What Is Trail Mix?

Trail mix is a mixture of portable foods traditionally designed to be convenient to carry and easy to eat while traveling or participating in outdoor activities.

Common ingredients include:

Peanuts
Almonds
Cashews
Pecans
Walnuts
Pistachios
Raisins
Dried cranberries
Dried cherries
Dried blueberries
Banana chips
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Granola
Pretzels
Cereal
Coconut
Chocolate chips
Candy-coated chocolates

The possibilities extend far beyond this list.

Trail mix can be sweet, salty, spicy, savory, fruity, chocolatey, or a combination of several different flavors.

You can also adjust the ingredients depending on where you’re taking it.

A mixture designed for a hot summer hike might avoid chocolate because it can melt. A trail mix created for movie night, meanwhile, might intentionally contain plenty of chocolate and candy.

The snack adapts to the occasion.

The Long History Behind Portable Foods

The idea behind trail mix is much older than the modern packaged varieties found in supermarkets.

For centuries, travelers, hunters, explorers, soldiers, and people moving across long distances needed foods that were portable and relatively resistant to spoilage.

Nuts, seeds, dried fruits, dried meats, and other preserved foods naturally became valuable traveling provisions.

Long before anyone could walk into a supermarket and purchase a resealable bag labeled “trail mix,” people were already combining foods that could be carried over long distances.

Native peoples throughout North America also used various dried and preserved foods for travel and survival. Around the world, cultures developed their own portable foods involving nuts, dried fruits, grains, seeds, and preserved ingredients.

Modern trail mix grew from that same basic idea:

Carry foods that are lightweight, convenient, satisfying, and ready to eat whenever you need them.

How Trail Mix Became Connected With Hiking

Trail mix and hiking eventually became natural partners.

When you’re several miles from your vehicle—or several days into a backpacking trip—convenience becomes extremely important.

You don’t necessarily want to stop, unpack cooking equipment, prepare a meal, clean everything, and then continue hiking every time you want something to eat.

Trail mix solves that problem.

Open the bag.

Grab a handful.

Keep moving.

The snack also allows hikers to combine several different types of foods into a relatively small package.

Depending on the mixture, nuts and seeds can provide fats and protein, while dried fruit, cereal, granola, pretzels, and similar ingredients provide carbohydrates.

Most importantly, trail mix is easy to carry.

There’s no plate.

No fork.

No refrigerator.

No complicated preparation.

That simplicity helped trail mix become a staple of hiking and camping culture.

What Does GORP Mean?

Traditional trail mix is sometimes called GORP.

You may have heard the term expanded as:

Good Old Raisins and Peanuts.

However, the exact origin and meaning of the word have been debated, and other explanations have existed over the years.

Regardless of exactly how the term developed, GORP became closely associated with the simple mixtures carried by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

At its most basic, trail mix doesn’t need to be complicated.

A bag containing peanuts and raisins can technically accomplish the job.

Of course, most of us can’t resist adding a little chocolate.

Why Trail Mix Works So Well

Trail mix has remained popular because it checks several boxes at once.

It’s Portable

Trail mix can easily fit inside backpacks, lunch bags, purses, desk drawers, picnic baskets, or travel bags.

It Doesn’t Require Cooking

Simply open the container and eat.

It’s Customizable

Don’t like raisins?

Leave them out.

Love cashews?

Add more.

Want chocolate?

Throw some in.

Prefer something spicy?

Use seasoned nuts.

Trail mix doesn’t force you to follow a recipe.

It Can Be Made Ahead of Time

Prepare a large batch and divide it into individual portions for the coming days.

It’s Easy to Share

A big bowl of trail mix works just as well at a gathering as individual snack bags do on a hike.

It Offers Variety

One handful might contain almonds and raisins.

The next might contain pretzels and chocolate.

That variety keeps the snack interesting.

The Basic Trail Mix Formula

If you’ve never made homemade trail mix, you don’t really need a recipe.

Instead, use a simple formula.

Step 1: Choose Your Nuts

Start with one or more varieties.

Popular options include:

Almonds
Peanuts
Cashews
Walnuts
Pecans
Pistachios
Hazelnuts
Macadamia nuts

You can use raw, roasted, salted, unsalted, or flavored nuts depending on your preference.

Step 2: Add Dried Fruit

Dried fruit brings sweetness and chewiness to the mixture.

Try:

Raisins
Golden raisins
Cranberries
Cherries
Blueberries
Apricots
Mango
Pineapple
Banana chips
Apple pieces
Dates
Figs

Combining several dried fruits can create a colorful mixture with a wide variety of flavors.

Step 3: Add Seeds

Seeds are another easy way to introduce crunch.

Popular possibilities include:

Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds

Seeds can also be especially useful when you’re creating a mixture for someone who doesn’t eat certain nuts.

Step 4: Add Crunch

This category is where trail mix gets especially creative.

Consider adding:

Pretzels
Granola
Toasted cereal
Popcorn
Crackers
Sesame sticks
Coconut chips

Different textures make every handful more interesting.

Step 5: Add Something Fun

Trail mix doesn’t always have to be serious hiking food.

Add a little fun with:

Dark chocolate pieces
Milk chocolate chips
White chocolate chips
Candy-coated chocolates
Peanut butter chips
Butterscotch chips
Yogurt-covered raisins
Chocolate-covered nuts

Just keep the weather in mind if you’re carrying chocolate outdoors.

Classic Homemade Trail Mix

Want something traditional?

Ingredients

1 cup peanuts
1 cup almonds
1 cup cashews
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup mini pretzels
1/2 cup chocolate pieces

Directions

Place everything into a large mixing bowl.

Gently toss until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or divide it among individual snack bags.

Your homemade trail mix is ready.

Sweet and Salty Trail Mix

If you love the combination of sweet and salty flavors, try combining:

Salted peanuts
Cashews
Pretzels
Dried cranberries
Chocolate candies
Toasted coconut
Banana chips

The saltiness of the nuts and pretzels balances the sweetness of the fruit and chocolate.

Tropical Trail Mix

Bring some tropical flavor to National Trail Mix Day.

Combine:

Cashews
Macadamia nuts
Dried pineapple
Dried mango
Banana chips
Toasted coconut
White chocolate pieces

This mixture can bring a little vacation flavor to an ordinary afternoon.

Chocolate Lover’s Trail Mix

Some trail mixes are designed for hiking.

Others are designed for people who simply love chocolate.

Try:

Almonds
Peanuts
Mini pretzels
Chocolate chips
Chocolate-covered raisins
Peanut butter chips
Chocolate cereal
Toasted coconut

At this point, you’re somewhere between trail mix and dessert.

That’s perfectly acceptable on National Trail Mix Day.

Breakfast Trail Mix

Trail mix can even take inspiration from breakfast.

Combine:

Granola
Toasted oat cereal
Almonds
Dried blueberries
Dried strawberries
Banana chips
Pumpkin seeds

You can enjoy it by the handful or sprinkle some over yogurt.

Fall-Inspired Trail Mix

With National Trail Mix Day arriving on August 31, fall isn’t far away.

Create an autumn-inspired mixture with:

Pecans
Walnuts
Dried apples
Dried cranberries
Cinnamon cereal
Pumpkin seeds
Pretzels
White chocolate chips

It’s a simple way to start transitioning from summer flavors into fall favorites.

Movie Night Trail Mix

You don’t need hiking boots to celebrate.

Create a movie-night mixture using:

Popcorn
Mini pretzels
Peanuts
Chocolate candies
Chocolate chips
Cereal
Raisins

Serve it in individual bowls and you’ve created an easy snack for everyone.

Road Trip Trail Mix

Trail mix may be almost as closely associated with road trips as it is with hiking.

Before your next drive, prepare individual bags using:

Almonds
Cashews
Pretzels
Raisins
Dried cranberries
Banana chips
Cereal

If the vehicle is going to become hot, consider leaving out chocolate and other ingredients that melt easily.

You’ll appreciate that decision when you aren’t cleaning melted chocolate from the car.

Make a Trail Mix Bar

One of the most entertaining ways to celebrate National Trail Mix Day is by creating a build-your-own trail mix bar.

Set out several bowls containing different ingredients.

You might have separate bowls for:

Nuts: Almonds, peanuts, cashews and pecans.

Fruit: Raisins, cranberries, cherries, blueberries and banana chips.

Crunch: Pretzels, cereal, granola and coconut.

Seeds: Pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

Sweets: Chocolate chips, candy-coated chocolates and peanut butter chips.

Give everyone a cup, bowl, or resealable bag and allow them to build their perfect combination.

Turn It Into a Trail Mix Competition

If you’re celebrating with family, friends, coworkers, or children, make things more interesting by turning your trail mix bar into a competition.

Everyone creates their own recipe and gives it a name.

Then vote for categories such as:

Best Overall Trail Mix
Most Creative Combination
Best Sweet Trail Mix
Best Salty Trail Mix
Best Hiking Mix
Best Dessert Mix
Most Colorful Mix
Most Unusual Combination

The winner gets bragging rights—and perhaps an extra bag of trail mix.

Trail Mix for Kids

Trail mix can be a fun snack-making activity for children because they can participate without complicated cooking.

Set out age-appropriate ingredients and allow kids to scoop their favorites into individual bags.

Try combinations involving cereal, pretzels, dried fruit, granola, crackers, seeds, or chocolate pieces.

Always consider age-appropriate choking risks and food allergies when serving nuts, seeds, dried fruit, popcorn, or other small foods to children.

Also remember that some schools and childcare facilities have nut-free policies.

Nut-Free Trail Mix

Trail mix doesn’t necessarily need nuts.

A nut-free version might include:

Toasted cereal
Pretzels
Dried cranberries
Raisins
Banana chips
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Coconut flakes
Chocolate chips

Always check ingredient labels carefully when preparing food for someone with an allergy, since products may be manufactured or packaged around allergens.

Trail Mix and Portion Sizes

Many traditional trail mix ingredients are nutrient-dense, but that also means portions can add up quickly.

Nuts, seeds, chocolate, sweetened dried fruit, and candy can all contribute substantial calories in a relatively small serving.

And because trail mix is designed to be eaten by the handful, it’s easy to keep reaching into the bag without realizing how much you’ve eaten.

One simple approach is to divide a large homemade batch into individual containers or snack bags.

That makes trail mix easier to grab and helps you know how much you’ve packed.

When purchasing commercial trail mix, check the nutrition label for the serving size and ingredients.

How to Store Homemade Trail Mix

Trail mix is convenient partly because many of its ingredients store well, but proper storage still matters.

Keep your homemade mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dry location.

Heat can cause chocolate to melt, while humidity can affect crunchy ingredients.

If you’re making a large batch, check the storage recommendations for the individual ingredients you’ve included because shelf life can vary.

And if anything smells or tastes unusual, it’s better to discard it.

Take Your Trail Mix Outdoors

National Trail Mix Day offers a great reason to spend some time outside.

Pack a bag and visit:

A local hiking trail
A state or national park
A neighborhood walking path
A lake
A beach
A campground
A nature preserve
A picnic area

You don’t need to complete a strenuous hike.

Even a relaxing walk through a local park can turn National Trail Mix Day into an opportunity to enjoy nature.

Bring plenty of water, dress appropriately for the conditions, and follow the rules of the park or trail you’re visiting.

Trail Mix and Camping

Trail mix has a natural place around the campsite.

It requires minimal preparation and can be portioned before you leave home.

Individual bags can be packed for hiking excursions during the trip, while a larger container can remain with your other food supplies.

Remember to follow local guidelines for storing food safely around wildlife.

In areas where bears or other animals are present, food storage rules can be extremely important.

Trail Mix Around the World

Although the American term “trail mix” is closely connected with outdoor recreation, mixtures of nuts, dried fruits, seeds, grains, and similar ingredients can be found in many cultures.

Different regions have their own combinations and traditions.

That means you can use National Trail Mix Day as an opportunity to experiment with flavors inspired by cuisines from around the world.

Try unfamiliar nuts.

Experiment with different dried fruits.

Add spices.

Use savory ingredients.

The basic concept is flexible enough to accommodate almost any flavor profile.

Fun Trail Mix Facts

Here are a few things worth remembering as you celebrate:

Trail mix isn’t only for hiking. It makes a convenient snack for work, travel, picnics, sporting events, and everyday life.

There is no official recipe. The freedom to customize the mixture is one of its defining features.

Sweet and salty combinations are extremely popular. Nuts and pretzels pair naturally with dried fruit and chocolate.

Chocolate requires planning. If you’re hiking in warm weather, chocolate can turn your carefully prepared trail mix into a melted mess.

Homemade trail mix can reduce unwanted ingredients. Making your own allows you to choose exactly what goes into the mixture.

GORP is associated with traditional trail mix. The term has commonly been connected with simple combinations involving raisins and peanuts.

Trail mix makes an easy group activity. A trail mix bar allows everyone to make a personalized snack.

10 Ways to Celebrate National Trail Mix Day

There are plenty of ways to participate on August 31.

Make homemade trail mix. Raid your pantry and create something new.
Go for a hike. Pack trail mix and enjoy the snack where it earned its reputation.
Build a trail mix bar. Let family members or friends create their own recipes.
Try a new ingredient. Add something you’ve never used in trail mix before.
Create a dessert version. Chocolate, pretzels, peanut butter chips, and cereal can create an indulgent combination.
Prepare snacks for the week. Portion homemade trail mix into grab-and-go containers.
Take a family nature walk. You don’t need a mountain to enjoy an outdoor adventure.
Make a road-trip mix. Prepare a bag for your next drive.
Share your recipe. Post your favorite combination and see what other people recommend.
Invent a signature trail mix. Create your own recipe, give it a memorable name, and make it your official household mixture.

Why National Trail Mix Day Is Worth Celebrating

Some food holidays celebrate complicated dishes requiring hours in the kitchen.

National Trail Mix Day celebrates almost the exact opposite.

Trail mix represents simplicity.

Take ingredients you enjoy.

Combine them.

Put them in a bag.

Go somewhere.

That somewhere could be the top of a mountain, a campsite deep in the woods, a neighborhood park, your child’s soccer game, a highway stretching across the country—or your living-room couch.

The snack fits the adventure rather than requiring the adventure to fit the snack.

Every Handful Is Different

There’s also something uniquely enjoyable about reaching into a bag of trail mix without knowing exactly what you’re going to grab.

One handful might contain a cashew, cranberry, pretzel, and chocolate piece.

The next might be mostly almonds and raisins.

Then you hit the jackpot and somehow grab three pieces of chocolate at once.

Every handful is a little different.

Maybe that’s part of why trail mix works so well as an adventure snack.

Travel and outdoor exploration are unpredictable too.

You don’t always know what you’re going to discover around the next corner.

Create Your Own Signature Trail Mix

This National Trail Mix Day, don’t simply buy another bag from the grocery store.

Create something that represents your tastes.

Maybe you’re a chocolate lover.

Maybe you prefer salty snacks.

Perhaps dried fruit is your favorite part.

Maybe you’re the person who picks all the cashews out first.

Whatever you enjoy, build your mixture around it.

Give your creation a name.

Write down the recipe.

Then adjust it every time you make another batch until you’ve created your perfect combination.

Celebrate National Trail Mix Day on August 31

National Trail Mix Day is ultimately about celebrating a snack that’s simple, customizable, portable, and closely connected with adventure.

Trail mix doesn’t have to be fancy.

It doesn’t need expensive ingredients.

And you don’t need to travel deep into the wilderness to enjoy it.

Sometimes all you need is a handful of your favorite nuts, fruit, pretzels, seeds, and chocolate—and somewhere interesting to go.

So on August 31, grab a bowl, open the pantry, gather your favorite ingredients, and start mixing.

Then pack a bag and create your own adventure.

It could be a mountain hike.

It could be a family road trip.

It could simply be a walk through the neighborhood.

After all, every adventure has to start somewhere.

And it’s always better when you bring snacks.

Happy National Trail Mix Day!

What would be inside your ultimate trail mix: peanuts, almonds, cashews, raisins, dried cranberries, pretzels, chocolate—or something completely unexpected?

National Trail Mix Day: Celebrating the Ultimate Snack for Adventures Big and Small