National Nut Day arrives at a time of steady nut market growth, with U.S. sales projected to climb from $10.98 billion this year to $16.03 billion by 2032. Every Oct. 22, this holiday recognizes one of America’s favorite snacks, as more shoppers reach for quick, nutrient-dense options. Nut companies are meeting this demand with nationwide sampling tours and a wave of new product lines hitting store shelves.
People celebrate by turning to smart snacking, choosing plain or lightly seasoned nuts for their natural fats and protein while skipping extra sugar and salt. Many make their own trail mix with raw nuts, seeds and a bit of dried fruit or dark chocolate for a balanced, satisfying option.
A day for nut lovers
National Nut Day celebrates one of the country’s favorite pantry staples. The day recognizes how nuts have worked their way into everyday meals, from quick trail mixes to baked goods and savory dishes. Packed with protein and healthy fats, they remain a go-to option for balanced snacking.
The celebration focuses on their variety, with roasted favorites, creamy nut butters and even plant-based milks taking up space in kitchens. It’s a reminder that these small, crunchy ingredients play a big role in the way Americans eat.
Growing nut demand nationwide
Nuts are becoming a bigger part of Americans’ diets as snacking continues to replace full meals. In 2024, about 17% of people reported swapping meals for snacks, up from 14% the year before. That number continues to rise as busy schedules drive demand for quick but filling options.
Plant-based eating is also fueling nut consumption, with more people turning to almonds, pistachios and other varieties as alternatives to animal-based proteins. California almond production reached an estimated 2.8 billion pounds this year, a 13% increase from 2023, while U.S. pistachio farming continues to expand and will top 2 billion pounds in the next few years. These gains are driving new processing and marketing efforts to meet demand and keep nuts stocked year-round.
Power-packed benefits of nuts
Stores are filling shelves with nuts as more people reach for them as a healthy snack. Nuts are packed with protein, fiber and mostly unsaturated fats, which help keep people feeling full longer. They also provide vitamin E and key minerals such as folate, magnesium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus, making them a solid choice for a balanced diet.
Still, not every nut product on the shelf delivers the same nutrition. Some mixes come loaded with salt or sugary coatings that undercut their benefits. For those seeking the most nutritious option, plain or dry-roasted nuts provide a clean way to enjoy them without compromising nutritional value.
Nuts in stores and on the move
Retailers cater to busy shoppers by stocking single-serve packs that make snacking more convenient and encourage quick, grab-and-go purchases. Advances in packaging, including resealable pouches, also help nuts stay fresh longer, keeping them a reliable choice for home pantries and travel bags.
Brands are also finding creative ways to keep nuts on shoppers’ minds. In February 2025, Blue Diamond Growers celebrated National Almond Day by launching The Nutty Cruiser, a mobile truck that handed out nearly 1 million almond samples nationwide as part of its “Bring Your Flavor” tour. In September 2024, Nashville-based Daily Crunch secured $4 million in Series A funding to expand its line of dehydrated and sprouted nut products, ramp up production and place its snacks into more stores.
Choose the right nuts
Shoppers looking for the healthiest pick often choose plain or lightly seasoned varieties. These keep the natural fats and protein intact while avoiding extra sugar and salt that can add up quickly. Labels help guide the choice: raw, unsalted or dry-roasted usually mean clean nutrition, while glazed or candied signal added sweeteners.
Stores offer plenty of options to fit this approach. Kirkland Signature sells extra-fancy mixed nuts sold in large unsalted pouches, and Emerald’s Salt & Pepper Cashews give a lighter, seasoned option. For more control, Nuts.com lets shoppers buy bulk raw nuts or create custom blends for their own trail mix at home.
Build a trail mix at home
Trail mix is one of the easiest ways to enjoy nuts, and making it at home helps keep ingredients balanced. Start with raw or dry-roasted almonds, cashews, walnuts or pistachios, then add unsalted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. Mix in unsweetened dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for texture, and finish with a handful of dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes for variety.
Simple combinations go a long way, from a classic mix of almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds and raisins to a berry blend with walnuts, pistachios, cranberries and sunflower seeds. For a tropical twist, try cashews with dried mango, coconut flakes and almonds. Divide into smaller portions to keep nuts fresh and ready to grab during the day, making it easier to stick to healthier choices.
The country keeps reaching for nuts
National Nut Day reminds Americans of the role nuts now play in America’s eating habits, from the grocery aisle to the kitchen table. They deliver protein, healthy fats and minerals, making them a steady choice for those looking for better options. Food makers are putting nuts into bars, blends and more, keeping them relevant across diets and lifestyles. The day reinforces their lasting place in modern eating, not just as snacks, but as part of how people eat all year.
Mandy Applegate is the creator behind Splash of Taste and seven other high-profile food and travel blogs. She’s also the co-founder of Food Drink Life Inc., a unique and highly rewarding collaborative blogger project. Her articles appear frequently on major online news sites, and she always has her eyes open to spot the next big trend.
The post America munches as National Nut Day takes over the snack aisle appeared first on Food Drink Life.
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