The nuts, the oils, the fruits: the smells and tastes of summer are complete in the Mediterranean, but consumers don’t have to hop on a plane to experience the sensory goodness of this region. Product formulators are taking note, and more Mediterranean diet recipes with walnuts are being formulated into products in the United States.
Why the Mediterranean diet specifically? For one, this particular diet is a U.S. consumer fan favorite. For the fifth straight year, U.S. News & World Report ranked it as the No. 1 overall diet, thanks to its ease of use and nutritional benefits. It’s easily customizable with the emphasis on nuts, fruits, vegetables, olive oil and fish.
And, walnuts fit in perfectly with the Mediterranean diet. The U.S. 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a Mediterranean-style eating pattern as one example of a healthy diet plan, primarily for its heart-health* benefits. It’s a plant-forward diet that can include walnuts in salads, snacks, cereals and even for breakfast as part of a “chorizo” scramble.
To showcase the versatility of formulating with walnuts within the scope of the Mediterranean diet, we’ve compiled a list of the best made-with-walnut Mediterranean diet recipes primed for U.S. product formulation. Use these recipes to inspire your next new product development!
Roasted Cauliflower with Romesco
Grocery store shelves are packed with the newest cauliflower-based products, and this Roasted Cauliflower with Romesco would be a great packaged product. The traditional Spanish pepper sauce can be used to top Mediterranean-friendly vegetables or fish, and California walnuts add the nutty texture that consumers love.
Power Up with Plants Protein Box
Back-to-work or back-to-school was never this nutritious and tasty with toasted walnuts, hummus and roasted chickpeas. Design the rest with your favorite Mediterranean diet ingredients, and you’ve got a marketable product.
Sweet Potato Walnut Falafel Bowls
Bowls are a perfect grab-and-go option for consumers, and sweet potato walnut falafel combined with maple tahini sauce is a unique offering. Switch up your formulation with grains and vegetables for versatility.
Curried Walnut Hummus
A new twist on the Mediterranean diet: Curried Walnut Hummus can be packaged in a jar and dipped into with your favorite snack item.
The Mediterranean diet has proven its staying power and given product developers an opportunity to formulate new products that will stay on supermarket shelves. Learn more about walnuts and their use in the Mediterranean diet.
