The Global Banana Flour Market size is expected to reach $1.1 billion by 2028, rising at a market growth of 6.5% CAGR during the forecast period.
Banana flour is a powder prepared from green bananas. Traditionally, banana flour has long been used as a cheaper substitute for wheat flour in several developing and under-developed countries. It is now commonly used as a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour or as a form of resistant starch, which has been encouraged by various nutritional studies and certain eating fads, such as paleo and primal diets.
Banana flour has a moderate banana flavor while raw and an earthy, non-banana flavor when cooked owing to the inclusion of green bananas. It also has a texture similar to lighter wheat flours and requires around 25% less volume, making it a viable substitute for white as well as white whole-wheat flour.
Nutritional researchers and dietitians have discovered that banana flour (green variety) is a very good and useful source of resistant starch. Resistant starch refers to starch that does not break down in the small intestine and instead reaches the large intestine, in which it serves as a fermentable dietary fiber.
Depending on the drying techniques used for the individual product, banana flour might have a high resistant starch level (>60%) or a low resistant starch content (10%). Because boiling can reduce the level of resistant starch, banana flour is typically used raw, like in smoothies or nutrition bars. Animal feed made from banana flour is utilized in many regions of the world. It is utilized as a component in calves’ milk replacers in particular.
In addition, banana flour is one of the most prevalent classes of flour that can be suited for gluten-free, keto, paleo, or simply any healthy food options. Unlike all-purpose flour, which is made with wheat, banana flour is made from bananas. It’s gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and fruit-based, so it’s truly unique. It also comprises a number of health benefits, such as improved digestion. Banana flour, unlike wheat flour, is healthier as it includes a variety of nutrients and vitamins that are derived from bananas.