If you’re looking for cheap snack ideas that are filling, customizable, and perfect for meal prep, this homemade trail mix recipe is it. It’s high in protein, packed with healthy fats, and way more affordable than store-bought versions.
The best part? You can make a big batch in 5 minutes and portion it out for the week.
Perfect for busy students, moms on the go, work snacks, road trips, or keeping in your bag for those “I’m starving” moments.
Why Make Homemade Trail Mix?
- 💰 Much cheaper than pre-packaged trail mix
- 🥜 High in protein and healthy fats
- ⏱ Takes less than 5 minutes
- 📦 Great for meal prep
- ✨ Completely customizable
Budget-Friendly Trail Mix Ingredients
This version keeps things simple and affordable.
Base Recipe (Makes 8 servings)
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup pretzel sticks (broken)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
That’s it. Five simple ingredients.
How to Make Homemade Trail Mix
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
- Stir until evenly combined.
- Divide into ½ cup portions.
- Store in airtight containers or snack bags.
Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts (Per ½ Cup Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
Nutrition will vary depending on brands and ingredient swaps.
Cheap Trail Mix Variations
Want to mix it up? Here are some affordable swaps:
High-Protein Version
- Add pumpkin seeds
- Add sunflower seeds
- Reduce chocolate chips
Sweet & Salty Version
- Add mini marshmallows
- Use honey roasted peanuts
- Add white chocolate chips
Healthier Low-Sugar Version
- Replace chocolate chips with coconut flakes
- Use unsweetened dried cranberries
- Add walnuts
How to Save Even More Money
- Buy nuts in bulk
- Use store brands
- Shop sales and stock up
- Store extras in the freezer to extend freshness
Making your own trail mix can cost nearly half the price of pre-made bags, especially when buying larger quantities.
Perfect For:
- After-school snacks
- Gym bags
- Hiking
- Road trips
- College students on a budget
- Quick energy boosts
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to eat better without spending more money, this homemade trail mix is one of the easiest cheap snack ideas you can make. It’s filling, balanced, and takes almost no effort.
Make one batch this week and see how much money you save skipping the snack aisle.
I hope you enjoyed learning about how to make this easy recipe! If you liked this one, you should check out my Easy Yogurt Parfaits Recipe and the rest of my blog. If you have any questions, please contact me at: [email protected]
