The year’s end always presents an opportunity to reflect on how macadamias have helped drive creativity in the global food and beverage landscape over the past 12 months. 2024’s product launches highlight not only the adaptability of this premium ingredient but also the evolving preferences of both manufacturers and consumers. From their rich, buttery taste and delicately crunchy texture to their impressive nutritional benefits, macadamias have once again proven their value across diverse applications.
New product development with macadamias in 2024 reveals strong alignment with notable international food trends, including supercharged products, health-aligned indulgence, the conscious evolution and global flavours. At the same time, macadamias are featuring in micro-trends such as flavour and format disruption and fun-filled snacking, catering to consumer appetite for the new and novel.
Here’s our carefully curated list of the most noteworthy macadamia-based products of 2024.
Supercharged choices
Identified as a trend influencing product development in several of our key markets, ‘supercharged choices’ came through strongly in macadamia innovation this year, particularly in relation to digestion and gut health.
FRESHIPPO PROBIOTIC LEMON & BASIL MACADAMIAS (CHINA)
Whole Australian macadamias are roasted at a low temperature and coated in a blend of lemon and basil to deliver a lively and unique flavour combination. The rich and milky aroma of the macadamias balances out the zesty hit of lemon and perfectly complements the herbal notes of basil. The nutritional benefits of the macadamias are taken to new heights with the addition of a prebiotic polydextrose to support gut health.
PIKITAKA YOGURT CHOCO MACADAMIAS (SOUTH KOREA)
Described as “Feel-good handy food,” this premium snack combines roasted macadamias with a delicate yoghurt flavoured white chocolate and indigestible maltodextrin, known to support digestive health. Sweetened with a sugar substitute, it is packaged in 30-gram portions, making it a convenient and guilt-free on-the-go snack. It also won the Best of 2024 award in the Chocolate category at the Korea Food & Tech Awards.
HEYCHOCO FREEZE-DRIED DURIAN WITH MACADAMIA & DARK CHOCOLATE (CHINA)
This unique snack combines an innovative blend of bold and complementary flavours and textures. Crispy freeze-dried durian is paired with smooth dark chocolate with macadamia pieces adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. Each 50-gram portion is individually wrapped, making it a convenient option for busy consumers, and with added probiotics, it’s a creative better-for-you snacking option.
Health-aligned indulgence
Consumers are seeking small perceived health benefits in the indulgences they enjoy, and these products illustrate this perfectly.
LUKT MACADAMIA GELATO (SOUTH KOREA)
Celebrated for its premium dairy creations, Lukt introduced macadamia gelato to its range, fusing indulgence with health-conscious appeal. It features rich and milky gelato blended with a generous helping of macadamia pieces innovatively caramelised with low-GI xylitol and organic agave syrup instead of white sugar. The playful ‘Trolls’ themed packaging, makes it an appealing choice for all ages while showcasing macadamias as a luxury ingredient.
CHUNGBUK GINSENG AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE MACADAMIA RED GINSENG CHOCO BALLS (SOUTH KOREA)
Jeungpyeong County in South Korea’s Chungcheongbuk-do this year began providing free school meals featuring products made from locally grown Jeungpyeong ginseng. Promoting children’s health and immunity while supporting the local economy, the initiative features macadamias, with one of the products included being Macadamia Red Ginseng Choco Balls, a tasty treat made from macadamias, sugar-free sweet chocolate and red ginseng.
GONDWANA ‘JOY’ MACADAMIA SEASONED CRUMB (AUSTRALIA)
The Gondwana macadamia crumb range featured in our 2023 list and in great news for fans of these products, a new variant aptly named ‘Joy’ was released this year just in time for Christmas. Featuring the wholesome crunch of premium macadamias grown in Australia’s Northern Rivers, combined with delicate shards of strawberries and a hint of vanilla, this crumb adds a vibrant sprinkle of nutty goodness to any dessert or breakfast bowl.
KEKEMI FREEZE-DRIED FRUIT MACADAMIA NUT SNACKS (CHINA)
This unique product offers a crispy new snacking experience by combining freeze-dried mango and strawberry with Australian macadamia nuts. Containing just three ingredients – fruit, macadamias and isomaltose (a sucrose substitute) – it’s free from artificial flavours, colouring agents and preservatives, making it ideal for people seeking out healthier snacking options.
The conscious evolution
Consumers are increasingly prioritising eco-friendly products and ethical practices across multiple product categories.
BU DELI BUTTER MADE FROM PLANTS (AUSTRALIA)
Described as ‘ethical feel-good butter,’ Bu Deli uses Australian-grown macadamias alongside coconut cream and organic soy to create a plant-based butter with a classic buttery flavour that’s indulgent, a little salty, and deeply satisfying. Elevating both sweet and savoury dishes, it’s crafted using raw ingredients and a traditional culturing process to deliver a sustainably produced dairy alternative that’s rich in nutrients, healthy fats and protein.
DOVE MACADAMIA MILK & WILLOW LAVENDER PLANT MILK CLEANSING BAR (USA)
Macadamia oil is often included in skin care formulations, but this plant-based cleansing bar instead uses nutrient-rich macadamia milk to help prevent dryness and leave skin feeling soft and hydrated. Its pH-balanced formula creates a rich, milky lather that is as kind to your skin as water, making it suitable for both face and body. Free from parabens and sulphate cleansers and formulated with 98% biodegradable ingredients, it meets rising consumer demand for environmentally friendly skin care.
Flavours without borders
Consumers are increasingly adventurous, seeking out global flavours and fusion cuisine.
TAMUR CARAMEL MACADAMIA DATES (SOUTH KOREA)
Korean consumers, eager to explore new flavours and cultures, are increasingly drawn to Middle Eastern desserts for their unique ingredients and rich profiles. This product blends the sweetness of premium dates with the buttery crunch of roasted macadamias, delivering a refined ‘luxury dessert’ experience. Balancing chewy, caramelised dates with the nutty richness of macadamias taps into South Korea’s demand for multi-textured treats.
DUBAI MACADAMIA CHOCOLATE (SOUTH KOREA)
Dubai chocolate is a rising dessert trend in several markets including South Korea. While pistachio varieties have traditionally dominated, macadamia-infused options are gaining popularity. ‘Let’s Dubai’ has introduced a macadamia Dubai chocolate crafted with Belgian couverture chocolate and a handmade macadamia spread. Its unique combination of crispy kadaif noodles and the rich, nutty taste of macadamias delivers a sophisticated experience that stands out from traditional chocolates.
Traditional formats and flavours reimagined
A departure from the norm is always exciting and these products demonstrate how macadamias can help to disrupt traditional formats and flavour pairings to deliver something deliciously novel.
PITADA NATURAL SAVOURY MACADAMIA & LEMON PEPPER GRANOLA (BRAZIL)
Generally considered a sweet breakfast or snack, Pitada has reimagined granola by giving it a savoury twist. This wholesome, fibre-rich blend combines whole grains, seeds, and 30% macadamias. Baked with extra virgin olive oil, it delivers a satisfyingly crunchy texture and a vibrant lemon pepper flavour. Vegan and preservative-free, it can be sprinkled over salads, mixed with cottage cheese, or added to soups for a boost of flavour, texture and healthy fats.
WILDSPROUT CRANBERRY & MACADAMIA BISCOTTI (SOUTH AFRICA)
Wildsprout redefines this classic Italian treat by swapping traditional almonds for macadamias, creating an elevated and luxurious flavour. These premium handmade biscotti are free from gluten, refined sugar, artificial additives, and preservatives. The macadamias add a creamy, buttery depth, complemented by the tartness of cranberries and lemon zest.
THICC COOKIES WHITE CHOC MAC COOKIE DOUGH (AUSTRALIA)
White chocolate and macadamia cookies are iconic, and Thicc Cookies make it easier than ever to whip up a batch at home thanks to its innovative cookie dough log. Packed with white chocolate and crunchy macadamia pieces, the convenient format simply requires slicing, rolling and baking for warm and chunky New York style cookies ready to enjoy within minutes.
SHANG SHING SELECT PEPPERY MACADAMIA TART (TAIWAN)
In Taiwan, nut tart flavours are typically sweet, so this Peppery Macadamia Tart is a stand-out. Crafted with macadamias and pumpkin seeds and enhanced by a five-nut spicy sesame oil, the unconventional pairing of Sichuan peppercorn spices with macadamias results in a harmonious combination that celebrates the buttery crunch of whole macadamias with the natural spicy heat of the peppercorn spices.
Snacks and treats with a side-serve of fun
Snacking plays a key role in daily routines for consumers around the globe, and innovation in this space continues to evolve rapidly. This year, a noticeable trend emerged, celebrating creativity and playfulness in snacks and treats featuring macadamias as an ingredient, expressed through branding, flavours, formats and packaging.
JOYFUL JURASSIC NUTTY CRUNCH MACADAMIA COCOA COOKIES (CHINA)
Joyful Jurassic Nutty Crunch Macadamia Cocoa Cookies combine the earthy richness of Ecuadorian cocoa with the buttery flavour of high-quality Australian macadamias. These small, crisp, round cookies have a satisfying, almost chip-like crunch, making them an intriguing snack option. The macadamias add a creamy depth and natural nuttiness that balances the cocoa’s slight bitterness, creating a nuanced flavour with a sweet, lingering aftertaste.
GINBIS TABEKKO DOBUTSU MACADAMIA WHITE CHOCOLATE KIDS’ BISCUITS (JAPAN)
These animal-shaped biscuits are an iconic Japanese childhood snack that many people in Japan can recall enjoying during their younger years. With the English name of each animal shape imprinted on every biscuit, they’re both delicious and educational. A limited-edition macadamia variant launched this year, with 100% Australian macadamia paste added to the dough formulation. The Australian origin of the macadamias was highlighted on pack, which featured images of macadamias and a map of Australia.
XUN CUI JI FRUIT MACADAMIA NUT GUMMIES (CHINA)
Available in raspberry and passionfruit variants, these innovative confections combine fruit juice and jam with macadamia nuts and dried fruit. Created by blending, boiling and then cooling in block form, each vibrantly coloured sweet gummy delivers a delightfully soft yet chewy sensation, with the added velvety crunch of macadamias.
FRESH FOODS QUEENAM CHOCOLATE COATED NUTS COLLECTION (VIETNAM)
Vietnamese brand Queenam has introduced a collection of 12 chocolate-coated nut and seed products, featuring macadamias as a key ingredient. This range stands out for its innovative choice of flavours, including Rose Chocolate, Tiramisu Chocolate, and Yoghurt Chocolate. Packaged in eye-catching 75-gram and 150-gram packs, they’re perfect for both individual enjoyment and shared snacking occasions.
NIGATA AJINOREN HONPO CAT DAY MACADAMIA NUT OKAKI (JAPAN)
This playful take on a popular Japanese snack was created in honour of Cat Day on 22 February. The limited-edition version of Nigata Ajinoren Honpo’s Macadamia Okaki was presented in a box adorned with original cat-themed illustrations that transforms into a cat house—perfect for entertaining your feline friend (though the packaging helpfully reminds us, ‘This is not a snack for cats!’). These light, fluffy crackers combine the buttery flavour of Australian macadamias with delicately salted Japanese rice and are as moreish as they are popular.
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