Nuts appear to offer an impressive array of benefits — packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and a delightful crunch and flavor. They are also convenient, portable, adaptable, and versatile. However, their main drawbacks include being calorie-dense and containing saturated fat. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered “good fats” that, when consumed in moderation and as a replacement for additional saturated and trans fats, may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
In response to growing trends, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into various products, including plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy transitioned from cow’s milk to producing drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly expanding organic foods company WhiteWave, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands that produce almond and cashew milk. Additionally, Milkadamia launched its refrigerated line of macadamia nut-based beverages at Walmart in January.
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are also adding nuts to baked goods, snack bars, cereals, and other products. Almonds, in particular, have taken center stage, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products in 2016, according to an Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour is being incorporated into gluten-free crackers and baking mixes by brands like Simple Mills, as reported by Food Business News, while Post introduced Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
As snacking continues to rise annually, particularly with health-conscious millennials seeking healthier treat options as meal supplements or replacements, nuts are well-positioned for ongoing growth. The emphasis on nut-based beverages also enhances the visibility of their source ingredients, benefiting the industry as a whole. Given the sustained popularity of nuts as snacks and in various products, it’s challenging to foresee competitors that could surpass them, although environmental challenges such as water shortages could potentially impact annual harvests. For example, it takes a gallon of water to grow a single almond, although Californian farmers — responsible for 80% of the world’s almond crop — have developed methods to conserve water.
As long as nuts and nut-containing products remain widely available and effectively marketed, and as manufacturers continue to innovate with these versatile ingredients, their market share is expected to keep rising. Importantly, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate 333 into nut-based products could further enhance their nutritional appeal, ensuring they maintain a prominent place in the health-focused marketplace.