Flatbread - A canvas for innovation: A review

Abstract

Flatbreads are among the oldest foods throughout the world. They are affordable, familiar, and authentic foods with a long history in several countries. Their high versatility puts forward their use as a canvas of innovation to create new flavors. Flatbreads can be also considered vehicles for adding health-beneficial ingredients to improve the nutritional profile and sensorial properties, and add peculiar flavors. These products suit modern lifestyle by offering convenient and easy to prepare snacks or meals. The use of wholegrains and multigrains will keep trending upward to attract health-conscious consumers. Future opportunities for expansion rely on the use of natural, sustainable, and clean label ingredients, and addressing niche markets such as vegan/ vegetarians and consumers with intolerances and allergies. In this review, flatbreads formulations, types, and nutritional composition are reviewed. An in-depth market search was conducted to identify the main trends in new products development.