Adding chia seeds to bread recipes significantly increases final product levels of proteins, lipids, ash and dietary fiber, and consumers like it too, according to research.
Suppliers of chia in Latin America are working together to establish a regional organization to provide a safe and transparent framework in which to further develop the chia business.
The much touted tightness in the chia supply is not being experienced by all suppliers, with Australia’s The Chia Company extending its growing area 100% year-on-year to satisfy demand.
Allied Bakeries has launched a chia seed bread in the UK though its Burgen business as it looks to capitalise on the nutritional benefits from the seeds and a consumer trend for healthy breads.
Chia has the potential to become the bestselling health food ingredient in Europe, according to the company looking to secure extended EU novel foods approval for the seed considered a high source of omega-3.
European food safety experts are calling for further safety studies
on the omega-3 rich seed chia, before it can be introduced onto the
European market.