Formulate with Walnuts in Cereals, Granolas to Add Nutrition to All-Day Breakfasts

Product developers are adding walnuts to cereal and granolas, particularly because walnuts are a delicious and nutritious way to enhance these traditional breakfast products. Now that breakfast is becoming an all-day, any-time-of-day event, there’s even more of an opportunity to develop a wide range of products for all eating occasions. 

The cereal aisle is becoming filled with a number of walnut-based products with a number of benefits: 

Nutritional benefits: Walnuts are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, one ounce of walnuts offers 18 grams of total fat, 2.5 grams of monounsaturated fat and 13 grams of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5 grams of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) – the plant-based omega-3. ALA has been associated with benefits for heart health, brain health and inflammation 

• Walnuts are certified as a heart-healthy food through the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check program.
• A clinical trial published in The Journal of Nutrition explored how eating walnuts may promote favorable changes in the gut that may also be associated with heart health benefits, specifically for blood pressure and cholesterol. Forty-two adults at cardiovascular risk were included in a randomized, crossover, controlled-feeding trial. Because the study participants were at high cardiovascular risk, it is not known whether the results can be generalized to persons at lower risk or to other settings. Further research is needed.
• Walnuts are a good source of vitamin B6 (0.2mg/oz), which is involved in nutrient metabolism, cognitive development and immune system functioning. 
• Walnuts have two grams of fiber per one ounce serving, an important nutrient that supports heart health, gut health and weight management.

Cereal selection: Formulating a cereal that complements the flavor and texture of walnuts is key. Some popular options include oat-based cereals, granola or whole grain flakes. Opt for low-sugar and whole grain varieties for a more nutritional choice.

Serving size: The serving size of walnuts is typically around 1 ounce (28 grams), which is approximately a handful. However, you can adjust the amount you include in your cereal or granola based on consumer demand. 

Flavor combinations: Walnuts can complement a wide variety of traditional cereal and granola flavors. Here are some popular products already bouncing into consumers’ carts:

Cinnamon Walnut Vitamin D Cereal, Kashi

A delicious combination: walnuts and sweet cinnamon clusters. Kashi delivers the perfect crunch complemented by lightly toasted grains. Can also be added to yogurt as a breakfast alternative from the bowl.

Brain Fuel Modern Muesli Cereal, GUUD

Consumers have a choice with Muesli Cereal, which can be enjoyed hot or cold. GUUD’s product is a superfood powerhouse with 8 grams of protein, high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) — the plant-based omega-3 — and rich in fiber, thanks to walnuts, gluten-free oats, cranberries, goji berries, blueberries and cacao nibs.

Honey Nut Granola, Grandy Organics

Honey Nut Granola is a tasty-gluten-free blend of walnuts, wildflower honey and gluten-free oats. It can be enjoyed with a milk pour over or as a yogurt topper, or for those who enjoy breakfast on the go, it comes in a handy package. Grandy Organics makes this product in small batches at a solar-powered bakery.

Formulating the next great breakfast cereal or granola and want to incorporate walnuts? Learn more about the flavor and functionality of this superfood tree nut by visiting walnuts.org.

These products are mentioned for informational purposes only and inclusion does not imply an endorsement.

Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. (FDA) One ounce of walnuts offers 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid – the plant-based omega-3.

Heart-Check Certification does not apply to scientific research by an organization other than the American Heart Association, unless expressly stated.

Tindall AM, McLimans CJ, Petersen KS, et al. Walnuts and Vegetable Oils Containing Oleic Acid Differentially Affect the Gut Microbiota and Associations with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Follow-up of a Randomized, Controlled, Feeding Trial in Adults at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease. J Nutr. 2020 Apr 1;150(4):806-817. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxz289