Almond Hull Powder Has Secured GRAS Status

The ingredient, now deemed safe for human food, offers new moisture-retention properties for California-made goods.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Organic Food

Gouache-painted illustration of whole almond fruit and a small heap of organic almond hull powder on wood, representing a new food ingredient. — The Almond Board of California has secured GRAS status for almond hull powder, allowing the food industry to repurpose agricultural byproducts as moisture-retaining ingredients. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Almond Board of California has officially secured Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for almond hull powder. This development aims to transition almond hulls, which make up 50% of the dried almond fruit, from traditional livestock feed into a new human-grade food ingredient.

Why it matters

By repurposing a byproduct that previously served as livestock feed, this move promotes greater sustainability in food production. It provides food developers with a new functional ingredient to improve moisture retention and shelf-life stability in baked goods.

The Almond Board of California compiled a 180-page safety dossier to secure GRAS status, which was then vetted by an independent expert panel. While the ingredient is now considered safe, the long-term impact on nutritional profiles in varied food applications remains under study.

The players

Almond Board of California

An industry organization that manages research and marketing for almond growers to support food safety and market sustainability.

The details

To create the powder, producers utilize a controlled process of sorting, cleaning, and pasteurizing raw hulls before drying and grinding them into a fine ingredient. The resulting powder acts as a natural humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture in food items, and provides phytochemicals and antioxidants. This joins 13 other existing almond forms available to food developers, offering a new tool for texture and stability in processed goods.

July 2026: Almond hull powder debuted at IFT FIRST 2026.

Health Landscape

The transition of agricultural waste into functional food ingredients reflects a broader industry trend toward maximizing the nutritional value of existing crops. This development follows the established FDA GRAS notification program, marking a successful regulatory path for upcycling byproducts.

If you are interested in the nutritional properties of new food ingredients, look for labels indicating the inclusion of almond-derived components. Those with specific concerns about ingredient sourcing or food additives should consult with their doctor or a registered dietitian.

The takeaway

Almond hull powder represents a significant step forward in sustainable food technology that could improve the texture of your favorite baked goods. Keep an eye on ingredient labels for new plant-based additives that offer natural humectant properties and added antioxidants.