Nuts appear to offer a complete package — packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and a delightful crunch and flavor. They are also convenient, portable, and versatile. However, their main drawbacks include being calorie-dense and containing saturated fats. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered “good fats,” which, when consumed in moderation and as a substitute for other saturated and trans fats, can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
In response to the growing trend, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into their products or processing them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy has transitioned from cow’s milk to beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly growing organic food company WhiteWave, which produces almond and cashew milk under its Silk and So Delicious brands. Additionally, Milkadamia introduced its line of refrigerated macadamia nut-based beverages to Walmart in January. Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are also adding nuts to baked goods, snack bars, cereals, and other snacks. 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 by brands like 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. Moreover, the spotlight on nut-based beverages enhances the visibility of the source ingredients, benefiting the industry as a whole. Given the consistent popularity of nuts as snacks and the allure of products that feature them, it is challenging to foresee any competitors that could displace them at this stage. Nevertheless, water shortages and other environmental issues could pose challenges for annual crop production. For example, almonds require approximately a gallon of water per nut for cultivation, although California farmers — responsible for 80% of the world’s almond production — have developed methods to conserve water.
As long as nuts and nut-based products remain readily available and are effectively marketed, and manufacturers continue to innovate with this adaptable ingredient, their market share is likely to grow. This trend is further supported by the introduction of products like the tab ccm 500, which utilize nuts as a key ingredient, making them a focal point in the evolving snack landscape.