From snacks to staples: fresh sourdough applications

In the snack aisles, there are ever more packages boasting a ‘made with sourdough’ claim. Mini pretzels, like the Unique Snacks Knead ‘Ems and Norwegian Sourdough Rye Chips by Trader Joe’s. And even ready to bake garlic bread like the one by Essential Baking, seasoned with a garlic parmesan herb spread. These sourdough-based snacks meet the rising demand for better-for-you indulgences, offering wholesome ingredients with rich, satisfying flavors.

Lovers of Mexican food and lunch wraps can now even get their tortillas with sourdough. PACHA developed gut-friendly wraps that are gluten-free and allergen-free. By using sprouted and fermented buckwheat, these tortillas also tap into the popularity of special grains. Those grains have health benefits such as improved digestion, blood sugar stabilisation and high fibre content. The clean label ingredient list of the Sourdough Buckwheat Tortillas furthermore appeals to consumers searching for clean label foods. There are just two ingredients: buckwheat and sea salt.

Sourdough is even expanding beyond the bakery category, with several launches of sourdough- based pasta. Brands like Fermentelli Pasta and Bionaturae have launched varieties such as fusilli, rigate, spaghetti, ziti and campanelle.

These products claim to be are specifically geared towards gut health and digestibility, so consumers can enjoy pasta without bloating. To that end, Fermentelli Pasta uses a special 72-hour cold fermentation process. “I spent months experimenting, testing, and refining”, says founder Jordan Fainberg. “Lots of dough failed. Noodles broke. But slowly—very slowly—we figured it out."

Sourdough has always been associated with artisanal production and health foods, but now it is becoming mainstream enough to break free from that reputation. Sourdough is making its way into the world of snack food. There are now sourdough hot dog buns available in US supermarkets, such as those by organic bakery Rudi’s. 

Large QSR chains have embraced sourdough as well. Starbucks introduced a sourdough Dubai donut with milk chocolate and kunefeh in the Middle East. And burger joint Jack in the Box offered the Sourdough Smashed Jack for a limited time. A twist on their iconic burger with a smashed patty, melted cheese, pickles and onions on toasted sourdough bread. Jack in the Box launched its first sourdough product in 1997 and states “Jack products featuring sourdough bread have been on the rise ever since”.