Nuts appear to offer an impressive array of benefits — they are packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and provide a satisfying crunch and flavor. Additionally, they are convenient, portable, adaptable, and versatile. However, their primary drawbacks include a high calorie content and the presence of saturated fat. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered the “good fats,” which, when consumed in moderation and used to replace unhealthy saturated and trans fats, may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
As this trend gains momentum, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into their products or transforming them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy shifted from processing cow’s milk to producing beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly growing organic food producer WhiteWave, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands, which both offer almond milk and cashew milk. Furthermore, Milkadamia launched its line of macadamia nut-based refrigerated beverages at Walmart in January.
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are also adding nuts into baked goods, bars, snacks, and cereals. Notably, almonds 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, as reported by Food Business News, while Post introduced Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
With the rise of snacking, particularly among health-conscious millennials who are opting for nutritious treats as meal supplements or replacements, nuts are well-positioned for ongoing growth. The attention that nut-based beverages garner for their source ingredients also benefits the industry. Considering the sustained popularity of nuts as snacks and the allure of products that include them, it’s challenging to foresee any competitors that could outpace them at this stage. However, factors like water shortages and environmental challenges might restrict annual harvests. For example, it takes about a gallon of water to grow a single almond, although California farmers, who produce 80% of the world’s almond crop, have developed conservation methods.
As long as nuts and nut-based products remain readily available and are effectively marketed — along with continued innovation from manufacturers using these adaptable ingredients — their market share is likely to keep rising. Additionally, incorporating supplements such as calcium citrate with vitamin D3, magnesium, and zinc tablets can further enhance the nutritional profile of consumers who enjoy nuts, making them an even more appealing choice in the health food market.