Exotic Flavors

Second Nature Brands (SNB), Madison Heights, Mich., extended its premium trail mixes with new Second Nature Snacks Global Fusions in two flavors: Mediterranean Herb and Citrus Habanero.

Mediterranean Herb delivers 5g of protein and 3g of fiber in a 1oz serving. It features Italian-herb seasoned nuts, tomato flakes and white cheddar cheese. Citrus Habanero offers 5g of protein in a 1oz serving. It showcases citrus habanero seasoned cashews, dried mango, roasted and salted pepitas and roasted corn. Both items carry a MSRP of $7.49 for a 10oz package.

"With travel costs exorbitant, we wanted to transport consumers with fabulous flavor profiles like Mediterranean Herb and Citrus Habanero, that are flavorful, fun and nutrient-dense," said Jennifer Bauer, SNB chief marketing officer. “These unique trail mixes feature a culinary-seasoned collection of nuts, legumes, fruits and vegetables, bringing worldwide flavors right to your home."

Nut, Fruit Inclusions 

Catalina Snacks, Indianapolis, says its new cereal line, Catalina Crunch® Pairings, elevates “the low-sugar category with nut and fruit inclusions. Before a national roll-out scheduled for early 2024, the brand debuted online this August in two flavors: Blueberry Muffin Cereal with Whole Blueberries and Honey Nut Cereal with Roasted Almonds.

Both 8oz offerings are entirely plant-based and vegan with no added sugar and 10g of protein per serving. They’re also low-carb and keto-friendly.

“At Catalina Crunch, our mission is to provide cleaner snacking options, and as consumers prioritize health, we're proud to offer new, innovative, and nutritious choices for everyday snacking or breakfast routines,” said Krishna Kaliannan, founder and CEO.

Summertime Snacking

Blue Diamond Growers, Sacramento, Calif., greeted summer with three new offerings, including the brand’s first chocolate-covered products. Debuting in May were Blue Diamond Thin Dipped Almonds in two flavors: Double Dark Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel. Officials say both products contain 50% less sugar than the average chocolate-covered almonds. One serving (about 19 almonds) has 170 calories and 5g of protein.

In other news, Blue Diamond introduced a new 6oz flavor, Honey Butter Flavored Almonds, which are available online and at Walmart through December. “Inspired by the popular Korean Honey Butter Chips, these snack almonds boast a velvety smooth blend of honey and buttery flavor,” the company says. The new flavor replaces Chilé 'n Lime, another  limited-time variety that finished its six-month distribution in June.

"We never stop innovating at Blue Diamond," said Maya Erwin, vice president of innovation and R&D. "Honey Butter Almonds were proudly developed by Blue Diamond's R&D scientists to create the perfect flavor balance.”

Scoop Up Summer! 

Mars Incorporated, Newark, N.J., says new SNICKERS Butterscotch Scoop is a “more satisfying take on your grandma's all-time favorite flavor, butterscotch, in a classic SNICKERS bar.”

SNICKERS Butterscotch Scoop bars are available exclusively at Walmart in single size (1.41oz.) and stand-up pouch with fun size bars (6.43oz.).

"At Mars, we are always looking for new ways to excite long-time SNICKERS fans, especially through innovative new flavors," said Martin Terwilliger, senior marketing director, Mars Wrigley. "With SNICKERS Butterscotch Scoop, we're offering a new format to enjoy a classic flavor, ushering in the summer season to help fans create moments of everyday happiness."

Trail Mix Twist

RIND Snacks Inc., New York, N.Y., describes its new REMIX line as “a new twist on trail mix” with RIND's signature dried fruit blended with roasted nuts and subsequently dusted with deliciously distinct fruit seasonings. The line’s first flavor, Piña Colada, blends diced pineapple, organic coconut crisps and dry roasted, sweet-salted cashews.

RIND REMIX debuted this summer at Costco stores throughout the Los Angeles region with broader availability and additional flavors launching this fall.  

"We're thrilled to mix things up with REMIX and extend RIND's sustainable portfolio into crave-able and flavorful fruit and nut snack mixes," said Matt Weiss, founder and CEO of RIND Snacks. "Piña Colada is such a dynamic and bright flavor that pairs perfectly with our upcycled pineapples, crunchy coconut crisps and roasted cashews to deliver an irresistibly sweet and salty crunch with each bite."

Healthier Snacking

Sunsweet Growers Inc., Yuba City, Calif., greeted summer with three new lines: Sierra Trail Bites, Probiotic+ Prunes and Amaz!n Prune with Lemonade. New Sierra Trail Bites feature dried fruit, nuts, and seeds and deliver 3g of plant protein and 3g of fiber per serving. Varieties include Almond Delight, Peanut Butter, and Cranberry Walnut.

"Sunsweet has always been an innovation leader in the dried fruit category, leveraging consumer insights and providing delicious, convenient solutions for people to achieve their healthy lifestyle goals," said Stephanie Harralson, senior director of marketing. "We are excited for consumers to try these new flavorful products and see how they provide a compelling choice for healthy snacks and digestive wellness."

All three new products are available at sunsweet.com and will be rolled out regionally throughout 2023.

Mexican Chili Crisp

This summer saw SOMOS Foods, Austin, Tex., add two varieties of Salsa Macha to its growing portfolio: Salsa Macha with Nuts & Seeds and Salsa Macha with Mango & Pineapple. Based on a Veracruz-style salsa macha, new Salsa Macha with Nuts & Seeds features chile de arbol and guajillo chile. SOMOS' version adds pumpkin seeds and almonds whereas the traditional version uses solely sesame seeds. The flavor profile is distinctly nutty with a subtle heat, the company says. SOMOS'

"Our mission at SOMOS is to bridge the gap between convenience, flavor, and our Mexican heritage, and our Salsa Macha is a great expression of that," said Miguel Leal, SOMOS Co-Founder and CEO. "These jars are packed with the vibrancy of Mexico and we're so excited to see that come to life on-shelf and drizzled on all types of food, day and night.”

Salsa Macha is available in Whole Foods Market locations nationwide and online at eatsomos.com, followed by additional retailers this fall for $9.49.

Flavor-Forward Cashews 

Hormel Foods Corp., Austin, Minn., said it consulted with consumers and industry experts before expanding its Planters line with three bold new flavors of cashews: Rosemary and Sea Salt, Cinnamon Brown Sugar and Dill Pickle.

"This new cashew line is a game-changer for snackers everywhere. Our unique packaging captures the essence of each flavor, making it easy for consumers to grab their favorite variety," said Zeeshan Tarique, senior brand manager. "We're supporting these exciting new products with significant marketing efforts to bring the craveworthy experience to life.”

New Planters cashew flavors each contain 4g of plant-based protein and come in 5oz bags.