National Nut Day is celebrated every year on October 22nd, honoring nature’s protein-packed, versatile snack in all its varieties, from almonds to walnuts to cashews.
History of National Nut Day
National Nut Day was created by Liberation Foods, a UK-based Fairtrade nut company, in 2016. The company’s mission centers on ethical sourcing and empowering small nut farmers around the world through fair trade practices, and the observance was established both to celebrate nuts as a healthy snack and to raise awareness of Fairtrade nut products specifically.
Nuts themselves have been a dietary staple for thousands of years, valued as a dense source of energy, protein, and healthy fats across countless cultures. National Nut Day gives this humble snack food its own moment of recognition, distinct from single-nut observances like National Peanut Day or National Almond Day, which celebrate specific varieties individually.
10 Ways to Celebrate National Nut Day
- Make your own trail mix with a variety of nuts and dried fruit
- Try a new nut butter, like almond or cashew butter, instead of your usual peanut butter
- Bake a nutty treat, like pecan pie or walnut brownies
- Add slivered almonds or walnuts to a salad or bowl of oatmeal
- Blend cashews into a creamy, dairy-free pasta sauce
- Roast your own mixed nuts with seasoning at home
- Support Fairtrade or ethically sourced nut brands
- Learn about the nutritional differences between popular nut varieties
- Host a nut-tasting session with friends or family
- Share your favorite nut snack on social media using #NationalNutDay
Fun Facts About Nuts
- National Nut Day was created in 2016 by Liberation Foods, a UK-based Fairtrade nut company.
- Peanuts are technically legumes, not true nuts, since they grow underground rather than on trees.
- Nuts are generally rich in unsaturated fats, protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium.
- Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pistachios each offer slightly different nutritional strengths, from heart-healthy fats to brain-supporting nutrients.
- Nearly one in ten Americans eats some form of nut or nut product every single day, according to the USDA.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Nut Day?
National Nut Day is celebrated annually on October 22nd.
Who created National Nut Day?
Liberation Foods, a UK-based Fairtrade nut company, created the observance in 2016 to promote healthy eating and fair trade practices for nut farmers.
Is a peanut actually a nut?
No, peanuts are technically legumes, growing underground like beans and lentils, though they’re nutritionally similar to tree nuts and commonly grouped with them.