To a lot of people, trail mix, hiking, and Birkenstock sandals are non-exclusive. But that way of thinking is so 1970.
Now is the ideal time to change your attitude about this wonderful snack. Why? Because it’s summer and you’re spending more time outside, on the go, and possibly traveling.
You need more reasons, don’t you? I feel a list coming on. I do love lists. So, how about this:
1. It’s easy to prepare.
2. It doesn’t require a fork or spoon.
3. It transports easily by plastic bag or disposable cup.
4. It’s an all-inclusive blend of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy.
5. It boasts carbohydrates, protein, antioxidants, and fat (the good kind.)
6. It’s a great source of energy.
7. It has limitless combinations.
8. It’s yummy!
Buyer beware, though. Not all trail mix is created equal. Some pre-mixed, store bought versions are loaded with sugars, acting more like candy, and not at all nutritious. Make your own. You get to be in control. And it’s a lot cheaper, too. A lot.
You can also involve the kids. Gather up your nuts, pretzels, dried fruit, and chocolate, and let them have fun creating their own.
One of my favorite combinations is pecans, almonds, pistachios, dried cherries, and yogurt covered raisins (above.) Uh huh.
Another one is walnuts, cashews, banana chips, chocolate malted milk balls, and dried pineapple chunks. Yes, please.
It’s possibly the perfect snack. And not just for the trail anymore.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
You are definately right not all trail mixes are equal! May I invite you to http://www.NuttyIdea.net . . . it is a custom trail mix site where you control the nuts, dried fruit, seeds, sweets and more.
We are not as cheap as the big box retailers but our moisture content is not as dehydrated and allows our dried fruits to be so fresh and the quality and freshness of our nuts is unlike any you buy at your local supermarket . . . we only make it as you order it.
If nothing else come visit and get great ideas of different mixes for you to do on you own in our Popular Trail Mix section . . . Caution, we are addictive!
Your Trail Mix . . . Your Way!
I am a teacher and I need to have something to snack on when I get a break. I don’t have time to “really” eat but I can snack This sure beats chocolate chips. The addition of the pineapple is appealing.
I especially like it when the trail leads to the sofa.
I’m drooling just reading everyone’s comments. I love trail mix….versatile, delicious and nutritious. But watch those calories………
Just a handful can dull the appetite before a meal, too.
I LOVE trail mix! I love the salty, crunchy, sweet combo. I used some last week to make Trail Mix Cupcakes. mmm!
I concur, trail mix rocks. It blows chips away and so much better for you.
Mike – we include m&ms in ours.
Jude – eeew. I hadn’t thought of that before. Disturbing.
Trail mix is the perfect snack! Great for road trips. I like the idea of mixing my own, but those communal nut/fruit bins creep me out.
Is it still trail mix if you put M&Ms in it?
I’ve made the Chex mix before and always buy the Gardettos blend, but those are probably loaded with preservatives. This is so fabulous. Trail mix…of course. I never thought to make it myself. Where have I been? Jeeze.
Oh ya, trail mix is the bomb. Sometimes I go traditional with the pretzels and peanuts, but other times I use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, dried apple or apricots. My kids like to include a different type of fish cracker in theirs.
I have always loved trail mix. Years ago when I was in college, I considered it a special treat since I never had any money.
I make a big batch and then separate it into individual servings or I’ll end up eating it all in one day. It’s easy to keep shoveling the handfuls in.
My favorite is really simple: pretzels, chocolate peanuts, and golden raisins, but I’m inspired to think outside the box and try a different variation like yours.
Growing up my parents were always eating this stuff and yes, it looked so gross – nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate all mixed together? Huh? And that spicy chinese mixture…what was that about? BUT, as I got older (post college really) and started to run, I got hooked on this amazing snack. I could actually eat it as an entire meal.
Trail mix is the best. You hit it – chewy/crunchy/salty/sweet. And it is the best energy boost. I always eat a handful between meals to get me through. But I always make the same kind- I should get more adventurous. I love your examples!
I love that you can get about 15 different kinds of trail mix too, depending on whether you’re feeling tropical of chocoholic or extra seeded or…..
love trail mix… but it never occured to me to make it. duh…
Trail mix = crack.
I’m always trying to think of snack ideas for my kids during the day/after school, in the car, and while traveling. I never thought of trail mix -I feel so stupid. Probably because everyone is so anti-nut these days with all the allergies, it’s all you ever hear about. And what a great idea to have the kids make their own and have fun with it. Your creations look so good. I love this!!
Yes! I make my own too. There’s only one store near me that has the bulk bins and I always go there to buy the trail mix items. I usually include chocolate covered peanuts and pretzels in mine. I love your combinations.
Oh ya! Hooray for trail mix. I agree…the best snack ever invented. I wish I had thought of it. I make batches of it all the time and take them to my kids soccer games.