Trailblazer’s Blend

This delightful blend offers the perfect harmony of sweet and salty flavors, making it a truly amazing snack experience. Not only is it ready in less than 5 minutes, but it also features a customizable ratio of all your favorite ingredients. Imagine crunchy nuts like almonds, pecans, cashews, and peanuts mingling with naturally sweet elements such as coconut flakes, plump raisins, and a touch of indulgence from M&M’s or chocolate chips. This is more than just a snack; it’s a personalized energy booster.

If you’re searching for a fantastic snack that’s both simple to create and packed with goodness, then you absolutely must try this wholesome mix of nuts, dried fruit, and sweet treats. The most exciting aspect? You have complete freedom to create your own custom trail mix, tailored precisely to your preferences and dietary needs. This guide will show you how to build the ultimate snack that satisfies your cravings and fuels your adventures.

Opting for a homemade trail mix over store-bought alternatives comes with a multitude of advantages. Beyond the obvious cost savings, you gain full control over the quality, freshness, and nutritional content of your snack. Here are several compelling reasons why you’ll fall in love with making your own:

• The Perfect On-the-Go Snack: This blend effortlessly strikes a balance between sweet and salty, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s rich in dietary fiber, high in protein, and undeniably delicious. Keeping this healthy snack on hand means you’re always prepared for hunger pangs, whether you’re at the office, on a road trip, or simply enjoying a busy day out.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Forget about complicated recipes or lengthy cooking times. There’s absolutely no baking, roasting, or special equipment required. Simply gather your chosen ingredients, add them to a spacious bowl, and stir until everything is beautifully combined. Voilà! A gourmet snack is ready in minutes.
• Incredibly Satisfying: The healthy fats found abundantly in nuts and seeds, combined with the fiber from dried fruits and the protein from legumes, create a snack that truly satiates. This wholesome combination provides sustained energy, helping to keep hunger at bay and preventing those mid-day energy crashes.
• Significantly Cheaper than Store-Bought Options: Making your own homemade trail mix is an excellent strategy for being budget-conscious. When you compare the cost of buying individual ingredients in bulk versus the price per ounce of pre-packaged blends, you’ll realize substantial savings. This allows you to enjoy a high-quality snack without breaking the bank.
• Complete Control Over Ingredients: Worried about artificial flavors, excessive sugar, or unwanted preservatives? When you make your own trail mix, you decide exactly what goes in. This is especially beneficial for those with allergies, dietary restrictions, or specific health goals.
• Unleash Your Creativity: The possibilities for customization are virtually endless. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a canvas for your culinary imagination. Experiment with different nuts, seeds, dried fruits, chocolates, and even savory additions to create a unique blend that perfectly matches your taste.

Core Ingredients:

These staples provide a solid base of flavor, texture, and nutrition. We recommend using roasted nuts for enhanced flavor, but raw nuts can also be used.

• Almonds: A fantastic source of Vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats, offering a satisfying crunch.
• Pecans: Rich in antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats, providing a buttery texture.
• Cashews: Creamy and mildly sweet, these nuts are a good source of zinc and iron.
• Peanuts: A classic trail mix component, offering protein and a distinct savory flavor. Opt for dry roasted and lightly salted for the best balance.
• Coconut: Adds a delightful chewiness and tropical sweetness. We recommend using larger coconut flakes for texture, but shredded coconut works wonderfully too. Look for unsweetened varieties to control sugar content.
• Raisins: The quintessential dried fruit for trail mix, providing natural sweetness and a chewy texture. Dried cranberries are an excellent alternative if you prefer a tart flavor.
• M&M’s (or chocolate chips): For that irresistible sweet treat, adding a burst of color and a dose of delicious chocolate. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can be used for a slightly less sweet option.

Optional Mix-ins: Endless Possibilities

To truly elevate your homemade trail mix and infuse it with exciting sweet, salty, or even spicy notes, consider these popular and creative additions. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to discover your signature blend!

• Additional Nuts:
  • Macadamia nuts (for a rich, buttery flavor)
  • Walnuts (high in Omega-3s)
  • Pistachios (colorful and flavorful)
  • Brazil nuts (a good source of selenium)
• Seeds for Extra Crunch & Nutrition:
  • Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Chia seeds (for a tiny nutritional boost, though less noticeable in texture)
  • Flax seeds (similar to chia, blend in subtly)
• Dried Fruits for Natural Sweetness & Fiber:
  • Good old raisins (if not already included)
  • Dried cranberries (tart and vibrant)
  • Goji berries (nutrient-dense, slightly chewy)
  • Dried blueberries (sweet and tangy)
  • Dried apple pieces (chewy and naturally sweet)
  • Banana chips (for a satisfying crunch and tropical flavor)
  • Dried cherries (sweet and slightly tart)
  • Chopped dried apricots (chewy and full of Vitamin A)
  • Mango pieces (tropical and tangy)
• Chocolate & Sweet Treats for Indulgence:
  • Dark chocolate chips (richer, more antioxidants)
  • Milk chocolate chips (classic sweet flavor)
  • White chocolate chips (creamy sweetness)
  • Peanut butter chips (for a nutty, sweet kick)
  • Yogurt-covered raisins or pretzels (creamy coating)
  • Mini marshmallows (especially mini dried ones for texture)
  • Butterscotch chips
• Savory & Unique Additions:
  • Pretzels (for a salty, crunchy contrast)
  • Sesame sticks (adds a unique flavor and texture)
  • Cheese crisps (for a savory, protein-packed element)
  • Wasabi peas (if you like a spicy kick!)
  • Crispy roasted chickpeas (adds protein and crunch)

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the crunch, flavor, and freshness of your homemade trail mix. Follow these guidelines to ensure your snack stays delicious for as long as possible:

• Airtight Containers are Key: Always store your trail mix in an airtight container. This prevents air and moisture from getting in, which can cause nuts to go stale and dried fruits to harden. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids, or high-quality plastic containers, work best.
• Cool, Dry, and Dark Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Exposure to light and warmth can cause oils in nuts to become rancid faster. If possible, a dark glass container or an opaque container is ideal for extra protection against light.
• Shelf Life: When stored correctly at room temperature, homemade trail mix can remain fresh and delicious for up to 8 weeks. Beyond this, ingredients may start to lose their flavor and texture. Always discard if you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, mold, or a rancid taste in the nuts.
• Freezing for Extended Freshness: For even longer storage, especially if you’ve made a large batch, you can freeze trail mix. Place it in a freezer-safe airtight bag or container. It can last for up to 6 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• Individual Portions for Convenience:
  • For Gifting: Transfer your homemade trail mix into pint-sized mason jars with decorative labels for a thoughtful and healthy gift.
  • For School or Work Lunches: Divide ¼ to ½ cup servings into individual snack bags or small reusable containers. This makes grabbing a healthy snack incredibly easy throughout the week.
  • For Travel or Hiking: Small, durable containers or Ziploc bags are perfect for portability, ensuring you have a quick energy boost on the go.

While making trail mix is simple, a few expert tips can elevate your creation from good to absolutely outstanding:

• Choose Roasted Nuts for Superior Flavor: For a homemade trail mix that boasts the freshest taste and best aroma, we highly recommend using roasted nuts. Roasting brings out the natural oils and deepens their flavor profile, adding an extra dimension to your mix. If you’re concerned about sodium, opt for lower-sodium or unsalted roasted nuts, allowing you to control the overall saltiness of your blend. You can even roast raw nuts at home for customized flavor.
• Embrace Creativity – It’s Your Mix!: The fundamental appeal of trail mix is its incredible versatility and the freedom to customize it to your heart’s content. Don’t feel confined to a specific list of ingredients. This is your opportunity to add your absolute favorite nuts, experiment with savory snacks like pretzels or spiced chickpeas, and incorporate the chocolates or candies that bring you the most joy. Think about balancing textures – crunchy, chewy, smooth – and flavors – sweet, salty, tangy.
• Prioritize Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The deliciousness and longevity of your homemade snack mix are directly proportional to the freshness and quality of the ingredients you use. Avoid using any stale nuts, dried fruits that are hard or discolored, or items that are past their peak. Instead, make an effort to source the freshest and best quality nuts, seeds, and dried fruits you can afford. Purchasing in bulk from reputable stores can often provide better value and freshness.
• Cool All Ingredients Before Mixing: If you’re roasting your own nuts or melting chocolate to create clusters, ensure all ingredients are completely cooled to room temperature before combining them. Mixing warm ingredients can lead to condensation, which will make your trail mix soggy and shorten its shelf life.
• Don’t Overmix: While you want an even distribution of ingredients, excessive stirring can sometimes break apart delicate items like freeze-dried fruits or create excessive dust from nuts. Mix just enough to combine everything thoroughly.
• Consider Themes: Thinking of a theme for your trail mix (e.g., tropical, autumnal, spicy) can help guide your ingredient choices and create a cohesive flavor profile.

The beauty of homemade trail mix is its adaptability. Feel free to use the base recipe as a starting point and then branch out with these exciting flavor variations to keep things interesting:

• Cranberry White Chocolate Delight: For a delightful twist, substitute the traditional raisins with tangy dried cranberries. Then, swap out the M&M’s for creamy white chocolate chips. This combination offers a beautiful balance of tartness and sweet indulgence, perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Warm Pumpkin Spice Harvest: Embrace autumnal flavors by omitting the M&M’s entirely. Instead, use pepitas (pumpkin seeds) as a key component. For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toss the nuts and seeds with a touch of melted butter and a generous sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to taste. You can even use a homemade pumpkin pie spice blend for a truly gourmet touch.
• Spooky Halloween Fun Mix: Perfect for parties or a festive treat, replace the standard M&M’s with vibrant Reese’s Pieces for a peanut butter chocolate kick. Then, add seasonal mix-ins like candy corn, mellowcreme pumpkins, or other Halloween-themed candies to make it extra special and eye-catching.
• Tropical Paradise Mix: Swap out some of the traditional nuts for macadamia nuts. Use dried mango, pineapple, and banana chips for your dried fruit selection. Add large, unsweetened coconut flakes for an extra tropical punch.
• Spicy & Savory Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, incorporate roasted edamame, spicy sesame sticks, or even a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning on some of your nuts. Balance the spice with a touch of dried apricots for sweetness.
• Nut-Free Allergy-Friendly Blend: If allergies are a concern, create a mix solely from seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, hemp), dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, blueberries), and safe chocolate alternatives (like certified nut-free chocolate chips or carob chips).

Making your own trail mix allows for easy adjustments to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Here are some common substitutions:

Without Peanuts: If you have a peanut allergy or simply prefer to omit them, easily leave the peanuts out of the recipe. You can substitute them with an equal amount of another favorite nut like almonds or cashews, or add more seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) for extra crunch and nutrition.

No Raisins or Different Dried Fruit: Not a fan of raisins? No problem! Simply leave them out and substitute them with another dried fruit that you enjoy more, such as dried cranberries, chopped apricots, dried cherries, or even banana chips. You could also add an additional quantity of nuts or any of the other delicious mix-ins of your choice.

Vegan-Friendly Trail Mix: To make this recipe completely vegan, the main adjustment needed is with the M&M’s, which typically contain dairy. Substitute the M&M’s with your favorite dairy-free dark chocolate (chips or chunks), vegan chocolate-covered candies, or simply omit them for a naturally sweet and savory blend. Always double-check ingredient labels for other animal-derived products if you’re strictly vegan.

Gluten-Free Trail Mix: While many trail mix ingredients are naturally gluten-free (nuts, seeds, dried fruits, plain M&M’s), it’s crucial to check the labels of all individual components if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity. Some nuts or candies may be processed in facilities that also handle wheat-containing ingredients, leading to cross-contamination. Always look for certified gluten-free labels for absolute certainty.

Lower Sugar Options: To reduce the sugar content, opt for unsweetened dried fruits and unsweetened coconut flakes. Choose dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage, or simply reduce the amount of M&M’s or sweet candies you add. You can also focus more on nuts and seeds, which are naturally lower in sugar.

Lower Sodium Options: Select unsalted or lightly salted nuts and seeds. Avoid savory mix-ins like pretzels or sesame sticks, which tend to be high in sodium. This gives you complete control over the salt levels in your snack.

Trail Mix

This recipe for Homemade Trail Mix is easy to make and is the perfect on-the-go healthy snack. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and always delicious.

Course:
Snacks

Cuisine:
American

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
5 minutes

Servings:
19 servings

Calories:
380 kcal

Author:
Dorothy Bigelow

Equipment

• Storage jars or airtight container
• Large mixing bowl
• Large spoon or spatula

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups almonds
• 1 ½ cups cashews
• 1 ½ cups pecans
• 1 ½ cups dry roasted peanuts
• 1 cup raisins or dried fruit of choice
• 1 cup coconut flakes or shredded coconut (optional)
• 1 ½ cups M&M’s or chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Add the almonds, cashews, pecans, peanuts, and raisins (or dried fruit) to a large bowl.
   
2. Mix the nuts and fruit together with a wooden spoon until well combined.
   
3. Add the M&M’s (or chocolate or candies of choice) and stir them in gently until evenly distributed.
   
4. Transfer the finished trail mix to an airtight container or jar.
   
5. Store at room temperature for up to 8 weeks for optimal freshness.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximately)