Nuts appear to offer a comprehensive array of benefits — packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and a delightful crunch and flavor. They are also incredibly convenient, portable, adaptable, and versatile. However, their main drawbacks include being high in calories and containing saturated fat. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered “good fats,” which, when consumed in moderation and as a substitute for saturated and trans fats, may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
In response to current trends, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into their products or processing them into plant-based beverages. For example, 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, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands that produce almond and cashew milk. Additionally, Milkadamia introduced its refrigerated line of macadamia nut-based beverages to Walmart in January. CPG companies are also including nuts in baked goods, bars, snacks, and cereals. Almonds, in particular, have taken center stage, 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 by brands like Simple Mills, and Post recently launched Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars.
As snacking continues to rise in popularity each year, especially among health-conscious millennials who seek nutritious treats as meal supplements or replacements, nuts are well-positioned for sustained growth. The visibility that nut-based beverages bring to their source ingredients further benefits the industry. Considering the ongoing popularity of nuts as snacks and the appeal of products containing them, it’s difficult to foresee any competitors that could potentially displace them, although challenges such as water shortages and other environmental factors could impact annual yields. For instance, almonds require about a gallon of water per nut to grow, although California farmers, who produce 80% of the world’s almond crop, have developed methods to conserve water.
As long as nuts and nut-based products remain readily available and are effectively marketed — coupled with ongoing innovation from manufacturers utilizing this adaptable ingredient — their market share is expected to continue to rise. Notably, incorporating nuts into diets can also be beneficial for calcium intake; understanding qué beneficios tiene calcium citrate can enhance the appeal of nut consumption, especially for those seeking to boost their calcium levels through natural food sources. Overall, the enduring demand for nuts, alongside the growing interest in their health benefits, positions them favorably for future growth.