A taste test of supermarket mixed nuts has revealed a surprisingly varied bag, with some packs scoring high on freshness and balance while others disappointed with staleness and poor nut ratios. The test, conducted by a self-confessed 'resident squirrel', evaluated a range of mixed nut packets based on quality, freshness, variety, and value.
Among the best performers was a pack praised for its 'super-crunchy almonds and large walnuts' with a good ratio of brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and sweet pecans. It was described as 'one of the freshest packets' tried, though some nuts were crushed from transport. Another top pick offered 'beautiful, big walnut halves' and exceptional quality for the price, but its packaging was non-recyclable.
At the lower end, a pack containing mostly cashews and almonds was let down by disappointing walnuts and variable freshness. Another was criticised for a 'high ratio of crunchy but bitter hazelnuts' and variable quality, while a near-even organic mix suffered from 'shrivelled and poorly flavoured almonds' despite great walnuts and brazil nuts.
The test highlighted that freshness is crucial, as nuts can quickly become rancid due to their high fat content. It advised checking use-by dates and storing nuts in airtight containers. Packaging recyclability varied widely, with some packs recyclable in-store and others not.
