The food market in Spain is changing. Consumers are increasingly looking for products that are healthy, sustainable, and have clear labelling. In this context, plant-based foods with a high protein content are steadily gaining popularity.

Here are some figures to help understand the scale of this trend in food:

• Various reports indicate that 48% of consumers are looking for food and drink labelled as «plant-based».
• 42% consider that a high protein content is particularly important when making decisions.
• According to the Good Food Institute Europe report, plant-based products’ sales in Spain reached 491.4 million euros in 2024, 6% more than in 2023.
• The same report states that volume also grew by 9.8%, a sign of genuine demand.

The consumer profile is evolving and demands more than just plant-based alternatives: flavour, price, nutritional functionality and sustainability are now essential. This is driving innovation in the food industry.

Here, nuts are positioning themselves as key allies. They provide nutritional value, naturalness and versatility in snacks, bakery, functional products, or even in the formulation of meat alternatives, making them a strategic ingredient to lead the future of plant-based products.

In the following video, we will share with you many details that you will also find below in the article. Don’t miss it.

Why is plant-based protein key in the food industry?

Plant protein, found in pulses, seeds, and nuts such as almonds, peanuts, or walnuts, stands out for its high nutritional value and its versatility in industrial applications.

Proteins are essential for our bodies to function properly. They help to form and maintain structures such as muscles, bones, skin, hair, and nails, and are involved in important processes such as digestion, defence against illness, or the transport of oxygen in the blood.

They are made up of amino acids, and some of these, known as essential amino acids, cannot be produced by our bodies, so we need to obtain them from food.

Plant-based proteins, if combined appropriately, can also provide these essential amino acids. We can find them in pulses, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and even in some vegetables. This not only makes them a healthy option, but also a key tool for creating more sustainable foods that meet the demands of many consumers today.

Some, such as soya, quinoa, or pistachio proteins, are considered complete proteins, as they contain all the essential amino acids. Others proteins are considered «incomplete,» but can be combined to offer a complete amino acid profile, making them an effective option for developing balanced products.

In addition to their nutritional contribution, plant proteins play a fundamental role in the texture and, especially, the flavour of the product. These are decisive factors for consumer acceptance.

A good example is almond protein, which is frequently used in plant-based formulations. They are also ideal for developing products aimed at specific dietary segments, such as meat-free, soya-free, or gluten-free foods.

Thanks to these properties, the almond is positioning itself as a key ingredient in the formulation of next-generation foods.

Below, we will help you understand the growth in the use of these ingredients in the food industry.

Why is plant-based protein trending in 2025?

The main priorities of the food sector in 2025 are directly linked to the benefits that plant-based proteins offer the industry, according to data from the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) :

• Clean label: having fewer additives and ingredients that are more recognisable.
• Food sustainability: reducing environmental impact and optimising resources.
• Technological functionality of ingredients: providing texture, emulsification, creaminess and stability without artificial ingredients.
• Conscious consumption: consumers’ interest in products with genuine health benefits.

Find out more about trends in the food industry

This context means that plant-based proteins are not a passing trend, but a direct response to the demands of the global market.

Industrial applications: how do these proteins integrate into your products?

Industrial plant protein allows for the development of new product categories with high functional and commercial value:

The following success story presents an example of a plant-based alternative to animal proteins: Cashew cheese

In all cases, the use of nuts allows for a cleaner, more stable formulation that is in line with plant-based expectations.

Proteins from nuts

Although they are often only associated with their healthy fat content, nuts are also a significant source of plant-based protein. Peanuts, almonds, pistachios, or walnuts provide between 10% and 30% protein  depending on the type, with a balanced amino acid profile and good bioavailability.

You may be interested in: Plant-based drinks foods trends

Why are they of interest in industrial formulation?

Including nuts and seeds as sources of protein in your industrial formulations offers multiple benefits:

• Improved nutritional and protein profile of the product
• Optimisation of the sensory experience, thanks to their flavour, texture and versatility
• Development of innovative, sustainable and profitable products

In the current context, where demand for functional and clean label ingredients is on the rise, nuts are positioning themselves as a comprehensive solution for companies looking to formulate products that are more nutritious, natural and appealing to a discerning consumer.

Itac Professional nuts

At Itac Professional, the B2B brand of the Importaco Group, we specialise in nuts and their derivatives, offering a wide range of plant-based ingredients for processed products across various industrial sectors. Our aim is to support the development of new plant-based products that are rich in plant protein.

Ingredients such as almonds, peanuts, or nut pastes not only provide a complete nutritional profile, but also offer technological functionality in formulations that require texture, stability and naturalness.

At Importaco, we have a strong leadership position in Europe and stand out for our focus on quality, traceability and sustainability. This makes us a key partner for brands committed to healthier products that are in line with new consumer demands.

Sources:

Good Food Institute Europe. (2025). The plant-based food retail market in Spain 2022–2024 (based on data from Circana and NielsenIQ Homescan).

Fundación Española del Corazón (n.d.). Nuts.

Innova Market Insights. TOP FOOD TRENDS 2025