13 Best Healthy Trail Mixes for Snacking and Nutrition
Discover the tastiest, nutrient-packed trail mixes for every craving, plus tips on healthy ingredients and DIY blends.
Trail mix is the ultimate portable snack—a satisfying blend of crunchy, chewy, salty, and sweet bites with a base of nutrient-rich nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Whether you want an energy boost on the go, a healthy desk snack, or an anytime treat, the right trail mix checks every box. This guide highlights thirteen of the best healthy trail mix options, plus essential advice on choosing wholesome ingredients, store-bought vs. homemade, and expert answers to common questions about trail mix nutrition.
What Makes a Trail Mix Healthy?
A healthy trail mix delivers real nourishment using high-quality, minimally processed ingredients. Top mixes are:
- Rich in unsalted nuts and seeds for heart-healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Low in added sugar, salt, and processed sweets—choose unsweetened dried fruit and skip candy-heavy mixes
- Portion balanced to avoid excess calories, especially from sugar and oil
Trail mixes with a variety of textures and flavors—think roasted nuts, crunchy seeds, chewy fruit, or a few dark chocolate chips—can satisfy both hunger and cravings wisely.
Our Picks: 13 Best Healthy Trail Mixes
We’ve spotlighted top picks for nearly every taste and dietary preference, focusing on products with predominantly whole-food ingredients and sensible nutrition profiles. When evaluating mixes, we looked for a balanced combination of:
- Unsalted nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, pistachios)
- Raw or roasted seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, chia, flax)
- No or minimally sweetened dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries, apricots, dates)
- Optional additions like dark chocolate, coconut, or whole-grain cereals
1. Amazon Brand Happy Belly Nuts, Chocolate & Dried Fruit Trail Mix
This cheerful blend pairs almonds, cashews, and pecans with raisins and dark chocolate chips, providing a sweet-nutty balance. The pieces are generously sized, naturally satisfying, and hit major nutrient marks with protein and fiber.
- Standout ingredients: Almonds, cashews, pecans, dark chocolate chips, raisins
- Why we love it: Balanced sweet and salty flavors in each bite
2. Sahale Snacks Classic Fruit & Nut Trail Mix
Sahale Snacks is known for thoughtful flavor combinations. This classic blend highlights almonds, cashews, peanuts, and dried cherries with a hint of apple and light sea salt, delivering vibrant flavor without added oils or unnecessary sugar.
- Standout ingredients: Whole nuts, cherries, apples, peanuts
- Why we love it: Fruit-forward without being too sweet, portable single-serve packs
3. Second Nature Wholesome Medley Trail Mix
This grab-and-go favorite offers a smart medley of almonds, peanuts, pistachios, and cashews alongside chewy dried cranberries and cherries. It’s protein-powered and doesn’t rely on excess sweeteners or fried bits.
What others are reading
- Standout ingredients: Variety of nuts, unsweetened fruit
- Why we love it: Great for anyone trying to avoid peanut butter or candy-like mixes
4. Power Up Mega Omega Trail Mix
Protein and Omega-3s are at the heart of this hearty mix, which combines walnuts, dried mango, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries. Naturally rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, it’s a satisfying, nutrient-dense option for pre- or post-workout snacking.
- Standout ingredients: Omega-3 rich walnuts, pumpkin seeds
- Why we love it: Tropical fruits and no artificial flavors
5. KIND Fruit & Nut Bars – Trail Mix in Bar Form
For neat, mess-free snacking, KIND bars blend nuts, dried fruits, and seeds into portion-controlled bars. All the heart-healthy benefits of trail mix, reimagined as a portable snack.
- Standout ingredients: Almonds, peanuts, dried fruit, honey
- Why we love it: Easy grab-and-go format, lower in sugar than many bars
6. Planters Nut and Chocolate Trail Mix
Planters’ mix is a classic, with roasted peanuts, almonds, M&Ms, and raisins. While it’s slightly higher in sugar, it’s easy to portion out and can be supplemented with extra nuts at home to boost nutrition.
- Standout ingredients: Peanuts, almonds, raisins, chocolate
- Why we love it: Delivers a nostalgic taste for traditional trail mix lovers
7. 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Mountain Trail Mix
This organic-certified blend is heavy on raw nuts, raisins, and sunflower seeds, offering basic, high-quality nourishment with minimal additives and no artificial ingredients.
- Standout ingredients: Raw nuts, organic dried fruit, seeds
- Why we love it: Certified organic, great ingredient transparency
8. Nature’s Garden Omega-3 Deluxe Mix
A great pick for brain health, this deluxe mix leans into walnuts, pecans, pistachios, almonds, and cranberries. It’s a satisfying, crunchy way to add a dose of essential fatty acids to your day.
- Standout ingredients: Nuts high in omega-3s, cranberries
- Why we love it: Rich, buttery texture with nutritional punch
9. Orchard Valley Harvest Antioxidant Trail Mix
This antioxidant-rich blend features almonds, cashews, dried cranberries, and blueberries. It’s free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, perfect for a wholesome lunchbox or desk snack.
- Standout ingredients: Blueberries, almonds, cashews, cranberries
- Why we love it: Antioxidant support and clean-label ingredients
10. Great Value Sweet & Salty Trail Mix
Budget-friendly without sacrificing too much on nutrition, this blend pairs peanuts, chocolate candies, and dried fruit. Fine when consumed in moderation, especially if you’re craving a sweet/salty combination on a budget.
- Standout ingredients: Peanuts, raisins, chocolate
- Why we love it: Affordable, easy to find in stores
11. Trader Joe’s Simply the Best Trek Mix
This is a minimalistic take, heavy on almonds, cashews, and dried cranberries. No candy pieces or fried snacks in sight, just straightforward fuel.
- Standout ingredients: Almonds, cashews, cranberries
- Why we love it: Simple and nutritious, great texture variety
12. Made in Nature Organic Fruit Fusion
If you prefer a fruit-forward snack, this mix loads up on organic dried apricots, cherries, raisins, and cranberries. It’s free of added sugar and pairs well with extra unsalted nuts for a custom blend.
- Standout ingredients: Organic dried fruit, no sugar added
- Why we love it: Tender texture, sweet without being cloying
13. Kar’s Sweet ‘N Salty Mix
Another classic, this sweet-and-salty option features peanuts, sunflower kernels, raisins, and chocolate candies. It’s ideal as an occasional treat or for sharing during group activities.
- Standout ingredients: Peanuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, chocolate candies
- Why we love it: Every handful delivers variety and crunch
Benefits of Trail Mix
Trail mix is more than just tasty—it can support your overall wellness when chosen wisely:
- Convenience: Lightweight, portable, and non-perishable—ideal for hikes, travel, work, or quick fuel between meals
- Customizable nutrition: Make blends to match dietary needs—gluten-free, paleo, vegan, or low-sugar
- Protein and healthy fats: Nuts and seeds help keep you full and support metabolism, brain, and heart health
- Rich in micronutrients: Provides magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, B vitamins, and antioxidants from fruits and seeds
When enjoyed in moderation and with minimal sugary or processed additives, trail mix can be a smart way to fit more nutrient-dense foods into your snacking routine.
Tips for Choosing a Healthy Trail Mix
- Look at serving size: Standard portions are about 1/4 cup; measure out servings to avoid overeating.
- Check the label: Watch for sugar, sodium, hydrogenated oils, and artificial ingredients—aim for simple, whole foods.
- Mind the mix-ins: Limit candy, yogurt chips, or sweetened fruit, which can drive up calories and sugar fast.
- Prefer raw or dry-roasted nuts and seeds over oil-roasted or salty versions.
- Make your own: Homemade trail mix gives full control over ingredients, flavor, and nutrition.
How to Make Your Own Healthy Trail Mix
DIY trail mix lets you tailor textures and flavors to your liking and steer clear of added sugar, salt, or oils. Here’s a quick start formula, adaptable to any taste:
- 1.5 cups raw nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews, walnuts)
- 1 cup raw seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)
- 1 cup unsweetened dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, cherries)
- Extras: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, 1 cup air-popped popcorn, or 1 cup mini pretzels (optional)
- Spices: 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg for added flavor
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, portion into airtight bags or containers, and store in a cool, dry place for up to a month. For extra crunch, roast nuts and seeds before mixing.
Healthy Trail Mix Ingredient Table
| Category | Examples | Key Nutrients |
|---|---|---|
| Nuts | Almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios | Protein, fiber, magnesium, healthy fat, vitamin E |
| Seeds | Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, chia, flax | Healthy fat, magnesium, iron, zinc, protein |
| Dried fruit | Raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricots | Fiber, antioxidants, potassium |
| Extra (optional) | Dark chocolate, coconut, granola, popcorn | Varies: antioxidants, energy, taste |
Store-Bought vs. Homemade Trail Mix: Pros and Cons
| Store-Bought | Homemade | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
Tips for Enjoying Trail Mix for Every Occasion
- Keep small snack bags or containers at the office, gym, or in the car for a convenient, portion-controlled boost
- Pair with fresh fruit or plain yogurt for a more complete snack or mini meal
- Avoid eating straight from the bag—pre-measure a serving (about 1/4 cup) to avoid overeating
- Store in an airtight container away from heat and humidity for freshness
- Layer into oatmeal, cereal, or salads for added texture and nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trail Mix
Q: Is trail mix a good snack for weight loss?
A: Trail mix can support weight loss if enjoyed in measured portions—its protein and healthy fats promote fullness—but higher calorie ingredients (nuts, seeds) require mindfulness around serving size.
Q: How can I lower the sugar content in trail mix?
A: Choose unsweetened dried fruit, skip candy pieces, and avoid mixes with added sweeteners. Make your own with just nuts, seeds, and pure dried fruit for the best control.
Q: Is trail mix healthy for kids?
A: Yes—trail mix can provide essential nutrients to kids. Use smaller nuts and chopped pieces to prevent choking hazards, and keep the blend low in salt and added sugar for young eaters.
Q: How long does homemade trail mix last?
A: When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, homemade trail mix stays fresh for up to a month. Avoid refrigeration, which can cause condensation.
Q: Can I add savory or spicy ingredients?
A: Yes—roast nuts with spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, or garlic powder for a savory kick, or combine with roasted chickpeas or pretzels for texture variety.
Expert Tips for Trail Mix Success
- Start with at least 2-3 types of nuts or seeds for a diversity of flavor and nutrients.
- Go for unsweetened, unsulfured dried fruits to avoid processed sugars and additives.
- Experiment with extras like toasted coconut, mini pretzels, or air-popped popcorn to keep things interesting.
- Boost nutrition with raw cacao nibs, pumpkin seeds, or a touch of cinnamon for extra health-supportive compounds.
References
- https://www.thehealthymaven.com/how-to-build-a-healthy-trail-mix/
- https://www.captel.com/2020/08/healthy-trail-mix-recipes-snack-ideas/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-trail-mix-healthy
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a20435264/reduce-heart-attack-risk-by-eating-more-fruits-and-veggies/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/g29995937/healthy-sweet-snacks/
- https://grocerykart-brokenbow.com/health_wellness/articles/90/beneficial-trail-mix-ingredients
- https://producebusiness.com/trail-mixes-can-be-key-to-healthier-lifestyles/
- https://www.vitalchoice.com/articles/food-facts/vital-choice-trail-mix
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
