In the final year of study for a BSc (hons) in Food and Consumer Studies at Harper Adams University an Honours Research Project is required, and - in choosing my topic I wanted to combine a passion for product innovation with the ‘International Year of Pulses’ initiative .
Many pulses were considered and with over 18,000 species the possibilities were abundant. Lupins became the focus for development after extensive research showed that although lupins are recognised as a sustainable pulse crop with strong nutritional credentials, little information was available on their value as a food ingredient. Furthermore, there was a complete lack of product innovation making use of lupins. It was also interesting to discover that statistics on lupins grown within the UK go unrecorded, essentially making it a hidden crop. Lupins appeared to be the elusive pulse with great potential, indicating a gap in the market to create something truly original.
Combining the IYP initiative and current UK market trends and demands for plant based foods, I developed Blooming Food’s lupin crisps. Blooming Food’s lupin crisps are an innovative, uncomplicated and delectable baked snack product, high protein and low in fat and calories, offering wide appeal to increasingly health conscious consumers.
To be awarded first place in the Virtual stream of the LovePulses competition is a dream come true. The judge’s recognition of the potential of this product, and the hard work that has gone into its development is very satisfying.
Blooming Food has far exceeded my original objectives to plan and complete a successful research project; it has evolved into the opportunity to produce an ‘on trend’ commercially viable product with wide appeal in the modern food market. I hope to launch Blooming Food’s lupin crisps into retailers across the UK and even internationally; tapping into the healthy snack food sector, and the interest in sustainable production of plant proteins for food use.
I am now seeking to make contacts to help grow Blooming Food into a recognisable, responsible and successful brand.
If you would like to stock Blooming Food’s lupin crisps or want to get in touch for anything, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Charlotte Reynolds is final year student (BSc Food and Consumer Studies) at Harper Adams University, UK. She won the LovePulses Virtual Competition for her innovative 'Lupin Crisps' and was presented with her award at the Global Pulse Convention in Turkey in May. You can read the full story here.
Watch Charlotte's Blooming Foods video on YouTube here