This easy vegan trail mix is a simple snack that can be packed and ready to go in minutes. It is perfect for on-the-go snacking, hiking, camping, get-togethers, parties, and kid lunchboxes!
For other healthy snack ideas, visit 20 Quick and Easy Plant-Based Snack Ideas for a Healthy Lifestyle.
Snacking while out and about doesn't have to mean settling for junk.
This easy vegan trail mix has your back-and if you're in full snack-prep mode, pair it with some Healthy Banana Mini Muffins, Chocolate Bark Recipe, and Classic Vegan Granola Bars, for the ultimate grab-and-go snacks.
I love tossing it into my kids' lunchboxes (along with plenty of other ideas seen in my 20+ Vegan Lunch Box Ideas and Easy Vegan Trader Joe's Lunchbox Recipes), and it's a total lifesaver for hikes, road trips, and camping too!
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Why You'll Love This Vegan Trail Mix
- Whether you're hiking, camping, traveling, or are a college student, parent, or busy professional in need of a quick snack, trail mix is a great choice. For more quick recipe ideas, check out 13 Quick and Easy Vegan Meals and Easy Vegan College Recipes.
- This vegan trail mix is a healthy, delicious, customizable snack you can take anywhere.
- You can easily make a plant-based snack in just a few minutes by throwing together the ingredients.
Ingredients
Here is what you'll need to create a delicious vegan trail mix ready in minutes. See the recipe card for the suggested quantities.
UNREAL Chocolate Gems: UNREAL chocolate gems are like M&Ms, but they're vegan, non-GMO, and have less sugar, yet still hit that chocolate craving spot.
I go for the yellow (peanut) or blue (quinoa) bags-those are the vegan ones! The other colors might contain dairy, so always double-check the label before adding them to your cart.
If you can't track them down or feel they're too expensive, I hear ya-these usually sell for around $6 a bag, but I like to snag them when there's a promo (Natural Grocers sometimes knocks $2 off!). If all else fails, just toss in some extra vegan chocolate chips-they're easier to find, budget-friendly, and still totally delicious.
Chex might seem like the obvious choice for a whole grain square in trail mix, but most varieties aren't vegan because they contain vitamin D3 sourced from lanolin (sheep's wool). It's one of those sneaky ingredients that slips under the radar, and unless you're checking labels closely, you'd never guess your cereal isn't really plant-based.
The good news? There are plenty of vegan-friendly alternatives, like multi-grain cereal squares from 365 by Whole Foods or Barbara's, that give you the same crunch without the hidden animal products.
Variations
- Use your favorite nuts and seeds. If you don't like almonds, consider using cashews as an alternative.
- Add some spice. Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper to give your mix a little kick.
- Roasted chickpeas are a great addition!
- Opt for only using unsweetened toasted coconut flakes or banana chips instead.
Top Tips
Go salty for hikes - You're sweating it out, so a salty mix helps balance electrolytes and keeps you chugging that water.
Mind the melt - If it's hot, skip the chocolate or use heat-proof options like cacao nibs (not as tasty, but they are an option).
Home vs. trail storage - At home, an airtight container in a cool, dry place gives you crunchy goodness for weeks. On the trail or camping, pack it in a resealable bag or a lightweight container to keep it dry and protected from critters.
Ideas How to Use a Vegan Trail Mix
Sure, this vegan trail mix is perfect for snack attacks, hikes, camping, and lunchboxes, but don't stop there! It's also amazing paired with…
- Vegan Yogurt - Stir it in for a crunchy texture.
- Oatmeal - Add a handful to warm oats for a sweet-salty boost.
- Smoothie Bowls - It adds crunch!
- Cereal - Mix into your favorite plain cereal to jazz it up (especially good with unsweetened almond milk).
- Overnight Oats - Stir in right before serving. Try it in Vegan PB&J Overnight Oats or High-Protein Overnight Pumpkin Oats.
- Chia Pudding - It adds some texture.
- Vegan Ice Cream or Banana Nice Cream - Sprinkle on top for a treat.
Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Easy Vegan Trail Mix recipe. Your feedback is invaluable-did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes.
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Easy Vegan Trail Mix
Equipment
- French Canning Jar optional; sub with any air-tight container
- Reusable Bags optional; for packing when hiking or for lunch boxes
Ingredients
- ½ cup pretzels bite sized
- ½ cup multi-grain cereal squares see notes*
- ½ cup almonds slivered
- ½ cup halved walnuts
- ½ peanuts salted or unsalted
- ½ cup UNREAL chocolate gems optional*
- ¼ cup sunflower kernels roasted or raw
- ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- ¼ cup coconut shreds
- ¼ cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix: Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Serve: Divide and pack in individual bags and enjoy! See notes if roasting.
Michael says
Perfect on the road snack - thanks for the recipe.
Regi Pearce says
You're very welcome! I'm delighted to hear that the vegan trail mix with REAL gems worked perfectly as an on-the-road snack for you. Thanks for trying out the recipe and for your kind words!