Global climate change and Macadamia habitat suitability: MaxEnt-based prediction under future scenarios
Global climate change poses a major challenge for contemporary forestry. Macadamia is an economically valuable tree genus that is widely cultivated across multiple countries and regions. However, few studies have focused on its adaptive distribution and spatiotemporal dynamics under projected global warming scenarios. In this study, we collected the global occurrence records of two commercial Macadamia species (Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche and Macadamia tetraphylla L.A.S. Johnson) and employed a parameter-optimized MaxEnt model to project their suitable habitats under current and future climate scenarios. The optimized model exhibited excellent predictive performance (AUC = 0.979), with a regularization multiplier of 0.5 and linear-quadratic-hinge feature combination. Key bioclimatic variables include: annual Mean temperature (bio1), isothermality (bio3), min temperature of coldest month (bio6), annual precipitation (bio12), and precipitation of driest month (bio14), which collectively comprise 88.2% of the model's explanatory power. Under the current scenario, the most suitable cultivation areas were determined to be located in Australia, China, South Africa, Brazil, Madagascar, Argentina, and the United States. Compared with the current scenario, total habitat areas under future scenarios (specifically SSP126/585 in the 2030s and 2050s; SSP126/245/370 in the 2070s) are projected to increase by 1.13-7.51%, while reductions of 0.03-2.98% are projected under the other scenarios (SSP245/370 in the 2030s and 2050s; SSP585 in the 2070s). Notably, Brazil exhibits habitat reductions of 2.59-20.06% across all scenarios, while China shows increases of 0.70-45.11%. Furthermore, M. integrifolia was determined to exhibit greater cultivation potential and global expansion feasibility in range than M. tetraphylla. This study elucidates the dominant environmental drivers, current habitat suitability, and climate-driven shifts in Macadamia distribution, providing an empirical basis for sustainable cultivation under climate change.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1658566
Cashew nut protein concentrate as a potential ingredient for the emerging alternative protein industry
This study evaluated protein concentrates obtained from cashew nuts defatted by three different strategies: mechanical pressing (PE), hexane extraction (HE), and aqueous extraction (AE). Protein concentrates (PC-A, PC-P, and PC-H, from AE, PE, and HE, respectively) were produced through alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation. PCs were characterized for protein functionality, nutritional and chemical profiling. Protein contents were 59.34 % (PC-P), 85.45 % (PC-H), and 69.02 % (PC-A). All samples had high in vitro digestibility, above 90 %, and a balanced amino acid profile. Maximum protein solubility was achieved for all PCs at pH 8 and above (>50 %). PC-A showed superior oil-holding capacity and emulsifying capacity, similar gelation properties and reduced water holding capacity when compared to the other PCs. Overall, AE emerges as an ecofriendly alternative for producing high-quality cashew protein concentrate with less environmental impact than HE, while hexane extraction remains the most efficient method for oil removal.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.146855
Processing and Real-Time Monitoring Strategies of Aflatoxin Reduction in Pistachios: Innovative Nonthermal Methods, Advanced Biosensing Platforms, and AI-Based Predictive Approac
Aflatoxin (AF) contamination in pistachios remains a critical food safety and trade challenge, given the potent carcinogenicity of AF-B1 and the nut's high susceptibility to Aspergillus infection throughout production and storage. Traditional decontamination methods such as roasting, irradiation, ozonation, and acid/alkaline treatments can reduce AF levels but often degrade sensory and nutritional quality, implying the need for more sustainable approaches. In recent years, innovative nonthermal interventions, including pulsed light, cold plasma, nanomaterial-based adsorbents, and bioactive coatings, have demonstrated significant potential to decrease fungal growth and AF accumulation while preserving product quality. Biosensing technologies such as electrochemical immunosensors, aptamer-based systems, and optical or imaging tools are advancing rapid, portable, and sensitive detection capabilities. Combining these experimental strategies with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models can increasingly be applied to integrate spectral, sensor, and imaging data for predicting fungal development and AF risk in real time. This review brings together progress in nonthermal reduction strategies, biosensing innovations, and data-driven approaches, presenting a comprehensive perspective on emerging tools that could transform pistachio safety management and strengthen compliance with global regulatory standards.
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14193411
Mixed Nut Challenge Test (MixNut) as an Efficient Procedure in the Management of Lipid Transfer Protein Allergy
Background/Objectives: Lipid transfer protein (LTP) syndrome is a leading cause of primary food allergy in Mediterranean countries, often associated with severe reactions. Due to in vitro cross-reactivity among plant foods, clinical manifestations are unpredictable, frequently requiring multiple oral food challenges (OFC) to assess nut tolerance. These procedures increase healthcare burden and patient anxiety. This study evaluated the safety and utility of a mixed-nut oral food challenge (MixNut) in LTP-sensitized patients. Methods: In this prospective observational multi-center study, patients with LTP syndrome were enrolled. Group A included individuals allergic to fruits or vegetables who had avoided nuts; Group B included patients with suspected or confirmed nut allergy. Participants underwent a MixNut challenge comprising 2–4 nuts (≥3 g protein per nut). Results: Nineteen patients (73.7% male; median age 32.5 years) underwent MixNut, testing 52 individual nuts. All challenges were negative. The MixNut approach reduced the number of OFC by 63% (from 52 to 19) and total testing time from 208 to 76 h. Specific IgE levels to LTP allergens (Pru p 3, Cor a 8, Ara h 9) varied widely and did not predict clinical reactivity. Conclusions: MixNut is an efficient diagnostic tool for LTP syndrome, significantly reducing testing time, costs, and patient burden. It facilitates accurate dietary management and prevents unnecessary food avoidance. Further studies should optimize MixNut protocols and identify predictive markers for clinical reactivity.
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243822
The Association Between Nut Consumption and Risk of Depressive Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Background/Objectives: Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary factors such as nuts may play a role in depressive symptoms. Yet, existing evidence regarding the relationship between nut consumption and depressive symptoms remains inconsistent. To clarify this association, we conducted a meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed and Embase were searched for observational studies on the relationship between nut consumption and depressive symptoms published up to September 2025. Summary relative risks (SRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the DerSimonian–Laird random effects model. Results: A total of seven observational studies, comprising 70,136 participants, were included. Higher nut consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms (SRRs = 0.75, 95% CIs, 0.67–0.85; p < 0.001, I2 = 15%, Pheterogeneity = 0.31). Compared to <1 time/week of nut consumption, the inverse relationship was significant for ≥3 times/week of nut consumption (SRRs = 0.75, 95% CIs = 0.63–0.89, p = 0.001, I2 = 0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.93), but not for 1 to <3 times/week of nut consumption (SRRs = 0.93, 95% CIs = 0.69–1.24, p = 0.62, I2 = 52%, Pheterogeneity = 0.10). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis of observational studies found that higher nut consumption was associated with a reduced risk of depressive symptoms, particularly when intake reached at least three servings per week. Further research, especially randomized controlled trials, is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243810
Consuming Tree Nuts Daily as Between-Meal Snacks Reduces Food Cravings and Improves Diet Quality in American Young Adults at High Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Background: Daily energy intake from snacking behaviors has increased over the past few decades, during which the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome has risen to epidemic proportions. There remains considerable room for improvement in the overall quality of dietary intakes of the U.S. population when compared to national recommendations. Food cravings may contribute to the types of snacks chosen for consumption, and thus, the frequency of foods and food groups consumed, and the overall nutritional quality of the diet. Methods: Eighty-four young (28.5 ± 4.3 years) adults with at least one metabolic syndrome risk factor participated in a parallel-arm single-blind randomized trial designed to compare effects of consuming a mix of tree nuts versus typical high-carbohydrate food items as between-meal snacks for 16 weeks. Cravings for 28 common foods via the Food Craving Inventory, short-term dietary intakes via 24 h multi-pass methodology, food group frequency via the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants, usual hunger and fullness via visual analog scales, appetite-regulating hormones, and diet quality via the Healthy Eating Index-2015 were measured at baseline and end of study. Results: Participants in the TNsnack group had significant decreases in cravings for high sweet items and fast-food items, which were associated with decreased frequency of desserts and salty foods along with increased intake of higher protein items. In contrast, no significant reductions in food cravings or preference for sweets were observed in the CHOsnack group. Decreased cravings for sweets by TNsnack participants were associated with increased total GLP-1 levels: cake (r = -0.35, p = 0.03), brownies (r = -0.44, p = 0.02), candy (r = -0.36, p = 0.03) and ice cream (r = -0.33, p = 0.04). Overall, the total diet quality score improved by 19% among TNsnack participants. Conclusions: Replacing more typical between-meal snacks with tree nuts may reduce food cravings, particularly for sweeter food items that are likely to be nutrient poor and energy dense. By reducing cravings and frequency of intake, consuming tree nuts as snacks could facilitate having a higher quality, more nutrient-dense diet and mitigate potential negative effects of snacking on metabolic health in young adults.
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233778
Updated Dutch Dietary Guidelines Recommend Eating More Nuts
The Health Council of the Netherlands has released updated dietary guidelines that emphasize the importance of eating more nuts as part of a larger shift towards a more plant-based dietary pattern. The guidelines recommend that people consume 60% of their daily protein from plant sources, including 15-30 grams/day of unsalted nuts (including both tree nuts and peanuts). The previous version of the Dutch dietary guidelines, published in 2015, advised people to eat at least 15 grams of unsalted nuts daily.
In 2025, the permanent committee on nutrition undertook a revision of the guidelines for dietary patterns and protein sources: nuts, legumes, dairy, fish, meat, eggs, and meat substitutes and dairy substitutes. The guidelines are primarily based on the prevention of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. In addition, the committee looked at food safety and—more extensively than before—at the environmental impact. The committee concluded that a more plant-based and less animal-based diet is better for health and benefits the environment.
Higher Nut Intake Associated With Lower Risk of Depressive Symptoms
A recent study published in Nutrients found that higher nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms.
In this meta-analysis, researchers compiled information from seven observational studies on the relationship between nut consumption and depressive symptoms, comprising a total of 70,136 participants. Statistical analysis showed that people who ate three or more servings of nuts per week were about 25% less likely to be classified as having depressive symptoms, compared to those who ate less than one serving of nuts per week.
The authors hypothesized that the possible link between nut consumption and lower depressive symptoms could stem from the many bioactive nutrients naturally present in nuts.
Kim, S., Lee, H., Chen, Q. Y., Park, Y., & Keum, N. (2025). The Association Between Nut Consumption and Risk of Depressive Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Nutrients, 17(24), 3810.
Snacking on Tree Nuts May Reduce Cravings for Sweets and Fast Food
A recent study published in Nutrients found that replacing typical snacks with tree nuts may reduce cravings for unhealthy foods and improve overall diet quality.
In this parallel-arm single-blind randomized trial, researchers set out to compare the effects of consuming a mix of tree nuts versus typical high-carbohydrate food items as between-meal snacks. The study included 84 young adults with at least one metabolic syndrome risk factor. At baseline and after 16 weeks, researchers recorded participants’ cravings for 28 common foods, as well as their dietary intake, food group frequency, hunger and fullness scores, appetite-regulating hormones, and overall diet quality.
Participants who snacked on tree nuts reported significant decreases in cravings for sweets and fast foods—items that tend to be nutrient-poor and energy-dense. In contrast, participants who ate typical high-carbohydrate snacks saw no significant reductions in food cravings or preference for sweets.
Moreover, diet quality scores improved by 19% in participants who ate tree nuts. The researchers concluded that this overall improvement in diet quality in the tree nut group could be explained by the reduction in food cravings and diminished preference for sweet taste, leading to less frequent intake of frozen desserts and sugary snacks.
The researchers concluded that, by reducing cravings for less healthy foods, snacking on tree nuts could lead to a higher-quality, more nutrient-dense diet and mitigate potential negative health effects of snacking.
Lillegard, K., Widmer, A., Koethe, J. R., & Silver, H. J. (2025). Consuming Tree Nuts Daily as Between-Meal Snacks Reduces Food Cravings and Improves Diet Quality in American Young Adults at High Metabolic Syndrome Risk. Nutrients, 17(23), 3778.
Labeling Update
EU: Council and Parliament Reach Deal on New Genomic Techniques
On December 4, 2025, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a set of rules that would establish a legal framework for new genomic techniques (NGTs). The term NGTs covers a variety of techniques that adapt seeds in ways that can also occur in nature or through conventional breeding techniques.
Under the provisional agreement, NGT plants that are equivalent to conventional plants—termed “NGT-1 plants”—will be treated like conventional plants. National authorities must verify that NGT plants belong to this category, but their offspring do not need to be subsequently verified. Labeling requirements will apply only to seeds.
Plants with more complex or less “natural-equivalent” genomic modifications—termed “NGT-2 plants”—will be subject to existing legislation for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including mandatory labeling of products.
The provisional agreement must now be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament before it can be formally adopted.
India: Food Importers Required to File Copy of Label With Customs Declaration
The Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade (SWIFT 2.0) is an initiative by India’s customs authority to enable importers and exporters to submit documents electronically. As part of new requirements associated with the rollout of this system, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requires that importers file a copy of the food label as part of the customs documentation. For more information, see Circular No.29/2025/Customs, issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, available here.
USA: California Law Requires Restaurants to Label Major Allergens on Menus
California has enacted a law requiring chain restaurants to list “major food allergens”—including tree nuts and peanuts—on their menus when used as ingredients in food items. The new rules will apply as of July 1, 2026.
Under the new law, chain restaurants with 20 or more locations will be required to provide written notification of the major food allergens that the food facility knows or reasonably should know are contained as an ingredient in each menu item.
Disclosures may be listed either directly on the menu (in the form of a written statement below or immediately adjacent to the menu item) or in a digital format (including, but not limited to, a QR code linking to the restaurant’s digital menu).
Highly refined oils derived from tree nuts or peanuts are not subject to the allergen disclosure requirement.