How To Make Awesome Monkey Munch Trail Mix

Wow, Monkey Munch Trail Mix?  What is that?

Isn't it true - we crave sweet, salty and crunchy.  I know I often do.

The typical trail mix is nuts, seeds and dried fruit.  But, most store bought trail mixes are loaded with preservatives!

Is there a healthier, preservative free trail mix that is great for both kids and adults alike?

Where I Found This Monkey Munch Recipe:

Whole Foods puts out a magazine occasionally that is chock full of great tips, ideas, information and recipes.  It is free and available in the store.  In a recent edition, in the Whole Kids section "Mix It Up", there were recipes for various trail mixes.  What a great opportunity to get kids involved; they can measure and mix the ingredients.  The recipe that caught my eye was a monkey munch recipe.  My recipe below is adapted from that.  I adjusted the recipe to my taste which means, in this case, adding coconut flakes and a few more chocolate chips.  To make this recipe vegan, simply use vegan chocolate chips.  The name for this delicious snack gets its name from the starring ingredient - banana chips.

What You Will Love About This Monkey Munch Trail Mix Recipe:

1. Great combo to satisfy the cravings for sweet, salty and crunch.
2. Make this kids approved trail mix a rainy day activity.
3. Easy, nutritious and keeps for a long time in a sealed container.
4. Great for hikes, travel and outdoor adventures.
5. For adults, bring to work as a snack instead of the vending machine.
6. Create your own personal recipe using your favorite ingredients.  Mix and match and have fun!
7. Kid approved trail mix!

This is a delicious, healthy and easy-to-make snack.  This Monkey Munch Trail Mix would be great to take to the beach. I just put portions in "snack" plastic bags.    You can adjust the recipe for Monkey Munch to your liking.  Add or subtract ingredients as you choose (e.g. maybe substitute raisins for dried cranberries).

Related: 5 Minute Trail Mix

Two Additional Trail Mix Combinations:

I have included a link at the bottom of the post to Whole Foods that includes this recipe plus two more.  Tropical Treasure (gluten-free) is a mixture of cashews, macadamia nuts, chopped dried pineapple, dried mango, chopped dried papaya and coconut chips or flakes.  Orchard Cinnamon Crunch (nut-free) is a combination of wholegrain cereal (sub paleo cereal), chopped dried apples, dried cranberries, roasted pumpkin seeds and pinch ground cinnamon.  It would be easy to re-create these recipes.  In a large bowl, add the ingredients until you have a blend that suits your taste buds.  You have so much creative freedom here and can create the perfect recipe combination that is personally yours.

It it the entire magazine so you can page forward or back to see additional recipes, tips, etc...  One section I enjoy is where employees highlight their favorite products.   Health and cooking magazines are great sources of information.

Related:  Cape Cod Trail Mix

Monkey Munch:

What you will need:

1 and 1/2 cups banana chips

1 cup lightly salted peanuts (sub another to make this recipe Paleo; I like cashews)

1 cup almonds (I used slivered almonds)

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I added an extra tablespoon)(I prefer gluten free, non dairy chips)

1/2 cup raisins

1/3 cup shredded coconut ( I added these to the original recipe)(I prefer unsweetened shredded coconut)

gluten free

Related: Grain Free Cranberry Nut Granola

So, when the problem is finding a preservative free trail mix?  The fix - make your own so it is a truly healthy snack!

5 from 3 votes

Print

How To Make Awesome Monkey Munch Trail Mix!

Prep Time

10 mins

Total Time

10 mins

 

This is a delicious, healthy and easy to prepare trail mix snack.

Course: Dessert, Snack, Trail Mix

Cuisine: American

Servings: 16

Calories: 188 kcal

Author: Christine Galvani

Ingredients

• 1 cups and 1/2 banana chips
• 1 cup lightly salted peanuts (To make Paleo - sub another nut, like cashews)
• 1 cup almonds (I used slivered almonds)
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (I prefer gluten free, non chocolate chips), I added a tablespoon more
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup coconut flakes (I use unsweetened shredded)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, measure all the ingredients and stir to combine.
2. Store in an airtight container. Should keep for several weeks or even longer.

Nutrition Facts

How To Make Awesome Monkey Munch Trail Mix!

Amount Per Serving

Calories 188 Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 4g20%

Sodium 4mg0%

Potassium 238mg7%

Carbohydrates 13g4%

Fiber 3g12%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 5IU0%

Vitamin C 0.6mg1%

Calcium 39mg4%

Iron 1.3mg7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Adapted from Whole Foods.

What is your favorite trail mix combination?  Please leave a comment and let me know.

My Monkey Munch recipe was featured on the site Craftsy with several other great combination trail mix recipes - 10 Simple Trail Mix Recipes and Ideas.