Pistachio Shell as Potential Functional Ingredient for Animal Feed

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) views antioxidants as additives to feed ingredients that prevent spoilage by oxidation, while promoting animal gut benefits. It is well known that pistachio shells, as well as other pistachio-derived co-products, contain a large amount of fiber, and our work has demonstrated that it also contains a high level of polyphenols. Those properties make pistachio shells a great multifunctional additive and/ or a substitute ingredient in animal feeds. In collaboration with both academic and industrial partners, we are investigating the potential use of pistachio shell powder for animal feed, including fish, pigs and companion animals.

Animal studies with pigs, fish, and companion animals have been completed and studies with dairy cows are underway. We partnered with the University of Illinois for studies with pigs and dairy cows and with the University of Idaho for studies with fish. In 2026, an independent panel of experts agreed that pistachio shell powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as a functional ingredient in pig and fish food. Looking forward, initial revenues are expected from the commercial sale of pistachio powder in 2027-28.

See the roadmap below for a more in-depth look at the Pistachio problem-solving process.