Mixing It Up: Trail Mix Edition

Photo by Abigail Roe

Trail mix, gorp, snack mix—it’s the ultimate snack that has been around since the beginning of time. A snack that is generally associated with being the sponsor of hiking, but is also a snack for everyone to enjoy. It’s a traditional snack, but the time has come to trail mix it up.

Gorp is a classic combination of raisins and peanuts. Gorp will forever hold a special place in our hearts, but innovation is at the forefront of the trail mix world. Nowadays, trail mix is a much more popular item that many stores carry in many different varieties. At Target, Archer Farms has trail mix that ranges from Peanut Butter trail mix (peanuts, raisins, peanut butter cups and peanut butter M&M’s) to Tex Mex trail mix (Cajun seasoned peanuts, sesame sticks, almonds, salsa flavored corn sticks) and from Zen Party trail mix to Caramel Cashew trail mix.

There are also trail mixes that are more sweet or heavily weighted nut to berry ratio for those who prefer one ingredient over others. For example, Archer Farms’ Chocolate Salted Caramel trail mix includes caramel truffles, salted caramel cashews, dark chocolate pretzels and almonds. The Antioxidant trail mix on the other hand is composed of cranberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds, blueberries, cashews and dark chocolate.

Even though you can find a variety of trail mixes in any store, you can always make your own custom trail mix full of your favorite snacks. Here is a look into one of VALLEY ‘s  secret trail mix recipes:

Trail Mix: Valley Edition
  • Dried edamame beans
  • Chocolate chunks
  • Craisins
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Sunflower seeds

This signature combo is a fan favorite and will certainly fulfill your salty and sweet craving. You have protein provided by the edamame beans. Chocolate and marshmallows satisfies your sweet tooth. The fruit and sunflower seeds to give you a burst of flavor and enough energy to get you through the day. Mix these ingredients up in a bowl and enjoy!