FRESNO, CALIF. — California Raisin Marketing Board published a whitepaper spotlighting the functional benefits and opportunities for California-grown raisins and raisin ingredients as a fat replacer in baked foods.
California raisins were found to function well as a fat replacer in tested recipes such as fudge brownie bites due to their natural sugar and fiber content, according to the whitepaper. Compared to the control formula with 100% fat from butter and egg yolk, the formulas with California raisin paste saw reduced overall calories, total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol while maintaining intended moisture and texture.
The California raisin industry offers a variety of raisins and raisin ingredients. Sweetened naturally by the sun with no added sugar or juice, they are suitable for a range of food manufacturing and foodservice applications, including cereals, desserts, sauces, beverages and snacks.
