As innovation in the oils category continues to diversify, almond oil is emerging as a high-performing, value-added ingredient, gaining traction with manufacturers, retailers, and culinary professionals alike. Its mild flavor, low-medium smoke point of 425℉, and heart-healthy nutritional profile make it an attractive alternative to more established oils across a range of applications, including sautéing, roasting, baking, marinating, salad dressings, and drizzling.
Once considered a specialty product, almond oil is now poised for broader adoption as both a stand-alone SKU and a functional ingredient in consumer-packaged goods. According to the team at SunnyGem Almond Oil, a vertically integrated almond oil producer based in California, this growth trajectory reflects both evolving formulation preferences and a shift in retail and foodservice priorities toward healthier, multifunctional oils.
Meeting Market Demand for Functional and Flexible Oils
“Almond oil checks multiple boxes for R&D teams and buyers,” says Tina DiModica, Product Development Manager, at SunnyGem. “It delivers on taste neutrality, performance, and nutrient content – all while supporting a ‘better-for-you’ ingredient panel that today’s consumers increasingly expect.”
What makes SunnyGem Almond Oil stand out is that it is made from 100% California-grown almonds that are cold-pressed, an extraction method that uses as little processing as possible. This means there is no need for any refinement, additives, or chemicals. The cold press also helps preserve the nutritional value and flavor of the almonds, so each bottle is packed with nutrients like vitamin E, B vitamins, and flavonoids. Almonds are also naturally rich in monounsaturated fats which are considered heart-healthy fats. SunnyGem Almond Oil is also gluten-free, non-gmo, vegan, and kosher.
Three Key Attributes to Highlight on Shelf and Spec Sheets
As the oils category continues to shift toward more premium and purpose-driven options, SunnyGem advises retailers and product developers to keep three key differentiators in mind when considering almond oil:
- Heart-Healthy Monounsaturated Fats: Supports health-forward positioning without sacrificing performance
- Naturally High in Vitamin E: Offers built-in antioxidant benefits that appeal to wellness-minded consumers
- Sourced from California Almonds: A reliable U.S.-based supply chain with a growing emphasis on sustainability and traceability
With these benefits, almond oil is positioned as both a functional ingredient and a brand-enhancing differentiator, particularly in categories where oil choice directly impacts mouthfeel, nutrient profile, and shelf stability.
What’s Ahead: Strategic Adoption Across Retail and Foodservice
Looking ahead, DiModica anticipates continued growth for almond oil across the center store, perimeter, and foodservice channels, as its culinary adaptability and nutritional profile align with ongoing trends in plant-forward eating, dairy-free innovation, and minimally processed formulations.
That momentum will be underscored this August, when SunnyGem Almond Oil hits shelves at Whole Foods Market locations nationwide. The national rollout signals broader retail recognition of almond oil’s appeal; not only as a functional ingredient, but as a differentiated product that meets evolving consumer expectations.
“We’re not just talking about a niche trend,” DiModica notes. “This is a high-performance, high-versatility ingredient that works equally well in a wide array of culinary applications. It can be used the same way you would use olive oil.”
SunnyGem’s additional retail partners include Publix and Hy-Vee, Save Mart, HomeGoods, Lucky, and Nugget Markets.
About the Author
This article was contributed by the team at SunnyGem Almond Oil, with insights from Tina DiModica, Product Development Manager at SunnyGem. SunnyGem is a vertically integrated producer of California-grown almond oil, dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and better-for-you ingredient solutions across food, beverage, and personal care.
For more information, we encourage you to visit: www.sunnygem.com.
