Hey, CPG companies and friends! Today we’d like to talk about an underrated food that is rapidly making the rounds and being incorporated into more and more products: buckwheat. That’s right; this inconspicuous ingredient is garnering the attention of many food companies that are looking to spice up their products and capture the attention of health-conscious consumers.

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Buckwheat - although its name implies otherwise -  is a seed, not a grain, that has been widely consumed for centuries. It boasts a slew of health benefits, including being high in antioxidants and fiber, a good source of plant-based protein (lysine and arginine), lowering cholesterol, and having a low glycemic index. All of this and more makes it an attractive substitute for other ingredients such as flour. Buckwheat is also gluten-free similar to grains such as oats and quinoa, able to act as a replacement for both.

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On top of these benefits, buckwheat can also be grown in poor soils and can withstand harsh, varying weather conditions. This poises it to become a major crop as climate change makes food supply more unpredictable in the form of droughts and infrequent rain. Buckwheat does not require much fertilizer to grow, and can be mass-produced in regions like the Northeast U.S. that has a short growing season. It also requires few pesticides and supports soil health by competing with weeds. Suffice to say, buckwheat is looked kindly upon farmers as a kind of all-in-one miracle package, even acting as a cover crop that reduces soil erosion and increases water retention.

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Because it is rising in popularity, buckwheat is predicted to become another added ingredient in many food products, from plant-based milks to granola. Soba noodles, muesli, crackers, hot chocolate, chai and vanilla drinks - buckwheat is being infused into nearly everything and shows no signs of slowing down. Innovative food companies are continually finding new ways to incorporate this super seed into more products, whether it be waffles, cookies, and even yogurt.

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It is largely affordable at around 19-40 cents per pound. The global market for buckwheat is currently estimated to be around $531.1 million, and is projected to grow to $608.7 million by the year 2028. This far surpasses the gluten-free oat market that is expected to grow from $288 million to $586 million. Speed is the name of the game: if companies want to capitalize on buckwheat’s newfound fame, now is the perfect time to do it.

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Interested in adding buckwheat into your kitchen? Here’s a simple breakfast recipe to get you started!

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Buckwheat Pancakes:

• 1 cup buckwheat flour (or ½ cup buckwheat ½ all-purpose*)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2-3 tablespoons date syrup
• 1 ½ cup plant-based milk (oat, almond, soy, etc
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil, butter, or vegan butter
• Maple syrup for serving

1. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the buckwheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, pour the plant-based milk and date syrup together.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones and moderately mix the two, leaving small lumps.

4. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and coat the surface with coconut oil. Use a ⅓ cup to scoop batter and cook on each side for 2-3 minutes before flipping with a spatula. Turn down heat if the pancakes brown too quickly.

5. Serve with maple syrup.

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Pancakes are highly customizable. Because buckwheat isn’t very sweet on its own, add in blended banana, a couple of blueberries, or whatever toppings you prefer to make the batter all the more delicious! You can even add in protein powder to the batter or spread almond butter on top of the finished pancakes for extra protein.

*Adding All-Purpose flour will make the pancakes not gluten-free, but will in turn make them fluffier.

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Heard of any new and interesting ways buckwheat is being used by CPG companies? Please let us know!

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We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions or thoughts, throw them in the comments below. You can also hit us up on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

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