Nuts and seeds are considered nutritionally dense foods as they pack a large amount of nutrients into a small serving size. They are a good source of plant-based protein, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans. Rich in fibre, nuts can help regulate digestion and keep feeling full for longer. Nuts are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E, magnesium, potassium and calcium, too.
Nuts are becoming increasingly popular as a source of plant-based protein due to the rise in popularity of vegan diets and a focus on consuming clean and nutritious foods. The number of vegans in the US has increased 600% in the last three years, according to a report by Global Data. The demand for plant-based protein sources is increasing as more people adopt vegetarian and vegan diets, creating a large market for nut-based products such as nut milk, nut butter and protein powders. According to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, the global nut market was valued at over $50 billion in 2020, with almonds being the most consumed nut in the world.
While artificially flavoured snacks may provide a quick snack option, they do not provide the same level of health benefits as natural or minimally processed nuts and seeds. Artificially flavoured snacks, such as processed chips and crackers, are often stripped of important nutrients like dietary fibre and antioxidants. They also typically contain added salt, sugar and unhealthy fats, making them a less healthy option. Traditional Indian snacks are often fried and contain high amounts of refined saturated fats from the use of vegetable oils, such as palm oil, which can lead to various health problems. Consuming large amounts of saturated fats has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular problems. In contrast, nuts and seeds contain heart-healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help improve cardiovascular health.
Eating nuts and seeds in their natural or minimally processed state can help you get the most out of their nutritional benefits. Similar to nuts and seeds, berries are also a good snack option because they are low in calories and high in antioxidants. Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, are rich in antioxidants, making them a nutritious snack option. However, it is important to watch out for berries that are heavily loaded with sugar as this can significantly increase the calorie content and negate the health benefits of eating berries.
The price point of snacks plays a crucial role in the market and, historically, nuts have been more expensive compared to less nutritious alternatives. However, with advancements in supply-side and large-scale processing improvements, the cost of nutritious snacks, including nut-based products, has been driven down. This has made them more accessible to consumers with a wider range of affordable nut and seed-based snacks available in stores. Indian companies are investing in the development and production of affordable nut-based snacks, in response to the growing demand for healthy and sustainable snack options. The nut and seed-based snack market has seen significant growth in recent years in India with the increasing popularity of products such as almond milk, cashew butter, and chia seeds.
The Indian market for plant-based protein sources, including nut-based products, is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, a report by Zion Market Research projects that the Indian plant-based protein market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 18.6% from 2020 to 2027 as more people adopt vegetarian and vegan diets.
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As more consumers seek out nutritious and sustainable snacks, the nut-based snack market is expected to continue to grow in India and offer a wide range of affordable and accessible options.
(Shalin Khanna is co-founder and CMO, ProV Foods)
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