Snacks Series
Learn how flavored almonds can elevate your next innovation by:
- Enhancing bold flavor
- Adding well-rounded benefits
- Bringing the “crunch factor”
With more forms available than any other tree nut, almonds are incredibly versatile, offering endless opportunities for innovation.
Check out some of these formulation tips for flavorful snack inspiration:
1. Tap into in-demand intense flavors
Dry roasted flavored almonds are the perfect addition to any snack mix, as their crunchy texture and not-so-subtle flavor allows them to differentiate from other ingredients. Combining flavored almonds, like Honey Roast, with dried tropical fruits, wasabi peas, chia sticks and other nuts can provide a sweet and spicy flavorful adventure for consumers who want a variety of textural and flavor experiences.
2. Pair almonds in a high-protein bento box
You can include whole, flavored almonds with apple slices, grapes, and cheese slices for a “bento box” style snack kit. Bento boxes are a meal replacement option, and often have an emphasis on protein and other healthful ingredients. Flavored almonds such as Wasabi and Soy paired with veggies and hummus can increase the flavor profiles of bento boxes while still providing well-rounded nutritional benefits.
3. Add sought-after “crunch factor”
Texture plays a significant role in shopper purchase decisions. Over one-third are consuming more crunchy snacks since the pandemic as an accessible way to feel joy and escape everyday worries2. The “crunch factor” of dry roasted, flavored almond inclusions can help enhance consumer appeal for snacks. By providing that sought-after texture, people can explore the diverse range of sensory gratification that comes with intense tastes and crunchy textures in new applications such as almond-stuffed dates or almond brittle.
4. Superfood reputation
With more consumers paying attention to ingredient lists, it’s important to innovate with natural ingredients that are recognizable, but still flavorful and enticing. Flavored almonds benefit from consumer recognition as a superfood, which means they are all-natural, plant-based and nutritious.
Experts at our Almond Innovation Center can help you develop creative new ways to use flavored almonds in snack innovations and identify the right almond flavors for your formulations. For more information on flavored almond ingredients and applications, or to learn which almond inclusion flavors are available in your area, contact us or request a sample today.
References:
1 “Consumers Demand Crave-able Flavors and Customization,” Technomic. 2022.
2 “Highlight texture to broaden snacking usage occasions,” Mintel. 2022.
