Homemade Trail Mix Recipe (Easy, Healthy Snack for Hikes or Road Trips)
Let’s be real—store-bought trail mix is expensive, often loaded with sugar, and full of things you pick around anyway. So why not make your own? This Homemade Trail Mix recipe is totally customizable, way cheaper than the packaged stuff, and only takes five minutes to throw together.
Whether you’re prepping snacks for a family road trip, need something to keep in your bag between errands, or just want a satisfying bite while binging your latest Netflix obsession, trail mix is the answer. No baking, no mess, just a handful of energy-packed goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Takes 5 minutes to make
- No cooking required
- Perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy
- Easy to customize to your taste
- Great for meal prep and on-the-go snacking
Ingredients
Base recipe:
- 1 cup roasted almonds
- 1 cup cashews (raw or roasted)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup pretzels (mini twists or sticks, optional)
Optional add-ins:
- Dried apricots, chopped
- Banana chips
- Coconut flakes
- Yogurt-covered raisins
- Granola clusters
- Freeze-dried fruit
| Serving Size: 6-8 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: None | Total Time: 5 minutes |
Instructions
Step 1: Combine ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate. Stir well to distribute evenly.
Step 2: Store
Transfer to an airtight container or portion into individual snack bags for easy grab-and-go options. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for the Best Homemade Trail Mix
- Use unsalted nuts if you’re watching your sodium or plan to add salty mix-ins like pretzels.
- Go for balance. Think: something crunchy, something chewy, something sweet, something salty.
- Portion it out. If you’re watching your snacking habits, pre-portion into small bags or containers to avoid handful after handful.
- Avoid melty mix-ins like chocolate chips if you’re storing it somewhere hot—use dried fruit or yogurt chips instead for summer hiking trips.
- Mix just before serving if you’re using crispy elements like pretzels to keep them from going soft.
Variations to Try
Trail mix is basically a blank canvas. Here are some fun twists:
- Tropical Trail Mix: Swap in dried pineapple, mango, coconut flakes, and macadamia nuts.
- Kid-Friendly Mix: Use mini marshmallows, cereal (like Cheerios or puffed rice), and chocolate candies.
- Savory Blend: Add cheese crackers, wasabi peas, or roasted chickpeas and skip the dried fruit.
- High-Protein Power Mix: Add roasted edamame, peanuts, and toss in a few protein-packed granola bites.
- Nut-Free Mix: Use seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), pretzels, dried fruit, and a crunchy cereal like Chex or puffed quinoa.
FAQs About Homemade Trail Mix
How long does homemade trail mix last?
If stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can also refrigerate or freeze it for longer shelf life.
Can I make it nut-free?
Absolutely. Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin, and include nut-free snacks like pretzels, popcorn, or roasted chickpeas.
Is this a healthy snack?
Trail mix can be very healthy—loaded with healthy fats, protein, and fiber—just be mindful of portion sizes and sugar content from dried fruits or chocolate.
Can I meal prep trail mix?
Yes. Portion it into individual bags or containers for easy, ready-to-go snacks throughout the week.
Can I use raw nuts?
You can, but roasted nuts (especially lightly salted ones) add more flavor. If using raw, consider toasting them briefly in a dry skillet for a few minutes to bring out their flavor.
Related Post: Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole and Fresh Salsa
Final Thoughts
Homemade Trail Mix is one of those simple pleasures that never goes out of style. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for everything from school lunches to long hikes to emergency desk drawer snacks. Once you make your own, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the packaged kind in the first place.
Mix it your way, stash it in a jar, and get ready for a snack that’s always ready when you are.