Snacking has evolved into a full-fledged lifestyle in the U.S., with younger generations fueling future sales potential and an uptick in the number of snacking occasions per day, according to IRI/Circana’s Sally Lyons Wyatt. She delivered an impactful presentation at the Sweets & Snacks Expo that showcased these core snacking trends:
- Bold flavors
- Convenience
- Satiety
- Fun/indulgence
- Functional benefits
There were a wide variety of delicious walnut products on display in Chicago, each providing perfect examples of how walnuts fit perfectly into the trends driving the marketplace.
Trend: Bold Flavors
83% of consumers, according to Circana, want snacks that have the flavor they prefer, and bold flavors are fan favorites.
Black Pepper & Sea Salt Sprouted Walnuts, Purely Sprouted
These California Walnuts are seasoned with bold cracked black pepper and sea salt. The harmony of the pepper’s pop and soft, woody flavor mixed with a firm crunch are a snacker’s delight. This vegan product is also gluten-free and a source of plant-based protein.
Top Trend: Convenience
71% of consumers don’t plan when they’re going to snack, Circana notes. The majority of snacking occasions are the result of grab-and-go convenience.
Maple Cinnamon Apple Walnuts, Pear’s Snacks
Whether on the go, stuck at work or just craving a midnight snack, Pear’s Snacks Maple Cinnamon Apple Walnuts are the perfect nosh. Walnuts are paired with tasty apple bits and natural maple flavor in this plant-based, kosher product.
Top Trend: Satiety
Half of the consumers polled stated they have adapted to a snacking lifestyle instead of traditional meals because of ease of use.
Baklava Flavored Protein Bar, UNiTE
A product that serves as a meal replacement is paramount in these situations, and this made-with-walnuts bar is perfect. UNiTE combines walnuts, honey, hemp hearts and dates for a crunchy bar that provides 10 grams of nut and seed-based protein.
Top Trend: Fun/Indulgence
True indulgence continues to outpace other snacking segments like better-for-you/wellness, permissible indulgence and treating. Chocolate nut was named by Circana and SPINS as an “exciting flavor that has hit the spot when looking at top unit percentage change growth.”
Kiddos Chocolate Walnut Butter, Nutty Gourmet
Kiddos was created to release the power of walnuts as fuel for a more nutritious future. This Chocolate Walnut Butter has Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and plant-based protein, a perfect snack for little ones.
Top Trend: Functional Benefits
The need for functional benefits in snack products is rising even higher for consumers. Circana found:
- 61% want snacks that contain vitamins and minerals
- 59% want snacks that contain additional health benefits even beyond nutrition, i.e., antioxidants, micronutrients, gluten-free
Chocolate Walnut Bites, Abby’s Better
Walnuts, dates, unsweetened cocoa, pink Himalayan salt and rice flour are the only ingredients in this clean label snack from Abby’s Better. Instead of reaching for candy, these better-for-you bites are gluten-free, non-GMO, paleo-friendly, plant-based and have 2 grams of protein per serving.
Click here for a full list of walnut-based products at the Sweets & Snacks Expo and contact kseiz@walnuts.org for more information on using walnuts in your next product launch.
