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The Nuts & Seeds Winners That Totally Upgraded Our Snack Rotation
Crunch your way through the best nuts and seeds of the year, handpicked by Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards testers and judges.
When it comes to smart snacking, nuts and seeds are hard to beat, delivering the perfect combination of satisfying crunch, rich flavor, and steady energy. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein, these little powerhouses have earned their reputation as pantry essentials.
For Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards, our testers sampled a wide range of nuts, seeds, and trail mixes to find the most flavorful and thoughtfully crafted options. The winners stand out for their creative seasoning blends, high-quality ingredients, and balance of sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy notes. Equally at home in a grab-and-go snack bag and on a charcuterie board, these picks prove that small bites can make a big impact.
These Setton Farms pistachios have a dark chocolate finish and a touch of sea salt, bringing together the perfect flavor notes for a sweet-salty treat.
TEST RESULTS: Taste testers loved the combination of savory pistachios, rich chocolate, and subtle saltiness, with several reaching back for another handful. Food influencer Yumna Jawad raved, “Like chocolate-covered almonds, but definitely better!”
Wa-Chaa, known in Asia as Huang Fei Hong, introduces a legendary snack to the U.S. It combines hearty Shandong peanuts with Sichuan peppercorns for a savory nosh that is beyond bold.
TEST RESULTS: It’s perfect for spice lovers, and GH’s dietitians noted that it has 10 g of protein per serving. “The flavors include Sichuan pepper, chili peppers, coriander, shiitake mushrooms, and more, creating a complex and adventurous taste experience,” said registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman.
Infused with turmeric, chili, and pepper extracts, these Karma cashews offer a warm, spicy kick in a wholesome, crave-worthy snack.
TEST RESULTS: Our nutrition director appreciated that the air-roasted nuts keep their skins for extra fiber, and testers said the resealable packaging helped maintain freshness. Chef Alejandra Ramos praised the cashews’ fresh, nutty flavor and standout crunch, noting that the subtle turmeric seasoning added warm spice and depth.
Sahale elevates trail mix with glazed-nut mixes that feel premium and indulgent. Banana Rum Pecans channel bananas Foster with dry-roasted pecans and cashews, banana chips, and a vanilla-rum glaze, while Gochujang Almonds bring the smoky sweet heat of Korean barbecue flavor to snack time.
TEST RESULTS: Taste testers loved the bold flavor variety, appreciating that there are options for both sweet and savory cravings. “The crunch is amazing, and the sweet-salty balance is perfect,” one tester said. Registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman noted that the portioned packs are easy to toss into a lunchbox or bag.
Crafted from a simple yet thoughtful blend of nuts, dates, cocoa, and sea salt, these bars from Simple Mills take a real-food approach with no refined sugars or synthetic fillers. They deliver protein and fiber for a steady, satisfying boost.
TEST RESULTS: Chef and TV personality Alejandra Ramos called them “gloriously chewy” with a rich, fudge-like cocoa flavor and texture. She added that they were great for on-the-go snacking and chocolatey enough to satisfy a sweet craving. Also, they performed very well in comparative taste tests, with testers especially appreciating the whole-food ingredient list.
Nichols Farms gives classic pistachios a savory upgrade with a roasted garlic seasoning that adds bold flavor without extra oil. And the 2-lb resealable pouch offers great value for everyday snacking.
TEST RESULTS: Testers enjoyed the tasty garlic flavor, noting that it gave traditional pistachios a little something extra without being overly salty. Many also appreciated it as a satisfying, nourishing snack, and GH pros highlighted the brand’s fourth-generation sustainable farming practices and commitment to quality.
Sweetness meets heat in this Blue Diamond Almonds x Mike’s Hot Honey collab, in which roasted almonds get glazed in 100% pure honey infused with chili peppers for a bold, craveable bite.
TEST RESULTS: Testers loved the balance of bold taste and crunchy texture, saying the layered flavor kept them reaching for more. Several noted that the spiciness built up gradually without overpowering the honey flavor. “Perfect blend of sweet, heat, and crunch,” one tester said.
Go Raw’s lightly salted pumpkin seeds are perfectly toasted for easy snacking straight from the bag or sprinkling over soups and salads.
TEST RESULTS: Food influencer and judge Yumna Jawad praised the seeds for their fresh, delicious flavor. GH nutrition pros highlighted the brand’s sprouting process, which helps unlock nutrition and enhances their satisfying crunch.
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Our 2026 Best Snack Awards Are Here!
