How To Make Healthy Trail Mixes

How To Make Healthy Trail Mixes

Need some inspiration to create healthy trail mixes? You can skip straight to our ideal recipe below or read about what to include and what to skip to make your ideal mix.

WHAT IS TRAIL MIX

Trail mix is a combination of nuts, dried fruit, granola, seeds, and sometimes, candy. Alternatively called gorp, scroggin, or schmogle, it is packed with protein, nutrients, and healthy fats. This makes it the ideal snack for hikers, runners, or for after playing sports. However, not all mixes are created equal. In fact, store bought trail mix can be high in unhealthy ingredients such as candy, chocolate, or cereal. Thus, creating your own mixes at home is not only more affordable, but can also help you become more mindful of your snacking!

WHAT MAKES HEALTHY TRAIL MIX

dried fruit and pecans

Though trail mix can be labeled “unhealthy,” it is the ideal food for snacking on-the-go because it is lightweight, easy to store, nutritious, and provides the carbohydrates your body needs for energy!

There are a few components that make a trail mix--nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and extras. 

Nuts: The quintessential ingredient to every trail mix is the nuts! This can include a variety of different kinds. The classic trail mix usually contains peanuts, however, it’s up to you! Choices can include cashews, pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.

Dried Fruit: Dried fruits are perfect for some extra sweetness in your trail mix! The sugar content is great for boosting low blood sugar after physical activity. In addition, dried fruits are a great source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and other healthy nutrients. You can try dried cranberries, prunes, banana chips, raisins, or some dried pineapple chunks for extra sweetness.

Seeds: Small but mighty, seeds pack a nutritional punch. For example, sunflower seeds contain vitamin B1, which can help your body convert food into energy! Some fantastic seeds to add to your trail mix include sunflower seeds, pepitas, or, pumpkin seeds.  

Extras: Just because trail mix is healthy doesn’t mean it has to be boring! Whether you add chocolate, pretzels, popcorn, or coconut shavings, make your trail mix your own. Read below for a recipe sure to satisfy sweet and salty cravings!

 

DIY HEALTHY TRAIL MIX

A perfect combination of salty and sweet, our trail mix is the perfect healthy snack to eat when on-the-go.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup pecans (optional: if raw toast for 10 mins at 350 degrees)
  • 1 cup walnuts (optional: if raw toast for 10 mins at 350 degrees)
  • 1 cup macadamia nuts (optional: if raw toast for 10 mins at 350 degrees)
  • 3/4 cup pistachios (optional: if raw toast for 10 mins at 350 degrees)
  • 3/4 cup almonds (optional: if raw toast for 10 mins at 350 degrees)
  • 1/2 cup cranberries
  • 1/2 cup yellow raisins
  • 1/3 cup pineapple chunks *optional

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
  • Store in sealed glass jar or Tupperware.

NOTES

Notes:
*Feel free to adjust the recipe as you see fit!
*Trail mix will keep for up to a month, but will likely be gone before then!

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