Honey and Pistachio: A Power Duo

Honey Variety 2

When it comes to flavor combinations, honey and pistachio are a match made in heaven. Their natural, complementary profiles—honey's floral sweetness and pistachio's rich, nutty warmth—make them a dynamic duo in the world of consumer packaged goods (CPG). This pairing has become increasingly popular, reflecting evolving consumer preferences for indulgent yet wholesome products.

Why pistachios are cracking the nut category:

1. Google trends analysis shows a 60% rise in pistachio web searches since 2019.

2. Tastewise found social conversations regarding pistachios grew 10%, with a 15% interest in confectionery.

3. Luxury pistachio creations are big in seasonal or LTO offerings, which are growing in popularity.

4. A single ASMR TikTok video of a food influencer eating a bright green, oozing pistachio and tahini paste-filled bar has been viewed a whopping 56 million (and counting) times.

Pistachio-topped pastries, according to Whole Foods Market’s 2025 Food Trends report, are emerging as a part of the broader "crunch trend," which focuses on texture in both savory and sweet categories. Other products like pistachio crumbles enhance desserts and baked goods, meeting consumer demand for texture innovation in premium snacks and bakery items.

Pistachio Biscotti, Flora Fine Foods

Consumers will enjoy the traditional Italian hard cookie crunch and the premium quality of these oven baked cookies, sweetened with honey and filled with real pistachios.

Photo Credit: Flora Fine Foods

Honey and pistachio are also frequently used in confectionery and frozen desserts, catering to growing interest in ethnic and fusion flavors. In chocolates, honey-pistachio truffles and chocolate bars are trending for their sophisticated taste.

Photo Credit: Seattle Chocolate

Holy Cannoli Truffle Bar, Seattle Chocolate

A scrumptious bite of Italy: Dark chocolate is stuffed with pistachios, crunchy bits of cannoli shell, honey and mini chocolate chips in a white chocolate center swirled with vanilla and a hint of cream cheese.

Ice cream brands are offering luxurious pistachio-infused products swirled with honey, catering to those who crave creamy, layered flavors. In the frozen aisle, novelty items spotlight this pairing as a new top-tier flavor profile.

Pistachio & Honey Ice Cream, Private Selection/Kroger

Comfort and decadence with a creamy foundation of milk and cream, this ice cream uses swirls of honey and roasted pistachios with a hint of sea salt to enhance the flavor experience.

Photo Credit: Private Selection/Kroger
Photo Credit: Little Moons

Honey Roasted Pistachio Mochi Ice Cream, Little Moons

Unique artisan ice cream bites are wrapped in soft rice mochi dough for an indulgent, yet portion controlled experience elevated with honey and pistachios. The gluten-free bites are only 80 calories each.

Similarly, snack brands are crafting bars with honey and pistachio, emphasizing clean-label ingredients and functional nutrition. The use of pistachios or honey as a featured flavor or component in premium snacks is also on the rise. Plus, the blend of energy from honey and plant-based protein from pistachios appeals to health-conscious snackers looking for a natural boost.

Pistachio Crunchy Nut Bar, South 40 Snacks

South 40 uses Greek and Turkish pistachio varietals in the Eastern Mediterranean region to contribute to the distinctive savory, earthy taste and quality of the four-ingredient bars. The perfect balance of nutty and sweet, thanks to the honey that rounds out the flavor profile.

Photo Credit: South Forty Snacks

Whether in indulgent treats or better-for-you snacks, the honey-pistachio pairing bridges the gap between luxury and approachability. Going green with pistachios? Sweeten your product with honey. For more information, email [email protected].