Beneficial Indulgence: Better-for-you Chocolate and Almonds

Year after year, almonds and chocolate find lasting love among global consumers. Chocolate with almonds fulfills market opportunities for nutritious, novel and feel-good indulgence. With over 14 versatile forms from chopped almonds to almond butter, almond paste and almond milk, it’s possible to deliver indulgent creamy, crispy, soft and smooth textures while benefitting from almonds’ healthy halo. Celebrate this perfect pair this Valentine’s Day by exploring trends in formulating with chocolate and almonds.

Did you know?

• Match made in heaven: North American confectionery products containing almonds and a health claim saw +14% compound annual growth rate (Nov 2016-Oct 2021)¹
• Setting the mood: Consumers feel almonds make chocolate more nutritious, crunchier, tastier, and something they feel less guilty about eating.²

Confections on the Cutting Edge

Global Chocolate Reports from Innova Market Insights and the Almond Board of California indicate the confectionery landscape is shifting in step with evolving consumer preferences. View this infographic to see global product examples and consumer insights that unveil key trends and market opportunities for the chocolate category. According to Innova Market Insights:

• Plant-based chocolate claims saw +18% average annual growth from 2016-2020, and almonds were the #1 nut for plant-based claims in 2020.¹
• In dairy-free chocolate, almond butter and almond milk create desired creamy, smooth, and soft textures.
• Almonds support new products with trending sleep, energy and mood claims as consumers report taking action to improve health & wellbeing.

Almonds in Action

Almonds are a whole food ingredient with a healthy nutrient package for consumers seeking an easy, natural approach to nutrition and well-being. One serving of almonds includes 4g of fiber and 6g of protein for satiety and sustained energy, seven essential vitamins and nutrients, 13g of “good” unsaturated fats and 1g of saturated fat, and 50 percent of the daily value for vitamin E— a powerful antioxidant that promotes skin health and supports immunity. The Almond Board of California partnered with Chef Jonathan Grahm of Compartés to develop three inspirational plant-based chocolate recipes informed by industry trends and consumer ingredient preferences.