The “Gourmet” Snack I’ve Eaten Every Day This Week Is on Sale (I Totally Get Why It Keeps Selling Out)

When hunger strikes, but it’s not quite time for dinner, I’ll often reach for a satisfying handful of nuts to hold me over. (You can thank my mom for getting me into them — she always has some on hand). While roasted nuts are delicious on their own, adding some flavor takes the everyday snack to a whole other level. (Case in point: Trader Joe’s popular coconut-flavored almonds.) 

So when I got the chance to try some of Squirrel Brand’s beloved gourmet nuts, I was instantly intrigued. I waited patiently for my samples to arrive, and once they did I ripped into the little packages. After trying them out for myself, I can see what the hype is about — and I’m sure you will too. 

Squirrel Brand is all about nuts. Founded in 1888 in Roxbury, Massachusetts, the company swiftly gained a following for its gourmet, kettle-cooked, specially harvested nuts. (Care packages were even sent to soldiers during World War II!) The brand won a spot in QVC’s Customer Choice Food Awards in 2024, and consistently sells out quickly. 

The gourmet nuts typically come in large black tins, but Squirrel Brand recently introduced convenient grab-and-go packs. The 1.5-ounce bags are sold in sets of 15 for $39 (although they’re currently on sale for $31.98). You can choose a combo of three flavors — five packs each of Crème Brûlée Almonds, Salted Caramel Pecans, Caramel Toasted Colada Cashews — or go all-in on one.

Naturally, I went for the combo pack so I could try all three flavors. Plus, I like variety. All of Squirrel Brand’s nuts are kettle-cooked and coated in seasonings and spices to create the decadent dessert- and tropical drink-inspired flavors. 

First, I started with the Crème Brûlée Almonds. To re-create the flavor of the classic French dessert, Squirrel Brand tosses jumbo dry-roasted California almonds in a sweet vanilla creme coating made with caramelized sugar, sweetened condensed milk, butter, peanut oil, vanilla, and salt. The combination works.

The almonds have a sweet, caramelly taste that pairs well with the roasted flavor of the crunchy nut. It reminds me of the burnt sugar on a crème brûlée, and somewhat surprisingly has creamy notes too. These would be great on their own or with a few squares of dark chocolate. 

Of all the flavors, the almonds have the lightest coating, which really allows the nut to shine. These were my favorite of the bunch.

Next up were the Salted Caramel Pecans: jumbo pecans coated in caramel and finished with sea salt. In comparison to the almonds, these have a much richer, brown candy-like coating on them that’s glossy and inviting. They look just like the nuts sold on street corners in New York City. 

The flavor is prominent too. It tastes like a praline or the filling of pecan pie. These are on the sweeter side, and I couldn’t have any more than what was in the packet. I see them going well in a shortbread cookie or adding a bit of sweetness when sprinkled over a salad. 

Finally I tried the Caramel Toasted Colada Cashews, made with jumbo cashews coated in caramelized sugar and toasted shredded coconut. They have a golden hue, and I could see flecks of coconut on the whole cashew pieces. The cashews are buttery soft, and the coating adds tropical, sweet, fruity notes. 

They have a similar candy coating on them as the pecans do, but the larger whole cashews make it slightly less sweet. The saltiness of the nut balances the flavors a bit better. These would be delicious sprinkled over yogurt, or crushed as the crust for a coconut cream pie. 

Buy: Squirrel Brand Grab & Go Gourmet Flavored Nuts, $31.98 for 15 (1.5-ounce) packs at QVC 

Have you tried Squirrel Brand’s nuts? Let us know in the comments.