Choosing Natural Evolution products

The Natural Evolution range has grown well beyond its original green banana flour, with different products designed for baking, cooking, adding fibre, supplementing protein and convenient gluten-free baking. The biggest distinction to understand is between green banana flour and green banana resistant starch. Although both begin with green bananas, they are different products with different uses.

For baking and cooking: green banana flour

Natural Evolution Green Banana Baking Flour is the place to start if you want a flour for cooking and baking. It can be used across sweet and savoury recipes, but don't assume it substitutes cup-for-cup for conventional flour. Follow the quantities and recipe guidance provided for the product, particularly when trying it for the first time.

If you're choosing between green banana and sweet potato flour, think about the recipe you want to make rather than treating the two as interchangeable. Both provide alternatives to more conventional baking flours, but they have their own characteristics and should be used according to the relevant recipe or product directions.

For adding fibre: resistant starch and multifibre

If your priority is adding fibre rather than replacing the flour in a recipe, look at Natural Evolution's resistant starch and multifibre products. These are designed to be incorporated into your diet in smaller quantities and, depending on the product, may be mixed into foods or drinks such as smoothies, cereal, yoghurt, water or juice.

Pay attention to the difference between a resistant starch product and a multifibre blend. They aren't necessarily the same formulation, so compare the ingredients and serving directions when deciding which one suits you.

For plant-based protein: vegan protein

Natural Evolution also offers vegan protein products for shoppers looking for a plant-based protein powder. When comparing these, consider the protein source, flavour, ingredients and suggested serving size, as well as how you intend to use it. Some people primarily mix protein powder into drinks and smoothies, while others like the flexibility of adding it to suitable recipes.

For convenient baking: gluten-free baking mixes

Choose one of the Natural Evolution baking mixes when you'd prefer some of the measuring and recipe development to be done for you. They're a different proposition from buying a bag of flour: the mix is created for a particular type of baking, with directions telling you what to add and how to prepare it.

Check the individual mix before you start so you know which additional ingredients you'll need at home. If you're buying specifically because you need to avoid gluten or another ingredient, read the current ingredient and allergen information for that particular product rather than assuming the whole Natural Evolution range has identical dietary suitability.

And then there's the banana ointment

Natural Evolution's Banana Ointment sits somewhat separately from the food range. It's a topical product rather than something you eat or add to recipes, so follow the directions and warnings supplied specifically with the ointment and check its ingredient list before use.

Not sure which green banana product you need?

A simple way to narrow it down is to start with what you want the product to do. If you're looking for an ingredient to use as a flour in cooking and baking, start with Green Banana Baking Flour. If your aim is to add resistant starch or fibre to your existing foods and drinks, look at the resistant starch and multifibre range instead. For protein, choose from the vegan protein products, while the baking mixes are the easiest option when you want a more ready-to-make recipe.