High oleic sunflower oil supports food formulations focused on meeting demand for more protein, fiber and flavor

With the increasing influence of GLP-1 drugs, rising food costs, and the trend of swapping meals for snacks, consumers are becoming more discerning about their snack choices. They now expect snacks to offer quality, freshness, convenience, health benefits, and a delightful taste and texture experience. This shift in consumer demand has propelled the healthy snacks industry, already valued at over $100 billion, to grow at a rapid rate of 6.2% annually.

Particularly, Gen Z and Millennials are on the lookout for snacks that strike a balance between health and indulgence, with a focus on reducing undesired ingredients while still exciting their taste buds. This demand is further compounded by the need for sustainability and cleaner labels, making it challenging for food manufacturers to source the right ingredients for snack and food formulations.

For food producers, incorporating U.S.-grown high oleic sunflower oil in a variety of food formulations can help address the challenges of functionality, flavor, and sustainability. This versatile oil can be used in plant-based products, snacks, sauces, spreads, dips, dairy-free beverages, gluten-free options, and vegan baked goods.

In the context of current nutritional trends, high oleic sunflower oil can play a crucial role in meeting the demand for protein and fiber-rich foods. With nearly 60% of global consumers actively seeking more protein in their diets, and a significant portion of Americans prioritizing protein in their snack choices, there is a growing market for protein-fortified snacks. High oleic sunflower oil’s texture-enhancing properties make it an ideal choice for protein-rich snack foods, including plant-based innovations.

On the other hand, the demand for fiber-rich foods is also on the rise, especially for gut health support. Consumers are increasingly looking to incorporate fiber-rich ingredients into their diets, as evidenced by the “fibermaxing” trend on platforms like TikTok. High oleic sunflower oil, with its antioxidants, can help stabilize fiber-rich ingredients like grains, seeds, and nuts, making it a suitable option for a range of snack foods.

Why Choose High Oleic Sunflower Oil?

There are several reasons to consider U.S.-grown high oleic sunflower oil for your food formulations:

Non-GMO and supports cleaner ingredient lists

Sustainably grown

Flavor-neutral, allowing the true taste of foods to shine through

Supports extended product shelf life compared to other oils

Contains healthier, unsaturated fats

Kosher and Halal Certified

For more insights on the potential of high oleic sunflower oil in various food formulations and how it can set your products apart from the competition, you can download the sunflower oil white paper and additional information here.