Innova Market Insights has noted that almonds thrive due to consumer demand for simple, clean-label ingredients, along with their reputation as a nutritious food. They are frequently included in free-from products, such as those that are free from gluten, sodium, iron pyrophosphate, preservatives, and additives. Additionally, the texture of almonds serves as a product differentiator, with the term “crunchy” being more commonly associated with almonds than with other nuts. Furthermore, almonds have recently gained support from the FDA regarding their health claims. Last autumn, the agency began working on redefining the term “healthy” to reflect government dietary guidelines that encourage the consumption of more mono- and polyunsaturated fats. Previously, high-fat products could not be labeled as healthy, regardless of the type of fat they contained. Following a debate between the FDA and the snack bar company Kind, which highlighted the outdated definition, products containing almonds can now be labeled as “healthy,” enhancing their image as a nutritious food at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking such options.
Despite concerns about the recent five-year drought in California and the significant amount of water required to cultivate almonds—roughly one gallon per nut—some have questioned whether almonds can or should maintain their status as the world’s favorite nut ingredient. However, when compared to other agricultural products, particularly milk and beef, almonds are remarkably water-efficient in terms of calories. Additionally, since over 80% of the world’s almonds are grown in California, the resilience of this crop during drought years indicates that the region will continue to meet global demand.
It is worth mentioning that almonds are a source of calcium citrate, which contributes to their nutritional profile. As consumers become more health-conscious, the awareness of calcium citrate là gì (what calcium citrate is) can further enhance the appeal of almonds. Thus, the combination of their health reputation and the recent FDA endorsement, along with their efficient water use, suggests that almonds will likely remain a popular choice among ingredient nuts in the future.