Creating CPG entrées with honey can offer a sweet and savory balance, but it also allows consumers to have an all-natural sweetener choice. Honey is a versatile ingredient that can be easily incorporated into various cuisines and globally-inspired center-of-plate products. Whether you're grilling, roasting or stir frying, honey’s ability to be adapted as a hero sweetener, glaze or marinade makes it the perfect entrée ingredient.
Adding honey to entrées can bring other benefits that product developers may consider:
Health Benefits:
Research has shown that honey has a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Flavonoids and phenolic acids, which act as antioxidants, are found in honey. The amount and type of these compounds depend largely on the floral source.
Natural Sweetener:
Honey has various natural sugars, giving it a distinctive and nuanced flavor. Honey is slightly sweeter than sugar, so product developers can use less to achieve the same amount of sweetness in a dish. Plus, the more than 300 varietals in the U.S. can result in unique, innovative and memorable products.
Caramelization, Glazing and Tenderizing:
When honey is exposed to heat, it caramelizes and develops a rich, golden color. This caramelization process can add a beautiful glaze to meats, vegetables and other main course components, enhancing visual appeal and flavor. Honey's natural enzymes can also help tenderize meat, making it a great addition to marinades for proteins like chicken, pork or beef.
Consumer Appeal:
Adding honey to center-of-plate products aligns with the growing trend of choosing natural, easy-to-pronounce and minimally processed ingredients.
Need inspiration? Here are 5 delicious honey-sweetened entrées fit for the main event:
