Flour milling and ingredient firm Ardent Mills announced the release of a new flour blend product line for keto and low net carb baked goods this week. The company said its Keto Certified Net Carb Flour Blend is the first major net carb flour blend to hit the market for food manufacturers.

“Interest in low-carbohydrate lifestyle continues to grow as consumers seek solutions that match their personal health values and preferences. And although this market is a great opportunity, it’s also a challenging environment for manufacturers,” said Ken Ruud, director of innovation for Ardent Mills, in a release. “Our Net Carb Flour Blend provides bakers with uncompromised formulations for keto and low net carb applications.”

Because the nut-free flour blend has gluten in it, food manufacturers can use the products in their existing equipment. Keto Certified Net Carb Flour Blend is available in a white all-purpose format or specialized flour blends for a number of bread and baked goods applications.

Recently keto certified by the Paleo Foundation, the products are non-GMO, dairy-free, vegan and have no added sugar.

“Our new Net Carb Flour Blend demonstrates Ardent Mills’ commitment to innovating and growing our portfolio with the needs of customers and consumers at the forefront,” the firm’s chief growth officer, Angie Goldberg, said in a statement. “We’re passionate about bringing the best tasting, on-trend solutions to manufacturers across the US and ultimately helping them deliver profitable growth.”

The global market for functional flours, which includes products like Ardent Mills’ Keto Certified Net Carb Flour Blend, is projected to hit a value of $46.67 billion by 2025, according to a recent forecast by business research and consulting firm IndustryArc. During the period, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.97%.

King Arthur Baking Company introduced a keto-friendly, low carb wheat flour in 2020 that has 4g net carbs per serving. Demand for almond flour has quietly grown over the last several years as consumers turn to healthier lifestyles and seek out low carb alternatives. Almond processor and marketer Blue Diamond Growers debuted its line of almond flour in the U.S. in 2015. Two years later, the firm added capacity for almond flour at its Salida, CA manufacturing complex. Blue Diamond said it needed to increase production because demand from food manufacturers and consumers reached “an all-time high.”