Heading out on an outdoor adventure is exciting and energizing, but being hungry is not. Whether your tummy is growling, hunger headaches or depletion of essential nutrients, adventuring while feeling sick sucks!!! And here’s the thing – a small bag of your homemade trail mix will keep you going no matter the adventure. Not only is it a tasty snack, but it’s also packed with the nutrients that fuel your body.
Spread the Love
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. Purchases made through our links result in a small commission to us at no charge to you. We only recommend products that meet our brand standards based on testing and first hand use by our authors.
Why Spend the Time and Energy to Make Your Trail Mix?
Most people assume that all mixes are healthy, but are they really? Here’s the truth. So many store-bought trail mixes contain added sugar, ingredients you can’t pronounce, dyes or chemicalized preservatives that should be a NO in your food. Let’s be honest – not everyone can find the time to assemble a healthy trail mix. So, if you must purchase a store-bought trail mix, opt for healthier ingredients and no added sugars. One of our favourite premade trail mixes is from Prana, which is ripe with flavour and organic non-GMO ingredients that help sustain the whole family on our outdoor excursions.
The benefit of making your trail mix is control. That’s right – you decide what goes in, how much of it, and how healthy you want it to be. We all need a break from plain raw nuts! 😉 That being said, let’s dive in and learn how to customize your homemade trail mix that the entire family will love.
Customizing Your Homemade Trail Mix for Your Next Adventure
Customizing is so much fun, especially when children are involved. Children concoct weird combinations that actually taste good, and some, well, let’s just say, will make the raccoon think twice before eating. This is your chance to try unique flavour combinations, find peanut-free alternatives for those with allergies, or even find your favourite ingredients you never thought to try.
You can also customize your mixes based on adventures to keep you energized and focused, as some, like hiking or climbing, will require more protein and salt than an off-roading adventure through the bush. If it’s a hot day, the last item you want in your pouch is chocolate, which melts, leaving you with messy hands, clothes or children. Let’s start with healthy nuts and seeds, as these are trail mix ingredients you can’t go without.
RELATED: Discover the Hidden Beauty of Egan Chutes Provincial Park
Healthy Ingredient List
Nuts are a must-have for any DIY trail mix, regardless of the adventure ahead. Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts and peanuts are good choices that provide a healthy dose of protein, fibre, and healthy fats to keep your energy levels up. If you suffer from nut allergies, seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, hemp, flax, and chia are a great alternative. As are coconut flakes.
Dried Fruit Snack Mix Ingredients
Dried fruit is another great addition to your DIY fruit trail mix. These are high in fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Studies show that dried fruit has 3.5x the nutrients compared with fresh fruit. Consider adding some of these trail mix ingredients list options:
These fruits add a tasty sweetness to your mix, and their compact size makes them easy to pack and take on the go.
Sweet Ingredients for Your Homemade Trail Mix
For an extra dose of energy, consider adding some dark chocolate chunks, which are high in antioxidants and can help improve brain function. Adding hearty oats or granola can provide sustenance and warmth, especially in colder weather. And, of course, who doesn’t like a trail mix with a few candy pieces or M&M’s?
A word to the wise, when adding chocolate to your mix, keep in mind that a hot day can make quite a mess if not packed correctly. Keep the snack mix away from direct sunlight or heat sources, such as your body or vehicle. If you unequivocally need chocolate in your mix, use candy-coated chocolate or keep it cool with an ice pack or in a thermal container.
RELATED: Day Hiking 101: What to Bring and Why
Unique Homemade Trail Mix Ideas to Spice Up Your Snack Game
For those who want to switch up their trail mix, there are endless possibilities to add some unique flavours to the classic trail mix. Try mixing dried mango and chilli powder for a sweet and spicy kick. Or, for a savoury option, add some roasted chickpeas and rosemary.
If you’re seeking a different texture, consider tossing in some popped popcorn or a few crispy rice cereals. And for a burst of tangy flavour, mix in some dried cranberries and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
No matter your taste preferences, there are plenty of ways to jazz up your mix. Trail mix ingredients list for seasonings to try:
Plus, with so many options, you can make multiple batches and store them in a ziplock bag, airtight container or a glass jar.
Peanut-Free GORP Alternatives for Allergy Concerns
Finding safe snacks for the trail can be challenging for those with peanut allergies. However, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the deliciousness of a trail mix. There are plenty of alternatives that offer similar textures and flavours.
If allergic to only peanuts, one option is to swap out peanuts for other unsalted nuts. Almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts are a great alternative. You can even mix some seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, for an extra crunch. For a sweeter twist, add some dried apple rings or banana chips. These add a natural sweetness without the need for added sugars.
For those of you who are allergic to all nuts, adding some roasted chickpeas, edamame or Wasabi to your mix will give you the much-needed protein boost. These plant-based options are an excellent substitute for peanuts and offer a satisfying crunch. And for those looking for an extra jolt of energy, try adding some coffee beans.
With so many options available, there’s no need to sacrifice flavour or extra nutrition. Be creative, and mix and match your favourite ingredients to make the perfect snack for your next adventure.
Healthy Homemade Trail Mix Recipes for Every Adventure
Gluten-Free Trail Mix
All trail mixes are typically gluten-free. Your trail mix becomes gluten by adding oats, granola or mini pretzels. Including a mixture of fruits, nuts, seeds, cereals, popcorn, and chocolate will ensure your trail mix stays gluten-free.
For those of you craving to add a tasty cracker to your mix, our dear friend at LaRena’s Corner has put together this delicious gluten-free trail mix recipe for you to try. LaRena has tasty recipes for those with dietary restrictions or on specialized diets. Her recipes range from gluten-free options to Keto and Paleo-friendly diets.
Camping Trail Mix Recipes for a Perfect Night by the Fire
My kids and I had fun putting these recipes together, and we hope you will enjoy them when sitting around a cozy campfire on your next camping trip. Please note that I have not included the portions used as everyone’s flavour profile differs. You may want a large bowl worth or a cup serving. Portions also depend on your budget.
Sweet and Savoury Jerky Trail Mix Recipe
For our sweet and savoury jerky trail mix, combine dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and diced jerky. The cranberries bring some natural sweetness, while the pumpkin seeds and jerky offer a satisfying crunch and mouth-watering flavour. Adjust the ingredients according to your flavour profile.
Golden Delight Snack Mix Recipe
This healthy trail mix recipe is a classic mix of nuts and dried fruit. Combine honey-roasted sesame almonds, cashews, yogurt-covered raisins, and dried apricots for a tasty combination. You may want to add less yogurt-covered raisins for less sugar, as the honey from the sesame almonds already adds sweetness to this mix. The Golden Delight Snack Mix recipe has become our family’s favourite homemade trail mix. It’s so good!
Campfire S’mores Trail Mix Recipe
And, of course, don’t forget about the classic campfire treat. S’mores! Campfire S’mores are a surefire hit with everyone in your group, especially the kids. Combine milk chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and broken pieces of graham crackers for a fun and delightful treat. If you have children, the Campfire S’mores Camping Trail Mix makes a perfect school snack and will have them begging for more!
Go ahead and give these homemade trail mix recipes a try or create your unique bag of trail mix. With your healthy snack in hand, it’s time to hit the road and start making those camping memories last a lifetime. These recipes are not just for camping; they are perfect for any grab-and-go snack event.
RELATED: Camping Gear Essentials: The Ultimate Checklist
DIY Trail Mix for Off-Roading and Long Hours on the Road
Whether you spend long hours on the road or embark on an off-roading trip, a healthy trail mix is an essential snack to carry at arm’s reach. Driving for extended hours can lead to fatigue and lower energy levels, but having a bag of healthy fruit and nut trail mix on hand can help keep you alert and focused.
Opt for protein-packed healthy ingredients like almonds, cashews or jerky and pair it with dried fruit and dark chocolate. Avoid nut mixes with too much sugar or artificial ingredients, which can leave you feeling sluggish. The right homemade trail mix should have you feeling energized and ready to tackle the road ahead!
How To Make the Best Trail Mix, Conclusion
Don’t leave home without a handful of trail mix or a DIY trail mix bar! It doesn’t matter if it’s a leisurely hike or an extreme expedition, a nutrient-dense homemade trail mix is a perfect companion for any outdoor adventure.
Not only does it fuel the body and satisfy your taste buds, but it also keeps you from getting sick and by sick, I mean mental fog, fatigue, weakness and so forth from loss of nutrients. With many delicious and nutritious options, find a tasty blend that will fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds.
Remember to experiment with different trail mix ingredients and create your personalized trail mix for your next outdoor activity. Happy trails!
What’s your favourite homemade trail mix blend?
Please share this post with someone who loves the outdoors and needs to freshen up their snack mix. Thank you!
Bookmark this post on Pinterest for future reference!
