Snacks Series
Explore evolving flavor preferences in snacks, including:
- Why edible escapism is on the rise
- How almonds are fueling innovation
We talked with Kurt Waananen, R&D Director at Blue Diamond, for more insight on meeting the demand for approachable adventure through flavors.
Why are snack consumers becoming more interested in bold flavors?
From Wasabi and Soy to Salt & Vinegar, shoppers want flavors that offer edible escapism, or the ability to take their taste buds to various parts of the world without having to leave home. In fact, 65% of global consumers say they like trying new flavors1. While global consumers want to sample new taste experiences, they don’t necessarily want to commit to a full meal. These intensely flavored snacks provide the ideal opportunity for individuals to test out the flavors of India, Mexico and Morocco, for example, in a more approachable and affordable way.
What emerging flavor trends do you think will be important to the snack category this coming year?
We’re seeing an emphasis on sweet and spicy flavors as well as more adventurous flavors inspired by global cuisines, such as Sriracha and Maple flavored almonds. In snack and trail mixes, for example, we are noticing more diverse combinations of nuts, seeds, berries, dried tropical fruits, wasabi peas, chia sticks and more to create varied textural and flavor experiences. Flavored almonds are an ideal snacking option because they have the ability to carry a wide range of seasonings and coatings, which makes them customizable to any flavor pairing or recipe.
What benefits do almonds bring to flavorful snack formulations?
Taste and texture have always been critically important for snacks-especially now for consumers seeking adventure through intense flavors. Our flavored almonds can bring a memorable and unique taste experience and a desirable “crunch factor” to a range of applications. Dry roasted, flavored almonds, like Hickory Smoke, Maple, and Salt & Vinegar, can offer a more complex flavor and crunchy texture ideal for trail mixes and bars.
Consumers also recognize almonds as a superfood, which means they are a natural, plant-based and nutritious ingredient. In addition to satiating protein and fiber, almonds are also a rich source of calcium and potassium and have a healthy fat profile with low saturated fat and plenty of Omega-9 fatty acids. These attributes make almonds a standout choice for formulators looking to introduce approachable adventure and contribute to a positive “health halo,” which can influence consumer shopping decisions.
People also want to know the origins of the ingredients used in their snacks. All of Blue Diamond’s almond ingredients come from California growing regions, aligned with consumer preference for ingredient and supply chain transparency.
How can R&D teams meet these flavor demands?
Our R&D team at the Almond Innovation Center works closely with food manufacturers to help them develop products that appeal to consumers’ evolving tastes, including both sweet and spicy global flavors. Some of the most popular flavors of dry roasted almonds for snack applications include Cinnamon & Sugar and Hickory Smoke.
Want to learn more about how edible escapism is helping to evolve the snack industry, and how to meet the demand with almonds? Check out our article on ways to add intense flavors to your snack formulations here, or to learn which almond inclusion flavors are available in your area, contact us.
References:
1 “Consumers Demand Crave-able Flavors and Customization,” Technomic. 2022.
