At this year’s Summer Fancy Food Show, made-with-walnut products helped define the concept of “newstalgia,” which blends the comfort of traditional flavors with innovative, modern twists. Exhibitors showcased a diverse range of walnut-based products, from gourmet spreads and snacks to the comeback kid — baklava — all reflecting the evolving tastes of contemporary consumers. This fusion of the old and new at the show not only highlighted the versatility and nutritional benefits of walnuts but also captures the spirit of innovation that resonates with today’s consumers.
In her Flavor Trends talk, Lisa Jackson, director of marketing at FlavorSum, said that night owls want to make memories through food. “People just want to feel better, and food is a way to do that. That’s why nostalgia is playing a big role. You’re transported back in time to when you feel better.”
Baklava made Jackson’s list of foods with go-to flavors that both harken back to childhood and are perfect for next generation introduction.
Walnut Snacklava, Dar Baklava
The show’s Debut District housed Dar Baklava’s fun twist on a classic. Walnuts, flour, sugar, butter, cornstarch and milk were combined to create 80 baklava pieces that are perfect for snacking portion control.
Kenny Juskowiak of NielsenIQ Data said in his Future of Retail presentation that pressure for products to make it on supermarket shelves is greater today than before the pandemic. Almost 40% of retailers plan to reduce SKUs in the next 12 months, so competition is hot. How do manufacturers stand out? Innovation. It’s a key pillar of planned growth, and manufacturers with growing innovation sales are two times more likely to grow total sales even more, according to NIQ data. Driving innovation are key elements like ingredients, flavors and a keen understanding of consumer needs and behaviors, Juskowiak noted. On the show floor, these products vividly demonstrated why walnuts are perfect for the newstalgia trend.
Organic Savory Breakfast Sausage Patties, Nutcase Vegan
The sofi winner in the Plant Based Protein category, these breakfast sausage patties takes a traditional meat-based favorite and switches out the main ingredient with walnuts. Add a spicy and savory blend of sage and red pepper, this award-winning product is perfect for sandwiches, stuffing or a breakfast scramble.
White Chocolate Walnut Butter, Nutty Novelties
Blend white chocolate into walnut butter and you have the “cookie dough of nut butters.” Enjoy on classic banana bread or walnut brownies or right off the spoon for a midnight snack.
The Dangerous Stuff Box, The Toffee House
English toffee is renewed thanks to walnuts and a dark and white chocolate drizzle. The amazing taste is only made better with a surprising crunch. The Dangerous Stuff is made by hand in Washington, PA.
Want to define newstalgia with walnuts? Email dmikolajcik@walnuts.org to share the innovation!
