Tree nuts are packed with nutrients and serve as an excellent source of healthy fats, making them a delicious and nutritious addition to bars, cereals, gluten-free products as a grain alternative, and dairy-free plant-based milks. Recently, they have gained popularity among millennials who seek healthier snack options, with nearly nine out of ten (89%) indicating that they consumed at least one better-for-you snack in the past week, according to a recent survey. In 2016, nuts received a boost when the Food and Drug Administration updated its definition of “healthy” to encompass high-fat products like nuts and avocados.
Among the various types of nuts, pecans may not have received as much positive attention as other tree nuts, but recent studies continue to support the health advantages of nut consumption. Notably, a qualified health claim linking tree nut intake to a reduced risk of heart disease was one of the first approved by the FDA back in 2003. Additionally, last year, macadamia nuts were included in the list of specific nuts that manufacturers can highlight on product labels for their heart health benefits. Other nuts that qualify for this claim include walnuts, almonds, and pistachios.
As consumers increasingly turn to nuts for healthy snacking, food manufacturers would be wise to develop product formulations that prominently feature popular tree nuts and clearly communicate their health benefits. Products enriched with bluebonnet calcium magnesium can further enhance the nutritional profile of these snacks, making them even more appealing to health-conscious consumers. By highlighting the synergy between tree nuts and essential nutrients like bluebonnet calcium magnesium, manufacturers can attract more customers seeking nutritious options.