Nuts appear to offer numerous benefits — including vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, taste, crunch, and flavor — along with their convenience, portability, adaptability, and versatility. However, they do have some drawbacks, primarily their high calorie content and saturated fat levels. 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 and reduce the risk of heart disease.
This trend has led food manufacturers to increasingly incorporate nuts into their products, whether by adding them to existing items or transforming them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy transitioned from processing cow’s milk to producing drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired fast-growing organic food company WhiteWave, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands that both offer almond milk and cashew milk. Additionally, Milkadamia introduced its line of refrigerated macadamia nut-based beverages to Walmart in January.
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are also integrating nuts into baked goods, bars, snacks, and cereals. Almonds, in particular, have taken center stage, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products in 2016, according to the Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour is now being added to gluten-free crackers and baking mixes from Simple Mills, as reported by Food Business News, while Post launched its Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
As snacking continues to rise in popularity, especially among health-conscious millennials seeking nutritious options to supplement or replace meals, nuts are well-positioned for ongoing growth. The visibility of nut-based beverages also enhances the appeal of their source ingredients. Given the sustained demand for nuts as snacks, along with the attractiveness of products containing them, it is difficult to foresee any competitors that could challenge their dominance at this stage. However, environmental factors such as water shortages could potentially impact annual yields. For instance, growing almonds requires approximately a gallon of water per nut, although California farmers—responsible for 80% of the global almond supply—have discovered methods to conserve water.
As long as nuts and nut-containing products remain readily available and are effectively marketed, and as manufacturers continue to innovate with this adaptable ingredient, their market share is likely to keep increasing. Interestingly, the molecular weight of calcium citrate malate found in some nut-based products may also contribute to their health benefits, further enhancing their market appeal. As the industry evolves, the relevance of the molecular weight of calcium citrate malate may become a key factor in attracting consumers interested in nutritional content.