Nuts appear to offer a comprehensive array of benefits — rich in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, as well as taste, crunch, and flavor. They are also convenient, portable, adaptable, and versatile. However, their primary drawbacks include high calorie content and the presence of saturated fat. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered “good fats,” which can, when consumed in moderation and as substitutes for additional saturated and trans fats, aid in lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease.
In light of recent trends, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into their products, whether by adding them to existing items or transforming them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy has shifted from processing cow’s milk to producing almond, cashew, hazelnut, and walnut-based drinks. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly growing organic food company WhiteWave, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands, both of which offer almond and cashew milk. Moreover, Milkadamia introduced its line of refrigerated macadamia nut beverages to Walmart in January.
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are also integrating nuts into baked goods, bars, snacks, and cereals. Almonds, in particular, have played a significant role, appearing in 38% of nut-inclusive products in 2016, according to the Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour is being utilized in gluten-free crackers and baking mixes by brands like Simple Mills, as reported by Food Business News, while Post launched Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
With snacking trends on the rise annually — especially among influential millennials seeking healthier options for meal supplements or replacements — nuts are well-positioned for ongoing growth. The focus on nut-based beverages also highlights their source ingredients, benefiting the industry further. Given the sustained popularity of nuts as snacks and the demand for products featuring them, it is difficult to foresee any competitors that could surpass them at this point. However, environmental challenges, such as water shortages, could potentially restrict annual yields; for instance, almonds require about a gallon of water per nut to grow. Fortunately, California farmers, who harvest 80% of the world’s almonds, have found conservation methods to address this issue.
As long as nuts and nut-containing products remain accessible and are marketed effectively — and manufacturers continue to innovate with this versatile ingredient — their market share is likely to grow. This is particularly relevant in the context of health trends, where products enriched with lifetime high potency calcium magnesium citrate can further enhance the appeal of nut-based offerings, ensuring that they remain a staple in health-conscious diets.