Learn how to make the most delicious trail mix without raisins! In fact, this trail mix with M&Ms is so easy to customize with sweet and salty flavors, you’ll never miss them.
Get the secrets to creating a balanced, nut free trail mix that is perfect for an allergy-friendly classroom treat. There’s even a cute little free downloadable “Happy Trails” tag to package it up!
One year, I wanted to send Adalyn’s friends a little something for the end of the school year. Fortunately, her “school” allowed homemade treats at that time!
I decided to make one of my favorite snack mixes, substituting butterscotch chips for peanut butter chips in case of any allergies. I also eliminated my favorite sesame sticks, as I’m not too sure a lot of 2 year olds will enjoy them as much as I do.
That’s how this trail mix without raisins came to be! At the time, she wasn’t a fan of raisins. Of course, we’re all a fan of trail mix with M&Ms, right? So with that in mind, we developed a savory, sweet combination that is so easy to change out with seasonally colored M&Ms!
We love having a bowl of this trail mix out at the holidays and also for game day! Check out my favorite Super Bowl Recipes here.
There’s so much to love about this trail mix, but the cute packaging is one of my favorite things. Don’t skip the sweet little Happy Trails printable tag to attach, making this trail mix without raisins a great gift!
Why You’ll Love this Trail Mix Without Raisins
- Sweet and Savory
- Excellent Classroom Treat
- Packs Well
- Makes a Cute Gift
- Perfect for any Season
What’s not to love? This trail mix is perfect for gifting at any time of the year, and it makes a great snack for kids and adults alike.
We’ve been making this raisin free trail mix for years, and while I love the classic combination I’m sharing here, it’s fun to mix it up sometimes, too! Try it with your family and see what you like best.
Ingredients and Substitutions for Trail Mix with M&Ms
- Pretzel sticks – Any kind of traditional pretzel stick will do. Ensure you’re choosing a gluten free variety if you want a gluten free trail mix!
- Chex cereal – We like the traditional corn Chex, but you can use anything you have on hand.
- Banana chips – These are a great layer of texture and sweetness.
- Butterscotch chips – Instead of peanut butter chips, choose butterscotch to create an allergen friendly treat.
- M&Ms – Any color will work, which makes this trail mix fun for any season!
Variations
- Sub another dried fruit for your banana chips – dried cranberries or dried cherries will work well.
- Add nuts like peanuts, cashews, almonds and more if you’re not worried about nut allergies.
How to Make Trail Mix Without Raisins in Just Two Easy Steps
- Add all ingredients to large mixing bowl.
- Using your hands, gently toss together.
Tips
- Tossing in a bowl will eliminate lots of crumbs and loose salt that just doesn’t look as pretty if you’re wrapping in clear cellophane!
- I prefer to gently toss with clean hands, as the ingredients are a little delicate and you won’t break as many pieces this way.
- Store in individual containers for a great snack on the go!
- Use holiday M&Ms for Christmas, Easter colors for spring, and Halloween colors in the fall – the options make this trail mix so much fun for kids.
Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional trail mix generally features a dried fruit for added texture, nutrients and variety. If you don’t like raisins, try dried mangos, bananas, cranberries and more!
Trail mix is easy to customize to fit an individual nutrition plan and can be made as healthy (or unhealthy) as an individual likes. This trail mix without raisins comes in at around 207 calories per half cup serving.
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – Store this trail mix with M&Ms in an airtight container in a cool, dry storage area like the pantry. I will last for up to a month!
- Refrigerate – You can refrigerate your trail mix but it’s not necessary. It holds very well in the pantry as it’s all shelf stable ingredients.
- Freeze – Yes, you can freeze your trail mix! Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to six months.
Click here for the free printable label. I used sticker paper that can be found at any office supply store, and simply closed the cellophane bag with the sticker.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free (Ensure you choose a gluten free pretzel stick!)
- Nut Free
- Vegetarian
I’d love to hear from you! Does your family like to make trail mix for snacking? It’s the best make ahead snack that keeps our whole crew happy!
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More Snack Inspiration
Trail Mix Without Raisins
Ingredients
- 4 cups pretzel sticks
- 4 cups Chex cereal
- 2 cups banana chips
- 2 cups butterscotch chips
- 1 cup M&Ms
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to large mixing bowl.
- Using your hands, gently toss together.
Julie’s Tips
- Tossing in a bowl will eliminate lots of crumbs and loose salt that just doesn’t look as pretty if you’re wrapping in clear cellophane!
- I prefer to gently toss with clean hands, as the ingredients are a little delicate and you won’t break as many pieces this way.
- Store in individual containers for a great snack on the go!
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
what size sticker paper for the label? so cute for seasonal parties!
Hi Jen!
That’s a great question. We just use a full size (8.5″ x 11″) piece of sticker paper and cut the tags down to size! I’m linking the one we use in the post for future reference.
Enjoy,
Julie
I had to copy this one down! Sounds yummy and will be perfect for our family trip to the mountains this month!