Baking & Snack - February 2025 - 56

TRENDS TORTILLAS & FLATBREADS
and operators don't have to do anything to them
to achieve that fresh-off-the-grill look, " Kontos
explained. " Our breads heat up very easily, so it just
saves time, it saves labor, it saves money. That's a
product that's skyrocketed for us this year. "
BFY boosts sales
Increasing consumer demand for breads offering better-for-you
(BFY) benefits is driving much of the new
product innovation across tortillas and flatbreads.
" Products emphasizing high protein are particularly
appealing, especially to millennials, " Toufayan
said. " Reducing sugar intake also remains a priority,
with consumers favoring products labeled as no or
low sugar. A 'clean' label with minimal processed
ingredients or preservatives, as well as plant-based or
vegan callouts continue to grab consumers' attention. "
Protein claims are up 12% vs. a year ago for center
International
flatbread varieties
like naan or
lavash appeal to
consumers seeking
global cuisines.
able products that offer consumers the on-the-go
convenience they desire.
" There's a clear shift toward smaller, snack-sized
formats, reflected in products like mini naan dippers,
mini soft flour tortilla bowls and street taco-sized
tortillas, " Mills observed.
Ozery Bakery, Vaughan, Ontario, offers Morning
Rounds, portable flatbreads in flavors like Blueberry
and Apple Cinnamon, as well as Snacking Rounds,
which are bite-sized. The rounds are marketed as
offering " none of the crust and fuss of sliced bread. "
" [The rounds] can be used for everything from
snacks to wraps to breakfast, " said Sabrina Pacitto,
marketing manager, Ozery Bakery.
Kontos Foods recently introduced flatbread minis,
2-inch cocktail flatbreads ideal for kids' lunches, meal
prep or catering events.
" Anything you can just pick up and eat in one bite
I feel like is the biggest thing for people right now, "
Kontos said. " Snacking has been a big trend. "
Tortillas are well-suited for the snacking and
convenience trends, Kabbani observed, as many
producers already offer smaller sizes for products
such as street or mini tacos. Tortilla makers just need
to remain nimble and quickly adjust their portfolios
and innovation strategy to meet these evolving
consumer preferences, he said.
The desire for convenience extends to foodservice
as well, where Kontos said operators are looking
for flatbread and tortilla products that require little
preparation and can help them save on labor. Kontos
Foods' pre-grilled panini flatbreads are popular with
foodservice operators and consumers for this reason.
" The grill marks create a great presentation,
56 Baking & Snack | february 2025 | bakingbusiness.com
store and perimeter tortillas, flatbreads and wraps,
while " no preservatives " rose 6%, Circana reported.
" In keeping with healthier lifestyles and low-carb
trends, tortilla brands have introduced keto-friendly,
lower-carb and gluten-free options, " Aho said.
Mission Foods, for example, a subsidiary of Irving,
Texas-based Gruma, recently expanded its popular
Carb Balance line with Chipotle and Flour varieties,
as well as Zero Net Carb Soft Taco Tortillas.
Tortillas and wraps that
can extend occasions perform
well, as they cater to a wide
range of needs through
various sizes and formats. "
JULIA MILLS MINTEL
The low-carb trend has grown for Kontos Foods
on the retail side. The company offers a Greek Lifestyle
Flatbread offering 15 grams of protein per serving
and touting fewer carbs, calories and less sugar.
" That's actually one of our bestsellers, " Kontos
said. " A lot of people love it for those reasons. "
She added that demand for gluten-free flatbreads
has increased, especially in foodservice. While originally
gluten-free products were primarily for those
with celiac disease, today they're appealing to more
consumers who are simply " gluten-conscious. "
" Some people are eating more gluten-free
products because they are increasingly more aware
of how gluten may impact their digestion, " she said.
" They could eat it, but they just don't like the way
that they feel after it. "
Toufayan Bakeries
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