Pistachios are not new to the confectionery world, but as you may have noticed this little green nut has been popping up in everything from coffees to cocktails, candy bars and even scented candles. Trend reporters, like Olam Food Ingredients (OFI), have identified the pistachio as the “up-and-coming nut of the moment.”

Photo credit: Snickers, Lindt, Starbucks

According to OFI, “The pistachio is experiencing growth and taking center stage as an inclusion in many new confectionery products. Whether it’s whole kernels, pieces, powders or pastes, the pistachio is piquing people’s interest.”

In a 2022 flavor insight report, FONA reports almond, cranberry and chocolate as the top flavors paired with pistachio. Other popular flavors to pair with pistachio include caramel, white chocolate and matcha. There are many confectionery applications for pistachios including truffles, nougat, fudge, toffee, brittle, bark and more.

If you already make confections featuring the pistachio, now would be a good time to make a splash with a retail display or social media posts.

Not only do pistachios add a familiar and well-loved flavor, they can offer a nice burst of green color.

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