Health & Fitness

Recipe: Homemade Trail Mix

Why buy pre-packaged trail mix when you can make your own custom version of this healthy snack

By Wellness Matters /

Credit: Wellness Matters

This homemade trail mix has a satisfying crunch and is chock-full of protein

Trail mix is perfect for healthy snacking at work or play. It’s portable, nutritious, doesn’t require refrigeration and tastes great

To make your own trail mix, combine ¼ cup/ 60 mL each of your choice of dried fruit, crunchy cereal tidbits (both provide energizing carbohydrates), nuts or seeds (for protein) and one flavourful extra.

Ideally, trail mix should provide at least 5 grams of protein per serving.

Note: Toasting nuts and seeds before adding them to trail mix enhances their flavour and crunch.



Suggested Trail Mix Ingredients

Dried Fruit

  • Cranberries or blueberries

  • Apricots or bananas

  • Pineapple and mango

  • Golden raisins



Crunch

  • Bran buds or bran flakes

  • Corn flakes

  • Sesame sticks

  • Japanese rice crackers



Protein

  • Whole or slivered almonds

  • Cashews or walnuts

  • Mixed nuts

  • Pumpkin and sunflower seeds



Flavourful Extras

  • Toasted coconut

  • Dark chocolate chips

  • Flax seeds

  • Popcorn or mini pretzels



Tip: When choosing a prepared trail mix, look for one with no trans fat and little or no added salt or sugar.

Originally published in Wellness Matters, Canada Wide Media’s quarterly newsletter on health and wellness.