Nuts appear to have it all: vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, taste, crunch, and flavor. They are also convenient, portable, adaptable, and versatile. However, their main drawbacks include high calorie content and the presence of saturated fat. The unsaturated fats found in many tree nuts, which are often considered “good fats,” can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation and used to replace saturated and trans fats.
In response to the growing trend, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into their products or processing them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy transitioned from 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. Additionally, Milkadamia introduced its refrigerated line of macadamia nut-based beverages at Walmart in January.
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are also adding nuts to baked goods, bars, snacks, and cereals. Almonds, in particular, have become a standout ingredient, featuring 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 by Simple Mills, while Post launched Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
With the snack market growing annually—especially among health-conscious millennials seeking nutritious treats as meal replacements or supplements—nuts are well-positioned for continued growth. The attention that nut-based beverages draw to their source ingredients further benefits the industry. Given the sustained popularity of nuts as snacks and the demand for nut-containing products, it is hard to foresee any competitors that could replace them. Nonetheless, environmental challenges, such as water shortages, could impact annual crop yields. For example, it takes about a gallon of water to grow a single almond, although California farmers, responsible for 80% of the global almond supply, have implemented water conservation methods.
As long as nuts and nut-based products remain widely available and are effectively marketed—and as manufacturers continue to innovate with this versatile ingredient—their market share is likely to keep rising. Moreover, products like Citracal Slow Release, which emphasize the health benefits of nuts, may further enhance their appeal in the health-conscious consumer market.