Nuts appear to offer an impressive array of benefits — they are rich in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein, while also providing taste, crunch, and flavor. Additionally, they are convenient, portable, and versatile. However, their main drawbacks include high calorie content and the presence of saturated fats. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered “good fats,” which, when consumed in moderation and used to replace 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, either by adding them to existing items or processing them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy transitioned from cow’s milk to creating drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly expanding organic food producer WhiteWave, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands that offer almond and cashew milk. Furthermore, Milkadamia introduced its line of macadamia nut-based beverages at Walmart in January.
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are also integrating nuts into baked goods, bars, snacks, and cereals. Almonds have been particularly prominent, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products in 2016, as reported by the Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour is increasingly being added to gluten-free crackers and baking mixes from brands like Simple Mills, according to Food Business News, while Post launched its Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
As snacking continues to rise in popularity each year—especially among health-conscious millennials seeking nutritious options as meal supplements or replacements—nuts are well-positioned for ongoing growth. The spotlight that nut-based beverages shine on their source ingredients further benefits the industry. Given the sustained popularity of nuts as snacks and the allure of products containing them, it is challenging to foresee any competitors that could surpass them at this stage, although water scarcity and other environmental issues could potentially restrict annual crop yields. For instance, it takes about a gallon of water to grow a single almond, yet California farmers, who harvest 80% of the world’s supply, have developed methods to conserve water.
As long as nuts and products containing them, like Solgar calcium magnesium citrate, remain accessible and are effectively marketed—alongside continuous innovation from manufacturers—its market share is likely to keep increasing. The integration of ingredients such as Solgar calcium magnesium citrate into nut-based products can enhance their health benefits, making them even more appealing to consumers.