Clean & Healthy Trail Mix Recipe

Did you know August 31 is National Trail Mix Day?

You may be wondering why trail mix is worthy of its own day. I think it’s because trail mix is an ideal snack to take on the go!

It’s lightweight, easy to store, provides an energy boost and can be bursting with nutrition if it’s prepared the right way.

The key is avoiding trail mixes that are loaded with processed ingredients like candy and sesame sticks, salt, added sugar and oil (especially hydrogenated oil AKA “trans fat”).

The best way to make sure your trail mix is clean and healthy is to make it yourself. No worries, it’s super easy and totally customizable.

I have all the details for you below!

BASE INGREDIENTS

There are 5 main categories of ingredients to choose from for creating your favorite healthy trail mixes:

RAW SEEDS

  • Pumpkin Seeds (AKA “pepitas”)
  • Sunflower Seeds

RAW NUTS

  • Walnuts
  • Almonds
  • Brazil Nuts
  • Cashews
  • Pecans
  • Pistachios

FRUIT THAT HAS BEEN FREEZE DRIED OR SUN DRIED

  • Apple
  • Apricots
  • Blueberries
  • Banana
  • Cranberries
  • Mango
  • Pineapple
  • Raisins
  • Strawberries

FLAVOR ENHANCERS

  • Coconut Flakes (to add a coconut flare)
  • Raw Cacao Nibs (to add a chocolate flare)

NOTE: For all of the categories above, the only ingredient involved should be the seed, nut or fruit itself – no added sugar, oil, salt, etc.

SPICES / SEASONING

  • If you want to add a little extra sweetness, throw in some raw coconut sugar.
  • If you want to add a spicy kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.
  • If you want to add a salty flare, dash in some Himalayan pink salt.

CREATING YOUR OWN SIGNATURE TRAIL MIX

One of the great things about trail mix is that you can customize it to fit your specific tastes and needs.

If you’re allergic to tree nuts, for example, leave them out.

If you’re not a fan of sweets or are looking to reduce your sugar intake, skip the fruit category and simply make a savory trail mix with your favorite nuts, seeds and spices.

If you love the flavor combination of chocolate and coconut and you also love chocolate-covered strawberries, then you can go crazy by including raw cacao nibs, coconut flakes and freeze-dried strawberries to make it all happen in one mix!

Get creative and experiment with different combinations. It’s fun and super delicious!

MY GO-TO RECIPE

I’m a creature of habit and tend to have the same staples in my kitchen pantry most of the time. That’s how my “go-to” trail mix recipe came to be:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of raw cacao nibs
  • 1 Tablespoon of raw pumpkin seeds
  • 1 Tablespoon of sun-dried raisins
  • 1 Tablespoon of raw sunflower seeds
  • Sprinkle of Himalayan pink salt

Preparation:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a small mason jar (like this) or other airtight glass container (like this).
  2. Put the top on, shake well to combine the ingredients and enjoy!

NOTE: If you need to make a bigger batch, simply multiply the ingredients above to achieve the desired amount.

 

WANT TO SAVE MONEY ON HEALTHY PANTRY STAPLES LIKE THOSE FOUND IN THIS RECIPE?

You can save a nice chunk of change on healthy pantry staples like seeds, nuts, dried fruit, cacao nibs, coconut flakes and spices by getting a membership to an online marketplace called Thrive Market.

Thrive Market’s prices are an average of 35% cheaper than retail (many are 50% cheaper!). Everything is securely packed and delivered right to your door instead of you having to hunt around for what you need. SCORE!

Click HERE to learn more about Thrive Market.

Cheers to enjoying a customized trail mix that’s clean, healthy and delicious!

With love and gratitude,

Kandi

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