If you take the time to look at the ingredients in most trail mix at the store you may be a little surprised. Trail mix is supposed to be a healthy on the go snack. Most trail mix has added sugar and highly processed oils. I started making my own trail mix with ingredients I love. It is so easy and cost effective. I only use 3 ingredients - walnuts, dark chocolate and coconut.
Here is the label from one of the most popular trail mix brands.
Planter's Nut and Chocolate Trail Mix
Ingredients: PEANUTS, CHOCOLATE CANDY PIECES [MILK CHOCOLATE (SUGAR, COCOA BUTTER, MILK, CHOCOLATE, LACTOSE, SOY LECITHIN--EMULSIFIER, VANILLIN--ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR), SUGAR, ARTIFICIAL COLOR (INCLUDES YELLOW 5 LAKE, YELLOW 6, BLUE 1 LAKE, RED 40 LAKE), GUM ARABIC, CORN SYRUP, CARNAUBA WAX, BEESWAX, CONFECTIONER'S GLAZE], RAISINS, ALMONDS, COTTONSEED OIL.
EWW... corn syrup, food dye AND cottonseed oil. This is why I read labels on EVERYTHING. It may take me a little longer in the grocery store, but it is definitely worth it. You never know what strange chemical or additive may be lurking in your food until you check all the ingredients.
If you make this trail mix the ingredient list will look something like this:
Walnuts, Coconut, Dark Chocolate (evaporated cane juice, natural chocolate liquor (non-alcoholic), non-dairy coconut butter) ...no processed crap!
3 Ingredient Trail Mix
- 1 cup Walnuts
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- 1/3 cup Dark Chocolate Chunks (I recommend Enjoy Life chocolate chips)
Directions:
Remember it's all about ingredient quality. Look for raw nuts that were not roasted in any gross processed oils. Make sure the shredded coconut does not have added sugar. Read labels on the dark chocolate chips. This is why I recommend the Enjoy Life brand. Most brands have soy and other sketchy ingredients. You can order Enjoy Life on Amazon if you don't find it in stores.
To make: Combine all ingredients, keep in a sealed container or bag. For maximum freshness store in the refrigerator (this is not necessary).
You can mix these to whatever ratio you like best. I am a huge coconut fan so I usually add a little more coconut.
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