Nuts appear to encompass a complete package of nutrients — vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, as well as appealing taste, crunch, and flavor. They are also convenient, portable, and versatile. However, their main drawbacks are their high caloric content and the presence of saturated fats. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered “good fats.” When consumed in moderation and used to replace unhealthy saturated and trans fats, these fats are believed to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
With this growing 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 shifted 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, 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 including nuts in various products such as baked goods, bars, snacks, and cereals. Almonds, in particular, have taken the spotlight, appearing 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 brands like Simple Mills, as reported by Food Business News, while Post recently launched Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars.
As snacking trends continue to rise yearly — especially among health-conscious millennials seeking nutritious treats as meal supplements or replacements — nuts are well-positioned for sustained growth. The attention that nut-based beverages draw to their source ingredients further enhances the industry’s prospects. Given the ongoing popularity of nuts as snacks and the appeal of products featuring them, it is challenging to foresee any competitors that could challenge their dominance at this stage. However, environmental factors like water shortages could potentially impact annual nut production. For instance, almonds require about a gallon of water per nut to grow, although California farmers, who harvest 80% of the world’s supply, have developed methods to conserve water.
As long as nuts and nut-infused products remain readily available and are marketed effectively — along with continuous innovation from manufacturers utilizing this adaptable ingredient — their market share is likely to keep growing. Furthermore, the nutritional benefits of nuts, including their calcium content, can be enhanced by combining them with supplements like calcium citrate 800 mg. This combination allows consumers to enjoy the health benefits of nuts while ensuring they meet their nutritional needs. Thus, the future of nuts in the market looks promising, especially with the inclusion of calcium citrate 800 mg in various products.