It’s easy to assume cocoa powder has only one role and one flavour profile. But in reality, cocoa is as versatile and complex as any other staple ingredient in the kitchen.

Onion and garlic are two vital ingredients in the average Australian household, with roughly 200,000 tonnes of onions and 13,000 tonnes of garlic consumed annually. But in this busy world, more than ever, consumers are looking for products that provide greater ease and convenience.

California kicked off last season with a crop estimate of 670,000MT, but the final figure came in noticeably lower at 600,000MT. That shortfall sent prices soaring and completely changed the rhythm of the global market.

For decades, sugar has dominated as the go-to sweetener in both home cooking and food manufacturing. But as consumers grow more conscious about health, sustainability and provenance, natural alternatives are becoming the preferred choice.

In a world where truffle oil, kombucha and exotic superfoods have dominated food headlines, something quietly exciting is happening in kitchens and restaurants.

Onions make us cry, and spinach wilts faster than you can say “healthy greens”,  but in the world of food, these two humble ingredients are absolute essentials.

The health aisle is a haven for "free from" foods - whether looking for gluten free, dairy free, nut free or egg free - holds an abundance of product options for those trying to avoid certain ingredients.

Across Australia, chefs, product developers and food manufacturers are embracing the quiet versatility of grains and seeds. Once considered humble pantry staples, these ingredients are now powering a new generation of menus and products that deliver on health and flavour.

Dried fruit always feature heavily on supermarket shelves each year as a healthy snacking treat. It is the extended shelf life and stability of dried fruit products that make them desirable, providing us with access to seasonal produce 365 days of the year. 

As we continue through the winter with chilly temperatures, it’s the perfect time to highlight some sweet spice to elevate those go to, warming beverages. Coffee and cocoa have long been infused with spices, creating beverages that reflect ingredients and traditions from around the world.

In July 2015, The Natural Foods Trading Company was born from an overwhelming need to support small wholesalers and manufacturers with quality, natural ingredients. In the last 10 years, we have evolved into a small, but mighty, knowledgeable team

The cashew tree is native to the northeastern region of Brazil, where it was cultivated and used as traditional medicine by the indigenous population, later spreading to the continents of Asia and Africa.