Snack Makers Drive Innovation with New Nut and Trail Mix Launches

From Diamond of California’s first pecan snack line to co-branded collaborations from PLANTERS, Dunkin’, and Blue Diamond, brands are expanding flavor profiles and formats to meet growing demand for convenient, flavorful snacking

New Every Day Option

Diamond Foods LLC, Stockton, Calif., expanded its Diamond of California line with Snack Pecans in two varieties: Sea Salt and Pecan Pie. They debuted on Amazon, with a nationwide in-store rollout planned this summer. Both offerings carried a suggested retail price of $3.99 per 3.25oz bag.

“While pecans have long been associated with the holiday season, their distinctive crunch, naturally buttery taste, and nutritional benefits make them an ideal choice for everyday snacking,” said Rachel Ercole, Diamond of California director of marketing. “The launch of our first dedicated pecan snack line represents a significant milestone for the brand, especially as pecans are driving growth in the flavored snack nuts category, with a large majority of consumers loving their rich, versatile taste that naturally pairs well with both sweet and savory applications.”

Bar Nut Mix

This May saw Hormel Foods Corp., Austin, Minn., collaborate with Molson Coors Beverage Company for a limited-edition PLANTERS x Miller High Life Bar Nut Mix. It combines seasoned peanuts and almonds with Cajun-style corn sticks, pretzel sticks, rice crackers and garlic bread sticks. The PLANTERS x Miller High Life Bar Nut Mix debuted May 20 on Amazon.

"The PLANTERS® brand team has created some of America's favorite snacks, and in partnering with Miller High Life, we knew we wanted to create something that felt nostalgic yet fresh, something that instantly elevates a casual summer hangout," said Lanessa Aurand, brand manager for the PLANTERS brand. "This all-new Bar Nut Mix does exactly that, combining familiar flavors with a nod to the classics."

Kar's X Dunkin' Caramel Cold Brew Mix blends — *Credit: Kar’s Nuts (Second Nature Brands)*

Sweet Snacking

Kar’s Nuts (Second Nature Brands), Madison Heights, Mich., partnered with Inspire Brands for two co-branded trail mix offerings inspired by Dunkin’s “most beloved flavors.” The new trail mix blends are Kar's X Dunkin’ Caramel Cold Brew and Frosted Donut with Sprinkles.

New Kar's X Dunkin' Caramel Cold Brew Mix blends roasted salted peanuts, crunchy butter toffee peanuts, and pink, orange and white cocoa candies with Dunkin’-inspired caramel cold brew flavored almonds. The Kar's X Dunkin’ Frosted Donut with Sprinkles Mix blends roasted peanuts, butter toffee peanuts, and pink, orange and white cocoa candies, all with Dunkin’-inspired frosted donut flavored almonds.

Blue Diamond Cherry Slurpee Almonds — *Credit: Blue Diamond Growers*

Summer Snacking

Blue Diamond Growers, Sacramento, Calif., targeted summer snacking in a collaboration with convenience store giant 7-Eleven, Inc. New Blue Diamond Cherry Slurpee Almonds were available for a limited time at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes locations nationwide in 1.5oz snack tubes (MSRP: starting at $1.79 per unit).

“Cherry is an iconic summer flavor, so it immediately came to our attention when ideating, and what encapsulates that more than the sweet and refreshing Cherry Slurpee drink,” said Maya Erwin, Blue Diamond vice president of marketing and innovation.

In other news, Blue Diamond teamed up in February with Mike’s Hot Honey to launch co-branded Hot Honey Almonds. They are available on Amazon, as well as select Walmart locations nationwide in 1.5oz snack tubes (MSRP: $14.99/12 pack) and 6oz cans (MSRP: Starting at $2.98).

Pop & Sol savory snacks — *Credit: Nuts.com*

New Name on Shelf

The family-owned direct-to-consumer brand, Nuts.com, Cranford, N.J., introduced Pop & Sol, a new eight-item line of savory snacks as well as premium sweet coated and/or dusted nuts. They debuted at Target and select retailers. Savory options include Jalapeño Cashews, Roasted Elote Peanuts, Sea Salt & Pepper Cashews, and Sea Salt & Vinegar Almonds. Sweet snack varieties are Banana Dusted Dark Chocolate Covered Walnuts, Coconut Flaked White Chocolate Covered Cashews, Raspberry Dusted Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds, and Strawberry Dusted Dark Chocolate Covered Hazelnuts.

“We’ve been obsessed with quality, care, and the art of snacking ever since our founder Poppy Sol started serving up nuts nearly 100 years ago,” said Nuts.com CEO PJ Oleksak. “Pop & Sol is our way of honoring that legacy, with flavors he definitely didn’t see coming. They are bold, flavorful, and delivered to our customers in the snack aisle where we know they are also shopping."

Nichols Farms no-shell pistachios — *Credit: Nichols Farms*

Fuel for Road Trips

Pistachio grower and processor Nichols Farms, Hanford, Calif., said it expanded distribution this year to as many as 600 Love's Travel Stops nationwide. The deal includes no-shell pistachios in 2oz and 6oz sizes with flavored varieties including Jalapeño Lime, Garlic & Garden Herbs, and Cocoa Cookie.

"We're pleased to be partnering with Love's Travel Shops to bring our products to their customers," said Jeff Nichols, vice president of supply chain at Nichols Farms. "Love's shares our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, making them an ideal partner for us."

Sahale Honey Cinnamon Cashews Glazed Mix — *Credit: Second Nature Brands*

Sweet Treat

This spring saw Second Nature Brands, Madison Heights, Mich., extend its Sahale Snacks and Second Nature lines.

A new Sahale Honey Cinnamon Cashews Glazed Mix features a blend with dry-roasted cashews, walnuts and pecans with dried apples, a light honey-cinnamon glaze and a “twist of orange,” the company said. The new Second Nature Snacks Protein Crunch Smart Mix features protein dark cocoa drops, roasted almonds, cashews and peanuts.