Try 40 Trail Mix Ingredients That Go Beyond GORP
There’s nothing like a bag of trail mix on a hiking or backpacking trip. Originally called GORP, for “Good Old Raisins and Peanuts,” this mix of dried fruit, nuts, chocolate and other dry ingredients can be a good energy source on the trail.
Almost any ingredients can go into a trail mix, but many people try to find a good balance between sweet and salty items. Here are 40 tasty trail mix ingredients that you might want to try. Mix and match them to create your own perfect trail snack.
NUTS, SEEDS AND LEGUMES
Loaded with protein and fiber, nuts and seeds also pack plenty of vitamins, minerals and other nutritional benefits. Some experts say that 50 percent of your trail mix should be made up of these ingredients, but be aware of allergies.
- Peanuts
- Cashews
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Sesame seeds
- Flax
DRIED FRUITS
Dried fruits don’t spoil as fast as fresh fruit and won’t moisten the other trail mix ingredients. In moderation, these sugary treats can be a great source of fiber, calcium and vitamins.
- Raisins
- Banana chips
- Dried cranberries
- Dried apricots
- Dried apples
- Candied orange peel
- Dried blueberries
- Coconut
- Dried cherries
CHOCOLATE AND SWEET STUFF
Add in your favorite sweet treat to round out the trail mix. Just be sure to use sparingly. Be careful in warmer climates, because chocolate can melt and make a big mess.
- Chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips
- M&Ms
- Reese’s Pieces
- Sweetened coconut
- Peanut butter chips
- Marshmallows
CEREALS AND GRAINS
These crunchy carbohydrates boost energy levels and leave you feeling full. Everyone loves the satisfying texture of these trail mix ingredients.
- Granola
- Chex cereals
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Unsweetened cereal, like Cheerios
- Sweetened cereal, like Fruit Loops
- Cheetos
- Wasabi peas
SPICES
Lightly sprinkle your trail mix with one or more of these spices for extra flavor. But be careful, a little goes a long way.
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Curry powder
- Chili powder
What do you put in your trail mix? Tell us your secret ingredients in the comments!
What does GORP even mean?
Practical tip: If it’s going to be warm, avoid foods which will melt (chocolate chips, …).
How could anyone not like this. You put in it what you like! My 3 boys, in Boy Scouts. Always wanted this snack. It’s delicious. Um, pretty easy to make.
The first time I had this stuff was on a hike in 1960. Our Scout Master had learned about it in a training seminar and it was called “Hikers Bird Seed”.
Except for severe nut allergy scouts!
I never made it or anything but it sounds SO good! Looking forward to it!
There are only 2 ingredients in trail mix: M&Ms and disappointment
😉
👌
I made my own (sort of) trail mix one time. I didn’t actually take tit to a trail though. I used teriyaki beef jerky, pretzel sticks, some chocolate, and saltines. It was AMAZING!!!!!
VERY VERY tasty
Love it. Especially the chocolate!!