Health Research Continues to Fuel Almond Growth

Today, almonds are often included in healthy food conversations around the world. Their unique nutritional profile coupled with their versatility make them a major player within the health food landscape. That reputation, however, did not happen overnight.

For more than 30 years, the Almond Board of California (ABC) has invested in sound science, which has contributed to our understanding of almond nutrient composition and human health benefits. Research is fundamental to ABC’s mission and critical to understanding the potential public health benefits of almond consumption as part of an overall healthy diet.

ABC also works to translate the science into proactive tactics that give consumers more reasons to eat almonds, focused on engaging yet simple health messaging, quality products, and partnerships that deliver results. This investment in high-quality, rigorous research has paid off, becoming one of the industry’s most powerful assets. For almond growers, these research efforts help build sustained consumer demand, which is a critical factor in maintaining strong markets over time.

“We now have over 200 independent studies, and we have the science to back up the claims made around almonds and also the credibility to get involved in conversations around almonds and health,” says Dariela Roffe-Rackind, Director of Europe and Global Health Communications at ABC.

Translating Research into Demand

This credibility has given almonds the opportunity to move beyond traditional marketing channels and into broader conversations surrounding public health and long-term dietary benefits. Sharing the almond story, including its nutritional strengths of high plant protein, minerals, and healthy fats critical for heart health and lowering cholesterol, has helped reach a broader audience. For heart health, that messaging is that scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces of almonds as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, one serving of almonds (28g) has 13g of unsaturated fat (healthy fat) and only 1g of saturated fat.

“The almond research has opened doors through credibility with government and policy makers as we try and put nuts front and center in not just snacking foods but public health foods in general,” says Phil Gowland, Commercial and Health Director at Whitworths Ltd., a UK-based dried fruit, nut, and seed brand.

At the same time, research alone does not increase almond consumption, Gowland reiterated. The challenge and opportunity lie in translating that research into compelling stories and communicating that health case with consumers, dietitians, nutritionists, manufacturers, and retailers.

Expanded health positioning also helps open doors in export markets, where nutrition credentials increasingly influence purchasing decisions by retailers, policymakers, and consumers. For growers, this translates into broader market access and diversified demand beyond traditional snack channels.

In the UK, efforts to amplify messaging have included creating a diet-quality tracking tool, investing in publications, and creating tools for health professionals, such as pharmacists and general practitioners. Others are pushing the envelope with innovation in breakfast products, nut-based meat, and indulgent and convenient snacks.

Retailer engagement has also been another avenue widely explored for demand growth.

“If retailers really understand the importance of these research findings, then the benefits it provides is increased space, increased focus, and results in category growth,” Gowland says.

Increased retail visibility can have ripple effects throughout the supply chain. Greater shelf space and product innovation typically drive higher almond usage, reinforcing consistent movement of California’s crop and supporting long-term industry growth.

Building Trust through Science

As the industry works to promote the health benefits of almonds, there have also been instances where it has had to correct and confront longstanding health misconceptions. One of the most persistent myths to overcome was the misconception that almonds are fattening. Yet ABC-funded research shows that eating almonds is a helpful tool for weight management.

Addressing nutrition misconceptions is particularly important for growers, as negative perceptions can quickly influence purchasing behavior. Science-backed messaging helps protect demand by reinforcing almonds’ role as a healthy everyday food rather than an occasional indulgence.

Peer-reviewed expert research has also been instrumental in proving and reinforcing health-related claims.

“We brought 11 world-leading physicians and nutrition scientists to Modesto to review and critically analyze over 30 years of almond nutrition research,” says Elena Hemler, Director of Nutrition Research at ABC. “These experts unanimously concluded almonds have benefits for weight, gut health, and heart health.”

Those findings further support what is already happening in the European retail environment, where there have been conversations on how almond activations can be even more visible in the marketplace.

Lu Ann Williams, Global Senior Vice President and Co-Founder at Innova Market Insights, says these discussions have led some grocers to now include nuts near checkout counters, providing a healthier option in the lineup.

These merchandising strategies may seem small, but incremental increases in everyday consumption can significantly influence overall almond usage, an important factor when managing large annual crop volumes.

Exploring the Next Frontier of Research

Looking ahead, almond research continues to evolve as the industry aligns with what consumers find most important with their lifestyle. Exercise recovery is currently a trending topic, Hemler says. There is already completed ABC-funded research looking at how almonds impact muscle recovery and soreness after exercise, which is what inspired ABC’s “Own Your Prime” campaign with Deion Sanders.

Consumers are also looking for foods that improve their appearance, and ABC has invested in research to examine how almonds can reduce facial wrinkles and resistance to sunburn.

“This work has inspired marketing campaigns in Asia, where consumers are very motivated to eat for beauty,” Hemler says.

Technology is accelerating this discovery as well.

“We recently launched a partnership to leverage artificial intelligence and cutting-edge scientific methods to identify four times more novel health-promoting compounds in California almonds than we previously knew about,” Hemler says. “These compounds are associated with gut, brain, immune, metabolic, and cellular health.”

Coming into 2026, fiber is expected to become an even greater focus, especially as consumers struggle to meet recommended daily intakes of 25 to 35 grams. Almonds are a good source of fiber, containing four grams per one ounce serving and are well-positioned to meet that demand.

Another emerging opportunity identified by Williams is the rise of GLP-1 medications. As their use increases, overall food consumption from these consumers may decline, placing greater importance on high protein and fiber foods — a perfect fit for almonds.

For growers navigating fluctuating markets, aligning almonds with emerging nutrition trends such as fiber intake and high-satiety foods positions the industry to remain relevant as consumer eating patterns evolve.

Positioning Almonds for the Future

ABC also provides essential data and tools to food brands and companies who use almonds.

“We are educating food companies and packaging the research for them in ways to enable them to make claims,” Hemler says. “This is really influential in driving sales of almonds and almond-containing products.”

As the health food space continues to grow and become more crowded with options, research and science will be essential to proving credibility and building trust with consumers. ABC maintains its focus on this work, ensuring almonds remain a dependable, nutrient-dense option for consumers worldwide.

Continued discovery of new health compounds also strengthens almonds’ competitive position among plant-based foods, helping ensure the crop remains differentiated in an increasingly crowded health marketplace.