Food for Thought Blog

April 2024

Did you miss out on Expo West 2024 this year? We’ve done the work for you to round up the trends that we saw! Here are three trends and key takeaways that our Head of eCommerce, Dave Perrino, noticed while he was in attendace at Natural Products Expo West 2024. 

March 2024

Garlic is a staple in kitchens around the world. Its robust, pungent flavor adds depth and aroma to all kinds of savory dishes. But fresh garlic can be messy to prep and store. That's where garlic powder comes in - all the flavor without the fuss and incredible versatility!

March 2024

With consumers becoming more health-conscious, are you looking for a key ingredient to add to your products or recipes that is both nutritious and delicious? Almond flour is your solution - a playground of possibilities!

January 2024

Recently, ofi employees joined the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (Sierra National Forest), the National Forest Foundation and Knorr, a Unilever brand, for a day of service at the Sierra National Forest in California to...

December 2023

At ofi, we serve a variety of industries, from bakeries to meal kit services to snack companies. If you’re in any of the following industries, we wanted to share even more specific, quick tips for choosing a spice supplier and why ofi should be your go-to supplier. 

December 2023

The food industry is constantly evolving, with new trending ingredients and processes being introduced every day. One of the hottest ingredients right now is almond flour...

November 2023

In the food and beverage industry, choosing the right spices supplier can be crucial to the success of the business. With so many options out there, how can you decide on the best supplier? In this guide, we'll break down nine key factors to consider when choosing a spices supplier for your business.

November 2023

Gluten free is here to stay, but creating a great tasting gluten-free cookie, cupcake, or bread can be challenging.

November 2023

ofi’s deep-rooted presence in all major spices as well as cocoa, coffee, and nuts origins brings us close to the source of production. By working and co-creating with us, you and your company can make substantial progress towards your sustainability goals and help us create real change for the people and the planet!

October 2023

We currently produce almonds over 13,000 acres, spread out across ten orchards in California’s Central Valley. With that footprint, ofi can produce roughly 26 million pounds of almonds on an average year. 

September 2023

Did you know that onions have made our eyes tear up for over 5,000 years? That's right! These trusty bulbs have been around since the Bronze Age, dicing their way into historical recipes from the Pharaohs of Egypt to the chefs in the Ming Dynasty. They've played roles in kitchens, rituals, medicines, and even mummification.

August 2023

 
The “hot and spicy food” trend continues to heat up, with no signs of slowing down. In fact, have you noticed that as of recently, 71% of menus and 11% of drink menus feature the word “spicy?” There's even a day dedicated to this trend - National Hot and Spicy Day is celebrated every August 19th. 

August 2023

As consumer eating and consumption patterns evolve, there is a distinct move towards adoption of healthier ingredients and alternatives. Nut butters, made from a variety of nuts, are packed with the goodness of proteins, fiber, vitamins, and unsaturated fats

July 2023

When it comes to Mexican cuisine ingredients, having the right spices can make your meals stand out to your customers. We help you stock your kitchen with the right spices for Mexican dishes to satisfy the taste buds of your customers and offer them unique flavors using traditional Mexican spices.

June 2023

A great spice rub can make a dish more appetizing and impress your customers. If you are a restaurant chef, food manufacturer, or caterer, consider these tips for how to make your own signature spice rub. 

May 2023

Ice cream has long been the go-to summer treat for those with a sweet tooth, but many people are now looking for dairy-free alternatives that still offer the same creamy texture and flavor. Luckily, there's no need to sacrifice taste to get a dairy-free ice cream, such as a classic vanilla or a chipotle chocolate.

April 2023

Are you looking for green chiles? As an global established leader in chiles, ofi is now the largest green chile & jalapeno producer in the USA. Not only do we offer top-notch quality and safety standards, but our commitment to sustainability will make your products stand out from the crowd.

March 2023

Not only can barbecue provide comfort, but it can also be an exploration into different cultures and their unique takes on classic barbecue dishes. From Jamaican Jerk in the Caribbean to Memphis Barbecue in the US, let's explore some of these regional barbecue trends for the summer of 2023.

February 2023

February is National Snack Food Month! What better way to celebrate than with a discussion about the booming snack industry? From popcorn to nuts to chips made with natural ingredients—the options are seemingly endless! It’s clear that Americans love their snacks, with sales making up almost a third of global sales. But why are we so into snacking? Let’s find out!

February 2023

Premiumization of pet food has increased over the past years with pet parents paying more attention to what goes into their dog’s dinner. When you look to formulate your next dog food or cat treat, take a look at including these ingredients.