Next time you’re heading out for some fun, don’t forget the trail mix! It’s the most convenient, healthful, take-along snack I can think of. From hiking, biking and camping to traveling around the corner or around the globe, trail mix is perfect for just about any adventure.
Although there are no hard and fast rules, the foundation of a good trail mix starts with nuts and/or seeds that provide quality fats and healthy plant protein. Adding the “extras” provides energy, great taste, good nutrition and some serious diversity. My homemade trail mixes have been known to include any (and sometimes all) of the following:
Nuts and seeds, including but not limited to almonds, pecans, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. For greater diversity, I love macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts and pine nuts. If available, consider choosing sprouted nuts and seeds. Nuts can be raw or toasted, but be sure to get the no-salt or low-salt varieties.
Dried fruits, including raisins, cranberries, dates, figs, apples, pears, berries, cherries, currants, goji berries, mango, apricots, pineapple, papaya, banana chips and coconut grates
Whole grain cereals such as puffed brown rice, amaranth, quinoa and millet, squares and O’s made from wheat, oats, spelt and gluten-free grains. (Skip the flakes — they break too easily leaving a powdery, gritty mess).
Granola (either purchased or homemade) - low sugar is best. Here’s a good Granola Trail Mix opens in a new tab recipe.
Popcorn, pretzels (whole grain or gluten free), small crackers (what about those cute little fish-shaped cheese-flavored crackers?) Here’s a Popcorn Trail Mix opens in a new tab recipe.
Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, carob chips, cocoa nibs, chocolate covered raisins, nuts, figs, pretzels, etc.
Wasabi chips, rice chips, sprouted buckwheat, wasabi peas, crystallized ginger, roasted soy nuts, toasted garbanzo beans and anything else you can think of!
The great thing about trail mix is you can make it yourself, picking and choosing exactly what you want. It’s fun to get seasonal with your mix, too. For example, here’s a Holiday Trail Mix opens in a new tab recipe perfect for holiday travels.
Of course, you can purchase one of the many varieties we have in bulk and packaged grocery. You can always add some extra goodies to a packaged trail mix, if you like! The good news is our products never contain added sulfites or artificial flavors, preservatives or sweeteners.
What’s your favorite trail mix recipe? Let me know!
