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Trail Mix

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snacks•american•vegetarian, gluten-free
10 minutes•8 servings•

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1 cup roasted peanuts – lightly salted
  • 3/4 cup raisins
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pretzel sticks – broken into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Trail Mix

Instructions

1. Place the almonds, cashews, and roasted peanuts in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add the raisins, dried cranberries, and shredded coconut to the bowl.

3. Gently stir the mixture with a large spoon until the nuts and dried fruit are evenly combined.

4. Add the pretzel pieces and chocolate chips to the bowl.

5. Fold everything together carefully until the chocolate, pretzels, nuts, and dried fruit are evenly distributed, taking care not to crush the pretzels.

6. Taste and adjust the mix to your preference, adding a little more of any component you like.

7. Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container or portion into small resealable bags for individual servings.

8. Store at cool room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate if your kitchen is very warm to keep the chocolate from melting.

Trail mix is a simple, portable snack built from a balance of nuts, dried fruit, and a touch of sweetness or crunch, meant to be eaten by the handful. The nuts bring richness and satisfying crunch, the dried fruit adds chew and natural sweetness, while elements like chocolate and pretzels contribute a bit of indulgence and salty contrast. It is designed to be energy-dense and shelf-stable, making it ideal for hiking, travel, lunch boxes, or quick snacks between meals.

Historically, mixtures of dried fruit and nuts have been eaten for centuries in many cultures, but the specific idea of "trail mix" as a named food is closely associated with 20th-century North American hiking and camping culture. The combination became popular among backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for lightweight, high-calorie food that would keep well on the trail. Over time, commercial blends and home recipes multiplied, but most versions still reflect the same core idea: a customizable mix of nuts, fruit, and a bit of treat to provide both nutrition and enjoyment on the go.