One of the Misvot of Purim is Mishloach Manot, sending two distinct items of food or drink to a friend or neighbor. The question arises as to how to regard a package of mixed nuts sent as Mishloach Manot. On one hand, it might be considered two or more items by itself, because each type of nut is a distinct food. On the other hand, the entire package may be considered as only one item, because the Halacha views the package as one unit. One might even argue that the package may not even constitute one item, since each type of nut when considered alone is not of sufficient quantity to qualify as a dignified gift.
Hacham Ovadia (Hazon Ovadia p. 132, Yalkut Yosef Purim, p. 197) adopts the middle approach, by which the package is viewed as a whole, constituting a single item. Even though each individual type is of little value, nevertheless, the package as a whole is considered a significant item. Therefore, one would need to send one more item in addition to the mixed nuts to fulfill the obligation of Mishloach Manot.
SUMMARY: A package of mixed nuts qualifies as one food item for Mishloach Manot.
