Discovering innovative texture solutions for confectionery products

In the saturated confectionery market, it can be difficult for manufacturers to create products that stand out. Where once it would have been enough to satisfy the consumer’s sweet tooth, now shifting trends mean an increased demand for healthier yet more indulgent options that still provide a satisfying and tasty bite. How can manufacturers meet these evolving needs? Read on to discover how extruded texture solutions can be used in confectionery products to create protein-packed, indulgent sweet snacks.  

Why is texture important in confectionery products?

Texture plays a crucial role in confectionery products, influencing the overall sensory experience of eating by creating a more enjoyable and satisfying snack. Unique texture sensations created by having chewy or creamy layers punctuated with crunchy bits, help products remain distinct in an increasingly competitive market. Thoughtful texture combinations not only elevate flavors but also add an element of joy and surprise, creating multisensory experiences for customers. By carefully selecting and combining textures, manufacturers can enhance mouthfeel, enrich the flavor experience and improve visual appeal. What’s more, different texture solutions offer different nutritional benefits, and it’s even thought that chewy and crunchy snacks which take longer to eat could affect satiety.  

What are the potential applications of texture solutions in confectionery?  

Texture solutions have a wide range of applications in confectionery, enhancing the sensory experience, flavor balance and visual appeal of a variety of products. In candy bars and chocolate bites, combining textural elements such as crunchy crisps, chewy centers, or smooth coatings can create striking contrasts, providing enjoyment with each bite. Whether you choose white or brown rice crisps the clean taste works perfectly as a center for panned chocolate, providing contrasting textures for both visual and sensory appeal. Adding extruded soy protein crisps to a chocolate bite offers a satisfying protein boost and a crunch that complements the smooth chocolate, whilst pea protein crisps and disks offer an alternative way to introduce protein and create surprising, crispy texture in chocolate and confectionery solutions. Extruded crisps also contribute to the product's visual appeal, offering unique and memorable textures that stand out in the market, attracting health-conscious and indulgence-seeking consumers alike. 

What are the benefits of using extruded crisps to create texture in confectionery products? 

Extruded crisps offer numerous benefits in confectionery products, enhancing both sensory appeal and overall product performance. The key advantages of using extruded crisps in confectionery include:  

Increased texture and improved mouthfeel  

Texture solutions play a key role in enhancing mouthfeel and providing a more dynamic eating experience for consumers. Incorporating contrasting textures, such as a smooth or chewy exterior with a crispy or crunchy inclusion, all adds interest to create an exciting and satisfying bite. Using smaller or larger crisps can also provide different visual impacts and textures in your confection. Distinctive textures engage the senses, offering a memorable experience that elevates the product. Whether it’s crunchy crisps in soft centers or delicate coatings over chewy bites, texture solutions bring balance and joy to every product. 

Enhance flavors 

In sweet confectionery applications, texture inclusions can help enhance and modulate flavor. The subtle flavor of rice crisps integrates seamlessly, adding crunch without disrupting sweetness. Cocoa crisps contribute both with texture and intensified cocoa notes, enriching flavor and visual depth. Introducing protein-packed crisps like pea protein crisps or disks or soy protein crisps provides contrast, balancing sweetness and preventing flavor fatigue. This approach supports the development of more complex, layered profiles that enhance consumer appeal and product differentiation.

How can manufacturers use texture solutions to appeal to consumers?  

• Manufacturers can leverage texture solutions to tap into emerging consumer trends. 
• Consumers increasingly desire healthy yet indulgent snacks that taste great while being better for you. 
• Incorporating crunchy crisps or airy bites makes confectionery products feel more substantial and filling. 
• These textures offer a satisfying experience that aligns with health-conscious desires. 
• Extruded texture solutions contribute to protein fortification, boosting nutritional value without compromising taste. 
• Texture innovations can help brands meet clean label certification standards. 

Innovative texture solutions for confectionery from PGPI 

PGPI offers innovative texture solutions for confectionery, using advanced extrusion processes to create unique textures and elevate your confectionery creations. With decades of texture development expertise, we’ve mastered the "art of texture," ensuring that each product delivers the perfect bite. We work collaboratively with manufacturers to understand their product development journey, allowing us to craft custom texture solutions that enhance both sensory and flavor appeal. With this personalized approach, we ensure that each and every confectionery product stands out in the market, offering a unique, high-quality taste and texture.  

Want to take your confectionery products to the next level? Create one-of-a-kind confectionery with PGPI’s extruded crisp texture solutions: get in touch to discuss your needs or request a sample today.