Trail Mix

Yes, this is a make-ahead snack by design. Mix it up to a week in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep chocolate chips separate if you're making trail mix weeks ahead to prevent bloom.

The formula is one part nuts (roasted, salted or unsalted as you prefer), three-quarters part dried fruit, and one part chocolate. Swap raisins for apricots, cranberries for dates, almonds for pecans, or use any roasted nuts you enjoy. Just keep the proportions roughly consistent.

No. The classic version includes it, but you can omit it entirely for a savory-sweet mix, or replace it with coconut flakes or candied ginger. That said, chocolate chips are traditional and make it genuinely better.

Raw nuts are softer and less flavorful in trail mix. If using raw nuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned, then cool completely before adding to the mix.

Divide into 1/2-cup servings (roughly 1 ounce per portion) in small resealable bags. One bag provides about 190 calories and is a satisfying mid-hike snack without being too heavy to carry.

In an airtight container at room temperature, trail mix keeps for 3–4 weeks. For longer storage (up to 3 months), refrigerate or freeze in an airtight container; the cold prevents chocolate bloom and fruit from drying further. Bring to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation.