Baking & Snack - November 2024 - 98

featured technical expert Q&A
Stephanie Doan
Blue Diamond Growers
Stephanie Doan has always had a natural gift for smell and taste.
While studying at the University of California, Davis, she realized
she could put this gift to use.
" I realized that this ability, when combined with different food
and beverage pairings, could create truly unique flavor experiences, "
she said.
Doan grew up in the Salina Valley of California, surrounded by
fresh fruits, vegetables and spices, and developed an appreciation
for healthy and flavorful ingredients.
" This passion led me into product development where I could
explore new ways to create great-tasting, nutritious foods - from
tomato sauces and spice blends to fruit-based products and almonds, "
she said. " My goal is always to craft delicious, wholesome
experiences. "
Today, Doan crafts those experiences at Blue Diamond
Growers, where she serves as senior manager of product development.
She has spent eight years at the company, also
holding roles as senior food scientist and senior corporate
quality manager. Doan has worked in the food industry for
more than 25 years.
Asked what she enjoys most about her job, Doan said it's always
about the people.
" I love collaborating with others, whether it's delivering exceptional
customer service, solving complex problems or driving
How does the use of almond ingredients help
bakers meet better-for-you trends?
Recent better-for-you (BFY) baked goods claims and features include
enhanced nutrition, higher protein content, functional ingredients
and baked goods that address allergen concerns and dietary
restrictions.
At Blue Diamond, we define BFY baked goods as those that
meet individual health and lifestyle requirements. While these requirements
are different for everyone, they can include attributes
such as gluten-free, vegan, keto, paleo, higher protein, higher fiber,
lower carbohydrates, minimally processed, whole grain or items
that are more nutrient-dense.
Almonds can help formulators meet these attributes by contributing
higher amounts of protein and fiber and lower amounts
of carbohydrates than typical flours. Additionally, almonds are
packed with heart-healthy fats, including mono- and poly-unsaturated
fats, and provide a significant source of vitamin E.
We offer almonds in various formats for use in baked goods, including
different flours, butters, sliced, diced and slivered almonds,
and our higher-protein partially defatted flour. These different
items combine well with typical baked goods ingredients and
98 Baking & Snack November 2024 / www.bakingbusiness.com
creative innovation, " she said.
" I also find great satisfaction in
mentoring colleagues and helping
them grow in their careers. "
Doan develops new and innovative
products made with almond ingredients,
and she noted today's consumers
expect to see these innovative products on
shelves faster than ever before.
" This creates challenges for developers, who are tasked with
producing truly innovative, groundbreaking items within increasingly
tight timelines and at competitive price points, " she
explained.
While the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can help generate
new ideas more quickly, Doan said, product development
and commercialization cycles still often take longer than businesses
like, risking products that hit the shelf after a trend has
already peaked.
" On the supplier side, we must be even more proactive -
anticipating customer needs and bringing new products to market
within our own expedited timelines, " she said. " Staying ahead
of this fast-moving industry can often be a challenge. "
Here, Doan shares how bakers can create innovative products
using almond ingredients.
can be used across various bakery platforms, including pancakes,
cookies, cakes, muffins and bars.
What benefits do almond ingredients offer?
Selecting the suitable almond ingredient depends upon the BFY attributes
that consumers are looking to obtain. For consumers looking
to hit certain nutritional or lifestyle goals, eating products with
almond flour or almond meal can help reach those targets.
Partially Defatted Almond Flour (PDAF) can also be used in
these applications, boosting protein and insoluble fiber content
and helping meet specific diet targets like keto. This ingredient
has also been shown to help retain moisture in some applications
which may be an added benefit for shelf-stable items.
Another option for food manufacturers when creating a minimally
processed or more wholesome-looking product is to use
natural almond flour or natural almond particulates, be that sliced,
diced or slivered. These go a long way toward emphasizing that
" natural " product look as they contain the skin of the almond.
Blending natural and blanched flours can achieve the right look.
Adding texture to baked goods can be achieved by using diced almonds
within a batter.
Blue Diamond Growers
http://www.bakingbusiness.com
Baking & Snack - November 2024

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