Trail Mix Recipe
Published Jan 26, 2026
This homemade Trail Mix Recipe is the perfect balance of salty and sweet. A delicious on the go balanced snack you can make in minutes!
Homemade trail mix
I have always loved trail mix for a snack, but I’m pretty picky about how it needs to taste. I want it to primarily be nuts, but with a little bit of sweetness and chocolate to accent the flavors.
Store bought trail mixes that I liked were so expensive that I decided I could make it myself much cheaper at home!
That’s when I created what I consider to be the perfect trail mix recipe. We eat this exactly as is, but you could use it as a base to add your favorite mix-ins too. It’s absolutely delicious and makes a great mid day pick me up!
Trail Mix Ingredients
- Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is the perfect trail mix companion. It’s sweet without being overpoweringly so and tastes great with any variety of nuts.
- Dried Cranberries: Dried sweetened cranberries add a delicious fruity burst of flavor and chewy texture.
- Mixed nuts: I love buying a big bag of roasted mixed nuts to make this trail mix super easy to assemble. The one I buy has roasted cashews, almonds, pecans, brazil nuts, and hazelnuts.
How to make homemade trail mix
It couldn’t be any easier! Simply add all of the ingredients to an airtight bag or container and mix it all up to combine.
How to store trail mix
We store ours in a gallon sized ziploc bag and it fits perfectly. We like to keep a measuring cup inside the bag to quickly portion out snacks!
This trail mix will keep for about 2 weeks or so, but ours never lasts that long!
Why to make your own trail mix
- Choose the ingredients: many store bought mixes are loaded with added sugar and other unnecessary ingredients. By making it yourself at home you can ensure a well rounded snack and customize it to fit your flavor preferences!
- Save money: Individual trail mixes are convenient, but making them at home is much more affordable. Portion out servings in bags or containers for an on the go snack!
This is the perfect on the go snack for road trips, family hikes, after school snacks, soccer mornings, you name it. All three of my boys love to eat it!
How to customize
- Nuts: use any type of nuts that your family enjoys. You can also use raw nuts if you prefer to.
- Chocolate: swap out the chocolate chunks for another variety, or chop up your favorite chocolate bar and add that instead.
- Cranberries: create new flavors by swapping cranberries for dried cherries, banana chips, coconut chips, or dried mango pieces.
More Homemade Snacks
Trail Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 ounces salted mixed nuts
- 1 cup dried sweetened cranberries
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix well to combine. Store the trail mix in an airtight bag or container.
