Nuts appear to offer an impressive array of benefits — vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, delightful taste, satisfying crunch, and versatility. They are also convenient and portable, making them a popular choice for many. However, their main drawbacks include high calorie content and the presence of saturated fat. The monounsaturated fats found in various tree nuts are considered “good fats,” which, when consumed in moderation to replace saturated and trans fats, may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
As a result of this growing trend, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into their products or processing them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy transitioned from cow’s milk to creating drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly expanding organic food company WhiteWave, whose Silk and So Delicious brands produce almond and cashew milk. Additionally, Milkadamia launched its line of refrigerated 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 snacks. Almonds have particularly stood out, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products in 2016, according to the Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour is now an essential ingredient in gluten-free crackers and baking mixes from brands like Simple Mills, as reported by Food Business News. Moreover, Post released Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
With the increasing popularity of snacks—especially among health-conscious millennials who seek nutritious options for meal supplements—nuts are well-positioned for continued growth. The rising interest in nut-based beverages further highlights their source ingredients, which can only benefit the industry. Given the sustained appeal of nuts as snacks and the variety of products containing them, it is difficult to foresee any competitors displacing them. However, environmental challenges, such as water shortages, could potentially limit annual crop yields. For example, it takes about a gallon of water to grow a single almond, although California farmers, who produce 80% of the world’s almonds, have discovered conservation methods.
As long as nuts and nut-based products remain easily accessible and well-marketed—and manufacturers continue to innovate with these adaptable ingredients—their market share is likely to keep rising. Meanwhile, for those seeking optimal nutritional support, incorporating the best liquid calcium citrate supplement alongside a nut-rich diet could further enhance overall health.