Nut-Free Trail Mix
Need a quick snack for the kids? This Nut-Free Trail Mix takes just minutes to throw together and is packed with a delicious mix of sweet and salty favourites.
Crunchy popcorn and pretzels are tossed with chocolate chips, dried apple and apricots to create a simple snack the kids will love. It’s perfect for school lunchboxes, after-school snacks, road trips or something to grab on the way to afternoon sport.
There’s no baking and no fuss. Just add everything to a bowl, give it a mix and it’s ready to eat. Better still, get the kids involved and let them create their own trail mix using their favourite additions.
Want to get ahead for busy weeks? Mix the popcorn, pretzels and chocolate chips together and portion into airtight containers, then simply add the dried fruit just before serving. This keeps the popcorn lovely and crunchy rather than letting it soften during storage.
If you’re looking for more kid-approved lunchbox snacks, you need to try my Banana Pear Muffins. They’re soft, naturally sweet and perfect for popping into lunchboxes.
Other lunchbox snacks you might enjoy:
How To Make Nut-Free Trail Mix
Place the popcorn, pretzels, chocolate chips, dried apple and chopped dried apricots into a large mixing bowl.
Gently toss everything together until evenly combined.
Serve immediately or divide between individual containers ready for snacking.
Variations
One of the best things about homemade trail mix is how easy it is to change it up. Try adding or swapping in:
Mini marshmallows
Sultanas or raisins
Dried cranberries
Banana chips
Freeze-dried strawberries
Nut-free cereal
Rice crackers
Mini chocolate buttons
Yoghurt-covered fruit, where suitable
You could even set out a few bowls of different ingredients and let the kids create their own trail mix.
Storage
For the best crunch, this trail mix is best enjoyed fresh.
If you'd like to prepare it ahead, combine the pretzels, chocolate chips and other dry ingredients in an airtight container, then add the popcorn and dried fruit closer to serving.
Individual ingredients can also be portioned ahead of time, making it easy to quickly put together lunchboxes and after-school snacks during the week.
FAQ
Is trail mix good for school lunchboxes?
Absolutely! This nut-free version is an easy option for lunchboxes because you can customise it with ingredients your kids enjoy.
Can kids make their own trail mix?
Yes! This is a fantastic no-cook recipe for kids. They can measure the ingredients, tip them into the bowl and mix everything together.
What can I put in trail mix instead of nuts?
Popcorn, pretzels, cereal, dried fruit, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, banana chips and freeze-dried fruit are all fun options.
Can I make trail mix ahead of time?
You can, although popcorn is best added closer to serving so it stays crunchy. You can prepare the remaining ingredients ahead and store them in an airtight container.
Kid-Friendly Trail Mix
Ingredients
- ½ cup @cobbs popcorn (We like to use the lightly salted and slightly sweet popcorn)
- ½ cup @parkers mini pretzels
- ¼ cup Coconut flakes
- ¼ cup Cadbury chocolate chips (dark or milk)
- ¼ cup Dried apricots and dried apples (diced)
Instructions
- Place the popcorn, pretzels, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, and diced dried apricots and apples in a large mixing bowl.
- Use clean hands or a large spoon to gently toss the ingredients until evenly combined.
- Spoon the trail mix into airtight containers or resealable bags for easy storage and serving.
Notes
- Tip: Make a big batch over the weekend and store it in grab-and-go containers.
- The dried fruit adds moisture to the trail mix if kept for a few days. The dried fruit is best added when needed.
The nutritional information provided is computer generated and is only an estimate. This data is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.
