The Pioneer Woman has a new line of snack mixes at Walmart and we had some questions for Ree Drummond – Interview

When it comes to food, Ree Drummond knows what she is talking about. And whether on The Pioneer Woman or as part of her line, she also delivers everything from amazing recipes to amazing products.

And the latest release in The Pioneer Woman line is none other than a collection of snack mixes. In fact, according to the press release we received, there are three new snack mixes that we can snag at our closest Walmart (or straight off of the Walmart website). And these snack mixes definitely sound like the perfect treat for on-the-go, quick snacks during the day, and even as an addition to holiday gatherings.

So what are these new snack mixes? The three flavors are the Pecan Sticky Buns Snack Mix, the Knock You Naked Snack Mix and finally the Spicy Cowgirl Snack Mix. Each mix costs just $4.98 each and packs a punch with a variety of perfect flavors. But what flavors do these mixes deliver?

"Pecan Sticky Buns Snack Mix: Honey roasted pecans, white confectionary mini cups, and cinnamon sugar caramel coated puffs make for a delicious trio and irresistible snack mix.Knock You Naked Snack Mix: Containing gourmet caramel corn, salted pecans, mini brownie cookies, rich dark chocolate min cups, milk chocolate caramel filled mini cups and coconut cashews, this mix is a perfect balance of sweet with a hint of salt.Spicy Cowgirl Snack Mix: A mix of almonds, cashews and pecans coated in a blend of cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. To satisfy sweet and spicy cravings, this mix also includes dark chocolate mini cups with a mocha flavored filling and white confectionary mini cups."

They sound amazing right? We think so! And it helps that all three flavors sound like perfect “guilty eats.” Well we also got the chance to ask The Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond, about these new snack mixes, what the inspiration behind these mixes were, if there are plans for more flavors, and of course our favorite question (duh), what her guilty eat is.

Ree Drummond talks about her new line of Pioneer Woman snack mixes at Walmart

Guilty Eats: What inspired these snack mixes and the unique flavor combinations?

Ree Drummond:

"I’m a lifelong fan of snacking, so I have been wanting to create my own line of snack mixes that would allow me to tell specific flavor and recipe stories. The Knock You Naked Snack Mix was inspired by an old fashioned gooey, caramelly brownie recipe I’ve made for years. The Pecan Sticky Buns Snack Mix has honey roasted pecans, white chocolate mini cups, and cinnamon sugar caramel coated puffs—and it is absolutely amazing. (My teenage son Todd is a huge fan of this one.) Last but not least, the Spicy Cowgirl Mix was inspired by the famous coffee drink at The Mercantile, which has the most delectable mix of cayenne, cinnamon, and chocolate. This mix is beyond scrumptious—hard to just take one handful!"

GE: I noticed that all three mixes use pecans in some form. What is it about the pecan that made it a perfect fit for all three snack mixes?

RD:

"I definitely wanted to include nuts in each of the mixes, and there’s something so perfect about pecans. First of all, they’re technically good for you! A nice source of protein and fiber. But also, they’re as delicious plain/salted as they are candied/sweet, so I was able to bring a different pecan in each mix. They add just the right heartiness that doesn’t compete with the other elements in the mix."

GE: What’s your favorite way to enjoy these snacks?

RD:

"Honestly, taking them on the go was my primary motivation for developing the mixes. Family car trips, away football games, sending them to school with my son. But I have found myself pouring the mixes into serving bowls the past few times I’ve had guests over for dinner or drinks. They absolutely look and taste like a mix I’ve made from scratch myself, and I’ve had more than one guest ask me for the recipe! That’s always a good sign!"

GE: Are there any plans for more snack mixes or even an expansion of the sizes? (These would be perfect for those snack tables at the holidays too.)

RD:

"These are definitely perfect for holiday snacking, and entertaining in general. Lots of possibilities are brewing for additional mixes and sizes, and I’m already working on the next handful of flavors. As much as I love cooking and baking, the flavor combinations I’m thinking of are endless."

GE: Any suggestions for perfect snack pairings in terms of other snacks or even drinks to enjoy with these mixes?

RD:

"Depending on the weather or time of day, the snack mixes tend to be perfect with a glass of cold milk (after school!), a hot coffee (mid-morning), or just a glass of iced tea. But my favorite way to enjoy them is with a white wine spritzer in the early evening, as part of a snacking table or cheese/charcuterie board. They are so versatile, and since they really do taste homemade, they add something special and different to a table of snacks."

GE: And we are Guilty Eats, so I have to ask, what is your guilty eat?

RD:

"Any coffee-flavored dessert is a weakness of mine! Tiramisu, coffee ice cream, coffee-toffee pie, espresso brownies…I’ll take them all!"

We love the fact that we can now snag the perfect snacks for on the go and more. And the fact that there are more coming our way is pretty exciting. Of course, we also love the fact that we actually got to ask The Pioneer Woman herself about these new snack mixes and what inspired them.

Are you excited for these new snack mixes? Will you be giving any of them a try for yourself? Which flavor are you the most excited to try (we are excited for the Knock You Naked mix)? And do you want to see more mixes join the lineup?