The Nutritious Power of Almonds

Consumer Demand for Healthy Choices

What: Overwhelmingly, consumers are seeking out healthy lifestyle options, leading to an increased awareness of nutrition labels and ingredients.

And as the demand for products without certain ingredients – gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free – and flexitarian and plant-forward diets become more mainstream, the market for clean label, plant-based ingredients continues to flourish.

Why Almonds? In general, health claims are featured more frequently on product introductions with almonds versus total food introductions¹.

Weight Management

What: For those seeking an easy, natural approach to nutrition and well-being, almonds are an ideal ingredient due to their healthy nutrient package including fibre, protein*, good fats and essential nutrients like magnesium and antioxidant vitamin E.

Plus, scientists at the US Department of Agriculture recently looked at the digestible calories provided by different forms of almonds – from whole and chopped almonds to almond butter – and the results were different from what traditional calorie data shows.***

UK consumers view almonds as the #1 nut for being healthy, with the majority attributing almonds as being nutritious, heart healthy², and high in protein³. Almonds keep people “satisfied” or fuller for longer due to their unique macronutrient profile of good fats, protein, and fibre.

Why Almonds? 71% of consumers agree that almonds are a healthy snack choice³.

Heart Smart & Good for Gut Health³

What: Almonds provide several key nutrients that contribute to cardiovascular health.

Evidence shows that high fibre intake, particularly soluble fibre, may help protect against several heart-related problems. With 4 grams of fibre in every healthy handful, almonds can help manage blood sugar and reduce levels of bad cholesterol.

Plus, initial research shows that almonds may have a prebiotic effect that may support the GI tract by increasing the diversity and modifying the composition of the gut microbiome⁴.

Why Almonds? Consumers view almonds the healthiest compared to all other nuts, and 59% of consumers classified almonds as heart healthy³.

Almonds Effect on Blood Sugar 

What: Several studies suggest that almonds can benefit individuals with type 2 diabetes because of their high magnesium levels, which plays an important role in glucose metabolism. Diets richer in magnesium are associated with significantly lower risk of diabetes.

Other research suggests that including almonds at breakfast may help stabilise blood sugar levels and feelings of fullness for the better part of the day.

Why Almonds? Research suggests that almonds may help to blunt sugar highs of high sugar foods immediately after consumption, making them a great option to include in confectionery, snacks or bars.

New Study Researches Almonds & Facial Wrinkles 

What:  A pilot study by the University of California-Davis investigated the impact of daily almond snacking on facial wrinkles in healthy, postmenopausal women. The promising findings have already inspired additional research to learn more about almonds and healthy skin.⁵  

Why Almonds? For consumers seeking a natural approach to health and well-being, almonds are appealing due to their overall healthy nutrient package, including essential fatty acids, polyphenols and antioxidant vitamin E. The vitamin E in almonds is alpha-tocopherol, which accounts for 90% of the vitamin E in human tissues⁶

Key Claims to Consider

What: As an all-natural ingredient, product developers can consider the following claims formulating with almonds**:

• Contains linoleic acid
• Good source of fiber
• No added sugar
• Good source of niacin
• Source of riboflavin
• Rich in antioxidant vitamin E
• High source of magnesium
• Source of manganese
• Naturally sodium free
• Healthy

Why Almonds? When shopping, 63% of consumers find that traffic light nutrition labels makes it easier to know if a snack is healthy⁷.

Additional Resources & Research

Not only are almonds a nutritious, in-demand ingredient, but the Almond Board itself is unparalleled in its expertise and the resources it develops for manufacturers looking to incorporate almonds into their products.

Manufacturers can contact the Almond Board directly with questions or to request information by emailing foodprofessionals@almonds.com

Explore even more ways that California almonds can add value to product development across snacking, chocolate, cereal and bakery.

You can also access 180+ pieces of available research within this database, including the latest consumer demand research, sustainability information, and inspirational recipe content, developed specifically for manufacturers.