Easy Trail Mix Recipe with Roasted Almonds and Pecans | Lemons + Zest (2024)

FAQs

What should I put in my trail mix? ›

While raisins are the most popular trail mix fruit, you can try banana chips, apple chips, dried apricots, dried nectarines, dried cranberries, dried strawberries, dried raspberries and more. Chocolate – Don't forget a few bits of chocolate for a quick boost of energy.

Store trail mix in an airtight container or reusable zip top bag in the pantry. How long does homemade trail mix last? We recommend storing trail mix for about one month. Nuts might start to go rancid after that point.

Popular mixes

Cape Cod trail mix (sometimes called Northeastern): almonds, cashews, and dried cranberries. Hawaiian trail mix (also known as Tropical): pineapple, mango, banana chips, coconut, and cashews. Mexican trail mix (also called Sweet and Spicy): mango, sunflower seeds, pepitas, raisins, and chili powder.

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.

Most nuts appear to be generally healthy. But some may have more heart-healthy nutrients than others. For example, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy.

Raw pecans pack a 1-2-3 punch of protein, healthy fats, and fiber that can help keep you energized and satisfied. Pecans are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which help lower blood pressure. Most of the fat found in pecans is a healthy type called monounsaturated fat.

Almonds: High in protein, vitamin E and especially high in calcium. Brazil nuts: High in fibre and the richest known source of selenium. Cashews: High in copper, zinc and iron. Hazelnuts: High in fibre, potassium, folate and vitamin E.

Trail mix is a useful survival food because it combines many nutritious ingredients. Dried fruits are terrific sources of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Nuts are rich in fiber, low in saturated fats, and high in protein.

How do I know if my trail mix is bad? ›

To check if trail mix is spoiled or not, first examine the nuts. If they have an odd smell or off flavor, it's likely gone bad. This is usually due to the oils in nuts becoming rancid. Follow that with a look at the dried fruit.

Many people have their own recipes for GORP, but it is trail mix. Originally the acronym for Good Ole Raisins and Peanuts, but now it is any mix of dry, non-refrigerated items eaten by hand as a high energy snack item.

The history of trail mix goes back to 1910 when Horace Kephart mentioned trail mix in his popular camping guide. He recommended mixing nuts, seeds and dried fruit together. However, some believe trail mix was not created until 1968. when two California surfers blended peanuts and raisins together for an energy snack.

That same year (1968), the company Harmony Foods patented “trail mix”—a blend of fruit, nuts and seeds aimed at hikers. Whatever you call it, there are as many ways to make GORP as there are theories of where it came from.

Nuts and dried fruit are energy dense, but they're both good for you. 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.

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 ).

Keep in mind that even if a trail mix can be labeled as “healthy” the main ingredients of a healthy trail mix can often be high in calories. So if you are working on a weight reduction or on a specific calorie restricted nutrition plain, watch out! Trail mixes can easily add extra calories to your day.

Nuts and seeds form the base of trail mixes for a reason: they provide a great balance of protein, fat and fiber. Adding dried fruit to mixes adds vitamins and taste appeal in the form of a savory/sweet contrast.