AVENIR

The rise in vegan diets and increased health awareness have sparked a boom in the nut and seed butter industry, making it one of food’s newest vogues.

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Spreads made from watermelon seeds, macadamia nuts, and pumpkin seeds, to name a few, have taken supermarket shelves by storm. Whole Foods Market named ‘Everything Butters and Spreads’ one of 2020’s top food trends, as they cater to different dietary needs.

 

Julio Mota, manager at supermarket As Nature Intended, calls veganism one of the biggest factors behind this rise in popularity. “We've been offered many nut butters from suppliers because of market demand, especially in the last two years,” he said.

 

A recent report forecast a seven per cent annual sales growth for global nut-based spreads until 2024. While North America is the largest market, the UK is second only to Spain in Europe.

 

“The steady year-on-year growth of the nut and seed butter category is impressive,” said Matt Turner of the Vegan Society. “Consumers and businesses have branched out and embraced a wider range of nut butters other than peanut butter.”

 

Mota adds that these spreads are considered superfoods due to their nutritional value, a fact companies use to boost sales. And searches for peanut butter alternatives have only added to this boom. “Hazelnut and pistachio butters are our most popular — and most expensive — nut-based spreads,” he said.