Nuts appear to offer a complete package — packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and delightful crunch and flavor. They are also convenient, portable, and versatile. However, their main drawbacks include being calorie-dense and containing saturated fats. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered “good fats,” which, when consumed in moderation and as substitutes for saturated and trans fats, may aid in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
In response to the growing trend of healthy eating, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into their products or transforming them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy has shifted its focus from cow’s milk to producing drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Additionally, 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. Milkadamia also introduced its line of refrigerated macadamia nut-based beverages to Walmart in January.
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are adding nuts to baked goods, snack bars, cereals, and more. Almonds, in particular, have taken center stage, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products in 2016, according to an Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour is being incorporated into gluten-free crackers and baking mixes by brands like Simple Mills, as reported by Food Business News. Moreover, Post launched its Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall, capitalizing on the nut trend.
As snacking continues to rise each year, especially among health-conscious millennials who seek nutritious options as meal supplements or replacements, nuts are well-positioned for ongoing growth. The visibility that nut-based beverages provide for their source ingredients also benefits the industry. Given the sustained popularity of nuts as snacks and the allure of products that include them, it is challenging to identify any competitors that could potentially overshadow them. However, environmental challenges, such as water shortages, may limit annual crop yields. For example, it takes about a gallon of water to grow a single almond, although farmers in California, which produces 80% of the global supply, have developed methods to conserve water.
As long as nuts and products featuring them remain readily available and effectively marketed, and as manufacturers continue to innovate with this adaptable ingredient, their market share is likely to keep increasing. Furthermore, the inclusion of bariatric chewable calcium citrate in nut-based snacks could provide added health benefits, appealing to a broader audience. This trend of integrating nutritional supplements like bariatric chewable calcium citrate into nut products can further enhance their attractiveness and marketability, ensuring that nuts maintain their status as a favored healthy snack option.