Innovation Trends in Hazelnut Ingredients

1. Premiumization in confectionery & bakery

Hazelnuts are increasingly positioned as a premium ingredient due to their flavor profile, natural oil content and association with European confectionery traditions. Brands utilize:

• Large-caliber kernels for visible inclusions in chocolates and bars.
• Single-origin hazelnuts highlighting terroir (e.g., Giresun / Tombul).
• High-roast or custom-roast profiles to create signature flavors.
• Artisanal pralines and gianduja with elevated particle size control.

As consumers seek rich, authentic flavor experiences, hazelnuts remain a core driver of premiumization in bakery, pastry and confectionery innovation.

2. Plant-based category expansion

Hazelnuts align naturally with plant-based trends due to their flavor, nutritional profile and compatibility with dairy alternatives. Emerging applications include:

• Hazelnut-based “milks” with clean-label positioning.
• Plant-based gelato using hazelnut paste for richness.
• Vegan spreads combining cocoa, hazelnut paste and alternative sweeteners.
• Protein bars & RTD beverages where hazelnut supports flavor masking.

Cold-pressed hazelnut oil is also gaining traction in plant-based cheese and dressings due to its neutral-to-nutty profile and high oxidative stability.

3. Functional & better-for-you formulations

Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating hazelnut formats into functional foods, leveraging their nutrient density and natural fats.

Key innovation drivers

• High MUFA content supporting heart-health messaging.
• Vitamins & minerals (E, B6, folate, magnesium).
• Antioxidant profile useful in better-for-you snack lines.
• Natural flavor enhancer reducing need for artificial additives.

Popular functional innovations include:

• Low-sugar hazelnut spreads.
• High-protein nut-and-seed bars with chopped hazelnuts.
• Keto-friendly bakery products using hazelnut flour.
• Energy bites using hazelnut paste as a binder.

4. Clean-label & minimal-processing approaches

As consumers move away from artificial enhancers, hazelnut ingredients support simple, recognizable ingredient lists. Trends include:

• Single-ingredient hazelnut pastes with no sugar or emulsifiers.
• Stone-milled hazelnut spreads emphasizing artisanal production.
• Unrefined or cold-pressed oils used in natural culinary products.
• Minimal-processed chopped and sliced formats for clean formulations.

5. Ingredient diversification & advanced processing

Exporters and processors are developing new formats to meet modern R&D demands.

Examples of next-generation hazelnut ingredients

• Extra-fine hazelnut flour for gluten-free baking and extrusion.
• Defatted hazelnut flour for high-protein formulations.
• High-stability hazelnut oil fractions for confectionery.
• Custom-roast and blended pastes for gelato manufacturers.
• Hazelnut-cocoa premixes for instant beverage applications.

These innovations help manufacturers reduce processing time and improve consistency across large-scale production.

6. Sustainability-driven innovation

Sustainability is now a major driver in product development. Hazelnut suppliers are adapting by introducing:

• Traceable supply programs from orchard to processor.
• Low-impact farming incentives supporting soil and biodiversity health.
• Upcycling initiatives using shells for energy or industrial uses.
• Certifications (organic, Rainforest-style initiatives, local co-op systems).

Brands increasingly highlight sustainability claims as part of their differentiation strategy.

7. Future directions for hazelnut R&D

Based on market analysis and manufacturer feedback, the next wave of innovation is expected to focus on:

• Hybrid confectionery combining hazelnuts with plant-based proteins.
• Hazelnut beverages with improved emulsification and creaminess.
• Ready-to-use hazelnut fillings for bakery automation.
• Flavor-optimized hazelnut oils for gourmet culinary products.
• Ultra-fine milled hazelnut powders for functional beverage mixes.
• Carbon-neutral hazelnut supply chains led by origin-based exporters.

Looking to develop innovative hazelnut products?

Atlas Hazelnuts supports R&D teams with custom formats, pilot samples and technical insights.

Request R&D support Back to Academy