Trail Mix - 1

By Becky Hardin

Published Aug 28, 2024

Trail mix easy snack recipe. - 2 The best trail mix. - 3 The best homemade trail mix. - 4

Trail mix, aka gorp, is a protein-packed, sweet-and-salty snack that’s perfect for taking on the go. It’s a staple among hikers, campers, and scouts alike. Although I’m not much of a camper myself, I love do love a good pantry cleanout recipe, and this homemade trail mix does just that. It’s super easy to make– just toss everything together and it’s ready to go!

A bowl full of trail mix aka gorp. - 5

Sweet, salty, and energy-sustaining trail mix (also known as gorp) is the perfect mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up to keep you going all day long. Roasted nuts provide a good source of fats and protein, raisins add fiber, and M&M’s add a touch of sweetness for a burst of quick energy.

What’s in This Trail Mix Recipe?

  • Nuts: We like a combination of roasted peanuts, cashews, and almonds.
  • Raisins: Add a pop of sweetness and some fiber for energy.
  • Chocolate: We like milk chocolate and peanut M&Ms for their sweetness.
A pile of mixed nuts and raisins on a white surface. - 6

Make It Easy

The fun thing about trail mix is that you can really add just about anything! If you’ve got nut allergies, swap for pumpkin seeds , sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or dried chickpeas. You could also use granola ! Not a fan of raisins? Try dried pineapple, coconut flakes, banana chips, dried cranberries, or dried blueberries. And in place of the M&M’s try chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, white chocolate, or yogurt-covered pretzels .

How to Store

Store leftover trail mix in an airtight container or individual Ziplock bags for up to 1 month. It makes a great grab-and-go snack!

Servings of gorp trail mix in individual glass jars. - 7

Serving Suggestions

Make bags of this trail mix recipe for breakfast on the go, along with a coffee smoothie or a glass of cold brew for sustained energy all day. I love adding this to the kids’ lunch boxes so they have a snack that’s filled with protein and something they’ll love too–chocolate!

If you’re planning to pack some gorp for camping or a long hike, be sure to bring lots of water and a refreshing electrolyte drink.

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 1 cup roasted peanuts
  • ▢ 1 cup raisins
  • ▢ ¾ cup roasted cashews
  • ▢ ¾ cup roasted almonds
  • ▢ ½ cup milk chocolate M&M’s
  • ▢ ½ cup peanut M&M’s

Video

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix well to combine. 1 cup roasted peanuts, 1 cup raisins, ¾ cup roasted cashews, ¾ cup roasted almonds, ½ cup milk chocolate M&M’s, ½ cup peanut M&M’s
  • Place in one large or several small Ziplock bags.

Becky’s Tips

  • Make sure your peanuts do not have added ingredients other than salt. Some brands include seasonings and this will throw off the flavor of your trail mix.
  • You can use chocolate chips in place of the M&M’s.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Trail mix usually consists of nuts, raisins or dried fruits, and some type of sweet (usually chocolate).

The term “gorp” is an acronym. Some people believe it stands for “good ol’ raisins and peanuts”, while others say it stands for “granola, oats, raisins, peanuts”. This term is mostly used by hikers and outdoors-enthusiasts who pack this snack to keep them energized.

Yes! It’s a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber and can provide you with the energy to get through the day. As with anything, it is best enjoyed in moderation!

M&M’s are added as a source of quick energy (sugar) to get you through until the rest of the ingredients in the mix can give you that longer-lasting energy.

Sure! Just remember to enjoy it in moderation!

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A bowl full of mixed nuts and m&m's. - 24

Trail Mix Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup roasted peanuts
  • 1 cup raisins
  • ¾ cup roasted cashews
  • ¾ cup roasted almonds
  • ½ cup milk chocolate M&M’s
  • ½ cup peanut M&M’s

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix well to combine. 1 cup roasted peanuts, 1 cup raisins, ¾ cup roasted cashews, ¾ cup roasted almonds, ½ cup milk chocolate M&M’s, ½ cup peanut M&M’s
  • Place in one large or several small Ziplock bags.

Video

Notes

  • Make sure your peanuts do not have added ingredients other than salt. Some brands include seasonings and this will throw off the flavor of your trail mix.
  • You can use chocolate chips in place of the M&M’s.

Nutrition

Trail Mix - 25

By Becky Hardin

Published Jul 12, 2017

A screenshot of text - 26 basic grocery list - 27 grocery list iPad image - 28 grocery list free printable - 29 essential grocery list - 30

This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.

essential grocery list - 31

Essential Grocery List

It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!

It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.

However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.

In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.

I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.

grocery list iPad - 32

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List

What to Buy at the Grocery Store

This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.

When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.

So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Fresh Produce

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries
  • Avocados
  • Bell Peppers
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Garlic
  • Lemons/Limes
  • Onion
  • Parsley
  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Tomatoes

GRAINS

  • Breadcrumbs
  • Pasta
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Sandwich Bread
  • Tortillas

MEAT/PROTEIN

  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Ground Beef
  • Sliced Turkey
  • Lunch Meat

DAIRY

  • Butter
  • Sliced Cheese
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Milk
  • Sour Cream
  • Greek Yogurt

BAKING GOODS

  • Baking powder
  • Baking Soda
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Brown Sugar
  • Flour
  • Honey
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Dry Yeast
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Powdered Sugar

FREEZER

  • Fruit and Berries
  • Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
  • Juice Concentrate
  • Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
  • Pie Crust
  • Cookie Dough

CANNED/DRIED GOODS

  • Chicken stock/broth
  • Salsa
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Jam/Jelly
  • Peanut Butter
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
  • Soups
  • Tuna
  • Green Chiles
  • Canned Veggies
  • Coffee or Tea

Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods

CONDIMENTS/SPICES

  • Black Pepper
  • Chili Powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Crushed Red Pepper
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayo
  • Nutmeg
  • Paprika
  • Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
  • Soy Sauce
  • Steak Sauce
  • Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
  • Salad Dressings

OILS/VINEGARS

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Coconut Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Vegetable/Canola Oil
  • Red Wine Vinegar
  • White Vinegar
  • Cooking Wine
  • White Wine Vinegar

SNACKS

  • Crackers
  • Nuts
  • Quick Oats
  • Popcorn
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Cereal

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Trail Mix - 33

Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!

I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!

Stock Your Kitchen

Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!

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