Nuts appear to offer an impressive array of benefits, including vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, as well as taste, crunch, and flavor. They are also convenient, portable, adaptable, and versatile. However, their main drawbacks are their high calorie count 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 as substitutes for saturated and trans fats, are believed to 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 or transforming them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy has transitioned from processing cow’s milk to creating beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired WhiteWave, a rapidly growing organic food company known for its Silk and So Delicious brands that produce almond and cashew milk. Additionally, Milkadamia introduced its line of macadamia nut-based beverages to Walmart in January.
Consumer packaged goods companies are also adding nuts to baked goods, snack bars, cereals, and other snacks. Almonds, in particular, have emerged as a leading ingredient, 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 Simple Mills, as reported by Food Business News, and Post recently launched Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars.
With the increasing popularity of snacks—especially among health-conscious millennials seeking nutritious options as meal supplements or substitutes—nuts are well-positioned for continued growth. The rise of nut-based beverages further highlights their source ingredients, benefiting the overall industry. Given the sustained demand for nuts as snacks and the allure of products containing them, it is hard to foresee any competitors that could overshadow them at this time. However, environmental challenges, such as water shortages, could potentially impact annual crop yields. For example, it takes nearly a gallon of water to grow a single almond, 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 accessible and are effectively marketed—alongside continued innovations in this adaptable ingredient—their market share is likely to keep rising. Moreover, products like Citracal Forte, which incorporate nut elements or promote their health benefits, may also contribute to this positive trend, as consumers increasingly prioritize nutrition in their dietary choices.