Are you on a keto diet and constantly searching for the perfect snack? Look no further! This keto trail mix recipe is a lifesaver, offering a healthy, fat-filled, and satisfying option that's way cheaper than store-bought. It's ready in minutes, naturally gluten-free, and incredibly easy to customize. Being keto means snacking more than usual, so having plenty of keto-friendly snacks on hand is essential.
Why Keto Trail Mix?
Keto trail mix is surprisingly easy to make because many key snack mix ingredients are low in net carbs. By using a variety of seeds, nuts, cheese, and sugar-free chocolate, this trail mix remains extremely low in sugar. It's a delightful combination of nuts, coconut, chocolate chips, and, if you like, dried fruit.
Key Ingredients for Keto Trail Mix
Nuts
I used a combination of my favorite nuts. This includes cashews, almond slices, pecans and it is so delicious. Nuts are full of healthy nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Almonds: A classic choice, providing a satisfying crunch.
- Pecans: A buttery nut that adds a unique taste.
- Walnuts: Another great option for added crunch and nutrients.
- Macadamia Nuts: For those who prefer harder-to-find nuts.
- Brazil Nuts: Another excellent choice for variety.
- Hazelnuts: Experiment with different types of heart-healthy nuts.
- Cashews: Another great option for added crunch and nutrients.
- Pistachios: Experiment with different types of heart-healthy nuts.
Seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Experiment with different types of heart-healthy nuts.
- Sunflower Seeds: Experiment with different types of heart-healthy nuts.
Keto Chocolate Chips
- Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: I used a mixture of sugar-free dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and milk chocolate chips.
- ChocZero Keto Chocolate: By using a variety of seeds, nuts, cheese, and ChocZero keto chocolate, this trail mix remains extremely low in sugar.
Other Mix-Ins
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Toast the coconut flakes in a small skillet until golden in color. Be careful to get coconut flakes that are not sweetened.
- Dried Unsweetened Berries: Instead opt for unsweetened dried raspberries or blueberries due to their lower glycemic content.
- Dried Cheese: Adding low sugar berries or dried cheese is easy too.
Recipe 1: Quick & Easy Keto Trail Mix
Ingredients:
- Your favorite low-carb nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.)
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Sugar-free chocolate chips (dark, white, and milk)
- Optional: Unsweetened dried blueberries or cranberries
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Stir until fully incorporated.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months, or freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 6 months.
Recipe 2: Ultimate Keto Snack Mix
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 4 ½ tablespoons butter, divided
- ½ cup Monk Fruit blend with Allulose
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup Lily’s chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon coconut oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat and Roast: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Roast pecans, walnuts, almonds, and unsweetened coconut by evenly placing them on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Roast them in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the nuts are roasting, combine 4 ½ tablespoons of the butter, Monk Fruit blend with Allulose, and heavy whipping cream in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sweetener is fully dissolved. Cook and stir continuously until the mixture becomes a deep golden color. Once it becomes darker and begins to thicken, add the remaining butter, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir until it is smooth.
- Combine and Coat: Pour the roasted nuts and coconut into the saucepan and stir until the nuts and coconut are coated well. Spread the mixture on parchment paper and sprinkle the salt on top. Start with a pinch of salt and taste as you go, adding more if needed.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the Lily’s Chocolate Chips and coconut oil in a small glass bowl and heat for 30 seconds in the microwave. Take the bowl out and stir well. Cook in 15-second intervals, stirring after each one, until the chips are melted. This time may vary according to microwave power levels.
- Drizzle and Cool: Once the chocolate and coconut oil are melted, drizzle them over the nut mixture. Finally, sprinkle the remaining unsweetened coconut on top. Allow the clusters to cool completely on the baking sheet. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the fridge.
Customizing Your Keto Trail Mix
- Make it Salty and Sweet: For this keto trail mix I used some salt, cinnamon and a little bit of Swerve sweetener for that perfect sweet & salty combo.
- Add More Mix-Ins: Like unsweetened coconut flakes, dried unsweetened blueberries, or unsweetened cranberries.
- Nut Variations: Experiment with different types of heart-healthy nuts, such as cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or pepitas, to create a unique flavor and texture combination.
- Nut Butter: Add a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter for extra creaminess and flavor.
Tips and Considerations
- Avoid Raw Nuts: I buy raw nuts, because I like to season them to my own taste.
- Avoid High-Carb Dried Fruits: Like raisins or figs.
- Check Labels: Buying pre-roasted nuts can be a great way to save time, but check the ingredients and nutritional information to ensure they’re right for you.
- Portion Control: Portion control is essential, be sure to follow the serving size when eating trail mix or other nut products.
- Homemade snack mix is healthier, and you can control the ingredients you put into it. Homemade trail mix is customizable and perfect for diet and allergen restrictions.
Storing Your Keto Trail Mix
- Room Temperature: Leftover trail mix should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months. Store it in an airtight container or glass jar. If you’re making a lot of snack mix, divide it into smaller portions and store them separately.
- Freezing: You can freeze the trail mix in a ziplock bag for up to 6 months. Can you freeze homemade trail mix? Transfer trail mix to a freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
Is Keto Trail Mix Right for You?
- Gluten-Free: Yup, the Ultimate Keto Snack Mix is gluten-free! It’s made with all-natural, gluten-free ingredients, so it’s a safe and tasty snack for people with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
- Sugar-Free: The Ultimate Keto Snack Mix does not include any added sugars. It is sweetened with natural sweeteners, such as monk fruit blend with allulose, which is low in carbs and sugar-free. There is no added sugar, and for added benefit, salt-free nuts.
- On-The-Go: The Ultimate Keto Snack Mix is perfect for on-the-go snacking. It comes in a convenient resealable bag, making it easy to take anywhere.
- Portable: Absolutely! Yes, it is very portable.
Alternatives to DIY: Pre-Made Keto Snack Mixes
Yes, several pre-made keto snack mixes are available on the market, which are the perfect treat when you need a quick and convenient snack. My favorites are Nature’s Garden Keto Snack Mix, Nature’s Garden Keto Variety Snack Packs, Catalina Crunch Snack Mix, Lakanto Keto Mixed Candied Nuts with a Maple Glaze, and Kirkland Signature Keto Snack Mix.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Keto Trail Mix
While delicious by the handful, trail mix is a perfect accompaniment to many food items.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Oatmeal Topping: Stir one serving of trail mix into warm oats.
Addressing Common Concerns
- Is trail mix high in carbs? Most trail mix recipes, especially store-bought, pack on the carbs via chocolate chips, yogurt chips, and other sugary or carb-heavy inclusions. This recipe uses no-sugar-added chocolate chips and unsweetened dried cranberries.
- Is trail mix healthy for weight loss? While trail mix is a healthy snack, the nuts within it can quickly add up in calories and fat (but heart-healthy fats).
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto