When it comes to creating consumer-preferred products, beans have a lot to offer.
Beans are a low-fat, nutrient-dense food that can help manufacturers meet consumer demand for great-tasting, better-for-you products. Full of protein, fiber and many essential nutrients, beans can help consumers work toward their health and nutrition goals. Plus, beans are a non-genetically enhanced and naturally gluten-free food.
Another benefit is the fact that beans are a sustainable crop with many environmental benefits. Not only do beans convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen that fertilizes plant growth, it takes very little water to grow beans - just 43 gallons per pound. Compared with the 368 gallons per pound it takes to grow peanuts, beans are a responsible alternative to other vegetarian protein sources [1].
A third important benefit delivered by beans is their functionality. ADM offers a full line of dry bean products and ready-to-use Casa Refried Beans to efficiently add nutrition to soups, dips, ethnic dishes and more. In addition, VegeFull™ Cooked Ground Beans are available in a number of varieties to create better-for-you snacks, baked goods, pasta and many other products where you might not expect to find the added nutrition that only beans can provide.
| 1. |
American Pulse Association Hoekstra, Argen Y. and Chapagain, Ashok. Globalization of Water. University of Twente Waterfootprint.org National Geographic, April 2010 |
