No Guilt Bakes achieved another milestone with our business and innovation support. Last year we helped the start-up to develop their brand identity and build a bank of resources to help deliver digital marketing efforts effectively through our DeK Growth Programme. This time, in collaboration with LAFIC (London AgriFood Innovation Clinic), No Guilt Bakes advanced the development process of new 'keto-friendly' baked goods.
What is Keto?
Every year, millions of people all around the world search for the latest weight-loss and healthy-eating trends. People are likely to try at least two alternative diets in their lifetime. Whether it's switching to a plant-based, calorie-controlled, or other "trendier" diet.
The ketogenic diet, sometimes known as the keto diet, is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat menu that was developed to treat epilepsy.
The standard ketogenic diet (SKD) was developed in the 1920s and consists of 75 percent fat, 20 percent protein, and only 5% carbohydrates. This drastic drop in carbohydrate intake induces ketosis, a metabolic condition in which the body becomes effective at fat burning.
With 25.4 million searches in 2020, "keto" was the most Googled food-related term on the planet. Keto has surpassed the Atkins Diet and intermittent fasting as the most popular diets.
There has never been a better opportunity for health and wellness brands to break out into low-carb, high-fat keto products. The sector's continuous year-over-year growth (CAGR of 5.3 percent) demonstrates its value.
Online sales, which were valued at $4 billion in 2018, will continue to be the most popular distribution method for keto goods, followed by specialty stores. The number of keto-friendly items on supermarket shelves is sure to grow, with brands who add keto products to their portfolio outperforming their competition.
By 2027, the global ketogenic diet market is expected to be worth $15.6 billion USD.
No Guilt Bakes
No Guilt Bakes serve London with high-in-demand keto and low-carb treats, at affordable prices. Founders Taeye and Maya started their business after they could not find convenient ketogenic diet friendly, sugar-free treats.
Developing new food products with LAFIC
No Guilt Bakes was supported by fantastic Food Technologist Iyabosola (Yabby) Miedzianowska. Initial support started off with a process review to ascertain how the start-up’s Lemon & Coconut Cake was being produced.
After that, Yabby trailed several variations to work on extending the shelf-life on the Lemon & Coconut Cake. She conducted water activity tests and mould free shelf- life analysis of six versions of the product. Different versions helped her to determine the one with the best extended shelf-life based on slight variation of the ingredients and the baking times.
Academic support also helped No Guilt Bakes to develop new Custard Mix products and their Pizza and Breadmixes.
At the end of the collaboration, Yabby conducted microbiology shelf-life analysis to verify how long the product can remain within safe limits.
The programme also allowed No Guilt Bakes to access consultancy around:
- The incoming HFSS (High, Fat, Sugar & Salt) regulations
- Managing third party producers
- Managing the business’ cash flow
- Perfecting their pitch deck
- Tailoring the price point of their products for sale to large retailers.
Results
After working with and supporting No Guilt Bakes, we’ve achieved some fantastic objectives. Their Lemon & Coconut Cake is all natural, gluten free & free of grains, allowing consumers who suffer from the coeliac disease to safely consume the product.
After conducting research on the marketplace, we can verify that this is also the only ‘Gluten free Lemon & coconut cake’ available to purchase on the market as a complete product.
Take a look at their new low-sugar, gluten free cake and numerous other delicious treats on No Guilt Bake's website.
Our LAFIC programme, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, supported and promoted research and innovation in London's food businesses. This programme has unfortunately come to an end, but you can still discover growth opportunities and academic collaborations by connecting with us today.
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Image courtesy of No Guilt Bakes
