Why People Are Going NUTS For Pistachio In 2024 (2024)

Wondering why pistachio-flavoured goods are suddenly everywhere?! Here's why people are going nuts for pistachio...

Lately, you may have noticed pistachio has been everywhere - from pistachio lattes and perfumes to home decor in the colour pistachio and pistachio-filled croissants.

It’s clear that this nut is having its moment, and you’ve been living under a rock if you haven’t realised!

But why is this little green nut our current 'it girl'? We delve into all things pistachio and discuss some of our favourite of it’s trends...

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Pistachios originate in the Middle East but are now cultivated all over the world including in the US, Iran and Turkey. They hold various health benefits since they are nutrient-dense, high in both protein and healthy fats, and are a great source of antioxidants.

Because of this, they have consistently been praised as an optimal snack choice. But it’s not just the nourishing qualities of pistachio that has secured its newfound status. It has a distinct yet mild nutty flavour complimented by a buttery texture, which, paired with its vibrant green and purple complexion, makes this nut delightfully appealing.

Baklava

One of the oldest and most famous pistachio based delicacies is baklava, a traditional Middle Eastern pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped pistachios, butter and honey. It's frequently enjoyed at special occasions and celebrations throughout a number of different cultures.

You can find baklava in speciality or Middle Eastern grocery stores as well as bakeries and restaurants. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love this delicious treat; the crunchy golden pastry paired with the nutty pistachio filling and fragrant, infused honey makes it irresistible.

Gelato

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Pistachio-flavoured gelato is another well-known and popular dessert, enjoyed by many ice cream lovers all over the world. You can find it at most ice cream parlours and Italian restaurants, and it is, for many, a notable pistachio creation, perhaps even the initial encounter with the flavour.

Whether enjoyed on a hot summer day or as a delightful treat year-round, Italian pistachio gelato remains a favourite among gelato enthusiasts for its distinct taste and creamy consistency.

Another traditional Italian and pistachio filled dessert which we are obsessed with is pistachio cannoli which are little pastry tubes filled with ricotta-based flavours. Obviously pistachio is the best though, you have to try if you haven’t already!

Pistachio Lattes

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The pistachio latte is where we first started seeing the crossover from traditional pistachio desserts into what has become the mainstream pistachio craze.

It was Starbucks that first launched the pistachio latte in 2019 - it was later discontinued but brought back in early 2023, contributing to the 2023 pistachio hype. Other coffee shops then hopped on board, including Caffe Nero which now has its own signature Salted Caramel & Pistachio Latte - if you want to try it for yourself, remember you can get 25% off barista-made drinks with your Coffee Club membership!

Pistachio Croissant

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The pistachio-filled croissant is our favourite pistachio trend. Who could resist a buttery, flaky croissant filled with luxurious, nutty and velvety pistachio cream?!

This indulgent pastry was made viral in Manchester over the summer by The Flat Baker in Ancoats which serves the croissant with a pot of its famous pistachio sauce so you can dunk as much as you want, as well as with a squirt of whipped cream.

The bakery had a stall at the Manchester Christmas Markets last year which gained these pastries even more popularity. You can find a pistachio croissant if you’re lucky at your local speciality bakery or coffee shop - it’s worth the hunting around trust us!

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Why People Are Going NUTS For Pistachio In 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Why is pistachio so popular now? ›

They hold various health benefits since they are nutrient-dense, high in both protein and healthy fats, and are a great source of antioxidants. Because of this, they have consistently been praised as an optimal snack choice. But it's not just the nourishing qualities of pistachio that has secured its newfound status.

Why is there a pistachio shortage? ›

Pistachios production in Iran, however, has decreased in recent years, mainly due to due to water shortage. Over the past decade, climate change has caused severe drought in Iran, leading to 85 percent of the country being classified as arid or semi-arid.

What happens if I eat too many pistachio nuts? ›

Since pistachios contain fructans, eating too many of them can cause bloating, nausea or abdominal pain.

Why are pistachios so expensive now? ›

In the United States, pistachios are processed and harvested using machines. However, to run those machines, skilled labor is required. Each pistachio that is picked will have to be hand sorted. This is the last and most expensive quality-control step of the production.

Who is the largest consumer of pistachios? ›

Pistachio consumption in figures
Consumer countryMetric tonnes consumed 2022-2023
United States471.746
Turkey240.000
Iran91.000
Syria19.500
3 more rows
Feb 27, 2024

Which state is the largest producer of pistachios? ›

Approximately 99 percent of U.S. pistachios are produced in California.

Where does the US get pistachios from? ›

Today, the states of California, Arizona and New Mexico represent 100 percent of the U.S. commercial pistachio production. California comprises 99 percent of the total, with over 312,000 acres planted throughout 22 counties.

Who is the largest exporter of pistachios in the world? ›

The US, Iran, and Turkey are the top pistachio producing countries that produce 97% of pistachio nuts in the world. The United States is by far the largest producing and exporting country, followed by Iran, and Turkey.

Why can t you buy red pistachios anymore? ›

The disappearance of red-dyed pistachios can be directly traced to the growth of domestic pistachio production in the United States. Before the 1970s, pistachios were imported from Iran and other Middle Eastern countries to the United States.

Who should not eat pistachios? ›

People with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, may limit FODMAPs in their diet to have better control over their symptoms. Pistachios are considered a high-FODMAP food because they contain fructans. If you have fructan intolerance – a bad reaction to this type of carbohydrate – pistachios might bother your belly.

Can I eat 20 pistachios a day? ›

Pistachios are a very nutritious food. They offer several health benefits, especially for the heart, gut, and waistline. Regularly eating pistachios may help improve health and wellbeing. But people should stick to plain, unsalted pistachio nuts in their shells and avoid eating more than 1 oz a day.

What is the healthiest nut to eat? ›

Most nuts appear to be generally healthy. But some may have more heart-healthy nutrients than others. For example, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy.

Which country has the best pistachios? ›

Pistachio nuts are considered one of the most luxurious nuts. Pistachio price varies depending on the quality of the pistachio. Since Iran is the most famous country for exporting the best pista, Iranian pistachios are expensive. Green-peeled pistachio kernel is known as one of the most expensive pistachio types.

What is the most expensive nut? ›

In this blog, we're taking you behind the scenes to help you ascertain exactly why macadamia is the world's most expensive nut.

Why can't you buy shelled pistachios? ›

The natural crack provides an opening for salt to enter the shell. This eliminates the shelling process that other nuts have to undergo prior to roasting. There is another theory regarding the reason these nuts are sold in their shell. Some say they are sold in the shell to slow down the eating process.

Why are pistachios not pink anymore? ›

The disappearance of red-colored pistachios is a direct result of the exponential increase in homegrown pistachios and the limit on pistachio imports from the Middle East.

When did pistachios became popular? ›

While the pistachio was used early on, in various ways for cooking in Italy, north of the Alps it was used primarily as an expensive addition to baked goods. Only after World War II did the pistachio image gradually change from an expensive baking additive to a popular snack.

What is the trend in the pistachio industry? ›

The pistachio industry has experienced a buoyant shipping season in April, marking significant year-over-year growth. This uptrend is primarily fueled by robust demand across key international markets and a resurgence in domestic consumption, positioning the American pistachio industry on a promising trajectory.

Why is pistachio a popular flavor? ›

These sweet green gems are packed with health benefits and an addictive savory-yet-sweet taste (bet you can't eat just one). It's therefore not surprising that pistachio flavor has become increasingly popular, showing up in café lattes, energy bars, vegan cheeses, and plant milks.

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