This back to basics chocolate cookie has fewer ingredients than other cookies marketed as “simple”

Consumers are looking for ways to simplify their lives. Using familiar ingredients reduces complexities faced by consumers when they choose products and it appeals to their need for comfort foods. “Cookies have the greatest penetration rate among U.S. households” of any snack food.¹ Familiar and simple cookies provide positive memories and comfort.

Warm cookies, cream pies, berry shortcakes—serve the comforts consumers crave. In shifting back to the basics in food, consumers want familiar reminders of home and childhood. Increasingly, they want to understand their food ingredients and look to labels and ingredient lists to help them with their purchasing decisions. The message seems to be: reduce the number of ingredients and make them seem like they are from my kitchen.

The "simple" formula

Cargill’s bakery application team created a “back to basics” indulgent chocolate cookie formula that has fewer ingredients than many other cookies marketed as “simple.” The market for sweet bakery products made with familiar ingredients is growing so Cargill’s bakery team developed this cookie prototype. Snack manufacturers are encouraged to reach out to Cargill’s bakery team to see if this “simple” formula might be interesting as this indulgent chocolate cookie is made with nine kitchen friendly ingredients: sugar, chocolate, whole wheat flour, cocoa, butter, eggs, baking soda, salt and natural flavor.

Chocolate cookie points of differentiation Good source of fiber* 6g of whole grain per serving  Made with premium Wilbur® chocolate and Gerkens® cocoa

Back to basics chocolate cookies include several of Cargill’s quality cookie ingredients. WheatSelect® flour is 100% whole wheat, but gives products more of the softer texture and milder flavor associated with white flour. Gerkens® cocoa and Wilbur® chocolate provide the rich chocolate flavor. Gerkens® is the leading international brand of high quality cocoa powder with a full line of Dutch and natural cocoa powders while Wilbur® chocolate offers a full line of chocolates including milk, dark and white and chocolate coatings.

Consumers are steering clear of products that can be viewed as chemical cocktails, and taking greater interest in ‘back to basics’ formulations with ingredients that consumers might find in their own cupboards at home.

Cargill's portfolio of cookie ingredients

Cargill has a portfolio of cookie ingredients with bakery technical experts to help with formulations.  Cookie products include flours, chocolates, whole grains, sweeteners and low-fat oils – to help manufactures enhance existing cookie lineups and generate new-product excitement. Whether you are looking to deliver indulgent treats or nutritious portable snacks, count on Cargill for the culinary, formulation, processing and supply expertise you need to bring great cookies to market.

¹Snack Foods in the U.S., Packaged Facts 2011 

*Contains 6 grams of fat