12 Underrated Blue Diamond Almond Flavors
Blue Diamond Almonds is a leading producer of almonds and almond-based products, including a variety of snack nuts, almond milk, and almond butter. The company was founded in 1910 as the California Almond Growers Exchange, and it has since grown to become a global brand and world leader in almond products, all while establishing California's thriving almond industry (via Blue Diamond). Furthermore, the company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including investing in water conservation and lowering its carbon footprint.
Blue Diamond is known for its high-quality almonds, which are produced in California's Central Valley. In addition, almonds are a healthy snack, seeing that they're a rich source of heart-healthy fatty acids, anti-inflammatory compounds, plant-based protein, and fiber (per a 2020 review published in Nutrients). Plus, they can fit multiple dietary patterns, such as paleo, keto, Mediterranean, and gluten-free diets. Blue Diamond's snack almonds are not only finger-lickin' good, but they're also available in a myriad of unique flavors that range from the most classic to the boldest of combinations. Here are some of the most underrated Blue Diamond Almonds flavors for you to try.
1. Salt 'n Vinegar
Blue Diamond's Salt 'n Vinegar almonds are a savory, tangy, and somewhat sweet snack that combines the crunch of premium California almonds with the bold taste of vinegar and a hint of salt. Despite what you may think, Salt 'n Vinegar almonds are not made by soaking almonds in vinegar but rather by mixing them with a powdered form of the acidic ingredient called sodium diacetate, a method devised back in the '60s by Jim Connell, the man behind your favorite salt and vinegar chips (via The New York Times).
Blue Diamond's Salt 'n Vinegar almonds are a tasty and satisfying snack that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. Plus, like most Blue Diamond snacks, they come in a convenient, resealable can, so you can enjoy a handful at a time and keep the rest fresh for later. "Don't eat directly out of the container, or you will eat them all in one sitting," warns a customer in a review on the brand's website. Overall, Blue Diamond's Salt 'n Vinegar almonds will surely satisfy your cravings for something salty and tangy.
2. Blueberry
Despite belonging to the brand's classic flavors, you will not want to miss out on Blue Diamond's Blueberry almonds. Born from the realization of how many recipes combine almonds with fruits, these almonds are a peculiar and unique snack that is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. The blueberry flavor is added through a natural flavor extract, which creates a distinct and authentic blueberry taste that mixes the nutty crunch of almonds with the sweet and fruity flavor of the berries.
If you have a sweet tooth, Blue Diamond's Blueberry almonds are perfect for adding a little sweetness to your everyday recipes like salads, fruit bowls, and yogurt, or even eating them by the handful as a dessert alternative. They also make a delicious out-of-the-box addition to any charcuterie board, which will undoubtedly become a pleasant surprise to anyone who tries them. However, keep in mind that they contain a bit of added sugars, so be mindful about your servings, especially if you're following a low-carb or keto diet!
3. Chilé 'n Lime
Blue Diamond's Chilé 'n Lime almonds are a limited-time edition combination of the brand's high-quality almonds mixed with spicy and zesty chili pepper and lime flavors. These almonds are roasted to perfection, which gives them a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor. In addition, the brand's Chilé 'n Lime flavor is made with natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives.
These flavored almonds are a great snack option for those who enjoy a little spice but don't want to overdo the heat. Furthermore, while you can enjoy them as you would any other almond, you can also mix them with a variety of different nuts and seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or cashews, to create a healthy and flavorful homemade trail mix or crush them and use them as a coating for chicken or fish before baking or grilling for a crispy and tasty yet unconventional meal.
4. Honey Roasted
While honey-roasted almonds are a somewhat common almond flavor nowadays, and despite the fact that it belongs to the brand's classic flavor category, Blue Diamond's Honey Roasted almonds are so delicious that they deserve a spot on this list. So, if you're constantly looking for a sweet and savory snack to satisfy all your cravings at once, then look no more because these naturally flavored almonds are the perfect match between a bit of salt and the rich, indulgent, and decadent flavor of honey.
These almonds' honey flavor is made with real honey, giving the product a natural and authentic taste. Plus, in addition to being a tasty snack, almonds are a nutritious choice and are a good source of several essential nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese (via Healthline). Blue Diamond's Honey Roasted almonds have the power to transform any boring spinach or mixed greens salad into a crunchy and mouthwatering meal or side dish. They also make a great yogurt or ice cream topping.
5. Elote
Elote is a Mexican street food made with grilled corn that is often served on a stick with a variety of toppings, such as mayonnaise, cheese, butter, and chili powder (via Forbes), and, given its growing popularity among Americans, it is no wonder its rich and smokey flavors found their way into Blue Diamond's bold-flavored almonds.
The brand's Elote or Mexican-Style Street Corn almonds offer a brand-new way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. The almonds' crisp texture even helps mimic corn's natural crunch, and the taste comes close to real elote. "The flavor is spot on and out of this world. It tastes so much like street corn that I was more than a little shocked," writes one customer in a review on the brand's website. Furthermore, with a little kick at the end, Blue Diamond's Elote almonds will surely take you to Mexico and back bite after bite.
6. Spicy Dill Pickle
Pickles have a long history and have been enjoyed for centuries. They are thought to have originated over 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, where they were made by preserving cucumbers in vinegar and spices (via History). Later on, pickles were introduced to Europe, where they became a popular snack. In the late 19th century, they gained widespread popularity in the United States and have been a favored snack and condiment ever since — which explains why you can now find their unique and intense flavor in multiple snack products, including Blue Diamond's Spicy Dill Pickle almonds.
According to customer reviews, Blue Diamond's Spicy Dill Pickle almonds can be deliciously addictive, even if the flavor is out of your comfort zone. You can definitely eat them on their own or switch things up a bit by adding them to sandwiches, hot dogs, or burgers for a crunchy and flavorful topping.
7. Habanero BBQ
Among Blue Diamond's bold flavors, their Habanero BBQ almonds were made to please both the most devoted barbeque lovers and spicy enthusiasts at the same time. These almonds have a flavor profile that combines the sweet notes of BBQ sauce with the heat from habanero chili peppers, creating a unique snack that will have you coming back for more. "They are irresistible so make sure to portion out or you might just eat the whole container!" a fan wrote on the brand's review page.
Blue Diamond's Habanero BBQ almonds are seasoned with natural ingredients, and the added habanero chili peppers help balance out the sweetness from the BBQ, which is often described as an overpowering savor. Due to their distinctive flavor, these Habanero BBQ almonds can be paired with savory snacks and dips such as hummus or guacamole or as a topping for casseroles or other baked dishes for a crunchy element with a hint of spice.
8. Wasabi & Soy Sauce
Blue Diamond offers Wasabi & Soy Sauce almonds as part of their bold-flavored almond collection. These almonds are a savory and spicy snack that combines the nutty taste of almonds with the peculiar flavors of wasabi and soy sauce — two staples of Asian cuisine. Wasabi is a type of Japanese horseradish that has a spicy and pungent flavor (per Encyclopedia Britannica), while soy sauce is a salty condiment made from fermented soybeans (via WebMD). Together, these flavors create a unique and daring taste that is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and spicy.
Blue Diamond's Wasabi & Soy Sauce almonds are the perfect snack to enjoy at the office, after a workout, or while running errands. Moreover, if you already like to eat them on their own, you'll probably love mixing these almonds with popcorn for a surprisingly tasty movie night treat. Overall, Blue Diamond's Wasabi & Soy Sauce almonds are a delicious and unusual snack that is perfect for those who enjoy bold and flavorful foods.
9. Smokehouse
A classic yet top-selling variety, Blue Diamond's Smokehouse almonds have been the brand's signature product since the flavor's launch back in 1958. Their smoky flavor is well-balanced and not too overpowering, making these almonds a tasty and enjoyable snack for a wide range of palates. In fact, those who have tried it swear by it. As one customer describes in the brand's review section, "This product tastes like almonds covered in bacon," so those who still haven't tried it will definitely find in it a flavorful and satisfying snack that is sure to become a favorite.
When it comes to Blue Diamond's Smokehouse almonds, most prefer to eat them straight out of their bag or can. However, there are plenty of delicious and innovative ways to add them to your meals or snacks. For instance, you can mix them into grain bowls or stir-fries for a crunchy and smoky addition, or make your own almond milk and use it as a base for soups or sauces for a creamy and, again, smoky flavor.
10. Carolina Reaper
Blue Diamond's Xtremes almond collection includes the Cayenne Pepper, Ghost Pepper, and Carolina Reaper flavors, with the latter being the hottest of them all. The Carolina Reaper is a type of chili pepper that is known for its extremely high level of spiciness and has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the hottest pepper in the world, averaging over 1.5 million Scoville Heat Units — a measure of the heat and pungency of a chili pepper. The site describes its flavor as somewhat fruity and sweet with chocolate and cinnamon undertones, yet its spiciness surely overshadows them.
When it comes to Blue Diamond's Carolina Reaper almonds, they are described as the perfect balance between heat and flavor. But don't be fooled: These almonds are not for those who can't tolerate some heat because you will definitely experience a burn that will heat up your tongue and lips after every bite, all while keeping you coming back for more.
11. Cayenne Pepper
Blue Diamond's Cayenne Pepper almonds are the least spicy almonds out of the brand's Xtremes almond products. Nevertheless, as the brand warns, they are still a spicy snack that's not for the faint of tongue. Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that is commonly used in cooking and has a hot, pungent flavor with an average of 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units. It also packs a good amount of vitamin A and antioxidants and has been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease and improved digestion (per the Cleveland Clinic).
So, by mixing their world-renowned almonds with this health-promoting chili, Blue Diamond created a delicious snack that is described by consumers as scrumptious and unreal. Like most of the brand's spicy almonds, Blue Diamond's Cayenne Pepper almonds can be eaten straight out of the bag. However, if you're looking for a tasty yet different way to add them to your diet, try grinding the almonds into a flour and using them as a coating for vegetables before roasting or sautéing, which will take your veggies to a whole other level.
12. Dark Chocolate
Blue Diamond's Dark Chocolate almonds are a delicious and indulgent snack that combines the crunch of almonds with the rich, creamy flavor of dark chocolate. They are also the perfect snack for those with a sweet tooth who are following low-carb or keto diets but want to satisfy their chocolate cravings. Moreover, since they're covered in real cocoa powder, you can also reap its numerous health benefits, which include improving heart health and brain function, among others (via Healthline).
Blue Diamond's Dark Chocolate almonds are described as dangerously good. "They taste so good that by the time you realize it, half the bag will be gone," writes a customer on the brand's website. Plus, they pair nicely with a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt for a protein-packed breakfast or snack or crushed as a topping for ice cream or frozen yogurt. Alternatively, you could make a simple snack by eating the almonds with a piece of fruit, such as an apple or berries, for a sweet yet highly nutritious combination.