This homemade trail mix skips the peanuts and tree nuts in favor of school-friendly mix-ins for a crave-worthy snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes and beyond.
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If there’s one thing I’ve learned packing four lunchboxes every morning, it’s that snack time is a big deal. And nothing hits the salty-sweet-crunchy spot quite like trail mix. But between nut allergies, school-safe rules, and picky eaters, the store-bought stuff doesn’t always cut it.
That’s where this homemade trail mix comes in. It’s everything I want in a snack: quick to make (hello, 5-minute prep!), totally customizable and actually gets eaten. That’s why I keep a big container of this nut-free trail mix ready to scoop and go. It’s:
- Kid-tested and mom-approved
- Nut-free and school-friendly
- Easy to make gluten-free
- No cooking required
The beauty of DIY trail mix is that you get to control everything—no peanuts, no mystery ingredients and no picking around the pieces your kid refuses to eat.
Trail mix may have started as fuel for hikers (hence the name), but it’s now a lunchbox MVP and after-school staple. Keep reading for my family’s favorite combos!
This is my no-fuss, nut-free trail mix that checks all the lunchbox boxes: crunchy, salty-sweet and school-safe. It’s a big win with my crew and takes less than 5 minutes to throw together.
To make it gluten-free: Swap in gluten-free cereal and pretzels.
All that’s left to do? Stir it all together in a big bowl. That’s it! For a seasoned snack, check out our Homemade Chex Mix, which can be made in the oven or slow cooker.
Mix-and-Match Trail Mix Ideas
Let your kids be the mix masters—set out the options and let them fill reusable snack bags. It’s part snack prep, part activity, and 100% more likely they’ll actually eat it.
- Crunchy Base: Rice Chex, Cheerios (plain, honey or chocolate), mini pretzels, popcorn, Goldfish crackers, Teddy Grahams
- Dried Fruit: Raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricots, apple chips, banana chips, freeze-dried strawberries or bananas, coconut flakes
- Seeds & Savory Crunch: Roasted sunflower seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas), corn nuts
- Something Sweet (a little goes a long way!): Mini chocolate chips or M&Ms, yogurt-covered raisins or pretzels, mini marshmallows
- Optional Flavor Boost: Sprinkle of cinnamon, pinch of sea salt
Fun Combos to Try
Not sure where to start? Here are a few of my crew’s favorite blends:
- Lunchbox Crunch: Cheerios + mini pretzels + dried cranberries + sunflower seeds + chocolate chips
- Berry Blast: Rice Chex + freeze-dried strawberries + banana chips + yogurt-covered raisins + coconut flakes
- Party Mix Perfection: Popcorn + Goldfish crackers + mini pretzels + M&Ms + graham cracker pieces
- High-Protein Power Mix: Roasted sunflower seeds + roasted pepitas + Cheerios + freeze-dried strawberries + mini chocolate chips
- Crunchy Monkey: Banana chips + chocolate cereal + Cheerios + pretzels + chocolate chips
How to Store It
Store your trail mix in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 weeks, but in my house, it never lasts that long.
Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, fueling a soccer practice or stashing a stash in your purse (guilty), this homemade trail mix is here for it.
FAQs
Keep moisture out. Store trail mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. If your mix includes things like popcorn or marshmallows, pack those separately and mix right before serving for the crispiest results.
Yes! For younger snackers, skip hard or round pieces that could be choking hazards (like corn nuts, whole raisins or large seeds). Go for puffed cereals, mini pretzels and finely chopped dried fruit. You can even pulse the mix a couple of times in a food processor for a more toddler-friendly texture.
Amp up the seeds! Roasted sunflower seeds and pepitas are both high in protein and safe for nut-free schools. You can also mix in roasted chickpeas or soy nuts (if soy is allowed). Or serve trail mix alongside a cheese stick or yogurt pouch for a more filling snack.
It depends on what you put in it! This mix leans toward balanced and better-for-you. Stick to real ingredients, go easy on the sweets and you’ve got a snack you can feel good about.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup Cheerios (plain, honey or chocolate)
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup roasted pepitas
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or mini M&Ms
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients.
- Serve immediately or store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Kelly’s Notes
- This recipe is free of peanuts and tree nuts, making it a great option for most school lunchboxes. Be sure to check your school’s allergy guidelines before packing.
- To make it gluten-free: Swap in gluten-free cereal and pretzels.
- For a seasoned snack, check out our Homemade Chex Mix, which can be made in the oven or slow cooker.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
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