The report by Importaco Nuts, ‘Trends and product development with nuts 2026′ in collaboration with Food Republik & Food Scouting, analyzes the evolution of the almond, peanut, hazelnut, cashew, and pistachio market.
In the first installment, we addressed nut consumption in households and how the habits of new generations have evolved. In this article, we will focus on innovations in flavour and experience.
How are brands innovating to adapt to new consumers?
With the aim of surprising consumers and offering added value that goes beyond nutritional benefits, texture, flavour, and the overall experience surrounding the product become key elements for connecting with consumers.
New textures in nuts
Texture in food, and especially in nuts, is key to building consumer loyalty. Traditionally, nuts are associated with a crunchy texture; however, new ways of playing with the mouthfeel are emerging.
- Reinvented Crunchiness. Extra crunch is achieved through the use of sugars, resulting in candied or even caramelized products, ideal for incorporating into bars or chocolates. This intense sensory experience when biting is often associated with freshness and product quality.
- Creamy Inside, Crunchy Outside. Combining different textures in the same product has become a trend.
- Multilayer Formats in Bars or Snacks. Several layers can be combined, for example: crunchy nuts and seeds covered by a smooth layer of peanut nougat or almond cream, and finally coated in chocolate, creating a unique flavour and texture experience.
Flavour combinations in nuts
Another line of innovation seeks to surprise the palate through flavour blends, combining the traditional with the modern or exotic, and going beyond the classic sweet-salty duality.
- Sweet + salty. Combinations like honey and salt, salted caramels, or chocolate and salt pair perfectly with nuts, creating extraordinary flavour experiences.
- Spicy and tangy. Inspired by international cuisines, surprising flavours emerge, such as cashews with Bloody Mary or Hot Honey, which add intensity and character.
- Smoky flavours. Smoked nuts offer complexity and depth, transforming the sensory experience and adding a gourmet touch.
- Traditional confectionery with innovation. Confectionery combines classic flavours with modern offerings, such as gianduja-style hazelnut chocolates with a hint of matcha or yuzu gel.
- Sour flavours and surprising elements. Some snacks aim to offer fun and unexpected sensations, such as chocolate with nuts and popping candy, or sour blends reminiscent of watermelon or cola.
New Markets and Cultures
Generation Z has become one of the most influential forces in current consumption. Curious, connected, and always seeking sensory experiences, they use food as a channel to “travel through their palates” to new destinations. Social media plays a key role in their eating habits, amplifying trends and unique experiences.
- Asian and Middle Eastern influences. Ingredients from other cultures are being incorporated into Western products, such as black sesame, providing novel and sophisticated flavours.
- Culinary innovation applied to snacks. New haute cuisine techniques are being transferred to the food industry, resulting in innovative and surprising solutions.
- Reinvented retro trends. Nostalgia is being reinvented through food, connecting with consumers’ emotions and memories.
In conclusion, innovations in flavour and experience not only respond to the demand for differentiation but also pave the way for increasingly emotional and aspirational consumption.
From multi-layered textures to exotic flavours driven by social media, nuts demonstrate their diversity and versatility, combining tradition and modernity. Every bite becomes an opportunity to surprise the consumer and solidify their loyalty, showing that innovation and quality can go hand in hand.
Download the first full trend report: “Consumer trends: Changes in households and new generations.” Contact us for the full report.
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