluten free. Call International Fiber Corp. at 888/698-1936. www.ifcfiber.com