Popular, portable and nutritious, trail mixes are a snack option that are no longer restricted to hikers, campers or adventurous consumers. Not only have eating occasions expanded to all-day, but consumers are looking for a number of different, versatile ways to expand upon the traditional nut, fruit, granola mixture — so much in fact that terminology is changing. The remix of product positioning has effectively removed “trail” from the vernacular in many cases.
California walnuts are a plant-based whole food that contribute to mixes in a number of ways that consumers recognize and value. They not only add a rich, nutty flavor to a mix, but also provide a number of potential nutritional benefits. They are the ideal ingredient for this popular, portable, nutritional snack option.
To build the perfect snack mix, focus on what’s trending, what’s unique and what consumers want. Here are three ideas for snack mixes.
1. Focus on omega-3 demand
Consumers are more aware of the ingredients list than ever before, particularly the functionality that ingredients offer. Walnuts are the only nut that offers an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3. Omega-3 ALA cannot be made by the body (therefore called “essential”) and must come from food, like walnuts (2.5 grams per ounce). One serving of walnuts meets/exceeds the adequate intake for omega-3 ALA, which is 1.6 grams a day for men and 1.1 grams a day for women. Mix developers are honing in on this fact, making omega-3 a marketing focal point.
Product Examples
OMG Omega-3 Mix, Orchard Valley Harvest
Consumers can’t miss the omega-3 news with OMG! Walnuts, dark chocolate, blueberries and sweetened cranberries are part of this gluten-free mix that includes 4 grams of plant-based protein per serving.
Amped Omega-3 Trail Mix, Harmony
This Good Housekeeping Best Snack Award winner offers 1,000 mg of ALA omega-3s in this crunchy mix. Harmony’s functional product includes walnuts, Himalayan pink salt and dried cranberries, and it is certified kosher.
2. Use unique ingredients
Diversification of flavors, especially globally-inspired mashups, provide enticement for snacking during different times throughout the day. While younger consumers are driving the “more than three times per day” mindset, they’re also a highly multicultural and diversified segment of the snacking population. Walnuts have a subtle flavor profile, and if roasted, can have a deeper, more intense flavor that can bring out notes of caramel and toastiness. In a nutshell, the versatility of walnut flavors alone make it the perfect nut to formulate into mixes.
Trending flavor/ingredient combinations include:
- Sweet heat: mixes including black pepper, chili and habanero provide an international flair
- Familiarity: fruits like apples, cranberries and pears offer something nostalgic and comforting
- Permissible indulgence: chocolate mixed with better-for-you ingredients
Product Examples
Forest Trail Mix, Nomad
This is one of the most unique trail mixes on the market. Walnuts and black pepper are combined with mushroom jerky, carrot chips, apple and tarragon for a dairy-free, gluten-free product sure to wow consumers who are looking for adventure and creativity in a snack mix.
Apple Cinnamon Sprouted Snack Mix, Purely Sprouted
Walnuts are combined with apple and cinnamon for a crisp, warm, spicy snack mix. Apple Cinnamon Sprouted is a superfood mix that is gluten-free and vegan.
Smart Nutrition, Powers Nature’s Fuel
Dark chocolate chunks are interwoven with walnuts, tart cherries and cranberries for a sweet, tart and savory flavor combination. This mix is gluten-free and made in the USA by a veteran owned and operated company.
3. Hone in on antioxidants
Walnuts offer a variety of antioxidants, including polyphenols and gamma tocopherol. While the data for antioxidant capacity of foods generated by test-tube methods cannot be extrapolated to human effects and clinical trials to test benefits of dietary antioxidants in walnuts have produced mixed results, product developers are recognizing the consumer demand for ingredients that have antioxidant properties.
Product Examples
Antioxidant Mix, Gourmet Nut Power Up
This premium trail mix is a carefully selected blend of walnuts, raisins, cranberries and dark chocolate — wholesome, simple ingredients that make it easy to indulge with a little less guilt.
Organic Antioxidant Mix, SunRidge Farms
A power packed mix filled with walnuts, rich chocolate and tangy goji berries that will fuel the day. Sustainably farmed, non-GMO and organic certified.
These products are mentioned for informational purposes only and inclusion does not imply an endorsement. If you have any questions or would like more information about adding walnuts to your mix, contact kseiz@walnuts.org.
