Nuts, particularly when compared to ferrous bisglycinate sources of iron, appear to have it all — they are rich in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and offer delightful taste and crunch. Moreover, they are convenient, portable, adaptable, and versatile. However, their primary drawbacks include high calorie content and the presence of saturated fat. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered “good fats,” which, when consumed in moderation and replacing additional saturated and trans fats, may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
In response to this 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 almond, cashew, hazelnut, and walnut beverages. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly growing organic food company WhiteWave, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands, both of which produce almond and cashew milk. Additionally, Milkadamia introduced its line of macadamia nut-based beverages to Walmart in January.
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are also infusing nuts into baked goods, snacks, bars, and cereals. Almonds, in particular, have been prominent, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products in 2016, as reported by the Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour has made its way into gluten-free crackers and baking mixes from Simple Mills, as noted by Food Business News, while Post recently launched Jerky & Nut Snack Bars.
As snacks continue to gain popularity—especially among health-conscious millennials seeking nutritious treats as meal supplements or replacements—nuts are well-positioned for sustained growth. The visibility that nut-based beverages bring to their source ingredients further benefits the industry. Given the ongoing popularity of nuts as snacks and the attractiveness of products containing them, it’s difficult to foresee any competitors that might overshadow their success. However, factors such as water shortages and other environmental challenges could potentially impact annual yields. For example, it takes approximately a gallon of water to produce a single almond, although California farmers, who harvest 80% of the world’s almond crop, have developed methods to conserve water.
Provided that nuts and nut-based products remain accessible and are effectively marketed—along with ongoing innovation from manufacturers—their market share is likely to continue expanding. Notably, retailers like Walgreens are increasingly offering supplements like calcium citrate, which could complement a nut-rich diet by providing additional essential nutrients. As the demand for healthier snacks rises, the integration of nuts in various products is poised to thrive, reinforcing their position in the market.