For the first time since 2019, the California Walnut Commission walked a show floor looking for the latest trends, newest flavor combinations and the “wow” moments that make products made with walnuts so special. We flew into Indianapolis with a special beat to our steps, and the Sweets & Snacks Expo certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to sweet and savory snacks hitting the mark with what consumers are looking for: comfort, satisfaction, indulgence, nutrition and a way to once again (thankfully) gather with loved ones.
Snacks certainly have a tall order with that list, and as we weeded through the booths searching for products made with our favorite tree nut, we saw three main themes that reflected current trends.
Nutty Nostalgia
The Sweets & Snacks Expo took us back in time with a huge trend: nostalgia. But companies were also looking forward, with new spins on classic favorites. When we think of walnuts, fudge is one of the first products that comes to mind, and that was clear on the show floor as fudge could be seen in various shapes and forms, from bite-style to gourmet confectionery-style to being made right before our eyes fudge shoppe-style.
The Expo was a cause for celebration, reflected in Americans’ need both to return to family favorites through nostalgic flavors and to also try out new novelties with unique spins.
Belgian Chocolate Walnut Fudge and Maple Walnut Fudge, Chocolate Moonshine Co.
Watching fudge being made right before your eyes is something Americans have enjoyed for generations, and Chocolate Moonshine Co. brought that concept to the Expo. Smooth, creamy, rich and, of course, handcrafted, this gluten-free fudge is made with walnuts and without eggs and wheat. The company opened one year ago and was especially excited to showcase on the show floor.
Maple Walnut Fudge and Belgian Chocolate Walnut Fudge, Blue Moose Sweet Shoppe
Gift giving was also a hot topic on the show floor, and this two-pound gift box from Blue Moose Sweet Shoppe gives fudge lovers something to wax nostalgic about. The Nut Lovers Combination Gift Box includes two made-with-walnuts confections: Belgian Chocolate Walnut Fudge and Maple Walnut Fudge.
Gourmet Chocolate Walnut Fudge Bites and Maple Walnut Fudge, Great American Fudge Company
One of the great things about Great American Fudge Company’s display was that it showcased two different consumer trends: bite-sized and a great flavor combination. Gourmet Chocolate Walnut Fudge Bites come in individually wrapped portions, while the Maple Walnut Fudge came in a larger container for sharing purposes.
Gourmet Chocolate Walnut Fudge Bites and Maple Walnut Fudge, Great American Fudge Company
One of the great things about Great American Fudge Company’s display was that it showcased two different consumer trends: bite-sized and a great flavor combination. Gourmet Chocolate Walnut Fudge Bites come in individually wrapped portions, while the Maple Walnut Fudge came in a larger container for sharing purposes.
The Mega Omega-3
We humans can’t make omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) on our own. But, the good news is, walnuts can! They are the only nut that is an excellent source of ALA, supplying 2.5 grams per ounce, and we were thrilled to see omega-3 mixes front and center in a number of booths. In fact, one of the biggest show packaging trends was the promotion of omega-3s on product packaging.
Omega-3 Deluxe Mix, Uncle Ed’s Pantry
Uncle Ed tells us via the top of the bag that it fits in your cup holder, and we’re delighted by the grab-and-go Omega-3 Deluxe Mix with walnuts.
Mega Omega 3 Mix, Natural Cravings, Paradise Valley and Nutty Naturals
Paradise Valley, under the Nutty Naturals brand, welcomed us with the Mega Omega 3 Mix, an all-natural mixed bag of walnuts, cranberries, raisins and more. Another Nutty Naturals brand, Natural Cravings, also brought a trail mix to the Expo with omega-3 labeled clearly on the front of the bag. Walnuts, cranberries and raisins could be seen through the clear window of the packaging, leaving us craving a taste. Nutty Naturals’ booth also promoted Omega 3 Trail Mix in 6 and 22 ounce varieties.
Krazy for Keto
Keto, which generally consists of carbohydrate intake reduction and replacement with fat, is a diet that fits nicely with walnuts. Walnuts are considered a “good fat,” supplying 2.5 grams per ounce of plant-based omega-3 ALA. The keto trend was strikingly evident through the Expo exhibitors’ display picks.
Keto Deluxe Mix, Nature’s Garden
Walnuts are blended with dried cheddar cheese, pepitas and reduced-sugar cranberries for 7 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, 2 grams of sugar and 680 milligrams of omega-3 per serving. Keto is proudly displayed in the largest font on this packaging, along with the keto certification stamp.
Want to learn more about incorporating walnuts into your trendy mix? Visit walnuts.org for sweet and savory ideas.
