2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Per capita tree nut consumption in the U.S. has trended upward over the past decade. However, nuts, both tree and field, have seen potential markets shrink as nut bans have been implemented throughout the U.S. The purpose of this study was to assess where nut bans have been implemented (e.g., schools, workplaces, etc.), especially as the bans relate to tree nuts. Using an online survey of around 1,100 respondents throughout the Midwest we examine which tree nuts have been banned in various locations. Results indicated schools were the most prevalent place nuts were banned followed by work, then other locations. Further, even though peanuts are most often perceived as the major nut that is banned, respondents reporting bans indicated that all nuts were more likely to be banned than individual nuts. Notably, for workplaces, tree nuts were more likely to be banned than peanuts when individual bans were imposed. Thereby, this research fills a critical gap in that tree nut producers and industry stakeholders need to invest in educational campaigns to limit nut bans, while also investing in new varieties that address consumer concerns about tree nuts.