BAKED in Science

Bakery Showcase is Canada’s biggest baking show. Hosted by the Baking Association of Canada [https://www.baking.ca] (BAC), this well-known event is the ideal spot to catch up on the latest trends and innovations in the Canadian baking industry. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by several bakery professionals to discuss bakery equipment, ingredients, and innovation s...

Choosing the right flour can make or break your bakery process. Wheat flour constitutes over 50% of bread formulas and about 25% of cake formulas, which is why controlling the quality (https://bakerpedia.com/processes/flour-quality/) of this key ingredient is essential. Through R&D and collaboration with millers, bakers can reduce costs over time while maximizing their yield and profits. In this e...

From functional ingredients and plant-based innovations to bold global flavors, today's consumers are hungry for products that tell a story and fit their lifestyle. Savvy bakers who keep a finger on the pulse of the newest bakery trends (https://bakerpedia.com/top-trends-to-look-for-in-2026/) can pivot quickly, surprise their customers, and turn everyday baked goods into must-have indulgences. In...

Gluten-free formulations come with their share of difficulties and troubleshooting. When developing gluten-free products, it’s vital to keep in mind that the lack of gluten causes structural problems in gas retention. Gluten-free baking (https://bakerpedia.com/processes/gluten-free/) requires knowledge of bakery science alongside a blend of the right ingredients for optimal texture and shelf life....

Wheat flour is the backbone of most baked goods, making up over half of a bread recipe and about a quarter of a cake. That’s why keeping an eye on your flour quality (https://bakerpedia.com/processes/flour-quality/) is crucial for optimal product development. The key is picking a flour that works well with your application and process in order to get the texture, flavor, and consistency you’re aim...

An estimated one-quarter to one-third of all food produced for human consumption worldwide is lost or wasted. As global food demand continues to rise, the challenge lies in producing more while creating less food waste (https://bakerpedia.com/baked-wasted-food-waste-commercial-baking/). In the baking industry, embracing efficient production practices, ingredient optimization, and upcycling strateg...

Bread is more than just a staple food. It’s the cornerstone of countless meals around the world! It’s a food that humans have been enjoying for millennia, with the earliest evidence of bread (https://bakerpedia.com/processes/bread/) dating back around 30,000 years ago. Today, it remains an immensely popular food item and a hugely important market segment for modern bakers. In this episode of BAKED...

Maintaining quality control (https://bakerpedia.com/processes/quality-control-for-baking-ingredients/) and product standards is an essential part of the baking process. Modern bakeries require accuracy, reliability, and streamlined operations to optimize output and ensure consistent results that meet consumer demands. Luckily, there are tools and equipment (https://bakerpedia.com/how-to-improve-do...

IBIE, the International Baking Industry Exposition (https://www.bakingexpo.com), is the biggest baking event in the Northern Hemisphere that takes place every three years. This year’s event will take place from September 13 to 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada. As the show draws near, what better way to prepare than by getting a sneak peek of what will be happening at the show? In this episode of BAKED in S...

Enzymes are protein catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions in bakery products without producing any change in their molecular structure. In the baking process, enzymes (https://bakerpedia.com/ingredients/enzyme/) have many functions, including aiding fermentation, reducing mixes, modifying dough handling properties, dough strengthener, and even crumb softeners. Their multi-purpose abilities...

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) have become commonplace in the fast-paced world of today, as the food industry’s answer to consumer demand for convenience. In recent years, there has been growing concern for how these foods may be affecting public health. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by Bogdan Dobraszczyk, retired research fellow. Bodgan has worked in the cereals in...

Scaling up is the process of moving from small product batches to large-scale, high output production. As small and artisan bakeries seek to expand business opportunities, production scaling (https://bakerpedia.com/how-thermal-profiling-can-help-scale-up-bread-production/) is one of the major challenges these operations may face. Fortunately, there are experts who can help guide you through the pr...

Sugar reduction is a hot topic for bakers looking to meet current market trends and satisfy health-conscious consumers’ demands. However, bakers know that sugar (https://bakerpedia.com/ingredients/sugar/) is a critical ingredient in many baked goods, including cakes, pastries, and cookies. It not only provides a sweet taste and influences flavor perception but also has several important functional...

Artificial intelligence is getting a lot of attention these days, and many are wondering how it can be harnessed to help today’s bakers. While it’s too soon to understand the full extent of AI’s capabilities, this technology is already being used to reduce product loss (https://bakerpedia.com/how-to-avoid-product-loss/), boost quality assurance (https://bakerpedia.com/food-safety/quality-assurance...

Professional guidance and support for entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry is invaluable, especially for those who may just be starting out. Whether that’s through mentorships or sharing knowledge (https://bakerpedia.com/empowering-the-global-baking-industry/), initiatives and resources that uplift entrepreneurs can encourage their growth and boost their overall success in the food indu...

In the baking industry, each step, bit of expertise, and technical skill plays a vital role in achieving excellence. Whether you’re an experienced baker aiming to grow your enterprise or an enthusiastic home baker preparing to venture into commercial production, the path to success has both obstacles and possibilities. This is where a bakery consultant (https://bakerpedia.com/elevate-your-baking-b...

Providing high-quality bakery products is essential for successful bakery operations. However, traditional, rule-based methods for quality assurance (https://bakerpedia.com/food-safety/quality-assurance/) can be time-consuming and have become more difficult with current labor shortages. Vision inspection is an alternative that has been on the market for decades, used initially for final inspection...

Seasonal baking opens up exciting possibilities for commercial bakers to captivate customers, drive sales, and maintain a competitive edge. Tailoring your bakery’s offerings to each season keeps your bakery both relevant and irresistible. Of course, crafting these seasonal delights (https://bakerpedia.com/festive-bakes-and-seasonal-treats/) demands more than creativity. it calls for technical skil...

Shortening (https://bakerpedia.com/ingredients/shortening/) is a commonly used ingredient in commercial baking, which helps produce moist and soft baked goods. However, this ingredient can come coupled with challenges such as off-flavors, rising costs, and not appealing to health-conscious consumers. Fortunately, enzymes can offer bakers solutions for these issues. In this episode of BAKED in Scie...

Quality control for ingredients and raw materials (https://bakerpedia.com/processes/quality-control-for-baking-ingredients/) is an important part of the production process for bakeries of all sizes. From flour quality to moisture, protein, and ash, there are a myriad of factors that can affect the quality of bakery products. In this episode of BAKED in Science, host Mark Floerke is joined by Arnau...

Food waste contributes significantly to environmental degradation, as large quantities of edible food are discarded for various reasons including cosmetic standards and logistical inefficiencies. However, more and more companies are rising to the challenge of mitigating food waste (https://bakerpedia.com/baked-wasted-food-waste-commercial-baking/) and reimagining ways to put these scraps to good u...

Bakery Showcase is one of the most important events in the Canadian baking industry and the perfect place to catch up on the latest trends and innovations. Established in 1932, the Baking Association of Canada (BAC) [https://www.baking.ca] serves as the national representative for the Canadian baking industry, which has historically run this well-known event. In this episode of BAKED in Science, h...

The plant-based food trend has been growing steadily since 2017 when its market was valued at $3.9 billion. As of 2023, this market was valued at $8.1 billion with more consumers demanding plant-based alternatives, whether for ecological or ethical reasons. In the baking industry, plant-based baked goods (https://bakerpedia.com/the-plant-based-revolution-in-patisserie/) continue to be in high dema...

The better-for-you bakery trend has grown immensely in the last few years, as consumers demand more nutritious baked goods with plenty of functional ingredients. The high-protein bread (https://bakerpedia.com/processes/high-protein-bread/) trend, much like the keto trend, has shown plenty of staying power with grocery stores stocking more and more products in this category. In this episode of BAKE...

While iba may have been last fall, there are still plenty of creative and innovative solutions to delve into from the world’s leading trade fair for bakery, confectionery, and snacks. Mark Floerke visited the trade show to learn about the biggest bakery trends, as well as equipment and ingredient solution innovations on behalf of BAKERpedia. In this episode of BAKED in Science, Mark is joined by t...