Nuts appear to offer a comprehensive array of benefits — packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and delightful flavor and crunch — while also being convenient, portable, and versatile. However, they do have some drawbacks, including their high calorie content and presence of saturated fat. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered “good fats,” which, when consumed in moderation and in place of additional saturated and trans fats, may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Reflecting this trend, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into their products or transforming them into plant-based beverages. Elmhurst Dairy has shifted its focus from cow’s milk to creating drinks derived from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly growing organic food company WhiteWave, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands, both of which produce almond milk and cashew milk. Additionally, Milkadamia introduced its line of macadamia nut-based beverages to Walmart in January. Consumer packaged goods companies are also integrating nuts into baked goods, bars, snacks, and cereals. Almonds, in particular, have been prominent, 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 from Simple Mills, as reported by Food Business News, while Post launched Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
As snacking continues to rise, especially among health-conscious millennials seeking nutritious treats as meal supplements or replacements, nuts are well-positioned for sustained growth. The spotlight that nut-based beverages shine on their source ingredients further benefits the industry. With the ongoing popularity of nuts as snacks and the appeal of products that include them, it is difficult to foresee any contenders that could challenge their dominance. However, environmental challenges such as water shortages could potentially affect annual yields; for instance, almonds require about a gallon of water per nut to grow. Fortunately, farmers in California, which produces 80% of the world’s almonds, have developed methods to conserve water.
As long as nuts and nut-based products remain accessible and are effectively marketed — particularly alongside supplements like calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 tablets to enhance their nutritional profile — and as manufacturers continue to innovate with this versatile ingredient, their market share is likely to keep increasing.