
By Becky Hardin
Published Aug 28, 2024

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!

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.

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!

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!
More Snack Mix Recipes to Love

Homemade Gardetto’s Snack Mix Recipe (Copycat Recipe)

Chex Mix Recipe

BBQ Chex Mix

Candied Corn Puffs Snack Mix Recipe

Sweet and Salty Hot Buttered Cheerios Snack Mix

Candied Walnuts Recipe (How to Make Candied Walnuts)

Puppy Chow Recipe (2 Flavors)

Reindeer Chow

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

By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017

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
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.

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!

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!

Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On

Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)

Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen

Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen

Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use

26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them

What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?

Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)

Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
