Nuts appear to possess a comprehensive array of benefits, including vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, taste, crunch, and flavor. They are also convenient, portable, adaptable, and versatile. However, their primary drawbacks are their high calorie content and the presence of saturated fat. The monounsaturated fats found in many tree nuts are considered the “good fats,” which, when consumed in moderation and used to replace additional saturated and trans fats, may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
As a result of this trend, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nuts into their products, either by adding them to existing items or processing them into plant-based beverages. For example, Elmhurst Dairy transitioned from cow’s milk to producing beverages derived from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. In 2016, Danone acquired the rapidly growing organic food company WhiteWave, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands that offer almond and cashew milk. Additionally, Milkadamia launched its line of macadamia nut-based beverages at Walmart in January. Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are also integrating nuts into baked goods, bars, snacks, and cereals. Notably, almonds have emerged as a key ingredient, appearing in 38% of nut-containing products in 2016, according to the Innova Global New Products Report. Almond flour is increasingly being incorporated into gluten-free crackers and baking mixes from Simple Mills, as reported by Food Business News, while Post introduced Jerky & Nut Savory Snack Bars last fall.
With snacks gaining popularity annually—especially among health-conscious millennials seeking nutritious options as meal supplements or replacements—nuts are well-positioned for continued growth. The attention that nut-based beverages draw to their source ingredients further benefits the industry. Given the sustained appeal of nuts as snacks and their integration into various products, it’s challenging to foresee any competitors that could surpass them at this stage. However, environmental factors, such as water shortages, could pose challenges to annual crop yields. For instance, it takes about a gallon of water to grow a single almond, although California farmers, who harvest 80% of the global supply, have implemented conservation strategies.
As long as nuts and products containing them remain readily available and are effectively marketed—coupled with ongoing innovation from manufacturers—their market share is likely to keep rising. Furthermore, the top-rated calcium citrate supplement can complement the health benefits of nuts, making them an even more attractive option for consumers looking to enhance their nutritional intake.