The Latest Trends in Snack Nuts

One thing is for certain: consumers go nuts for nuts! Just by looking at the market size for the snack nut category, the tremendous growth in the popularity of snack nuts among consumers is abundantly evident. Although there’s been some innovation in the snack nut category, it’s still been lagging behind other snack categories, meaning that there are endless opportunities for brands to find new and trendy ways to innovate with snack nut flavors.

Many consumers are interested in unique, never-before-seen flavors on retail shelves, as they’ve grown increasingly bored with existing options and familiar favorites. Thanks to their versatility, snack nuts are a prime opportunity for brands to innovate with flavors that will leave consumers reaching for more after every bite. Keep reading to learn more about the current trends surrounding snack nuts.

BFY and Plant-Based Snacking

Nuts are among the most familiar – and more popular – plant-based and better-for-you (BFY) snacks. Health-conscious consumers are continuously seeking out ways to satisfy their snack cravings while also feeling good about their snack choices. With so many varieties of nuts, and most of them being filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, it’s easy to feel good about choosing a nut variety as a snack any time of the day.

Plant-based proteins have taken the food industry by storm in recent years, with consumers seeking out more sustainable ways of upping their protein intake. Plant-based options for meat and dairy products are the most common, but plant-based trends have been popping up more and more on the snack shelves. Nuts are familiar but fit the bill for both BFY and plant-based snacking and innovation, and feeling good about what they’re putting in their bodies while also considering environmental impact is the best of both worlds for many consumers.

Snack Nut Innovation

So how should brands innovate with snack nut flavors? Hot and spicy flavors, global flavors, sweet and spicy combos, and unique twists on classic flavors are just a few ways brands can get started. There are endless possibilities when it comes to innovating with snack nuts, and consumers are ready for new flavors to hit the shelves.

Given that consumers are using snack nuts as healthier replacements for other salty snacks, flavors that are trending in other sections of the snack ideal are ideal for snack nut flavor inspiration. Whether it be Nashville hot, twisted dill pickle, or cinnamon sugar tajin, consumers are bound to perceive these flavored snack nuts as healthy alternatives to many of the other snack products on retail shelves.

Showcasing indulgent flavors on snack nuts is the perfect way to appeal to all consumers, including those consistently on the hunt for BFY takes on their favorite snacks. Consider bringing the flavors of popular desserts and baked goods to snack nuts to give consumers a guilt-free way of treating themselves. Think key lime pie cashews or strawberry cheesecake almonds.

Ready to innovate with snack nuts? Contact us today to see how Fuchs can help you make something special.