Plant-Based Innovation: Red River Foods' Expertise in Nuts and Seeds

The Rise of Plant-Based Innovation

Meeting the Demand for Better Plant-Based Foods

Plant-based innovation isn’t slowing down - it’s scaling up. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, the global plant-based food market is projected to reach $162 billion by 2030, representing more than 7.7% of the global protein market.

Consumer expectations have evolved far beyond “alternatives.” Today’s buyers expect taste, texture, and nutrition that rival traditional dairy, bakery, and confectionery products.

From creamy nut-based milks to indulgent seed-powered protein bars, nuts and seeds are the functional foundation of this evolution - delivering performance, clean-label appeal, and sustainability.

Explore Red River Foods’ plant-based portfolio: Plant-Based Industry Product Sheet ›

Red River Foods: Partnering in Plant-Based Excellence

As a global leader in sustainably sourced nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, Red River Foods (RRF) supports manufacturers in creating plant-based products that perform - from flavor and functionality to ethical sourcing.

Rather than testing finished formulas, RRF partners with brands to identify the correct grades, cuts, and varieties best suited to each plant-based application. Whether it’s almonds for dairy-free creamers or cashews for smooth vegan cheeses, RRF ensures consistent quality and optimal performance.

Every collaboration reflects Red River’s core values of integrity, excellence, and people-first sourcing - ensuring great products begin with great partnerships.

Functional Powerhouses: The Science Behind Nuts and Seeds

Natural Functionality for Clean-Label Formulation

Plant-based developers face one major challenge: maintaining functionality while keeping ingredient lists simple. Fortunately, nature provides the solution.

• Cashews: Natural emulsification and creaminess for dairy-free spreads and sauces
• Almonds & Pumpkin Seeds: Add structure and texture to baked goods and snacks
• Macadamias: Deliver rich mouthfeel and indulgence in plant-based milks
• Chia & Flax: Offer natural binding and stabilization, replacing synthetic gums

These multi-functional ingredients empower formulators to achieve clean-label appeal without sacrificing performance.

Technical Expertise from Sourcing to Application

At Red River Foods, technical insight is built into the sourcing process. The team’s goal is to help partners select the right ingredients for their formulation needs - not just in type, but in grade, size, and process.

A tailored roast profile can unlock deeper flavor for a cashew-based cheese, while a specific almond grind may enhance smoothness in plant-based milks. These details make the difference between “good enough” and “market-ready.”

For Red River Foods, technical guidance is part of the ingredient itself.

Sustainable Solutions for a Changing Market

Sourcing for a Greener Future

Plant-based consumers value environmental impact as much as nutrition. Red River Foods aligns with this ethos through its commitment to ethical trade, regenerative agriculture, and transparent supply chains.

From investing in grower communities to minimizing waste and protecting ecosystems, RRF ensures that sustainability supports both people and product performance.

Empowering Farmers, Enriching Formulations

Every cashew, almond, and chia seed tells a story of partnership. Red River’s on-the-ground sourcing teams work closely with farmers to build capacity, improve quality, and ensure long-term stability.

This approach strengthens both ingredient consistency and community well-being - because sustainable sourcing produces sustainable results.

Market Insights & Consumer Trends

Shifting from Alternative to Mainstream

The plant-based category has firmly entered the mainstream. Innova Market Insights reports that over 60% of global consumers now purchase plant-based foods regularly, driven by health, sustainability, and curiosity for new flavor experiences.

Premiumization continues to shape the category: shoppers are willing to pay more for high-quality, transparent, and functional plant-based products.

Innovation Opportunities for Manufacturers

Nuts and seeds remain central to the next generation of plant-based innovation. Emerging opportunities include:

• Cashew and oat-based barista milks
• Seed-based functional bars
• Almond-protein snacks and clusters

• Nut butter confections and dairy-free desserts

Red River Foods partners with formulators to bring these ideas to life - combining ingredient integrity, technical expertise, and market insight for scalable, global success.

Why Red River Foods is a Formulator’s Advantage

A Partner in Performance and Purpose

With deep technical knowledge, vertical integration, and sourcing across 30+ regions, Red River Foods delivers the consistency and innovation that manufacturers depend on.

Each partnership balances performance and purpose, offering ingredients that perform in the product - and matter to the planet.

From Ingredient to Innovation

For brands looking to lead in plant-based excellence, Red River Foods provides both the building blocks and the expertise to make it happen. From ingredient selection to sustainable sourcing, RRF helps formulators transform ideas into high-performance products that resonate with modern consumers.

Plant-based success starts with better ingredients - and Red River Foods delivers them.

Plant-Based Potential, Perfected

As plant-based innovation shapes the future of food, Red River Foods stands at the intersection of science, sustainability, and sourcing. Every ingredient reflects a promise: to help formulators create products that are good for people, good for the planet, and great for business.