What is Trail Mix?

Trail mix is a snack mix made from foods such as dried fruits, nuts, cereal and sometimes chocolate chips or small candy-coated chocolate pieces. It is named for its popularity as a lightweight, easy to pack, high energy snack to enjoy on hiking trails. Trail mix is also called GORP, which is said to stand for Good Old Raisins and Peanuts, among other food-related phrases.

Raisins and peanuts alone can make a very basic and tasty type of trail mix. There is no one recipe and many different blends of trail mixes exist. The versatility of trail mix makes it a great thing to have on hand in any kitchen. It can be ready to take on hikes or bike rides. Trail mix can also be packed in small containers for desserts or snacks in lunches for school or work.

Before adding nuts to your trail mix, you may want to spread the nuts on a cookie sheet and bake them for about five minutes in a moderately hot oven just to toast them a bit and release their flavor. Be careful that they don't brown. Peanuts are great in trail mix, but you can use walnuts, pecans, almonds or any kinds of nuts you prefer. For those with nut allergies, extra dried fruits or foods such as pretzels or cereal squares may be substituted.

Dried prunes or dried apricots can be substituted for, or used with, raisins in trail mix. You may also want to add some banana chips for extra color and flavor and a few of these go a long way. Cereal squares, cereal rings or even granola can be a part of a trail mix. Many people like to add pretzel sticks or pretzel twists, but remember that these as well as salted nuts may cause thirst.

Chocolate chips and/or candy-coated chocolate pieces can add sweetness to the trail mix. Some people prefer to toss in some coconut. Anything goes and trail mix ingredients can be varied according to allergies, budget, caloric needs and other considerations.