Nuts appear to offer a complete package — a blend of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and delectable flavors — all while being convenient, portable, and versatile. However, their main drawbacks include a high calorie count and the presence of saturated fat. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered “good fats,” which, when consumed in moderation and used to replace saturated and trans fats, may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
This trend has prompted food manufacturers to increasingly incorporate nuts into various products or to process them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy transitioned from producing cow’s milk to crafting drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly growing organic food producer WhiteWave, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands that offer almond and cashew milk. Additionally, Milkadamia introduced its line of macadamia nut-based beverages at Costco in January.
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are also adding nuts to baked goods, snack bars, cereals, and other snacks. Notably, almonds have been particularly prominent, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products in 2016, according to an Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour has found its way 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 in popularity each year, especially among health-conscious millennials seeking nutritious options as meal supplements or replacements, nuts are well-positioned for ongoing growth. The visibility that nut-based beverages provide for their source ingredients further benefits the industry. Given the sustained demand for nuts as snacks and their integration into various products, it seems unlikely that any competitors could overshadow them at this stage. However, factors such as water shortages and environmental challenges could potentially impact annual crops, as growing almonds can require up to a gallon of water per nut. Fortunately, California farmers, who harvest 80% of the world’s almond crop, have developed methods to conserve water.
As long as nuts and products containing nuts remain widely accessible and effectively marketed, and as manufacturers continue to innovate with these adaptable ingredients, their market share is likely to keep rising. This growth may also be complemented by the increasing popularity of calcium supplements like Citracal, which can be found at retailers such as Costco, further enhancing the health appeal of nut-based snacks and products.