The health halo, or the perceived healthy nature of foods, has had a significant impact on many products. As more consumers look to find snacks that not only taste good but are also good for them, one item that has risen in popularity is nuts.

The global snacking market reached $21.1 billion in 2016 and is expected to have an annual growth rate of 5.1 percent through 2025. Quick nutritional snacks like nuts have become a big part of that, according to Candy Industry.

Snacks are not the only way nuts are enjoyed, however. Many bakery items contain nuts as ingredients or as toppings. The nutritional element is key, but nuts also add taste and texture to a variety of products.

“At Blue Diamond, we’ve seen this growth reflected in almonds being used in formulations for snack bars, granola-type snack mixes, crackers, and in baked goods that use almond flour or other almond forms,” says Jeff Smith, director of marketing for Blue Diamond Almonds Global Ingredients Division. “In addition to great taste, crunch, and mouthfeel, almonds are packed with outstanding nutritional benefits.”

As noted, nut flours are becoming more prevalent at bakeries nationwide. They not only make bakery items healthier, but also satisfy the gluten-free crowd without sacrificing taste. According to Baking Business, these alternative flours will have a greater presence going forward because they are nutrient dense and flavorful, two things greatly valued by consumers.