National Nut Day, celebrated each year on October 22, was founded in 2016 by Liberation Foods, a UK-based Fairtrade nut company.
The observance promotes ethical sourcing and recognizes the farmers who grow and harvest nuts around the world. It also encourages people to include more nuts in their diets, highlighting them as one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods—rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Beyond their health benefits, nuts play a key role in sustainable agriculture and global food culture.
How Big Is National Nut Day?
National Nut Day is not one of the “viral” food holidays that dominate timelines—like National Pizza Day or National Donut Day—but it still sees predictable activity around October 22. Many wellness bloggers, nutritionists, and food brands use it as a chance to promote healthy snacking and plant-based eating. On platforms like Instagram and X (Twitter), posts with hashtags such as #NationalNutDay (10.2K posts on Instagram) or #GoNuts appear annually, often tied to recipes, giveaways, and lighthearted puns. Engagement typically peaks in the U.S. and UK, driven by lifestyle influencers and eco-conscious brands that focus on sustainability or Fairtrade origins.
In terms of media coverage, National Nut Day earns moderate attention. Major outlets rarely produce feature stories around it, but smaller food blogs, health magazines, and digital calendars include it consistently in October content. It fits neatly into broader seasonal themes—autumn recipes, back-to-school snacks, or World Food Day tie-ins—making it a reliable, evergreen topic.
When Is National Nut Day?
National Nut Day is observed on October 22 each year, making it one of the fixed-date food observances. Unlike holidays that shift annually, this one stays the same, giving nut lovers an easy date to remember. Below is a table showing which day of the week it falls on through 2030.
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | October 22 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 22 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 22 | Sunday |
| 2029 | October 22 | Monday |
| 2030 | October 22 | Tuesday |
Similar Observances
Several other food holidays celebrate nuts and nut-based snacks, each offering a fun way to enjoy these nutrient-packed foods throughout the year:
- National Almond Day (February 16)
- National Pistachio Day (February 26)
- National Walnut Day (May 17)
- National Grab Some Nuts Day (August 3)
- National Trail Mix Day (August 31)
- National Peanut Day (September 13)
These days, like National Nut Day, remind people to value nutritious foods and support responsible farming practices that sustain both people and the planet.
5 Facts About Nuts
- Not all “nuts” are true nuts. Botanically speaking, almonds, cashews, and pistachios are actually seeds, while peanuts are legumes. True nuts—like chestnuts, hazelnuts, and acorns—grow inside hard shells that don’t split open naturally.
- Nuts have ancient roots. Archaeologists have found evidence of humans eating nuts more than 780,000 years ago in Israel, showing that these foods have been part of the human diet since prehistoric times.
- A handful goes a long way. Just one small serving (about 1 ounce or 28 grams) of mixed nuts provides a satisfying combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats that can help reduce hunger and support heart health.
- They help the planet, too. Many nut trees, such as almonds and walnuts, play a role in carbon sequestration—absorbing CO₂ and improving soil health—making them valuable to sustainable agriculture when responsibly grown.
- Nuts inspire global traditions. From Middle Eastern baklava made with pistachios to American pecan pie and Indian cashew curries, nuts appear in cuisines around the world, symbolizing prosperity, health, and celebration.
How To Celebrate National Nut Day
These simple ideas make National Nut Day both tasty and meaningful—celebrating good health, sustainability, and appreciation for the farmers who make our favorite snacks possible.
- Snack smarter. Swap chips or sweets for a handful of mixed nuts to enjoy a healthy, satisfying crunch.
- Try a new nut recipe. Make almond butter at home, bake walnut banana bread, or sprinkle pistachios over salads or yogurt.
- Support Fairtrade brands. Buy nuts or nut products that come from Fairtrade-certified farms to help small growers earn fair wages.
- Host a “nut tasting.” Invite friends or coworkers to sample different kinds—almonds, cashews, macadamias, hazelnuts—and rate your favorites.
- Make your own trail mix. Combine nuts with dried fruit, seeds, and a touch of dark chocolate for a custom, portable snack.
- Learn about nut farming. Watch a short documentary or read about how nuts are grown and harvested around the world.
- Give a nutty gift. Share small jars of flavored nuts, homemade granola, or nut butters with family or coworkers.
