Food for Thought Blog
Cocoa & Bakery Applications
August 2024
Cocoa powder plays a crucial role in various food and beverage applications. Whether you're baking a decadent cake, stirring up a comforting cup of hot cocoa, or creating a rich chocolate sauce, the type of cocoa powder you choose matters. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating world of cocoa powder, exploring its production process, alkalization/Dutching, the different types of cocoa powder, and its role in baking.
Trends in the Ice Cream Industry
August 2024
The ice cream industry, like a delightful swirl of flavors, is constantly evolving. Let's explore the trends that are shaping this frozen wonderland.
deZaan Cocoa for Cooking: Excellence Across Culinary Creations
August 2024
When it comes to crafting delectable treats, the quality of ingredients matters. Enter deZaan Cocoa, a name synonymous with precision, passion, and unparalleled cocoa excellence. Let's embark on a cocoa-infused journey, tracing its impact across various applications—from bakery delights to creamy ice creams, energizing nutritional powders, and beyond.
Where is Cocoa From? Exploring Cocoa Then And Now
August 2024
Cocoa, derived from the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), has a storied past that spans millennia. Learn more about some key moments in its history.
Keep Up With Beverage Industry Trends Using Cocoa
August 2024
Cocoa powder has long been associated with decadent desserts and comforting hot chocolate. However, its applications extend far beyond the sweet tooth. Let's delve into how this humble ingredient is making waves in the beverage industry.
Cocoa Traceability Across Product Applications
August 2024
deZaan, a prominent supplier of premium cocoa ingredients, sets the standard for excellence through its efforts to source cocoa beans more responsibly. Not only do they prioritize qualtiy and flavor, but they also try to ensure that their cocoa benefits smallholder farmers, their families, communities, and the environment. Let's dive deeper into the key aspects
Choices for Change: ofi announces new 2030 targets and action plans for resilient ingredient supply chains
August 2024
Global food brands and retailers are facing growing consumer demand for sustainable products, with increasing weather related and other challenges in the food supply chain and significant new sustainability linked legislation coming up.
Emerging Trends our Head of eCommerce, Dave, Spotted at Expo West 2024
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.
Garlic Powder: Great Uses & Benefits | Spice Up Your Products with Ease
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!
All About Almond Flour on World Flour Day | A Playground of Possibilities
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!
ofi employees participate in the "Forest to Farm" project
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...
Why Should Specific Industries Choose ofi When Choosing a Spice Distributor?
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.
The difference of almond flour vs. regular flour
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...
9 Factors to Consider When Selecting a Spices Supplier
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.
Rethinking Opportunity with Nut Flours and Powders
November 2023
Gluten free is here to stay, but creating a great tasting gluten-free cookie, cupcake, or bread can be challenging.
What Does Sustainability Mean to ofi?
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!
From our orchards to consumers: Get to know our California almonds
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.
Your Comprehensive Onion Guide: Origin, Benefits, and Uses
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.
National Hot & Spicy Food Day Trends
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.
All About "Nut Butters"
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
Essential Mexican Herbs and Spices for the Commercial Kitchen
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.
How to Make a Signature Spice Rub Unique to Your Business
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.
Delicious Dairy-Free Ice Creams for Everyone
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.
Quality and Sustainability are Heating Up: ofi is the Place to Get Your Green Chiles
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.
Exploring Regional Barbecue Trends - Summer 2023
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.
National Snack Food Month
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!
Using Herbs and Spices in Pet Food
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.