National Walnut Day, celebrated May 17, serves as a reminder of the journey of the walnut — from tree to our favorite products on supermarket shelves. Walnuts hold a special place in product development, being revered for their rich, buttery flavor and their omega-3 ALA qualities.
National Walnut Day allows us to not only savor the delicious flavors and nutritional benefits of walnuts but also reflect on the interconnectedness of food, culture and the environment. Beyond their nutritional profile, walnuts add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to a wide array of products.
Here are a number of versatile ways to incorporate walnuts into your next product:
- Snack Bars: Walnuts can be a nutritious addition, providing a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Combined with oats, honey or dried fruits, appeal in the snack bar category is raised by using walnuts.
Apple Real Food Bar, Eat to Heal
Apple turns the classic flavor on its head. The nutrient-dense bar is a fresh-tasting, never baked experience. Each bar is vegan, non-GMO and certified organic.
2. Baked Goods: Walnuts are a classic ingredient in baked goods like cookies, muffins and bread. They can be chopped and folded into batter or dough or studded on top of brownies for added flavor and texture.
Dolly Parton’s Banana Nut & Bread Mix, Duncan Hines
This easy-to-make baking mix makes perfect breakfast muffins or classic banana nut bread. With Dolly’s endorsement, you can’t go wrong!
3. Granola or Cereal: Walnuts can be mixed with a number of ingredients to create a crunchy and nutritious option that can be enjoyed either at breakfast or as a standalone snack.
Organic Planet Friendly Oats Banana Nut, Wildway
Elevate mornings with Regenerative Organic Banana Nut Oatmeal. It’s a satisfying and nourishing product to start the day, loaded with walnuts, real dried bananas, a touch of coconut sugar and a hint of cinnamon.
4. Nut Butters: Walnut butter is rich and creamy, with a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.
Tropical Trio Organic Artisan Energy Bar, Jambar
Walnut butter is used in a unique way in Jambar’s Tropical Trio. This bright and breezy blend of tropical fruits, banana, pineapple and coconut uses walnut butter and gluten-free grains to round out this delicious, nutritional bar.
5. Salad Toppings: Walnuts can add a premium touch to pre-packaged salad kits. They can be roasted and seasoned with spices or coated in a sweet glaze to add crunch and flavor to salads.
Farm Fresh Salad Toppers, Modern Mill
Premium, wholesome ingredients — like walnuts — are used to give consumers a punch of crunch and flavor.
6. Dairy and Frozen Treats: Walnuts can be used to create dairy-free alternatives such as walnut milk or walnut-based cheeses. Plus, walnuts can be chopped or mixed into the base of frozen treats or used as a topping to add texture and flavor. Product developers often incorporate walnuts into dairy products because walnuts possess a rich, nutty taste that adds depth and complexity to ice creams, yogurts and cheeses. And walnuts’ distinct flavor profile enhances the overall sensory experience, creating a harmonious blend of creamy and earthy notes. Walnuts pair especially well with dairy flavor powerhouses: chocolate, caramel and fruit.
Hay There Walnut and Hazelnut Raw Milk Cheese, Artikaas
Creaminess and earthiness of traditional, raw milk Gouda is combined with the addictive crunch of walnuts. The nut-flecked cheese is beautiful to look at, and it’s a real treat for the senses.
