The plant-based diet is no longer just a trend, it has become an important option in the modern diet. This focus on plant-based foods not only responds to growing concerns about animal welfare, but also aims to improve human health and protect the environment. In this context, nuts have emerged as fundamental ingredients due to their nutritional properties and versatility in the kitchen.

For vegans and vegetarians, the consumption of plant-based products is part of their diet and offers them a complete and balanced nutrition. This is where nuts, along with pulses and seeds, play a crucial role. Not only are they rich in vegetable protein, but they also provide healthy fats, fiber and a variety of essential micronutrients. This combination makes them an ideal source of energy and nutrition for those who choose to follow a plant-based diet.

The importance of nuts in plant-based nutrition is reinforced by projects such as Localnutleg, led by the Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology (IRTA). This project explores the potential of Mediterranean pulses and nuts, developing innovative products such as plant-based beverages and baking flours, using advanced technologies such as fermentation to preserve their nutritional value.

Nuts: versatility and nutrition in the kitchen

One of the main attractions of nuts in plant-based foods is their ability to adapt to a wide range of culinary preparations. From baking flours to butters, nuts have become indispensable ingredients for chefs looking to create innovative and nutritious dishes.

In veggie burgers, for example, nuts such as almonds, walnuts and peanuts add texture and flavor, while in sauces such as pesto, pine nuts and walnuts provide a creamy consistency. In addition, salads and pastas can benefit from the inclusion of nuts as toppings or ingredients in sauces, adding a crunchy and nutritious element.

Nuts are also an excellent choice for healthy snacks, either in their natural form or as part of innovative products such as bars or shakes. Their high protein and healthy fat content makes them ideal ingredients for energy shakes, where they are combined with fruits and seeds to create nutrient-rich smoothies.

At Importaco, every day we promote nuts and dried fruits as one of the essential foods for everyone’s diet. They are not just a complement to a plant-based diet, they are a star ingredient that is changing the way we consume and create food. As research continues and food technologies advance, nuts will continue to play a key role in the development of new plant-based products that are healthy, sustainable and delicious.