Packaged Chopped Nuts vs. Fresh Chopped Nuts

Could our tasters tell the difference?

We prepared batches of banana bread (in which the nuts are mixed into the batter) and brownies (the nuts are sprinkled on top) using both whole nuts we chopped in the test kitchen and packaged chopped nuts. The results were mixed, with tasters showing only a slight preference for the fresh-chopped nuts. So go ahead and use the packaged chopped nuts—you won't be able to taste the difference.