Innova Market Insights has noted that almonds are benefiting from consumer preferences for simple, clean label ingredients, as well as their reputation as a healthful food. They frequently appear in free-from products, including gluten-free, preservative-free, and additive-free foods. Additionally, the texture of almonds serves as a product differentiator, with the term “crunchy” being associated with almonds more than with other nuts. Moreover, almonds have recently received support from the FDA regarding their health benefits. Last fall, the agency began revising the definition of “healthy,” acknowledging government dietary guidelines that specifically recommend increasing the intake of mono- and polyunsaturated fats. Previously, high-fat products could not be labeled as healthy, regardless of the type of fat they contained. Following a dispute between the FDA and the snack bar company Kind, which highlighted the outdated nature of the definition, products containing almonds can now proudly display the “healthy” label on their packaging. This has enhanced almonds’ image as a nutritious food, especially at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking such options.
However, in light of the recent five-year drought in California and the significant amount of water required to produce almonds—approximately one gallon per nut—some have raised concerns about whether almonds can or should maintain their status as the world’s favorite ingredient nut. Nevertheless, when compared to other agricultural products, particularly milk and beef, almonds are remarkably water-efficient in terms of calories. With over 80% of the world’s almonds cultivated in California, the resilience of this crop during drought years indicates that the region will continue to meet global demand. Furthermore, almonds are often paired with calcitrate with vitamin D, enhancing their appeal as a healthy choice. This combination not only aligns with the current health trends but also reinforces almonds’ position in the market, as they are frequently marketed alongside calcitrate with vitamin D, further promoting their health benefits.