THE PERFECT PAIRING:

CHOCOLATE & ALMONDS

THE VERSATILITY OF ALMONDS IN CHOCOLATE PRODUCTS

Data and analysis provided by Innova Market Insights and Sterling-Rice Group.

of survey consumers stated that they consumed almonds in chocolate several times a month or more.2

Manufacturers use almonds in a variety of applications, and innovation in chocolate is driven by consumer interest in new combinations in terms of flavors, ingredients and textures.3 With the growth of texture claims, almonds are often used to give the extra crunch that consumers crave.3 Additionally, 82% of survey consumers rated almonds’ texture highly, selecting it as the top nut for “has a great crunchy texture”.2

ALMONDS and CHOCOLATE are increasingly combined with fruit and other on-trend flavors and spices to meet consumer appeal, including orange, cherry, lemon and spices.3

ALMOND BUTTERcan lend a smooth texture as a filling or coating, and almonds can add a satisfying, crunchy texture when diced or chopped.

SLICED ALMONDScan add a slightly softer chew to a chocolate product, and even almond milk can be incorporated with cocoa for a silky smooth texture.

WHOLE ROASTEDalmonds will maintain their crunch when incorporated into soft orchewy products.

References:1. 2015 Global New Product Introductions Report. Innova Market Insights. May 2016.2. 2015 North America Consumer AAU. Sterling-Rice Group. January 2016.3. Innova Market Insights data base. March 2016.

Overall top fruit flavors in new products include strawberry, orange and coconut, which pair well with chocolate and almonds.3

Emerging fruit flavors for new chocolate and almond products include passion fruit and blueberry.3

The inclusion of sea salt, chili and exotic spices offer the possibility to add a savory touch to traditionally sweet products, which are a growing trend.3

of survey consumers picked chocolate to accompany

Almonds were the

top nut

in the confectionery category not only in North America, but

in the Asia-Pacific region as well.1

47%

38%

#1

THE FIRST NUT that comes to mind when they think about chocolate.2

of survey consumers named almonds as37%

almond introductions had the highest share of overall new almond product introductions in the confectionery category, with 26% of share.1

GL BALLY,

almonds to make a “perfect snack.”2

Milk chocolate accounts for more than half of total chocolate introductions, however dark chocolate introductions grew from 24% in 2011 to 33% in 2015.3

new confectionery product introductions from 2014 to 2015 means almonds remain a popular ingredient in chocolate products around the world.1

2,364

2011 2015