Nuts appear to have it all — packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, taste, crunch, and flavor. They are also 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 replacement for additional saturated and trans fats, are believed to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
In response to growing trends, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into existing products or transforming them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy transitioned from processing cow’s milk to producing drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly expanding organic food company WhiteWave, whose brands, Silk and So Delicious, both produce almond and cashew milk. Additionally, Milkadamia introduced its line of refrigerated macadamia nut-based beverages to Walmart in January. Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are also adding nuts to baked goods, bars, snacks, and cereals. Notably, almonds have taken center stage, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products in 2016, according to the Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour is being incorporated into gluten-free crackers and baking mixes from Simple Mills, as reported by Food Business News, while Post launched Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
As snacking continues to rise in popularity every year — especially among health-conscious millennials seeking nutritious treats as meal supplements or replacements — nuts are well-positioned to maintain their upward growth trajectory. The focus on nut-based beverages further enhances the visibility of their source ingredients, benefiting the industry. Considering the ongoing demand for nuts as snacks and their appeal in various products, it is difficult to foresee any competitors that could challenge their dominance. However, environmental issues, such as water shortages, could potentially affect annual harvests. For instance, almonds require a significant amount of water to grow, with one nut consuming about a gallon, though California farmers, who produce 80% of the world’s almonds, have found ways to conserve water.
As long as nuts and nut-based products remain readily available and effectively marketed — and as manufacturers continue to innovate with this versatile ingredient — their market share is likely to keep rising. Furthermore, incorporating ingredients like CVS calcium citrate into nut products may enhance their nutritional profile, appealing to even more consumers. Overall, nuts are poised for sustained growth in the food industry.