The rapid expansion of the global nut industry has been accompanied by the growing problem of “increasing production without corresponding income growth.” Consequently, “intensive processing” has emerged as a pivotal driver for the transformation and upgrading of the nut industry in recent years. As a potential bulk oilseed resource that is rich in oils and proteins, nut-derived products (e.g., walnut oil) and plant-based nut milks have become key targets of intensive nut processing, while the comprehensive utilization of nut meal-the primary byproduct of nut processing-has also become a critical bottleneck constraining industrial development. This study focuses on four major nut meals (walnut, almond, cashew, and hazelnut) and conducts a comparative analysis with conventional oilseed meals to elucidate their nutritional profiles and development potential. The current processing and utilization approaches for nut meals, including applications in animal feed, functional food ingredients, and bioactive compound extraction, were reviewed. As the primary nutritional component in nut meals, meal proteins exhibit significant development potential and application value. Thus, advances in protein extraction techniques, processing methods, functional properties, and safety characteristics, identifying key challenges and future research directions were also comprehensively examined. In summary, nut meal represents a high-value byproduct with broad prospects for future development and application, positioning it as a crucial catalyst for driving the transformation and upgrading of the nut industry.