KATIE DAVIS
Outdoor Adventure Programmer
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There is nothing like finishing a long hike, sitting down on a large rock, and diving into a good trail snack. Most Metro Parks staff will attest to the importance of feeding your post-adventuring hunger. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a first time kayaker, or casual climber, trail mix can restore your energy to continue adventuring! Trail mix is adaptable, diverse, and compact. You can throw an assortment of nuts, candy, and fruit in a bag and head out! Whatever your tastes, trail mix can be made to quench your cravings. There is no wrong way to make trail mix! If you need a place to start, here are a few good recipes to feed your next adventure.
High Protein Recipe: For the avid outdoor adventurer
For more involved and advanced activities, having a trail mix that is high in protein will help keep energy levels up. A good high protein trail mix will need more nuts than the traditional mix. Almonds, cashews, and pistachios are great sources of protein, with peanuts providing the highest source of protein per cup. Along with nuts, seeds, like pumpkin and sunflower seeds, can also provide protein. To balance the salty flavor of the nuts and seeds, dried fruit can be a nice hint of sweet without adding too much sugar. Dried cherries, blueberries, or strawberries are great for a high protein trail mix.
Unique Mix Em Up: A fun spin on a favorite
Like previously stated, there is no wrong way to make trail mix! There are millions of variations on the classic nut, candy, raisin recipe. If the traditional recipe is too sweet, try including pretzels (either bits or fun sized) or popcorn. If you have an insatiable sweet tooth, try including candied cashews or almonds. Themed trail mixes can be a unique take on the snack as well! For example, for the s’more lover, you can use chocolate covered almonds, small marshmallows, graham crackers and pretzel pieces to have a deconstructed s’more on the go! There are spiced and flavored nuts that can add a kick to any mix! Whatever your taste pallet, trail mix can be made to your liking!
Oldie but a Goodie: Getting back to the basics
There is nothing like the traditional peanut, almond, chocolate candy, and raisin trail mix. The complimenting flavors of the salty and sweet hits the trail hunger every time! Sometimes there is nothing like a simple trail mix.
No matter what your tastes, trail mix can be a great outdoor recreation snack!