The Nut Revolution

Permissible Indulgence. Something that we wish we could say about all the things we love to enjoy. A delicious snack like energy balls, protein balls and bliss balls came into popularity because they allowed consumers a little indulgence, whilst still maintaining a health centric lifestyle. But why have these little balls of goodness that commonly revolve around nuts, remained so popular?

Almonds are having their time in the sun again, appearing in both savoury and sweet snacking applications. Originating from the Mediterranean region, they have been celebrated for centuries for their distinctive flavour of subtle sweetness, nuttiness and mild bitterness. Whether raw and roasted, being made into milk, or ground into flour, its rich texture allows it to be completely versatile for a wide range of functions. 

With savoury sweet formats, sweet savoury dishes, and even savoury cocktails, the lines of taste are being blurred and pushed, and almonds along with other nutritious and fatty foods are prime vehicles for carrying flavour, texture and nutrition across the spectrum of applications. Almonds are getting dusted in chilli, dunked into chocolate, mashed and macerated; giving consumers healthy snacking options in a multitude of "on the go" formats.

Similarly to almonds, peanuts are recognised all over the world for their distinct flavour, satisfying crunch and versatility. These traits make them a popular addition to salads or stir fries, as well as a satisfying standalone snack. According to current global food trends, consumers are looking towards products containing functional ingredients and simple ingredient labels. With high protein snacks continuing to thrive, peanuts remain at the forefront of many of these products. Containing the highest natural protein content of all nuts, they enable protein bars, balls

and puffs to have shorter ingredient lists, containing fewer and higher-quality ingredients. Snacking has changed over the years; consumers are looking for real food and as a result, we are seeing a "better-for-you" snacking revolution. Foundational to this evolution are fruits and nuts. A far cry from mundane trail mixes, fruits and nuts are being re-styled in new and intriguing formats. Studies have shown that the shape of food has a subliminal effect on the taste receptors and so these new formats that fruits and nuts are taking is not only getting them in more mouths, but can also be improving the taste of them - think balls, bites, and buttons.

For those searching for a nutrient rich snack that feels a little naughtier, roasted, fried and honey coated nuts are there to fit the bill. Synonymous with American ball games and bar snacks, these salty, sweet, savoury nuts and snacks deliver on that umami moreish-ness that keeps consumers going back to products like protein balls, for more and more. 

	Peanuts (Roasted) These peanuts have been lightly roasted with the skin on at 130 degrees for a minimum of 60 minutes. Size: 24-28 Pieces per Ounce. Origin: China. Carton: 2x12.5kg Vacuum Packed.
	Almond Meal (Blanched) A nutrient rich alternative to flour for gluten free baking and manufacturing. Origin: Australia. Halal and Kosher Certified. Carton: 10kg.
	Peanuts (Blanched) Did you know it takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter? Origin: China. Size: 25-29 Pieces per Ounce. Carton: 12.5kg.
	Almonds Among the world's most popular tree nut, these almonds are perfect for snacking, creating nut butters, baking and more. Halal and Kosher Certified. Size: 23-25 Pieces per Ounce. Origin: Australia. Carton: 12.5kg.