Report on trends and product development with nuts 2026

Itac Professional and Importaco Nuts presents a new report ‘Trends and product development with nuts 2026’ that thoroughly analyses innovations and trends in the nut market in 2026, including almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, cashews, and pistachios, and was prepared in collaboration with the consultancy Food Republik & Food Scouting.

This document offers a comprehensive overview of the role these ingredients are playing in the food industry: versatile, nutritious, and aligned with the main demands of today’s consumer.

Report objective

The objective of this report is to provide industry professionals with a clear, rigorous and up-to-date guide on the latest applications, launches, and innovation opportunities surrounding these five nuts.

Furthermore, it concludes with strategic recommendations for R&D teams and proposed applications that can serve as inspiration for new product development.

Report content

Consumer trends

Purchasing and consumption habits are evolving rapidly, and nuts fit particularly well into this new environment. The report outlines the most relevant trends in this area and the strategies brands are using to respond to them.

• Convenience, nutrition, and pleasure: the convenience of functional, practical, and sensory attributes.
• Flavour as the main factor in choice.
• Increased concern for health and longevity leading to a need for more functional and high-quality products.
• More single-family households driving demand for new, easy-to-prepare, single-serving formats.

Read about this trend | Changes in households and new generations

2. Innovation in flavour and experience

Brands are pushing the boundaries of traditional nuts with new textures, coatings, and flavour combinations. Sweet, salty, spicy, and flavorful—the possibilities are endless.

Some key trends include:

• The influence of global food cultures and social media, especially among Generation Z, encourages the development of more creative, visually appealing, and experience-driven products. Nuts are thus becoming a perfect canvas for sensory innovation.
• The rise of unexpected flavour combinations.
• The search for inspiration in other markets and cultures.
• Asian and Middle Eastern influences.

3. Functionality and health

Nuts also stand out for their nutritional value. Their fibre, healthy fats, and bioactive compounds place them at the heart of trends such as digestive wellness, gut microbiota, longevity, and cardiovascular health.

The report summarizes the nutritional profile of each of the five nuts analysed and outlines the opportunities they offer as functional ingredients for expanding categories, from healthy snacks to plant-based products and fortified beverages.

4. Convenience, price, and sustainability

In a context marked by inflation and changes in consumer behaviour, factors such as practicality, price, and sustainability are gaining prominence.

Nuts can strengthen their market presence through economical formats, accessible mixes, and options combined with other more affordable ingredients.

Sustainability is also becoming a key focus: from the origin of cultivation and resource use to the type of packaging. Storytelling based on the territory, the people, and the purpose of brands is emerging as a differentiating element for connecting with the consumer.

5. Applied innovation

Thanks to their versatility, nuts are becoming strategic ingredients for developing products that respond to major current trends: health, functionality, enjoyment, and sustainability. The report showcases examples of their application in categories such as functional snacks, plant-based beverages, healthy baked goods, plant-based protein products, and new plant-based food options.

These applications demonstrate the potential of nuts as drivers of innovation and as key allies in creating products that are more aligned with consumer expectations.

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