Traditional & Modern Innovations In Pastry Making

Chef Raghunandan Venkatappa Apr 29, 2023

The era where people were less concerned about what they were consuming is long gone. Given the increased concentration on health and well-being over time, people have become more mindful of what they are consuming. This change can be primarily attributed to the pandemic-induced conditions that made people more aware of their health. Especially when it comes to sweets and desserts, individuals nowadays have shifted their preference to more healthy treats. This has forced the baking industry to adapt to the needs of the modern consumer and concentrate on making more health-oriented products.

Cakes, pastries, muffins and pies, which were once a pure source of sugary pleasures have now transformed into a source of healthy sweet treats. Particularly if we talk about pastries, the process of pastry making has undergone a radical change. Previously the demand for pastries was largely dependent upon their visual appeal. However, as customer requirements and demands have changed, more organic and natural-flavored pastries have emerged that do not contain any artificial additives and are therefore healthier to consume.

Innovation in pastry making

Organic ingredients: The concept of pastry making has evolved as customer desire for nutritious ingredients and indulgence without calories has increased. To satisfy the contemporary requirements of customers, more natural flavours extracted from fruits, fruit concentrates and other such components have emerged. In fact, with the growing demand for vegan products, pastries are increasingly incorporating plant-based ingredients such as mushrooms. Not only that, the pastries are also being prepared with gluten-free and lactose-free components such as rice flour and soy or almond milk instead of wheat or cow's milk. The concept behind these health-focussed pastries is to provide customers with not only exotic flavours and visual appeal but also healthy organic ingredients at the same time.

Natural sweeteners: People are becoming more conscious of their sugar consumption and favouring sugar-free products as diabetes rates continue to climb globally. In order to enable consumers to enjoy the delicious treats without jeopardising their health, pastry producers today are increasingly using natural sweeteners rather than refined sugar, such as honey and maple syrup.

Eco-friendly moulds: Moulds serve an important part in producing high-quality pastries. Modern-day moulds are made out of natural materials such as wood and kraft paper which are not only safe for the environment but also produce premium pastries which are healthy for consumption. Additionally, these pastry moulds can withstand both heat and cold, making them secure for both baking and storing.

New-age technologies: There is no denying the fact that creating pastries is a delicate task that necessitates a broad understanding of numerous scientific and hygienic principles. With the advent of new-age machines, the process of pastry making has become simplified. The bakers now only need to closely supervise and the remainder of the job would be done by the automated machinery. Additionally, these sophisticated devices operate more quickly and generate a larger amount and higher-quality output. In fact, a variety of measurement devices have also been developed, making it possible to achieve the ideal pastry recipes.

The changing dynamics of pastry making

A delicious piece of pastry after a fulfilling dinner is all that one needs to complete the meal. However, the demand for a healthier version of pastry that incorporates organic ingredients and natural flavours and sweeteners has grown over time. Given the rising number of health problems that surround us today, there is an urgent need to embrace a healthy lifestyle accompanied by healthy eating practices. This, as a result, has led to individuals cutting back on sugar or going for healthier treats. This further has caused the pastry makers to update their strategies and integrate healthy ingredients supported by the right use of technology to provide consumers with a perfect pastry in return.