These days, trail mix goes way beyond basic good old raisins and peanuts. From sweet to savory, there are thousands of combinations to satisfy any palate or snack craving. I love DIY Trail Mix because I can put all the things I love in it, and leave out the things I don’t! Make it with me!

How to Make a DIY Trail Mix Bar

Making is DIY Trail Mix bar is easy and fun! You just need to be sure you have a couple of things to get started! The base of your trail mix will need some nuts, seeds, and something to add a little crunch! I also suggest adding sweet additions to this mix like chocolates and dried fruit! The options really are endless!

The Base of DIY Trail Mix

Nuts

The nuts in any trail mix really are the base! The are the bulk of the mix!

These pint-size nutritional dynamos are loaded with healthy unsaturated fats, protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamin E, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

favorites: Almonds, pistachios, cashews, peanuts, and walnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, and pine nuts

Seeds

If you have a nut allergy (or you’re just looking to mix things up), seeds provide many of the same nutritional benefits as nuts.

favorites: Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flax, and hemp seeds

The Crunch

Add some complex carbohydrates to your custom blend for some fiber and a little crunch. Choose whole grains whenever possible and avoid highly processed cereals that add unnecessary sugar and sodium.

favorites: Shredded wheat cereal, pretzels, whole-grain cereals like Cheerios, Chex, Cracklin Oat Bran, whole-wheat crackers, granola, toasted oats, and puffed rice cereal

Sweet Additions

Chocolates

Sometimes we all need a little something sweet to round out the mix. When going the chocolate route, choose dark varieties for extra antioxidants.

favorites: M&M’s, chips of various kinds (chocolate, peanut butter, butterscotch), cacao nibs, yogurt-covered raisins, or chocolate-covered nuts

Dried fruit

Dried fruit can be a great source of fiber, antioxidants, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. But the grams of sugar can add up quickly, so pay attention to the ingredient lists and serving sizes. Look for dried fruits with as little added sugar and as few preservatives as possible.

favorites: Dried apples, cherries, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, apricots, raisins, banana chips, figs, pineapple chunks, mango, and dates

Healthy trail mix serving size

I love trail mix because it’s lightweight, portable, and full of energy-dense ingredients like dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate — perfect for trailside noshing.

For those same reasons, though, trail mix can pack a hefty caloric punch. This is dangerous when we mindlessly munch while sitting around at work or home. I recommend keeping your serving size to a cup or less.

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