MODESTO, Calif., November 6, 2023 – In an era marked by evolving consumer preferences and shifting market dynamics, almonds have retained their crown as the #1 nut in new product introductions worldwide, according to an Innova Market Insights report on 2022 product introductions.1
Product developers introduced over 12,000 new products featuring almonds globally in 2022. Almonds’ prominence in new product introductions signals the ingredient’s enduring relevance and appeal to product developers, as well as consumers across the world.
Almonds have been the most popular nut for new product introductions since 2006, according to Innova Market Insights. In 2022, confectionery, bakery, snacks, bars, cereals, and dairy were the top categories for almonds and accounted for a substantial 87% of total almond product introductions.
Snack introductions with almonds experienced 10% growth compared to 2021, spurred by significant increases in Latin America (+47%) and Asia-Pacific (+16%). Almonds are the most-used nut in new dairy introductions by a wide margin, and the number of health and choice claims in dairy introductions with almonds is considerably higher than claims on overall dairy introductions.
“Almonds have stood the test of time as a hero ingredient,” says Harbinder Maan, Associate Director of Trade Marketing and Stewardship at the Almond Board of California. “When you look at how almonds are being used in new product development, it’s clear that their natural and well-rounded nutrition package, as well as their versatility make them an indispensable ingredient.”
Smaller but fast-growing categories for almonds in 2022 included soups (+46%), soft drinks (+22%), and sports nutrition (+16%). The top texture claims for almonds vary across categories, but creamy and crunchy continue to be the most popular claims. Almonds are also the #1 nut of choice for new products featuring plant-based, vegan and vegetarian claims.
Almonds are a nutrient-rich and heart-healthy ingredient. Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. When compared ounce for ounce, almonds are the tree nut highest in vitamin E and riboflavin, and a one-ounce serving of almonds provides six grams of protein, four grams of fiber, 13g of unsaturated fat and only 1g of saturated fat.
“New product introductions show almonds have the ability to adapt to fit the transforming needs of diverse segments,” says Lu Ann Williams, co-founder and Global Insights Director at Innova Market Insights. “In today’s competitive market, it’s more important than ever to cater to multiple demands.”
In food and beverage innovation, almonds are poised to provide manufacturers a canvas for creativity for years to come. Almonds are available in over 14 versatile ingredient forms, making them a useful and adaptable ingredient across a variety of product categories. From whole almonds to almond flour, almond butter, almond milk and more, almond ingredients meet the needs of product developers seeking inventive solutions that appeal to modern consumers.
