Last Updated on March 30, 2022 by Ellen Christian
Are you wondering how to make trail mix from healthier ingredients? I love snacking but it seems like the typical snack foods aren’t all that good for you to snack on. And, while I love making my own snacks, there are times I want something fast and easy. Thankfully, this trail mix is a healthier version of your childhood favorite so you can feel good about snacking on it.
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How to Make Trail Mix
So, what is trail mix? Traditionally, trail mix was something that hikers took with them on the trail. It was easy to store and snack on. And, it offered a sugar and protein boost that gave them energy. It required no refrigeration and no cooking. Of course, today trail mix is something that many people enjoy as a snack whether it’s for themselves or the kids.
With school time getting closer and closer, it’s nice to make up a batch of this on the weekends and send some with the kids for their lunch. I’m not a fan of single-use plastic bags. So, if you do send snacks with the kids to school, I really love these reusable bags or you can check out this reusable bag craft and make your own.
So, given the nature of trail mix, it’s not going to be a low-carb or low-sugar snack. You will need to practice portion control to avoid eating the whole batch while you’re watching television. You can cut down on the chocolate chips or replace half of them with another type of nut or pumpkin seeds. Or, you can use carob chips or dark chocolate chips if you prefer which are lower in sugar.
Healthier cinnamon cereal
So, the traditional version of cinnamon cereal that many people use in trail mix is very high in sugar and uses Trisodium Phosphate which doesn’t thrill me. You can use Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch organic cereal which will eliminate the Trisodium Phosphate and drop the sugar a bit. It’s still not low sugar. But, it is a bit lower. And, it is organic and non-GMO. You can find it on Amazon if your store doesn’t have it. There’s a keto option below.
What is usually in trail mix?
It really depends. There are a lot of different versions. Traditionally, you will have a carb (pretzels or cereal), nuts, dried fruits, and some type of chocolate or sugar. This combines a sugar/carb with a protein which can give you a more sustained energy release.
Is trail mix healthy?
Like anything else, it depends on what you put into it and how much you eat. If you keep the sugar/carbs on the low side, it can be a healthier snack than many options. Although, I would not recommend it for someone watching their sugar. If you’re wondering how to make trail mix that is better for someone watching their sugar or following the Keto diet, I would recommend adding more nuts, using dark chocolate, and using a Keto-friendly cereal like this Protein Performance cereal.
Can I change the ingredients?
If you’re wondering how to make trail mix with different types of ingredients, just use what you have. The important thing to include is some type of carbohydrate like cereal or pretzel, dried fruits, nuts and if you want a chocolate/candy addition. You can use freeze-dried apples like this recipe or if you prefer raisins or banana chips. You might want to check out my healthy homemade snack mix.
So, if you are wondering how to make trail mix like this one, you will need:
- Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch Organic Cereal
- Trader Joe’s White Chocolate Baking Chips
- Walnuts
- Freeze Dried Apples
- Butterscotch Chips
And, if you want a lower sugar, more Keto-friendly option, try this:
Either way, feel free to change up the ingredients for what you have on hand. To keep it healthy, watch the ingredients including the sugar/carbs and control your snacking temptation. You should not be snacking on more than about a half cup of this trail mix at a time. Portion it out ahead of time so you aren’t tempted.
So, now that you know how to make trail mix, print out the recipe. And, check out the above video for a few ideas on how to meal prep healthy snacks like trail mix.
Apple Cinnamon Trail Mix
Looking for a healthier snack mix? Check out this Apple Cinnamon Snack Mix and learn how to make snack mix everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 C Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch organic cereal
- 1 C walnuts (chopped)
- 1 C freeze-dried apples
- 1/4 C white chocolate chips
- 1/4 C butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Add all of the above-listed ingredients in a large bowl.
- Toss or mix with your hands to combine.
- Serve.
- Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 218Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 71mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 3gSugar: 16gProtein: 3g
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
