Feb 16, 2023Pistachios are the nut (and color trend) of 2023
From lattes to cocktails, fashion and even paint colors, pistachios are having a moment.
Food industry leaders like Baum + Whiteman and Lyons Magnus recently predicted pistachios would be the top nut of 2023 in food trend research, and outlets like Forbes and Eat This, Not That! all covered the news. Beyond the taste and nutritional benefits of the nut, trends are extending into the color — and even smell — of pistachios, with the nutty aroma now being used in candles and perfumes.
Looking back at where the pistachio craze began, the pandemic forced consumers to reevaluate their health and wellbeing; people were forced to consider not only what they ate and how it affected them, but also how it affected the planet. The result was a movement toward plant-based proteins, and as a source of complete protein, pistachios fit the bill. Further, the sustainability of pistachios stands out from other crops; pistachios are a permanent crop that spans generations of farmers and as a high desert plant, are relatively drought tolerant.
“Pistachios aren’t just the hottest snack, their surging popularity is because of research that shows their unique health benefits,” said Judy Hirigoyen, vice president of global marketing for American Pistachio Growers trade association. “They’re a complete protein, which is the quality of protein usually found in animal proteins. Further, thanks to a recently published study by Cornell University, we now know they’re also very high in antioxidants. In fact, they rival the level of antioxidant capacity you’d find in blueberries, pomegranates and red wine.”
American Pistachio Growers is the entity that is responsible for consumer education globally, something that’s been easy to do with myriad scientific studies that keep coming from around the world.
“Shipments of American-grown pistachios to export markets continue to grow in double digits,” said Hirigoyen. “We know the educational efforts are working,” said Hirigoyen, citing an analysis of shipments from the U.S. to key export markets from 2016 through 2021. “In the export markets where we promote the research, shipments grew by 36% on average.”
– American Pistachio Growers
