A nutty star emerged from the Sweets & Snacks Expo aisles: the walnut. Walnuts were the perfect example in a number of key show trends, and this year’s show witnessed an impressive array of new walnut-based sweets and snacks. The new products showcased what walnuts do best: flavor, texture and newstalgia. Walnuts stood out in these new trending products that are set to redefine the snacking — and nutritious, yet sweet, indulgent — experience.
On-the-Go Packaging
Sally Lyons Wyatt’s Eye Opener Session, The State of Snacking, found that an astounding 50% of consumers said they eat snacks instead of a meal because they are on the go. This is up +6.3 points versus 2019. Lyons Wyatt noted that on the go isn’t just defined as exiting the household. Consumers who work at home — now more than ever — could be running downstairs to grab a snack between meetings. With snack products being so accessible, portion control is imperative. That pain point can inevitably be solved with smaller snack packs.
Shelled Walnut Snack Packs, Go a Little Nuts!
Packaged walnuts are nothing new, but we loved the fun packaging design and variety of sizes from Go a Little Nuts! The Shelled Walnut Snack Packs are 1 ounce per serving and come in 12 or 36 count quantities, perfect for kids’ lunchboxes.
Banana Bread Walnuts, Earthside Farms
Consumers can indulge in guilt-free snacking with these 1 ounce snack packs. They’re keto-friendly and feature crunchy, candied walnuts infused with banana bread flavor. The delightful balance of sweetness and texture is warm, comforting and low carb (2 grams per serving).
Embracing Permissible Indulgence
The Candy & Snack Today Expo Show Guide reported that nut lovers — in fact more than half — said that they want snacks that are fun to eat. But, there’s a pressure to snack “better,” defined as more nutritious. Permissible indulgence is leading this demand, and walnuts help bridge the gap of choosing craveability combined with better-for-you ingredients. Further, the plant-forward trend is gaining traction, with consumers actively seeking better-for-you and plant-based snacks.
Bourbon Walnut and Dark Chocolate, For the Love of Toffee
Walnuts infused with a splash of bourbon create a rich depth of flavor. Add in dark chocolate, and you have a delicious mix of gluten-free sweet and savory in a 12 ounce bag.
Banana Chocolate Walnut Protein Bar, RXBAR RXBAR has cornered the market on great taste with nutrition in a bar. Walnuts are mixed with chocolate chips, dates and egg whites, resulting in a gluten-free, guilt-free bar packed with 12 grams of protein.
Start Spreading the Newstalgia
Flavor combinations that give consumers a taste of their childhoods spun with a new twist are booming. Circana noted that 46% of consumers are seeking nostalgic snack flavors that transport them back to their youth. Newstalgia gives product developers a chance to stand out amongst the snacking crowd, while giving consumers a comfortable way to satisfy their curious taste buds.
Walnut & Date Candy, Cherry Grandfather
Walnut and dates are familiar ingredients, but this award-winning product gives consumers something new. California walnuts are used to create a crunchy balance against fresh dates that are slow cooked to a thick paste. Then red and white kidney beans are mixed within to create a vegan treat with no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Banana Walnut Bread, Nadel This Banana Walnut Bread is based on an old French Canadian recipe with walnuts and fresh, hand peeled bananas, but the slices are individually packaged, creating a modern, on-the-go treat.
Ready to set the trend with a new walnut product? Email kseiz@walnuts.org to get started.
