The global nut meals market is on track to expand by a substantial USD 1.90 billion between 2024 and 2028, clocking a CAGR of 4.5%. This surge underscores not just a shift in consumer food preferences but a broader transformation toward nutrient-dense, convenient, and clean-label snacking options. In this 2025 Outlook and Comprehensive Guide, we examine the driving forces behind this growth, highlight key opportunities and risks, and deliver strategic insights for stakeholders across the food, nutrition, and eCommerce ecosystems.For more details about the industry, get the PDF sample report for free
“Nutrient-rich, versatile, and aligned with modern dietary movements — nut meals have become a staple for today’s health-conscious consumer,” says Senior Analyst at Technavio, a registered dietitian and food market analyst. “Their rise is both a symptom and a solution to the changing relationship people have with food.”
With millennials and working professionals prioritizing healthy snacking and quick meal solutions, nut meals — ground forms of nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts — are meeting the moment. These products are prized for their high protein, fiber, and healthy fat content and are widely used in paleo, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
Millennials have emerged as the most influential demographic shaping the nut meals market. Their preferences lean heavily toward functional foods that support holistic health — particularly weight management, heart health, and energy balance. Products like almond meal and walnut meal are increasingly used in protein bars, nutty desserts, and baking mixes.
“These consumers view food as medicine,” notes Senior Analyst at Technavio. “They want every bite to do more — to fuel, heal, and sustain.”
With over 90% internet penetration in the United States and the steady rise of eCommerce (now over 12% of global retail), nut meal companies are riding the wave of direct-to-consumer models. Online channels allow for customizable bundles, subscription models, and targeted marketing — making it easier to reach niche consumer segments like gluten-free or vegan eaters.
Nut meals have made their mark as potent alternatives to processed flours. Rich in micronutrients and healthy fats, they support stable blood sugar levels and provide lasting satiety. Popular examples include:
Almond Meal: High in vitamin E and magnesium.
Walnut Meal: Excellent omega-3 source.
Hazelnut Meal: Dense in antioxidants and folate.
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High protein and fiber content
Gluten-free and keto-friendly
Natural, clean-label appeal
Versatile applications in baking, bars, and spreads
Higher price point than conventional flours
Allergen risk for certain consumers
Shorter shelf life if not properly stored
Competition from coconut, rice, and oat flours
While demand for organic foods is rising, inorganic nut meals currently dominate the market due to affordability and accessibility. These products — though not USDA-certified — are often natural, raw, and minimally processed, offering a budget-friendly gateway into healthy eating.
The inorganic segment was valued at USD 6.42 billion in 2018 and continues to expand, particularly in the US online retail space. However, clean-label preferences are nudging brands to gradually incorporate organic offerings despite higher costs.
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The Nut Meals Market is expanding rapidly due to increased consumer demand for plant-based protein and gluten-free flour alternatives. Varieties such as almond meal, coconut meal, cashew meal, oat meal, flax meal, and hazelnut meal are gaining popularity in both retail and industrial baking sectors. Products like walnut meal, peanut meal, and pistachio meal are key components in nut-based snacks and baking ingredients due to their rich content of healthy fats and dietary fiber. With the rise of health-conscious diets, nut flour is also being adopted in paleo diet, keto baking, and vegan baking. Other innovations include nut meal blends, functional foods, and health supplements incorporating macadamia meal, protein powder, and organic nuts. The market also includes niche segments like nut meal cosmetics, nut butter, nut milk, and products that emphasize clean-label products, sustainable nuts, and allergen-free flour.
Accounting for 45% of global growth, North America remains the powerhouse of the nut meals market. In the United States, consumer interest in health-forward, protein-rich snacks has driven sales of almond butter, peanut flour, and cashew-based baked goods.
Diversify product portfolios: Combine affordability of inorganic nut meals with premium organic SKUs to appeal to different price sensitivities.
Leverage eCommerce: Partner with influencers and nutritionists to grow digital presence.
Invest in product innovation: Flavored nut meals, protein-rich mixes, and on-the-go formats can attract repeat buyers.
Target niche segments: Vegan, paleo, and gluten-free consumers are key micro-markets with high lifetime value.
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Despite promising trends, the market is not without its hurdles. The primary challenge remains competition from other alternative flours, such as coconut, chickpea, and rice flour, all of which also cater to gluten-free preferences.
Additionally, price sensitivity poses a barrier to widespread adoption, especially for premium organic variants. Supply chain disruptions in nut production due to climate variability may also affect pricing and availability.
Looking ahead, the nut meals market is expected to benefit from:
Technological advances in food processing that enhance texture and flavor retention
Rising consumer education on the nutritional benefits of nut-based flours
Increased adoption in the HoReCa sector (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés), where nut-based pastries and desserts are gaining popularity
As more consumers seek multifunctional foods that deliver on both taste and health, nut meals are well-positioned to become a household staple rather than a niche option.
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Food brands should invest in R&D to develop flavor-forward, nutrient-dense nut meal innovations.
Retailers must optimize online user experience — including recipe ideas, nutrition facts, and subscription models.
Marketers need to highlight benefits such as heart health, satiation, and gluten-free credentials prominently in product messaging.
Investors should monitor emerging players that blend sustainability, clean-label trends, and digital-first strategies for maximum ROI.
Recent research focuses on the application and innovation in nut meal recipes, particularly in trail mixes, snack bars, and confectionery nuts designed for weight management and heart health. With consumer interest shifting toward vegan snacks and nut meal substitutes, there's a notable increase in demand for flavored almonds, sprouted nuts, and roasted nuts across various global markets. Research has also emphasized the importance of nut meal packaging in preserving nutritional value and enhancing shelf life, particularly in clean-label and eco-friendly segments. Furthermore, product development is exploring new uses of nut meals in functional nutrition and food innovation, ensuring their place in diverse health-centric categories.
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As the nut meals market marches toward USD 1.90 billion in new value by 2028, the window for early movers and innovators is wide open. Whether you're a product developer, brand strategist, or retail executive, now is the time to carve out your position in this high-growth sector.
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