The atmosphere in which people eat, the time of day people eat and the ingredients that they seek are constantly evolving, and while all-day snacking is getting its day in the sun, another trend is emerging as well: all-day breakfast.
Breakfast Is Lasting Longer
COVID-19 has affected all of our lives in some way, shape or form, and more families aren’t eating on the go as much. They’re still shopping, but they’re bringing items home to eat together inside the home. Additionally, children aren’t eating lunches at school as often with at-home learning being the new norm for many. In fact, market research firm The NPD Group found that “breakfasts have transformed from an on-the-go experience to a sit-down meal during the pandemic.” Families have more time to be together; therefore, breakfasts are becoming longer events, with pancakes, waffles, meat dishes, French toast and more, along with traditional breakfast spices and sauces, having spiked in sales compared to last year.
Traditional Breakfast Foods Become All-Day Fare
Food Dive reports that there has been a “revival of dishes” that were reserved for weekend breakfasts, like pancakes, sausage and cereal: “a segment that has had soggy sales for years.” Over the two months ending April 25, Nielsen data reported by AdAge showed that cereal sales increased 34%. This has resulted in food manufacturers growing the cereal category with new offerings and snacks with bigger-size bites (see our “bites” story from April) that satisfy snacking for breakfast.
What do these numbers mean? The most important meal of the day isn’t just for breakfast anymore. Consumers are purchasing breakfast fare outside of morning hours, and they’re doing it more often, to the tune of 31% over the past two years, according to a Technomic study. But the importance of the meal hasn’t been lost, no matter what time of day it’s being enjoyed. Consumers are looking for comfort, better-for-you ingredients and labels where listings aren’t alphabet soup of unfamiliar ingredients.
Breakfast With Walnuts
Walnuts are having their day as well, no longer being relegated to stand-alone snacking fare or an ingredient in baked goods. More manufacturers are using walnuts in versatile nut butters, in better-for-you granolas, in energy bars and in a wider variety of baked goods and cereals than ever before — all foods traditionally welcomed as breakfast or brunch items. Walnuts not only are a nutrient-dense option for breakfast foods, but they also include good fats, protein and fiber. One ounce of walnuts contains 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber and “good fats” in the form of plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Another benefit to adding walnuts to breakfast foods is that they are a filling ingredient, which is perfect for any time of day, but especially in the mornings. A study published in Nutrition showed that healthy young adults who regularly consume foods that contain polyunsaturated fats (PUFA), like walnuts, may experience favorable changes in appetite hormones associated with hunger and satiety. Participants who consumed a PUFA-rich diet had a significant decrease in fasting ghrelin, a hormone that increases hunger, and a significant increase in peptide YY (PYY), a hormone that increases fullness or satiety. These hormone changes could help with better appetite control1.
SmartBrief saw the future in its “2020 Vision: The Food Trends That Will Impact the Industry in the Year Ahead” report, which cited all-day breakfast as “the new normal” and mused that reinventing the breakfast category and offerings “will be key to keeping the menu fresh and exciting.” And we think these companies have done that with their made-with-walnuts items that are sure to have consumers clamoring for them any time of day.
Real Medleys Apple Walnut Oatmeal, Quaker
A breakfast staple great for all-day consumption, Real Medleys Apple Walnut variety from Quaker is made with walnuts, multigrains, dried apples and cranberries. The convenient container can be enjoyed at home or on the go, and there are 31 grams of whole grains and 5 grams of dietary fiber per 75-gram serving. Just add water, microwave and enjoy.Blueberry Walnut Collagen Protein Oats, Purely Elizabeth
Packed with walnuts, oats, quinoa, amaranth, flax and chia, Purely Elizabeth’s Collagen Protein Oats are a better-for-you oatmeal offering. It’s lightly sweetened with coconut sugar, is certified gluten-free and is a quick and easy breakfast option that is available in a container or an 8 oz. pouch.
Banana Bread Bliss, Taste Bars
Walnuts and banana bread go hand in hand, and this square treat from Taste Bars is a low-carb, gluten-free, better-for-you offering. Take breakfast with you any time of day and enjoy 6 grams of protein and 8 grams of dietary fiber in one serving. This bar is made with walnuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut and almond flour, dried banana, kosher salt and cinnamon.
Powerful Walnut Chickpea Granola, Eco-Friendly Foods Initiative
The name says it all – this granola is a grain-free creation with probiotics and sacha inchi. Complete with walnuts, Powerful Walnut is the perfect blend of great taste and nutritious benefits. Granola is a breakfast staple, and this powerful pouch packs a tasty punch.
