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.

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Parmesan-Ranch Sweet Potato Snack Mix

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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

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Trail Mix 4 Ways

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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)

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Barbecue Snack Mix

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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.

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Chocolate-Ginger Snack Mix

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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

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Sweet-and-Hot Nuts

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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)

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Game-Day Snack Mix

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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.

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Crunchy Cracker Snack Mix

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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!

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Cheesy Snack Mix

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)

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Chili Mixed Nuts

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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.

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Make-It-Mine Slow Cooker Party Mix

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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)

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Tropical Snack Mix

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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.

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Cinnamon Churro Snack Mix

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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.

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Valentine's Day Chocolate Trail Mix

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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.

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Honey-Mustard Snack Mix

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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.

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Chicken Feed

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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.

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Wasabi Party Mix

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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

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.

What are good things to put in trail mix? ›

Some options: almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts. Seeds – Seeds are a great addition to trail mix and add more healthy fats! Some options: pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and sunflower seeds. Some seeds like hemp, flax, chia and sesame are a bit too small for trail mix.

How much trail mix should I eat a day? ›

The calories in trail mix can add up quickly, so remember that a little will go a long way! Both nuts and dried fruit and concentrated sources of calories and it can be easy to overdo it with trail mix. A ¼ cup is the standard recommended portion.

What candy gives you the most energy? ›

Some of our favorite caffeinated candies, sweets and energy drinks to help you stay awake.
  • Jolt Energy Gum. JOLT ENERGY GUM - ICY MINT (10 PCS) ...
  • BAWLS Guarana Energy Soda. BAWLS GUARANA SODA - ORIGINAL. ...
  • Chocolove Coffee Crunch in Dark Chocolate. CHOCOLOVE BAR 55% DARK COFFEE CRUNCH. ...
  • Ted Lasso Pregame Energy Drink.
Mar 14, 2022

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.

What does trail mix do for the body? ›

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.

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 trail mix healthy to eat everyday? ›

Is It OK to Eat Trail Mix Every Day? Moderation and variety are standard for building a healthy and sustainable way of eating, but if you just can't stay away, from the delicious mix you've selected, be sure to make it part of a balanced day of meals and snacks.

What are the negatives of trail mix? ›

Potential downsides

Some varieties are high in unhealthy ingredients like candy, chocolate, or cereal, increasing the calorie and sugar content of each serving. Added sugar consumption may not only cause weight gain but also contribute to conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver problems ( 8 ).

Is trail mix good or bad for you? ›

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.

What snacks are healthy? ›

Healthy Snacks
  • Apples (dried or cut into wedges), 1 medium or ¼ cup (35 grams)
  • Bananas, 1 medium.
  • Raisins, ¼ cup (35 grams)
  • Fruit leather (dried fruit puree) without added sugar.
  • Carrots (regular carrots cut into strips, or baby carrots ), 1 cup (130 grams)
  • Snap peas (the pods are edible), 1.5 cups (350 grams)
  • Nuts, 1 oz.

Is trail mix with M&Ms good for you? ›

While dried fruit have natural sugar, they come with fiber as well and give a steady blood sugar boost. You might see M&Ms to add a touch of flavor too. Some M&Ms are probably fine, but too many don't help your nutrition.

Who makes a good trail mix? ›

Midnight Double Feature Trail Mix

If there is one thing Whole Foods does exceptionally well, it's trail mix. And its Midnight Double Feature variety is the best of the best. This is the perfect example of harmoniously balancing the sweet and salty flavor combo we all crave on a regular basis.

What kind of trail mix is good for diabetics? ›

Trail Mix. For added variety, combine almonds with other nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to make tasty, protein-rich trail mix! This snack comes with similar blood control benefits to eating almonds on their own.

What is the best energy food for hiking? ›

Best Backpacking Foods for Sustained Energy: Complex Carbohydrates. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are all sources of complex carbohydrates. They are also sources of other nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a source of more sustained energy throughout the day because they have fiber.

Do mixed nuts make you sleepy? ›

A small handful of nuts will satisfy cravings and hunger while inducing sleepiness,” Kirkpatrick says. That's because nuts like walnuts and almonds offer natural melatonin, protein, and magnesium. Research from 2022 suggests that magnesium intake is associated with longer sleep and better sleep quality.

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