This list of trail mix recipes is perfect for any trip. Trail mix was invented for hiking due to its nutritious and packable qualities.
Disclosure: I am not a licensed dietician or medical professional. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, consult a licensed professional.
Trail Mix Essentials
Trail mix contains 3 essential ingredients that can be modified to your personal taste. Nuts, dried fruit, and seeds are the base to a balanced trail mix. You can add any ingredients you prefer, or substitute any you don’t like.
Nuts
Nuts provide heart healthy nutrients, fiber, and protein among other benefits. Especially on a hike, nuts are an essential element that will keep your energy up and supply your muscles with protein.
Fruit
Unsweetened dried fruits provide fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients. This snack is rich in carbohydrates and potassium, which have great hiking benefits. Carbohydrates provide glucose to your body which metabolizes into energy, while potassium aids in preventing muscle soreness or cramps.
Seeds
Seeds contain healthy fats, fiber, and minerals. They are an essential ingredient to any trail mix due to their versatility and benefits.
Sweets
There are healthy ways to add sweets to your trail mix. These recipes provide some healthier alternatives to sweets to provide balance in your trail snack. Trail mix is incredibly customizable, so this step can be optional or modified.
Grains
Grains are another optional mix-in for trail mix. This ingredient is loaded with nutrients, has heart healthy properties, fiber, and reduces inflammation.
Homemade vs. Store Bought
Why is homemade trail mix better than store bought trail mix? First, you can control everything that goes into your mix including salt, sugar, and oils. Second, homemade trail mix contains everything you love and nothing you don’t; no more picking through.
Recipes
The following 3 trail mix recipes can be modified to suit your taste. The recommended serving size for each recipe is 1/4 cup.
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut
Ingredients
1/3 cup white chocolate chips
3/4 cup macadamia nuts
1/2 cup cashews
3/4 cup rice or wheat Chex cereal
1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Store in separate portioned containers.
Salty Ranch
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup pretzels
1 1/2 cup rice or wheat Chex cereal
2 cups almonds
1 1/2 cup rye chips
3 1/2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Single packet ranch seasoning
Instructions:
Combine pretzels, Chex cereal, almonds, and rye chips in a bowl. Combine butter, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the ranch seasoning packet in a separate bowl. Then, pour the butter mix over the dry ingredients and mix to coat evenly. Shake the extra ranch seasoning over the trail mix if desired. Add more melted butter if needed and stir. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Pour the mixture in a pan in an even layer and bake for 1 hour, mixing every 15 minutes.
Omega + Energy Mix
Ingredients
1/2 cup dark chocolate covered coffee beans
1/2 cup almonds
1 cup walnuts
1/4 cup pepitas
1/2 cup dried mango/pineapple
1/2 cup banana chips – optional
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Store in separate portioned containers.
Did you like these trail mix recipes? Click here to view my Chocolate Almond Protein Bites recipe! Comment what you’d like to see next!
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