16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (2024)

Whether you're celebrating game day, happy hour, a holiday, or simply getting home from work or school—a snack mix is always a perfect way to get your munchie fix. Our favorite snack mix and trail mix recipes pair pantry staples with gourmet touches. Here you'll discover innovative homemade trail mixes made with sweet and savory ingredients to tote along for an afternoon hike, tailgate party, or pack as a delicious holiday gift.

01of 16

Parmesan-Ranch Sweet Potato Snack Mix

View Recipe

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (1)

Ranch fans won't be able to stop eating this cheesy, tangy snack mix. A packet of dressing mix and grated Parmesan cheese combine with melted butter for the ultimate flavor bomb topping. Sweet potato chips offset some of the savory flavor while providing extra vitamin A to your afternoon snack.

Yes, It's OK to Love Ranch Dressing as a Grown-Up

02of 16

Trail Mix 4 Ways

View Recipe

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (2)

This is the trail mix recipe to keep on hand when you want to mix and match your favorite flavors. Go sweet with our delicious banana-nut or berry trail mix variations. For a savory twist, opt for Italian-style or spicy peanut. The DIY recipe starts with air-popped popcorn but allows you to choose fruit, nuts, and seeds to suit your dietary needs if you require a nut- and/or gluten-free trail mix.

Buy It: Nostalgia Air-Pop Hot Air Popcorn Popper ($20, Target)

03of 16

Barbecue Snack Mix

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (3)

Add bold flavor to your game day spread with this homemade snack mix. The irresistible coating is made with butter, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire with a hint of garlic and onion. For an extra smoky flavor, look for chipotle cheddar crackers to add to the mix.

04of 16

Chocolate-Ginger Snack Mix

View Recipe

Your afternoon sweet tooth will definitely be satisfied with a handful of this chocolate trail mix. Crispy rice cereal and hazelnuts are covered in a ginger and chocolate-hazelnut spread coating. We add some candied ginger to give the homemade snack mix a little extra kick.

Healthy Chocolate Desserts to Satisfy Your Sugar Cravings

05of 16

Sweet-and-Hot Nuts

View Recipe

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (5)

Here's gluten-free, healthy trail mix to tote on your next road trip. Combine your favorite nuts with a spicy-sweet sauce and let your slow cooker meld together the magical flavors. Toast the nuts first to get optimal crunch.

Buy It: Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker ($50, Target)

06of 16

Game-Day Snack Mix

View Recipe

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (6)

Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and butter combine for an unforgettable game-day snack mix. As if the recipe wasn't already top-notch, we also include instructions to make a really impressive entirely edible snack bowl out of rice cereal.

07of 16

Crunchy Cracker Snack Mix

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (7)

Try an updated take on classic party mix recipes by adding nut-based crackers to pretzels, gourmet rosemary and sea salt almonds, and spices. It's a savory snack mix that pairs well with crisp hard ciders and hoppy IPAs—or punch recipes!

08of 16

Cheesy Snack Mix

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (8)

Savory herbs team up with crisp corn cereal, breadsticks, and cheese crackers for an easy co*cktail hour treat. We like to reach for garlic and herb gourmet almonds to add more depth of flavor. Bake and cool the snack mix the night before so you'll have more time to prep for guests.

Buy It: Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Half Sheet Pan ($10, Walmart)

09of 16

Chili Mixed Nuts

View Recipe

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (9)

For a low-carb trail mix, simply go with a blend of your favorite nuts and some spices. There's a bit of lime juice added for a zesty bite. This 5-ingredient recipe comes together in just 25 minutes so you'll be munching in no time.

10of 16

Make-It-Mine Slow Cooker Party Mix

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (10)

You can customize this slow cooker snack mix to suit your preferences and mood—whether you prefer spicy snack mix recipes, sweet and salty snack mixes, Italian flavors, or even a party mix that tastes like a taco.

These Easy Slow Cooker Appetizers Make Entertaining Low Stress (and Delicious)

11of 16

Tropical Snack Mix

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (11)

Bring a taste of the tropics to your next party or holiday gathering. This brightly flavored nut mix recipe features dried tropical fruit, pineapple juice, and a bit of allspice. You don't even need your oven for this one, just a quick run in the microwave.

12of 16

Cinnamon Churro Snack Mix

View Recipe

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (12)

This Christmas snack mix is about to be the recipe most requested by friends and family. With a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping that gives major churro associations, how could anyone not be thankful to receive this homemade snack mix as a gift?

Test Kitchen Tip: Line your baking pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

13of 16

Valentine's Day Chocolate Trail Mix

View Recipe

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (13)

OK so this chocolate trail mix recipe might be the perfect Valentine's Day treat, but we think it's great for any time of the year. Freeze-dried raspberries and cherries give the sweet chocolate drizzle a tangy contrast.

14of 16

Honey-Mustard Snack Mix

View Recipe

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (14)

As a healthy snack or a party appetizer, this easy snack mix is sure to be a hit. Because really, you can't go wrong with a combination that includes popcorn, peanuts, crispy cereal, and a buttery drizzle.

15of 16

Chicken Feed

View Recipe

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (15)

The name of this trail mix recipe might make you chuckle, but it's definitely a keeper. Apple jelly (or your favorite flavor) is the secret ingredient that binds the coating along with cinnamon and butter. The mix of rolled oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, and candy-coated peanuts will have everyone reaching for an extra handful.

16of 16

Wasabi Party Mix

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (16)

This Asian-inspired snack mix is sure to perk up that midday work slump. Wasabi-flavor peas, seasame sticks, honey roasted peanuts, and shredded coconut all come together for the best sweet and spicy snack mix you'll ever taste.

16 Trail Mix and Snack Mix Recipes for a Quick Energy Boost (2024)

FAQs

What can I put in my trail mix? ›

While raisins are the most popular trail mix fruit, you can try banana chips, apple chips, dried apricots, dried nectarines, dried cranberries, dried strawberries, dried raspberries and more. Chocolate – Don't forget a few bits of chocolate for a quick boost of energy.

What are the ingredients in the 100 day snack mix? ›

Students chose from banana chips, cereal pieces, chocolate chips, marshmallows, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, raisins, Skittles and sunflower seeds. They placed their ingredients on a 100 chart to help them count until they collected 100 food items.

Why is trail mix good for you? ›

The base of trail mix—nuts and fruit—are two foods that can help you lose weight. Nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein and fiber, three nutrients that help keep you full. Fruit delivers fiber and other key vitamins and minerals.

How much trail mix should I eat a day? ›

One piece of advice to monitor your portion size is to avoid eating straight from the package and sticking to around 1/4 cup (35 grams) at a time for an easy snack on the go. Be sure to avoid trail mix varieties with high amounts of added sugar or sodium, and choose products with healthy, high quality ingredients.

Is trail mix a healthy snack? ›

Typically, trail mixes are high in protein which helps with muscle growth and development. Protein-rich snacks help curb cravings for refined carbohydrates or junk food. Trail mixes are also high in fibre and healthy fats so you'll feel full and sustained all day.

Does trail mix give you energy? ›

Trail Mix

Trail mix is popular among hikers and adventurers because it provides quick energy and much-needed nutrients. Many trail mix varieties exist, but they usually consist of mixed nuts and dried fruit. Dried fruit digests quickly and its sugar is broken down for fast energy.

Is trail mix good for losing belly fat? ›

Trail mix can be good for losing weight, but only if portion control is applied. Nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and granola make trail mix a calorie-dense snack that should not replace a well-balanced whole meal.

Is eating too much trail mix bad for you? ›

However, many brands add sweets like candy and chocolate to make their product more appealing (via Healthline). These added ingredients increase the sugar and calorie content of the trail mix. Eating too much sugar can increase your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver issues.

Is Chex Mix Snack Mix healthy? ›

With a total fat amount of just 15% of the daily limit and only 2.8 grams of sugar, Chex Mix is perhaps one of the healthiest snacks (other than fruits and veggies) that you can have. We recommend simply limiting your amount to one or two ounces because of the fairly high sodium content.

Did Quaker stop making snack mix? ›

This wad my all time favorite snack ever but unfortunately they quit making it. I loved the variety of bit sized cheddar mix offered in this decent sized bag. The cheese was always delicious and snack was always fresh. Not sure why it's no longer made but I would have been a repeat customer for life.

What are the ingredients in Ding Dong snack mix? ›

Peanuts, Green Peas, Corn, Broad Beans, Iodized Salt (Salt, Potassium Iodide), Sugar, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Vegetable Oil (Palm, Corn and Coconut Oil), Wheat Flour, Spices, Artificial Color [FD&C Yellow 5 (E102), FD&C Yellow 6 (E110), and FD&C Blue 1 (E133)], Monosodium Glutamate (E621) and TBHQ (Antioxidant).

Can you live off of trail mix? ›

A balanced diet of survival food will ensure that your body is getting all the protein, carbs, minerals, and vitamins it requires to remain healthy. If you could only select five foods to survive on, potatoes, kale, trail mix, grains, and beans would get you pretty far.

Can I eat trail mix every day? ›

Even healthy trail mixes can be high in calories. Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit are both nutrient-dense and calorie-dense. Be mindful of your portion size. One serving size per day for a snack should be fine for most people.

Why are M&Ms in trail mix? ›

The peanuts and raisins are great to boost long term energy, but what if I need energy now? This is where the M&Ms come in. Sugar creates a quick energy that is depleted quickly. It gives the boost until the rest of the trail mix takes over.

What is the healthiest nut mix? ›

The Top 9 Nuts to Eat for Better Health
  • Almonds.
  • Pistachios.
  • Walnuts.
  • Cashews.
  • Pecans.
  • Macadamia nuts.
  • Brazil nuts.
  • Hazelnuts.

Is it cheaper to DIY trail mix? ›

Don't start from scratch- go ahead and pick up the cheapest trail mix you can find. Usually they consist of peanuts, dried fruit and chocolate. This will be your base and you can usually find a bag for as little as $3.99. This is way cheaper than buying all of those ingredients separately.

What is the difference between trail mix and mixed nuts? ›

Mixed nuts may be salted, roasted, cooked, or blanched. In addition to being eaten directly, mixed nuts can be used in cooking, such as for Tunisian farka, tarts, and toffee. Trail mix consists of nuts mixed with raisins and other dry ingredients.

What is the best ratio for trail mix? ›

My Go-To Trail Mix Ratio

Here's my basic formula = 1 cup of nuts, 2/3 cup of dried fruit, 1/4 cup seeds and 1/4 cup additional mix-ins, either sweet or savory.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fr. Dewey Fisher

Last Updated:

Views: 6077

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fr. Dewey Fisher

Birthday: 1993-03-26

Address: 917 Hyun Views, Rogahnmouth, KY 91013-8827

Phone: +5938540192553

Job: Administration Developer

Hobby: Embroidery, Horseback riding, Juggling, Urban exploration, Skiing, Cycling, Handball

Introduction: My name is Fr. Dewey Fisher, I am a powerful, open, faithful, combative, spotless, faithful, fair person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.