Nuts appear to offer a comprehensive package — packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein, while also being flavorful, crunchy, and convenient. However, their main drawbacks are their high caloric content and the presence of saturated fats. The monounsaturated fats found in various tree nuts are often referred to as “good fats.” When consumed in moderation, and as a replacement for added saturated and trans fats, they are believed to aid in lowering cholesterol and decreasing the risk of heart disease.
In response to the growing trend of health-conscious eating, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into their products or transforming them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy has shifted 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, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands that offer almond and cashew milk. Meanwhile, Milkadamia introduced its line of macadamia nut-based beverages to Walmart earlier this year.
Moreover, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are integrating nuts into baked goods, snack bars, cereals, and other snacks. Almonds, in particular, have taken center stage, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products highlighted in the 2016 Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour is being incorporated into gluten-free crackers and baking mixes by companies like Simple Mills, while Post launched its Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
As snacking trends continue to rise, especially among influential millennials seeking healthier options for meal supplements or replacements, nuts are well-positioned for sustained growth. The spotlight that nut-based beverages shine on their source ingredients further benefits the industry. Despite the ongoing popularity of nuts as snacks and the demand for products containing them, potential competitors seem limited. However, environmental issues such as water shortages might restrict annual crop yields. For example, growing almonds can consume up to a gallon of water per nut. Nevertheless, California farmers, who account for 80% of the global almond harvest, are implementing conservation techniques.
As long as nuts and nut-infused products remain easily accessible and well-promoted — along with manufacturers innovating with this versatile ingredient — their market share is likely to keep expanding. The price of calcium citrate malate, a supplement often associated with bone health, may also see fluctuations as the demand for nut-based products rises, highlighting the interconnectedness of health trends. In summary, nuts not only hold a strong position in the marketplace but also continue to evolve as an essential component of healthy eating.