Nom Nom: The Best Sweet & Salty Snack Mixes

You probably know that Redstone Foods is America’s favorite candy distributor, but have you noticed that the assortment of snacks in our inventory is growing? In addition to our world class lineup of candy, confectionary items, and glass bottle craft sodas, we are steadily ramping up our collection of snack food items to better serve our customers. From pickles to pork rinds, to nuts, potato chips, cheese puffs, and beef jerky, we are adding a little bit of savory and salty to complement our impressive selection of sweets!

Combining the best of both worlds, we are pleased to introduce some irresistible sweet and salty snack mixes that you, (and your customers) are sure to love!

But first, let’s explore a little of the history behind today’s popular snack mixes.

Snack mixes have been around for a long time, but they certainly have become more creative and even tastier with each passing year. The first mention of trail mix showed up as early as 1910, when outdoorsman and librarian, Horace Kephart mentioned it in his popular Camping and Woodcraft handbook.

He wrote about mixing roasted nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to make a snack that would give you the perfect amount of energy for a long day hike in the woods. Talk about paving the way for a world of flavor exploration!

Another popular internet theory points to a couple of California surfers in the late 1960’s who mixed peanuts and raisins together for a quick, portable snack that gave them a quick boost of sustained energy you’d need to hang ten on some tasty waves. Legend has it they called it the “stoke stack” because it was the perfect fuel to get pitted in some gnarly barrels.

But humans have been transporting non-perishable snacks with them on long journeys for millennia. Without the use of modern herbs and spices, these primitive on-the-go snacks were probably not the best-tasting things as you could imagine.

Flavor and creativity really began to shine around American households during cocktail parties in the early 1950’s. Most cookbooks from this era had at least one snack mix recipe, as they were quite popular at the time. These were quick, affordable, and relatively easy to make, offering your guests a quick and easy snack. They usually included some mixed nuts, a few types of hearty breakfast cereals and a unique blend of spices.

In 1952, Ralston Purina (yes, the popular dog food company who also made Chex cereal) printed their first Chex Mix recipe in Life Magazine. Rumor has it that a Ralston executive’s wife brought a bowl of her creation to share at a holiday party in the early 1950’s and it disappeared almost immediately. It was such a hit with the guests, the company believed it would help boost the sluggish sales of the cereal. And boy were they right!

Common recipes for Chex Party Mix consist of baking Rice, Wheat, and Corn Chex, mixed with melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, mixed nuts, and mini pretzels. The original recipe began showing up on cereal boxes in 1953, and in 1985 pre-packaged Chex Mix began hitting grocery store shelves. This has been such a lasting hit with American consumers, that it has easily become the most recognizable snack mix of all time.

Sweet and Salty Snack Mixes Offered by Redstone Foods

Now, I love a good salty snack, but it turns into absolute bliss when you add a little sweet into the mix! In the realm of snack time delights, there's nothing quite like the harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors to tantalize your taste buds. Here at Redstone Foods, we're excited to introduce you to a mouthwatering array of snack products that will elevate your snacking experience to brand new heights!

From timeless favorites like the original Cracker Jack, to innovative newcomers like Hershey's Popped Snack Mix, Chunk Nibbles, and Sweet Chaos, there's a little bit of something for every craving in our vast selection! Let’s take a closer look:

Cracker Jack

Cracker Jack, oh what a classic snack! There’s nothing quite like sitting at the ballpark, with the crowd cheering, and the smell of freshly popped popcorn and roasted peanuts wafting through the air. Then, you see that iconic red and white bag of Cracker Jack at the concession stand, just waiting to be popped open. Inside, you'll find a crunchy mix of caramel-coated popcorn and tasty peanuts, all wrapped up in a sweet and salty embrace.

Although there’s essentially only two ingredients, (molasses-flavored, caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts) I think this still qualifies as a snack mix. It’s kind of like the great grandfather of all sweet and salty snack mixes. Plus, each bag still comes with a prize!

Either way, this classic has been delighting taste buds and bringing smiles to countless faces for generations. So, whether you're watching America's favorite pastime or simply craving a nostalgic treat, Cracker Jack always hits a home run!

Chunk Nibbles

Chunk Nibbles are the newest snack sensation that's taking taste buds by storm! Bursting onto the scene with a lineup of irresistible flavors, Chunk Nibbles is here to satisfy your snack cravings like never before!

Dive into the Original flavor for a crunchy cluster of pretzels, walnuts, peanuts, and Corn Chex that’s sure to hit the sweet spot. Or catch yourself indulging in the decadent Peanut Butter & Chocolate variety. Feeling like you want something fruity to go along with your sweet and salty? Reach for their Strawberry flavor and experience a burst of satisfying berry goodness with every bite. And for those who crave a taste of the great outdoors, the S'mores variety delivers all the campfire charm without any of the mess.

Whether you're snacking on the go or treating yourself to a new favorite movie night indulgence, Chunk Nibbles can cure any sweet and salty craving. So, grab a bag, dig in, and get ready to nibble your way to snack paradise!

Candy Pop Popcorn

Another fusion of sweet and salty flavors comes in the form of Candy Pop Popcorn! With an array of irresistible flavors to choose from, Candy Pop Popcorn transforms your everyday ordinary popcorn into the ultimate snack-time sensation with the simple addition of some of your favorite candy bars.

For example, their Butterfinger flavor combines the saltiness of popcorn with the sweetness of real chunks of Butterfinger candy, creating a delectable chocolaty-peanut butter delight. Each bite is a symphony of flavors that's perfect for satisfying your cravings. And with other tempting flavors like Twix, Snickers, Oreo, and Mini M&Ms, Candy Pop Popcorn offers something to satisfy every palate.

Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, or a perfect after school snack, you’ve never experienced a sweet and salty mix quite like Candy Pop Popcorn!

Hershey’s Popped Snack Mix

An American staple, Hershey's has crafted moments of goodness for people around the world with their iconic, beloved brands. From the classic Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar to the irresistible Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey's sure knows how to satisfy sweet cravings like no other.

That's why you can't go wrong with Hershey's Popped Snack Mix – available in both classic Hershey's and Reese's Peanut Butter flavors, it's the perfect blend of Hershey's signature tastes in every delicious bite. Each bag is packed with a delightful mix of almonds, mini pretzels, and popcorn, all generously studded with pieces of your favorite Hershey's candy for a truly unforgettable snacking experience.

Sweet Chaos Handmade Kettle Corn

Crafted with care and bursting with flavor, Sweet Chaos Handmade Kettle Corn offers a delectable twist to the worlds of salty and sweet. With three distinct sweet flavors, you simply can’t go wrong!

With their Cold Stone Cake Batter, you will experience the creamy sweetness of Cold Stone Creamery’s signature cake batter and rainbow sprinkles infused into every crunchy kernel. Or satisfy your chocolate cravings with the indulgent Chocolatey Double Drizzle, where rich chocolate meets buttery kettle corn in a match made in snack heaven. And for the peanut butter lovers out there, their Peanut Butter Cup Drizzle offers a decadent blend of savory popcorn and smooth peanut butter goodness, all drizzled with a touch of decadent milk chocolate.

With Sweet Chaos Handmade Kettle Corn, every bite is a journey of flavor that's sure to leave you craving more. And if you’re hankering for something that’s purely salty, Sweet Chaos also offers savory options like dill pickle, white cheddar, jalapeño blue cheese, and movie theater butter. With Sweet Chaos, there's a flavor for every palate, so dive in and discover your favorite today!

Whether you're craving a savory crunch or a sugary delight, our growing selection of snack mixes has you covered! So why settle for mundane snacks when you can indulge in the extraordinary? Whether you're fueling up for a road trip, or simply “feeling snacky”, these sweet and salty snack mixes are sure to hit the spot! Explore our collection today and get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey that's sure to leave you saying, "Nom Nom!"

With over 6,000 unique items and an unparalleled selection of craft sodas boasting 500 tantalizing flavors, including bulk candy options, we're here to help you transform your candy store into a wonderland of confectionery delight. Let us be your partner in creating moments of magic that will keep your customers coming back for more.

Ready to elevate your snack game? Give us a call or sign up for an account online today. We can't wait to embark on this flavor-filled journey with you!

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