Walnuts: a key ingredient for plant-based

Walnuts have been consumed for over 7,000 years and California Walnuts are a high-quality, food safe, versatile ingredient that provides Omega-3 ALA, protein, fibre and a host of micronutrients to new recipes and products. 

Even though 15% of the UK’s population identify themselves as vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian, the rise in demand for healthy ingredients and more plant-based foods is far greater as many consumers look to reduce the amount of meat in their diets.

During 2019, the number of trademarks registered for new vegan food and drink products in the UK more than doubled to a record high for everything from ice cream to meat-free burgers.

Major brands like Nestlé, Unilever and even McDonald’s have offerings meeting consumer demand. And it’s no wonder. According to UnivDatos Market Insights, the global plant-based food market is anticipated to reach a market valuation of $38.4b by 2025. California walnuts have a promising future to be a key ingredient for this significant global trend.

California Walnuts are lighter in colour and have a milder taste compared to walnuts from other origins. California Walnuts have a soft, creamy, texture which makes them an excellent meat-replacement. They provide that umami flavour characteristic associated with meat products and thanks to their high healthy polyunsaturated fat content, also provide the mouthfeel consumers are looking for.

With the right spices, additional ingredients, and processing and/or cooking techniques, plant-based meat alternatives using California walnuts will not only create a new taste sensation as a ground meat replacement, burger patty, sausage patty or even bacon-flavoured bits, they provide a well-known ingredient that has 30 years of scientific health studies evaluating walnuts contribution to health. Walnuts are the only nut that has a qualified health claim in the EU specific to heart health.  

Concerned about using a nut as an ingredient? An estimated 2m people in the UK are living with a diagnosed food allergy  and over 170 foods are known to cause allergic reactions, according to the statistics on food allergy problems. In the UK, the prevalence of tree-nut allergies is 1.76% (according to AllergyUK.org​​). Through clear labelling on package as well as menu, those affected can more easily avoid coming in contact with an ingredient that may cause them harm. 

The California Walnut industry, which has maintained an exceptional food safety record for a century, continues its commitment to producing high-quality, nutritious walnuts for production for use in snacks, menus, and innovative new products to meet today’s consumer demands. 

For more information on California Walnuts head to www.californiawalnuts.co.uk​​ or call 01628 535 755.