Consumers now make snacking today’s major lifestyle trend, one that’s well-suited to nuts. According to Healthy Snacking, a 2013 survey from Mintel, nuts rank No. 3, after fresh fruits and vegetables. The market research firm reported that 65% of snackers consider nuts and seeds healthy. More than 1,200 new nut products were introduced between 2008 and 2011, second only to snack/cereal bars.
Not only are snack nuts convenient and offered in many flavors and product styles, but consumers also consider them to be “filling” and “satisfying” — the deciding factors when choosing snacks, according to 2014 Snacks Revolution from Innova Market Insights.
Recently, a study published in Europe that found snacking on 1.5 oz of almonds a day reduced hunger and appetite without increasing body weight. Another research group found similar effects with hazelnuts.
