The No. 1 Nut in America, According to New Data
A new report breaks down how generational tastes, regional preferences, and texture cravings shape the country’s snacking habits — from crunchy favorites to sweeter picks.
Key Points
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Cashews are America's favorite snacking nut, with 43% of overall respondents — and 51% of Boomers — naming them as their top choice.
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Gen Z and Millennials lean toward peanuts (42%) and show greater interest in hazelnuts, pistachios, and almonds, while 54% of all respondents say they prefer crispy snacks.
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Regional preferences vary widely: Pistachios are popular in the Midwest (37%), peanuts dominate in the Southwest (46%), almonds lead in the West (40%), and the Northeast is split between peanuts and cashews.
Cashews have earned a well-deserved reputation as a staple. They're nutrient-dense and buttery, with an almost-savory profile that's primed for blending into sauces and dips. You could even toss a handful into a stir-fry
for a crunchy textural element.
It then comes as no surprise that cashews emerged as the most-loved nut for snacking, according to a new report by direct-to-consumer retailer Nuts.com
. A February survey found that 43% of Americans prefer the nut to all other types, with 54% noting that "crispy" snacks are their top choice over all others.
The retail platform tapped survey consultant Talker Research to carry out the study, which surveyed 1,000 Americans from February 13 to February 19, 2026. The survey examined snacking categories, preferred textures, and overall cravings — ultimately identifying exactly what consumers value in a mid-afternoon snack.
"Despite the differences in snacking preferences, Americans are clear on their perfect snack blend: It's got to have balance," the report explains. "Energy-rich nuts and rich chocolate are the top must-haves across the board, but from there it's a jumble of flavors and textures — from gummies and dried fruit to pretzels and popcorn — that brings both indulgence and functionality."
Cashews are a clear favorite
Approximately 43% of Americans say cashews are their favorite nut for both snacking and trail mixes, according to the survey. That figure rises to 51% among Boomers alone, while Gen Z and Millennials say they prefer peanuts (42%) over cashews.
Related: How to Roast Nuts Perfectly Every Time
Cashews are a protein-rich snack that's delicious on their own, blended into a plant-based "cheese," toasted on the stovetop, or stirred into nut brittle . It's no surprise that such a versatile nut is popular across generations, but the survey suggests some age groups are beginning to try other options.
According to a February 2026 survey, cashews are the most-loved nut overall. Baby Boomers favor them most strongly, while younger respondents lean more toward peanuts. Credit: Courtesy of Nuts.com
Younger folks appreciate variety
"Bold variety" is the name of the game for the younger crowd, Nuts.com says. Gen Z and Millennials appreciate hazelnuts — both groups are three times more likely to reach for the tree nut than Baby Boomers. (Perhaps the mid-2010s Nutella boom had a lasting impact.) That younger generation also tends to be more adventurous with their snacking: About 25% of zillennials pick pistachios or almonds compared to Boomers.
Credit: Courtesy of Nuts.com
Snacking preferences vary by locale
Let's begin with the Northeast. This region remains the "most evenly split," naming both peanuts and cashews as the top snacking nuts. Almonds rank lower on their list, but there is some notable enthusiasm for Brazil nuts and hazelnuts in this region.
Farther South, pecans emerge as the preferred sweet treat. The Southeast is 75% more likely than the Northeast to reach for pecans, saying they typically prefer "creamy" and "cakey" desserts over salty options.
Related: Why You Should Store Nuts in the Freezer
Moving through the Midwest, researchers discovered that 37% of palates prefer pistachios. The region also enjoys salty, cheesy snacks like popcorn — but there's also lots of love for sour and tropical candies there, too.
Residents of the Southwest crown peanuts as their ultimate favorite, with 46% of survey respondents favoring them. Snacks tend to be more "adventurous" in the region, according to Nuts.com, with Southwesterners seeking out "swicy" flavor combinations 20% more than the national average. And finally, the West loves snacks baked and buttery. Almonds are the snack of choice for 40% of residents, while "pastry-adjacent textures" dominate the entire category.
Credit: Courtesy of Nuts.com
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