From Crunchy to Savory: Top Nuts and Seeds Revealed

Classic whole roasted cashews are elevated with the perfect blend of smoky and swicy (sweet and spicy) seasonings in this snack from 365 by Whole Foods. This product, and all of the foods sold in Whole Foods Markets, adhere to strict quality standards and are free from over 300 ingredients.

LAB RESULTS: Taste testers couldn't get enough of these savory cashews and said that the nuts struck the perfect balance between heat and flavor. "These are very good cashews; don’t let the habanero flavor scare you off because it’s just right. Very fresh tasting and not too salty," one person commented.

This savory, protein-packed blend of crunchy cashews, chickpea pretzels and cheese crisps from Catalina Crunch is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Free from artificial sweeteners and flavors, the premium mix offers up 10 g of protein and is an excellent source of fiber.

LAB RESULTS: Catalina Crunch is known for its cereal and cookies, but influencer Kevin Curry of Fit Men Cook praised the brand's newest innovation. "I like their expansion into more savory products while using natural ingredients, not artificial ones," he remarked. "You can definitely taste the difference."

Clif Family Winery & Bar is owned by the cocreators of Clif Bar. The Certified B Corp keeps high-quality, organic ingredients at the forefront of all its snacks. Its latest nut mix features premium organic roasted cashews, peanuts and almonds coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze created by their executive chef.

LAB RESULTS: The nuts are made without oil, and influencer Yumna Jawad of Feel Good Foodie highlighted the "great crunch" with their superior texture. "The start of a bite is sweet, followed by a spicy kick that mixes with the sweet for a perfect snack," one person noted.

Daily Crunch's latest collaboration with Fly by Jing is a total winner. The blend features sprouted cashews (the sprouting process results in a more nutrient-dense and crunchier nut) and crispy protein-rich edamame, swirled in Szechuan chili flakes and a hint of sweetness.

LAB RESULTS: Kevin Curry of Fit Men Cook loved the bold flavor and wholesome ingredients in this one-of-a-kind mix. Taste testers agreed, with one commenting, "The flavor was different from other nut mixes I've had, and the texture was unique. I feel like this is the kind of snack I'd introduce to my friends and then have to habitually keep in the house at their request!"

This outstanding trail mix from Fresh Face Foods stays refrigerated and uses fresh organic coconut chunks for a refreshing bite, accompanied by rich dark chocolate, sweet dried cherries and salty roasted almonds.

LAB RESULTS: For many taste testers, this was their first time trying fresh coconut, and it didn't disappoint! "I was surprised to find that the flavors were so much richer than any trail mix I'd experienced. The fresh coconut really made the difference," one person said, with another adding that it's "great for multigenerational households because I can see this being liked by a wide range of ages."

Pumpkin seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, but Happiness Foods' are next-level good. The organic pumpkin seeds are sprouted to make them easier to digest, which also lends to a irresistible crunch and fresh flavor.

LAB RESULTS: Influencer Kevin Curry applauded this grab-'n'-go option, adding that it is great on its own and also "as a topper for parfaits, oatmeals, cereals and smoothie bowls." Even taste testers who previously didn't like pumpkin seeds became converts, loving both the Himalayan Pink Salt variety and the Vanilla Cacao flavor. "This wasn't your typical heavy, hard-to-chew pumpkin seed," one person said.

Wonderful Pistachios always impresses us with its award-winning flavors, and its newest dill pickle variety didn't disappoint. The snack offers the ultimate tangy blend of dill, vinegar, salt and roasted pistachios.

LAB RESULTS: The protein-rich nut is just as delicious as it is nutritious, with taste testers describing the dill pickle flavor as not overpowering, but just right. "Love that it's not powdery like others," said influencer Yumna Jawad. "It has an amazing flavor, plus a great crunch factor and good size."

Sahale Snacks combines exquisite glazed nuts with fruit, seeds and mouthwatering seasonings for multidimensional flavor and texture in each and every bite. The mixes are all Certified Gluten-Free and Non-GMO and come in convenient grab-and-go packs.

LAB RESULTS: The Maple Pecans and the Pomegranate Vanilla Cashews both performed remarkably well in taste tests, with chef and TV personality Alejandra Ramos commenting that the latter had a "lovely fruity/vanilla combination of flavors." Testers loved the portable treat, with one saying, "the ratio of nuts and fruit was perfect and they complement each other well. Satisfied my sweet tooth!"

Second Nature nails the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors in this feel-good trail mix. Indulge in a medley of almonds, pecans, pepitas, dark chocolate pieces and dried fruit.

LAB RESULTS: Free from artificial flavors, colors and preservatives, food influencer Yumna Jawad applauded the nice variety in this tasty mix. "The mixture of fruit and nuts with a bit of chocolate was spot-on," one person said. "Good taste and ratio of ingredients. Not too many of one ingredient in the mix."

A fourth-generation farm, Nichols Farms curates artisanal nuts flavored in small batches, all dry roasted without oil. The no-shell pistachios have a premium taste and texture and are organic (plus a complete protein source, making them ultra-nutritious).

LAB RESULTS: The Hot Honey flavor and the Rosemary Garlic variety were taste test favorites, with cookbook author Kevin Curry commenting on the latter: "This flavor combo is off the chain!" Another person said, "I loved that the flavor was consistent throughout the bag. Every pistachio was flavorful and crunchy from the day the resealable bag was opened to the last bite, days later."

California-grown by a family farm, Octonuts Herbes de Provence Roasted Almonds blend features an aromatic medley of rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage, all toasted up in almond oil.

LAB RESULTS: Many competitors rely on palm oil, but our nutrition experts were impressed that the brand uses its very own almond oil in this mix so there is no compromise on taste or nutrition. "The nuts are very well-seasoned and satiating, more than plain almonds because of the flavor," one person said. "The flavors are complex and savory."