Kid-Friendly Trail Mix without Nuts

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As a mom with a child in public school, I’ve experienced firsthand how tricky it can be to find snacks that are both safe and appealing—especially with strict nut-free policies in place. That’s exactly why I created this nut-free trail mix: to give kids a snack they’ll actually enjoy, and parents a reliable option they can feel good about sending to school. This recipe is peanut- and tree nut-free, making it a great choice for classrooms and playdates. I also provide substitutes for the ingredients that may be processed in the same facility as peanuts and tree nuts. As always, be sure to double-check ingredient labels to avoid cross-contamination and keep things safe for everyone.

Finding a nut-free trail mix, without a ton of added sugar can be challenging, especially for those with nut allergies or who have kids attending nut-free schools (like me).

Many store-bought snack mixes are packed with candy and cookies, making them more like a dessert than a healthy snack. The solution? Make your own! It’s quick, easy, and you won’t feel the need to purchase the store-bought snacks again!

Homemade trail mix recipes are such a fun and easy way to pack in a bunch of tasty and healthy ingredients together while being able to customize the ingredients based on taste preferences, food allergies, and what you have going on in your life at the moment! They’re also super portable and do not require any refrigeration! It makes the perfect on the go snack!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. READ MY DISCLOSURE POLICY HERE.

Why We Love This Nut Free Trail Mix

This trail mix is an extremely kid-friendly and portable snack! It’s full of filling and healthy ingredients (plus a little sweet treat), that can pack up easily in one big container or in individual serving sizes. The best part about this mix is that it does not need to be refrigerated. It makes the perfect snack for bringing to school, t-ball practice, or on a family outing. 

If you want another portable and healthy snack, try. my DIY Uncrustables!

Nut Free Trail Mix Ingredients

The full ingredient amounts and instructions are listed on the recipe card below the post.

• Crunchy chickpeas– These are absolutely amazing! They are chickpeas that have been dried into a crispy crunchy snack! You can usually find them in the snack aisle or with nuts and popcorn at the local grocery store. They serve as an excellent alternative to nuts due to their ideal size and satisfying crunch. Chickpeas also provide a good source of protein and fiber. I get the sea salt variety, but feel free to play around with any flavor that looks good to you!
• Pumpkin seeds– I use roasted and salted, shelled pumpkin seeds–also known as “pepitas”. They are a great way to add healthy fats, crunch, and salt to the mix. If you can’t find pumpkin seeds, feel free to swap in dry roasted and salted sunflower seeds, without shells.
• Mini Pretzels– for extra salt, crunch, and to add a varying texture and size. Pretzels make everything more fun to eat!
• Raisins– For a nice chewy texture, added sweetness, and extra vitamins. Also, I love it when the raisins get covered in the salt from the pumpkin seeds and chickpeas. So tasty!
• M&M candies (see note)- In my opinion, you can’t have a trail mix without M&Ms! They are another touch of sweetness to balance out all the salty ingredients, and they’re super fun to look for in each handful of trail mix. M&M’s are a super fun addition for the kids.

Note: If you are highly allergic to tree nuts and peanuts, make sure to read the labels on your ingredients. Plain M&Ms for instance do not contain nuts, but may be exposed to peanuts or tree nuts in processing. Here is a resource for Peanut Free Facility M&Ms you can use, or swap for allergen free chocolate chips!

How to Make Homemade Trail Mix without nuts

Combine all the ingredients in a medium (2 quart or larger) mixing bowl and mix until everything is distributed evenly.  

Grab a handful of the trail mix and look to see if you have enough of each ingredient to your liking. Feel free to add more seeds, chickpeas, M&Ms, raisins, or pretzels if desired. 

Transfer the mix to an airtight storage container.

If you’re planning on traveling and need an easy snack, the trail mix can be divided into individual portions.

Substitutions and Variations

A hearty and healthy trail mix is always a great idea when you need a snack that’s easy and filling. And kids LOVE trail mix.

The best thing about making your own snack mix is the ability to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Below are just a few suggestions, but have fun playing around with different ingredients! Add whatever you want to make a delicious snack that’s just as much fun to make as it is to eat!

• If you can’t find crunchy chickpeas, feel free to swap them out with Chex cereal or cheddar bunnies
• To make this trail mix without raisins, you can use banana chips, dried cranberries, apple chips, or any of your favorite dried fruits instead
• Add mini marshmallows for an extra sweet treat
• Swap out the M&Ms for chocolate chips or yogurt covered raisins
• Shredded coconut flakes would be a great addition to your mix

Storage Instructions

Store your trail mix in an airtight container (like a mason jar) at room temperature for up to a week. 

You can also divide the trail mix into individual storage containers for travel. A typical serving is about 1/4 cup.

This mix does not need to be refrigerated, so it’s perfect for a road trip, a long hike with the family, or bringing to the kids’ sports activities.

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