Why can't you find nectarine flavoured foods? Peaches are similar, but they're not the same.
Have you ever noticed that nectarine-flavoured foods are practically non-existent? It's weird, especially considering how delicious and popular fresh nectarines are. So why don’t we see nectarine-flavoured candies, sodas, or ice creams? Let’s break it down.
Subtle Flavours
Nectarines are actually a type of peach, but without the fuzz. Genetically they are the same, but one recessive gene is responsible for the smooth skin. However, that doesn't mean they taste the same. Nectarines definitely have similar flavour to peaches, but are generally smaller, firmer, and have more honey-like scents. But, because the flavours are so similar companies usually go with peach because it’s already well-known and loved. Nectarines just don’t get the same spotlight. Beyond this nectarines have a thinner skin than peaches. This means that peaches travel better and are more straightforward to work with as they don't spoil so easily. The thin skin on nectarines also stores a lot of the flavour which becomes a problem when recipes for making nectarine flavoured foods need the skin to be removed. Without the skin a nectarine is more delicate and has less taste and smell.
Another reason for why there aren't any nectarine flavoured foods is that there’s not a huge demand for nectarine-flavoured anything. Think about it—when was the last time you heard someone say they’re craving nectarine-flavoured gum or soda? Probably never. People stick to familiar flavours like strawberry, apple, and orange. Since nectarines aren’t top of mind, companies don’t see a reason to create nectarine-flavoured products. Obviously, this is a vicious cycle, if you don't make nectarine flavoured soda no one will buy nectarine flavoured soda, if no one buys it there's no demand. It's a self fulfilling reason to not even try.
Nectarines also pose a challenge when it comes to replicating their flavour. Peaches have a strong, distinct taste that’s easier to mimic, while nectarines are more subtle and complex. If a company can’t get the flavour exactly right, the product might end up tasting artificial or just plain weird, which isn’t good for sales. Fruit flavours like banana, cherry and strawberry have been around for so long that food manufacturers know how to make artificial versions that taste really good, it's just not that easy when starting from scratch, trying to make something that tastes as incredible and subtle as a ripe nectarine.
Fresh is Best
Regardless nectarines are fruit and are best enjoyed fresh, not processed and turned into something unnatural. They’re juicy, sweet, and perfect on their own. Turning them into a processed flavour can feel unnecessary. People who love nectarines usually prefer to eat the actual fruit rather than an artificial version of it. This preference for the fresh fruit further reduces the demand for nectarine-flavoured products, but, this is a good thing because nectarines are not only tasty but also really healthy. They’re packed with vitamins and nutrients. A typical nectarine (about 150 grams) has:
Calories: 60
Vitamin C: 7.5 mg (13% of your daily value)
Vitamin A: 27 µg (3% of your daily value)
Potassium: 285 mg (8% of your daily value)
Dietary Fibre: 2.1 g
They’re also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body against certain diseases and skin your skin looking youthful. Eating nectarines can support your immune system, improve skin health, and even help with digestion.
So, the reason we don’t see nectarine-flavoured foods comes down to their close association with peaches, their thin skin, low demand, difficulty in flavour replication, tough competition, and the preference for fresh nectarines. While it’s unfortunate that we don’t get to enjoy nectarine flavours in more products, at least we can still appreciate the fruit in its natural form, along with all its health benefits.
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