Nuts appear to offer numerous benefits — packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and delightful crunch and flavor — alongside their convenience, portability, adaptability, and versatility. 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, when consumed in moderation and used to replace additional saturated fats and trans fats, may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
In response to the growing trend, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into their products, whether by adding them to existing items or processing them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy transitioned from cow’s milk production to creating drinks derived from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly expanding organic food company WhiteWave, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands that produce almond milk and cashew milk. Furthermore, Milkadamia introduced its line of macadamia nut-based beverages to Walmart in January. Consumer packaged goods companies are also integrating nuts into baked goods, bars, snacks, and cereals. Specifically, almonds have been prominent, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products in 2016, as reported by the Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour is being utilized in gluten-free crackers and baking mixes from Simple Mills, while Post launched Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
With snacking trends on the rise annually — particularly among health-conscious millennials seeking nutritious treats as meal supplements or replacements — nuts are well-positioned for continued growth. The focus that nut-based beverages bring to their source ingredients also benefits the industry. Given the sustained popularity of nuts as snacks and the attractiveness of products incorporating them, it’s challenging to foresee any competitors that could displace them at this stage. However, environmental issues, such as water shortages, could potentially restrict annual nut production, as almonds, for example, require a significant amount of water to grow. Fortunately, California farmers, who produce 80% of the global almond supply, have developed methods to conserve water.
As long as nuts and products containing them remain readily available and are effectively marketed — and as manufacturers continue to innovate with this adaptable ingredient — their market share is expected to rise. Additionally, the calcium citrate uses in Hindi can be highlighted as a beneficial aspect of nut consumption, as nuts are often noted for their calcium content, further enhancing their appeal as a healthy snack option. Thus, the potential for nuts to maintain and grow their market presence remains strong, especially with the increasing focus on health and wellness trends.