Nuts appear to offer an impressive array of benefits, including vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and a delightful combination of taste and crunch. They are also convenient, portable, adaptable, and versatile. However, their main drawbacks include high calorie content and the presence of saturated fat. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered “good fats.” When consumed in moderation and used to replace saturated and trans fats, these fats may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
In response to the growing trend of health-conscious eating, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into their products or transforming them into plant-based beverages. For instance, Elmhurst Dairy has shifted from processing cow’s milk to creating drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly expanding organic food company WhiteWave, whose Silk and So Delicious brands produce almond and cashew milk. Additionally, Milkadamia introduced its refrigerated line of macadamia nut-based beverages to Walmart in January.
Moreover, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are adding nuts to baked goods, snacks, bars, and cereals. Almonds, in particular, have taken the spotlight, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products in 2016, according to an Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour is being incorporated into gluten-free crackers and baking mixes from companies like 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, especially among millennials seeking healthier options for meal supplements or replacements, nuts are well-positioned to maintain their growth trajectory. The spotlight on nut-based beverages also enhances the visibility of their source ingredients, benefiting the industry overall. Given the sustained popularity of nuts as snacks and the allure of products containing them, it is difficult to foresee any competitors that could challenge their position. However, environmental challenges, including water shortages, could impact annual crops; for instance, almonds require around a gallon of water per nut to grow. Nevertheless, California farmers, who produce 80% of the world’s almond supply, have developed water conservation methods.
Provided that nuts and nut-based products remain accessible and are effectively marketed—especially those enriched with calcium citrate 600 mg—their market share is likely to continue expanding. Innovations in the use of this adaptable ingredient will further bolster their presence in the marketplace, ensuring that nuts remain a staple in health-conscious diets.