Would you agree with us if we said that the Trail mix is the unquestioned leader of the outdoor snacks? Regardless of whether you are hiking in the mountains, or simply heading off to a close-by park for some time in the sun, a pack of trail mix in your hiking bag, or your pockets, will act as protection against low-glucose.
So what is the best trail mix? It’s a snack that you love to take while watching football on the field, or to your workplace. And what is not to like there? As a great mix of sweet, savory, salty, crunchy, and even spicy, trail the mix provides a sound dosage of vitality in each delicious handful. It is a fast, healthy snack for children and adults alike.
Majority of trail mix recipes feature a mix of nuts, dried fruits, seeds, with some treats and flavors included. There is a blend for just anyone, which will provide a solution to any snack thirst. Read on to know some basic facts about the trail mix, and some of the best brands available on the market.
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Weight | Dimensions | Blend | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Roots Coastal Berry | 1.65 lb | 2.3 x 6 x 10 in | Cashews, almonds, yogurt chips, cranberries, wild blueberries | Check price on Amazon |
| Kirkland Signature | 4 lb | 10 x 11.5 x 5.1 in | Peanuts, m&m’s, candies, raisins, cashews, almonds | Check price on Amazon |
| Allgood Provisions Gourmet Blend | 1 lb | 2 x 2.5 x 4 in | Raisins, peanuts, cranberries | Check price on Amazon |
| Planters Nuts & Chocolate | 1 lb | 2 x 2.5 x 4 in | Peanuts, raisins, chocolate candy pieces, almonds | Check price on Amazon |
| Emerald Tropical Blend | 2.6 lb | 5.9 x 3.3 x 1.8 in | Cashews, walnuts, granola, banana, coconut, mango, pineapple | Check price on Amazon |
| Kirkland Signature Choco Nuts | 4 lb | 12 x 12 x 4 in | Peanuts, m&m’s, candies, raisins, almonds, cashews | Check price on Amazon |
| Kar's Sweet 'n Salty | 4 lb | 6.25 x 8.5 x 4.5 in | Raisins, peanuts, milk chocolate confections, sunflower seeds | Check price on Amazon |
| Nut Harvest | 3 lb | 3 x 6 x 10 in | Peanuts, raisins, chocolate, almonds, cashews, nut | Check price on Amazon |
| Atkins Sweet & Salty | 0.45 lb | 2.2 x 5.3 x 5.4 in | Peanuts, chocolate, nutty spread confections, caramel | Check price on Amazon |
Most Important Features to Consider
There are different features that you ought to consider before purchasing a trail mix. Here is a rundown of some of the most vital ones that you should check off your list to ensure you buy only the products that will work for you, and your wallet.
Price
You have to look at the prices of each item before purchasing to ensure you don’t end up breaking the bank. The trail mixes we have reviewed have different varying prices, depending on the composition of the blend.
For instance, mixes with almonds, glazed walnuts or cashews may cost relatively more than the rest. Another factor the affects the price is the quantities in each pack; some packs come in twos, or even more. Always opt for the product that gives you a good value for your money.
Mix Blend
Each product listed below has a different composition of dried fruits and nuts. Some contain chocolate, almonds or walnuts, while others do not. Read the product descriptions very carefully to know what exactly is contained in the trail mix.
It’s always up to you to purchase the trail mix which contains your favorite nuts and fruits. If you don’t like raisins or chocolate, for example, you can opt for a mix without the two.
Dietary Restrictions
Some products may be vegan, gluten free, and paleo, kosher or do not contain soy. All these are relevant things, you have to look out for especially if you have dietary restrictions and allergies.
For a better understanding of most products, do not only read the listed features from the manufactures, go through the user reviews as well. These are what will give you the exact information on whether the trail mixes come as advertised, to avoid buying something that you might not enjoy eating.
Calorie Content
Whether you consider your trail mix as just a snack or another way to keep fit and healthy, without binging on unhealthy products, you will need to consider the calorie content of each mix.
This is especially for those who want to lose weight, since they should avoid eating too much of foods with high calories. If you do want to put on some weight, snacking on a trail mix with a relatively higher calorie count will help you gain those extra pounds while still remaining healthy.
Sugar and Salt Content
This is essential because there are people who are careful when it comes to having foods with either too much salt or sugar. Besides, too much of either makes it disheartening and you can end up not even enjoying your trail mix.
For instance, diabetics should stay away from a mix blend with chocolate or raisins because of the sugar content and opt for dried fruits and nuts. You should read the labels very carefully, as well as customer reviews to ascertain this before purchasing.
Top Product Reviews
With such a various assortment of mixes available, how would you choose which nutrition and flavor mix address your requirements? To make the process as simple as could be expected under any circumstance, we have gathered together our top pick trail mix snacks- keep reading to know the one that is best for you.
Wild Roots Coastal Berry Mix
Price: Approx. $15
Weight: 1.65 pounds
Dimension: 2.3 x 6 x 10 inches
Specific features: Cashews, almonds, yogurt chips, cranberries, wild blueberries, 100% natural trail blend, 160 calories in ¼ of a cup
Best use: Backpacking, travelling
Description: The Wild Roots Coastal Berry Mix begins with whole roasted cashews and almonds for crunch, with only a hint of salt included, then blended in creamy yogurt chips, blueberries and sweet cranberries for the perfect mix of sweet and salty.
The end result is a scrumptiously simple snack that answers to your snack thirst without all the unfilled fillers or additives you get in other items. This 26 oz snack bag loads such a great amount of punch as a trail mix snack! It is a top notch trail mix snack that features 160 calories to ¼ of a cup.
It contains little salt and it does not feel like it is stacked with salt and salt just like some other brands. It’s just nuts, yogurt chips and fruits, all of which are so great.
It’s interesting to note that this coastal blend contains no raisins and wheat gluten, but it has soy. It also has added sugar in the form of the yogurt chips, that also double up a site dark chocolate and are not overly sweet.
However, the yogurt chips are melted and gooey by the time you are receiving your package. You can store your trail mix in the refrigerator to harden them up again. If you have a sweet tooth but are looking for a healthier and more nutritious option, then this wild coastal blend might be the right one for you.
It’s a perfect and healthy alternative to snacking, packs light and is super convenient to carry. It can even be mixed with your oatmeal, for an enjoyable breakfast.
PROS:
- Little salt and sugar is used
- A healthy snack option
- Packs small for easy transportation
- Very delicious
CONS:
- Yogurt chips melt and become gooey
- Not ideal if you don’t have a sweet tooth
Related: If you were looking for beverages to drink along with your dried fruits, how about this Caza Trail Coffee? It will cost you about $35, and is quite convenient even for carrying around. It’s a blend of select coffees from Latin America, kosher with clean acidity and smooth flavor.
Kirkland Signature Trail Mix
Price: Approx. $35
Weight: 4 pounds
Dimensions: 10 x 11.5 x 5.1 inches
Specific features: No cholesterol, no trans fat, 160 calories, 5 g of protein, 80 from fat, 11 g sugars, 2% of sodium dev.
Best use: Hiking, backpacking
Description: The Kirkland Signature Trail Mix is a kosher trail blend that comprises of peanuts, M&M’s confections, almonds, cashews and raisins. There is no cholesterol or trans-fat, however the sugar substance is pretty much high as well as the fat and calories.
This delicious snack mix is stuffed in a resalable pack with a net weight of 4 lbs each, which is a large pack. It will remain crisp for around one year if stored in a fridge or in a dry environment.
Some might get disappointed that the mixture contains a high salt content. The raisins are also overly dried out. Apart from that, the highlight of this product is the combination and the fact that the mix does not contain small pieces and scraps that are hard to eat.
Additionally, this mix contains a premium selection of raw nuts and just the right amount of M&Ms which creates quite the good balance between salty and sweet. The price gives you such a good bargain as well since you get two packs with your purchase. However, you should keep in mind that they are probably not gluten free.
PROS:
- Cholesterol and trans fat free
- Lasts for up to 1 year if stored well
- Good quality and delicious
CONS:
- High sugar content
- Contains many calories and fats
- Overly salty
Related: If you’d rather not have the dried nuts and fruits, you can purchase this Ancient Superfood Powder which is an organic power-mix, non-GMO and gluten free. At around $10, you get 4 packs with different flavors of berry, greens, delight, chocolate and smoothie protein. Your smoothies will never taste the same.
Allgood Provisions Gourmet Blend
Price: Approx. $20
Weight: 1 pound
Dimensions: 2 x 2.5 x 4 inches
Specific features: Organic snack food nuts, natural non-GMO, vegetarian gluten-free, Allgood provisions simple, sustainable tasty, total fat 18 g – 27%, saturated fat 1 g – 5%, sodium 10 mg – 0%, cholesterol 0 mg – 0%, trans fat 0 g – 0%, add up to carbohydrate 28 g – 9%, sugars 20 g, protein 4 g, dietary fiber 4 g – 16%, vitamin a 2%, vitamin C 2%, calcium 4%, iron 6%
Best use: Traveling, hiking, biking
Description: The Allgood Provisions Gourmet Blend is a tasty mix of 100% natural nuts and fruits. This trail mix has precisely what you require to continue going whether you are on a hiking trip, headed to the recreation center, or just require a good trail mix to satisfy your snack thirst.
This trail mix snack is the ideal stamina-boosting factor for biking, kayaking, hiking or any intense activity that requires perseverance.
It likewise makes a super-fortifying snack for long car and plane rides, and a delicious, nutritious, brilliant garnish for oat, yogurt, granola and plates of salads. The raisins and cranberries are covered softly with natural high-oleic sunflower oil to counteract bunching.
This trail mix snack is processed on shared gear with peanuts, soy, tree nuts, milk or wheat items. Percent day to day values depend on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your day to day values might be higher or lower contingent upon your calorie requirement.
This mix blend comes in a pack of two, which give quite a good bargain. What’s more? They are certified organic, verified as non-GMO, don’t contain any gluten or Trans fats and are said to be a good source of anti-oxidants.
PROS:
- Gluten free
- Non-GMO
- Affordable for a 2-pack
- Doesn’t contain trans fats
- Packaged in earth friendly pouches
CONS:
- Contains a high sugar content
- Has a limited variety of nuts and fruits
Related: Looking to supplement your fruit and nut intake with some protein? This Epic Hunt & Harvest Beef Jerky and coconut flakes are packed with rich nutrients, include omega 3 and vitamin E and B. Each pack goes for about $40 and contains 6-8 units, that are paleo, gluten free and soy free.
Planters Nuts & Chocolate Trail Mix
Price: Approx. $25
Weight: 1 pound
Dimension: 2 x 2.5 x 4 inches
Specific features: Includes 3, 19 oz sacks, 57 oz aggregate, trail blend with peanuts, raisins, chocolate candy pieces and almonds, resalable zipper pack, kosher, low sodium
Best use: Home, office, backpacking
Description: The Planters Nuts & Chocolate Trail Mix is a tasty snack for at home, for the workplace, or simply to have as a quick energy source when you are in a hurry. Active ways of life, call for snacks like this one – A tasty mix of expertly cooked peanuts, rich milk, chocolate confection pieces, stout sweet raisins, almonds and cashews. It is sealed to convey quality to you. It contains low sodium content.
The bag contains a sweet and salty mix that creates a good balance without feeling overly sugary or salty, which may not be ideal for most people. What’s more? The bag can be resealed after you open to ensure there are no spills. It’s also a perfect choice for those keeping kosher. Each package contains 12 packets.
The serving size for one 2 oz. bag includes about 290 calories, and 160 fat calories. It’s a relatively healthy trail mix that makes for such a good pairing with adult beverages such as a cold beer. You can also enjoy the nuts for breakfast, or as a snack as you go through your day.
The only downsides might be the lack of an expiration date on the packaging, and the fact that the manufacturers could create a better balance with the nuts, that is, include less peanuts and add more almonds. Overall, it’s a quite decent trail mix that you will enjoy.
PROS:
- Good balance in salt and sugar content
- Kosher
- Low in sodium
- Low in calories
- Packed in resealable bags; no spillage
CONS:
- Some packages lack the expiration date
- Some products do not taste as fresh
Related: Planters trail mix works best when paired with beverages and the Gatorade Original Quencher Pack might be just the drink. Going for about $10, Gatorade will replace electrolytes lost after working out or a hike. Each pack has 12 bottles with fruit punch, lemon and orange flavors.
Emerald Tropical Blend Trail Mix
Price: Approx. $16
Weight: 2.6 pounds
Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.3 x 1.8 inches
Specific features: Pack of 6, 6 oz pockets, broiled cashews, crunchy coated walnuts, granola clusters, banana chips, shaved coconut, dried mango, dried pineapple, emerald glazed walnuts, contains wheat, sesame seeds, soy
Best use: Home, backpacking
Description: The Emerald Tropical Blend Trail Mix consolidates sweet, crunchy coated walnuts and broiled cashews with dried mango and banana chips, pineapples, shaved coconut and granola bunches – great delight for your taste buds. Anywhere your trail takes you, you can simply have an essence of the tropics with this trail mix snack.
This delectable and convenient trail mix snack will give you the vitality you require to effectively go up against the day. Each pack contains 6 pouches of about 6 oz each. The packs are resealable, which prevents spillage and keeps the nuts fresh for months.
You can have the trail blend for breakfast, even as a topping for yogurt or cereal, allowing you to start your day perfectly. Who says you can’t even use the mix to make a fruit cake for the holidays? The chunks are not small which makes them ideal for a mix in.
Keep in mind that’s it’s a little higher in calories, but the amazing taste makes the mix quite addictive.
PROS:
- Delicious
- Good affordable price
- Resealable packs
CONS:
- Unbalanced quantities of dried fruits, almonds and walnuts
- High in calories
Related: For a more nutritious and exciting breakfast choice, you can try out the Ancient Berry Powder which is filled with Superfoods. You only need to blend alongside your favorite smoothie products and you are good to go. Mix in your emerald tropical blend and you have a drink rich in Superfoods, fruits and nuts.
Kirkland Signature Choco Nuts Mix
Price: Approx. $25
Weight: 4 pounds
Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 4 inches
Specific features: Kosher trail blend, 4 lb. bag, trail mix, peanuts, m&m’s, candies, raisins, almonds, cashews, no cholesterol, no trans-fat
Best use: Home, office, hiking
Description: The Kirkland Signature Choco Mix is stacked with the less expensive ingredients, while scarcely has any of the more costly ones. It is a well-balanced trail mix snack. For each 50 raisins and peanuts, you get perhaps 25 M&M’s, 1 cashew and 15 almonds.
The nature of nuts is great, the M&Ms are the real kind. The raisins are entirely great too. The blend of the ingredients was likewise done correctly – no single ingredient, similar to peanuts for instance, was utilized progressively that any of the others.
The Signature Trail Mix gloats a practically idealize balance of salty and sweet recipe. The sweet raisins and M&Ms are pleasantly balanced by the salty almonds, peanuts and cashews, and we can guarantee you that they are pretty much easy to consume by the modest bunch.
There is about 9 g of sugar and 5 g of protein for each serving. This is a healthy blend that can be enjoyed by anyone, except diabetics because of the M&Ms and the raisins.
The only disadvantage is the salt powder that coats the raisins, making the taste disheartening, especially for those trying to limit their salt intake. You can enjoy the mix as a snack while at the office, during road trips or serve your kids after school. Either way, you are getting a delicious blend of nuts and dried fruits at a very affordable price.
PROS:
- Has a good balance of the blend
- Not overly salty or sugary
- Great price for the bulk
CONS:
- Some peanuts may appear burnt
- Excessive salt powder that coats raisins
Related: You can enjoy your signature trail mix with a Diet Coke. This sugar free drink contains zero calories and costs about $27 for a pack of 35 cans. It’s a great beverage to take on long hikes, picnics or to be enjoyed while at home.
Kar’s Sweet ‘n Salty Trail Mix
Price: approx. $17
Weight: 4 pounds
Dimension: 6.25 x 8.5 x 4.5 inches
Specific features: Raisins, peanuts, milk chocolate confections and sunflower seeds, good wellspring of protein, gluten-free, net weight: 2 oz, stuffed in 20 oz single-serving size bundles
Best use: Office, home, outing
Description: The Kar’s Sweet ‘n Salty Trail Mix helps bring your vitality into balance. Why consider whether your vitality source ought to be sweet or salty? The trail mix snack will give you a lift of vitality between meals with a delightful blend of tastes.
It has striking flavors. This sweet and salty trail mix snack arrives in a 24 number, so you have much to share or take along on a family trip.
This trail mix is gluten free and makes for a perfect office, school or hiking snack. The fact that they are packed individually, with the ratio of nuts to chocolate candies being well divided, is welcomed by most people.
There is also a well-balanced sugar and salt content to satisfy all your cravings. The mix comes at a great price for the quantity, without compromising the taste.
PROS:
- Individually packed
- A good balance of the nuts and chocolates
- Gluten free
CONS:
- Not so fresh and sometimes lacks in flavor
- Rancid sunflower seeds
- Foreign objects in the mix
Related: How about munching on some cookies and crackers for a change? You will need this Nabisco Cookie Mix that goes for about $7. The best part is that you can top your treats with the trail mix which makes for a very tasty dessert or snack.
Nut Harvest Trail Mix
Price: Approx. $25
Weight: 3 pounds
Dimension: 3 x 6 x 10 inches
Specific features: 3.0 oz packs of nut harvest nut and chocolate blend, fruit mix, nut and chocolate blend with peanuts, raisins, chocolate, almonds, cashews and nut
Best use: Backpacking, outing, home, office
Description: The Nut Harvest Trail Mix comes as a pack of 16 trail mix snack bags that help you effectively deal with your break time, or any other time, when hunger strikes and you need a source of energy.
The individual parcels of pistachio nuts are actually great, crisp and flavorful. This trail mix snack is significantly a more pleasant and more beneficial snack compared to something from the candy machine or treats from the bistro.
Each pack has a pleasant assortment of dried fruits. It gives greater caloric value for anyone wanting to gain more weight.
This trail mix snack contains fantastic cashews, all A-grade quality, that are provided by Frito Lay and are not GMO. The content in the bag is always crisp on opening, thanks to the high-quality package that safeguards the freshness, and every individual bundle is genuinely big as a snack.
All 3 oz packs, contain about 420 calories per pack. Each batch is roasted and well-seasoned before its sealed to completely lock in the flavors and preserve the freshness.
However, you might want to note that the mix is made on equipment that processes other tree nuts, so if you have a nut allergy, it’s best to be careful. Additionally, the salt content is a bit high for most people, and the expiration period on the nuts is also very short, as littles as 30 days.
PROS:
- Non-GMO
- Delicious
- Quality cashews and nuts
CONS:
- High salt content
- Not fresh; nuts are rancid and stale
- Some packs only contain cashews and no nuts
- Short period before expiration
Related: How about some peanut butter spread to balance out the salty content in the trail mix? Naturally More Peanut Butter is vegan and gluten free, crunchy and does not contain palm oil. It will only cost you about $9, and is packed with 10 g of proteins, from flax seeds and plant based proteins; pea and rice.
Atkins Sweet & Salty Trail Mix
Price: Approx. $5
Weight: 0.45 pounds
Dimension: 2.2 x 5.3 x 5.4 inches
Specific features: Mix of real simmered peanuts, rich chocolate, nutty spread confections and indulgent caramel, 1 g sugar and 4 g net carbs per serving, great source of protein and fiber, no sugar added, essential minerals and vitamins
Best use: Home, hiking
Description: The Atkins Sweet & Salty Trail Mix is the first driving low-carb plan that gives speedy, successful, and balanced weight reduction by reducing sugar and carbs to help the body in burning fat for fuel and also keeping your vitality steady.
Atkins mix has no added sugar, with only about 1 g of sugar and 4 g net carbs per each serving. They are also an excellent source of protein of fiber, and contains essential vitamins and minerals.
The price and quality of the blend gives you a good value for your money. Each box has 5 pouches, with each pack maintaining just the right balance of salt and sugar content. This takes care of all your cravings.
The only downside might be the fact that if it’s hot, for example, during the summer, the chocolate will arrive already melted, so you might have to store in the refrigerator to let it harden up before eating.
PROS:
- Low-carb
- Full of flavor and tasty
- Contains no added sugar
CONS:
- Chocolate melts when hot
- Poor packaging
- Small servings
Related: For a beverage that’s just as low-carb and full of flavor like the Atkins trail mix, try this Atkins Milk Chocolate Shake that costs about $15. It’s very delicious, creamy, has no added sugar and contains proteins, calcium, minerals and essential vitamins. Its pairs off perfectly with the mix blend.
Wrapping It Up
As every one of us differs from each other, the requirements we have for our train mix snacks likewise differ, whether we are searching for vitality amid a multi-day hiking trip, or simply require something to hold us over until the meal is ready.
Image Credit: healthdigezt.com
With such a large number of flavors and nutritional profiles of trail blend, it appears as if there is a snack brand available on the marketplace for each conceivable need and flavor inclination mix.
Even also for people with serious allergies to normal trail mix ingredients, there’re innumerable options available out there on the market – all you have to know is the thing that you have to get from (and also to avoid) in your trail mix.
Try everyone out to keep things fascinating, and to keep your body energized with natural and healthy ingredients. What is your preferred trail mix snack? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
It’s hard to find good trail mix that doesn’t have any cashews in it, especially in the store. I’m allergic to them but they seem to be everywhere! I’m glad this article has a nice comparison chart that lists the ingredients, so I can scroll through to find appropriate options.
Thank you.
I like that each review mentions potential downfalls like high salt content or difficult pieces to chew. I’m not too big on buying my own trail mix, but this article has helped me narrow down what ingredients I want to put in my homemade batches. If anyone has any favorite trail mix ingredients feel free to let me know.
We love trail mix too!
Atkins Sweet & Salty Trail Mix are my favorite part of my hiking days. I always carry them along and sometimes I find myself daydreaming about how I am going to chew on the sweet and coco-nutty snack on my break. I like the Chocolate Almond Coconut Crunch flavor best, followed by the chocolate hazelnut flavor. Had there been left over after my hike, I could eat them as breakfast, but unfortunately I eat the last of it the same day.
So yummy!