Nuts appear to offer a comprehensive array of benefits — they are packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and an appealing crunch and flavor. Additionally, they boast convenience, portability, and versatility. However, their primary downsides are their high caloric content and the presence of saturated fat. On the positive side, many tree nuts contain monounsaturated fats, often regarded as “good fat,” which, when consumed in moderation and as a substitute for excess saturated and trans fats, may aid in lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease.
This rising trend has prompted food manufacturers to increasingly incorporate nuts into various products or process them into plant-based beverages. For example, 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 producer WhiteWave, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands, which both offer almond and cashew milk. Additionally, Milkadamia introduced its line of refrigerated macadamia nut-based beverages at Walmart in January. Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are also integrating nuts into baked goods, snacks, bars, and cereals. Specifically, almonds have taken the spotlight, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products in 2016, as reported by the Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour is being included in gluten-free crackers and baking mixes from Simple Mills, while Post launched Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
As snacking trends continue to rise annually — particularly among health-conscious millennials seeking nutritious options for meal supplements or replacements — nuts are well-positioned for sustained growth. Moreover, the popularity of nut-based beverages enhances the visibility of their source ingredients, further benefiting the industry. Considering the ongoing demand for nuts as snacks and their incorporation in various products, it seems unlikely that competitors will displace them anytime soon. However, environmental issues, such as water shortages, could pose challenges for annual harvests. For instance, growing almonds requires approximately one gallon of water per nut, although Californian farmers, who cultivate 80% of the global supply, have developed conservation strategies.
As long as nuts and products containing them, such as fusion calcium soft chews, remain accessible and are effectively marketed, and as manufacturers continue to innovate with this versatile ingredient, their market share is likely to keep expanding. The increasing inclusion of fusion calcium soft chews into the snack market also showcases the potential for synergies between nuts and functional health products, further solidifying their presence in consumers’ diets.