What is trail mix? Generally speaking, it’s a blend of dried fruit and nuts made popular by campers and hikers. The mix of sugar and protein propels energy, it is easy to carry and tasty to eat.
Monster Trail Mix is an easy trail mix of nuts, M&Ms, raisins and chips. The perfect snack for camping, hiking or an afternoon by the pool.
Trail mix types have evolved and added more variety, the most popular being M&Ms. Story has it it that the Girl and Boy Scouts made the addition of chocolate popular.
Well done, kids! Many of the recipes now include M&Ms and other types of chocolate and peanut butter chips.
For me, a good trail mix recipe will satisfy my hunger, but also my sweet tooth. Hey, if I am eating it then chances are I am also doing a good amount of physical activity and will burn off that chocolate pretty fast.
My version of Monster Trail Mix is a take on my favorite store bought mix from Target which combines raisins, peanuts, M&Ms, chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. The perfect blend of texture, sweet and salty.
There are many trail mix types and you can make up your own by simply adding or omitting ingredients. You can try using other types of dried fruit, like cranberries, mangos or even prunes.
Nuts can includes cashews, almonds, pine nuts or pistachios. Candy with a coating works the best if you are in hot weather, so M&Ms and Reese’s Pieces are ideal to not melt.
You can make Monster Trail Mix in large batches and just keep in an airtight container in the pantry for when you need it. It will stay good for months as long as it is store properly.
You can also make it into single size servings for your child’s classroom, as party favors or to send with your kids to camp. This is a snack the whole family will love!
And lastly… why “monster?” Well, it seems that anything colorful or using M&Ms these days is called “monster,” so I just jumped on the bandwagon.
Tools for making Monster Trail Mix:
Mixing Bowls
– make sure to check out my article on Using the Right Mixing Bowl, you’d be surprised how many people aren’t!
Airtight Plastic Containers
– Great for store any leftovers. Make sure you have a large enough set.
If you like Monster Trail Mix, you’ll also love:
- Cornflake Breakfast Bars
- M&M Cookie Bars
- Blueberry Muffin Energy Balls
- Vanilla Chocolate Protein Cookie Dough
If you are looking for even more dessert recipes, snag a copy of my Easy Dessert Recipes Mini-Cookbook. Available here for only $0.99, these easy dessert recipes are ready with less than 30 minutes hands-on time and are sure to please all your family friends. From no-bake to make-ahead, you are sure to find something you love!
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup M&Ms
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter chips
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
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Mix all ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container.
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If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!
I made this for my daUGhters hike and she absolutely loved it definitely will make this again
Thanks for stopping by and letting us know!
I love monster mixes. This looks absolutely delicious.
I giggled over the Scouts thing. My mom was actually the secretary for the Scouts here in Canada.
That’s the easiest trail mix, ever! And who wouldn’t love a trail mix when M & Ms are involved? When’s the next hike? 😉