Go Beyond GORP With These 40 Tasty Trail Mix Ingredients

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 anything 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 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 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 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