Homemade trail mix is so easy, you’ll never grab the store bought stuff again! Grab your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a few treats… within minutes you’ve got trail mix.
Healthy Homemade Trail Mix
Trail mix gets a bad rap. I spent years terrified I’d gain all my weight back if I dared to even breathe near the stuff. But, there is a real difference between the store bought junk and trail mix you curate at home. Store bought varieties are often full of sugar-added dried fruit, candy, and nuts full of hydrogenated oils, often making them less healthy than a fried snickers bar. On the other hand, you can create a low carb, no- added sugar, junk-free version in under 10 minutes! Let’s get going.
Adding a bit of chocolate and a few pretzels is a game changer for my son. Perfect in a bento box for lunch.
Anatomy Of Trail Mix
You need sweet, salty, nutty, and crunchy components for the perfect homemade trail mix.
- Nuts- Start with your favorite nuts. I am digging walnuts and pecans right now, but I always a appreciate a traditional almond. The kid in me loves peanuts:). Look for raw nuts that haven’t been tossed in oils, sugars, etc.
- Seeds – Pumpkin, sunflower, hemp, flax, chia, etc. Seeds are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients, plus they just taste so darn good!
- Dried Fruit – raisins, dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries. Banana chips are also delicious and add a big crunch.
- Chocolate – I consider chocolate its own food group;). You can certainly leave this off, but adding bits of dark chocolate (or dairy- free chips if you prefer) will add a punch of flavor.
- Crunch – When I make these for myself I leave off the pretzels or popcorn, but when I am making them for my son this is one of the ways I lure him into eating the trail mix. Today I used Glutino gluten free pretzel sticks.
Trail Mix Upgrades
1 tsp powdered sugar adds just 10 calories and 2.5 grams of sugar. Decadent! Perfect for transitioning kids to trail mix.
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for a jazzed up flavor.
I love using these tiny mason jars. They help me with portion control. Some are naked, while others have a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of pumpkin pie spice.
My son’s favorite combo includes fishy crackers.
Why I Love Homemade Trail Mix
- Much healthier than most store bought brands
- Customizable – use exactly the nuts, seeds, and treats you love
- Cheaper than pre-made varieties
- Free of hydrogenated oils and extra sugar
- Packed with healthy fats which are highly satiating
- Portable and easy to take to school or on travel
- Easy for low carbers and keto-dieters
- 1.5 cup nuts
- 1 cup seeds
- 1 cup dried fruits
- Add crunchies like pretzels or popcorn (optional)
- Add treats such as chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or candy bits (avoid when dieting)
- Spice- could add cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or sea salt
- Mix together and eat! So easy:)
If you love trail mix I bet you’ll LOVE these too!
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Bowl