There are two types of trail mix in the world. The kind made to fuel you to hike a mountain, and the other kind made to nourish your soul as one episode accidentally turns into six. This vegan monster trail mix is most certainly the second kind. It's sweet, salty, and comes together in 5 minutes.
Target's Monster trail mix catches my eye anytime I wander down the snack aisle. This is the vegan version that uses simple ingredients to nail the same sweet and salty combination. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and just perfect for movie night.
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Vegan monster trail mix ingredients
- Popcorn: I use Lesser Evil Himalayan Pink Salt organic popcorn. It's lightly salted and serves as the perfect base with a light and airy crunch.
- Salted peanuts: add a satisfying crunch and savory depth. The salt on the peanuts is what makes the sweet and salty balance work.
- Raw almonds: whole or sliced, both work. Adds a buttery richness and extra crunch.
- Raisins: the natural sweetener that ties everything together. Chewy, sweet, and essential.
- Unreal dark chocolate crispy quinoa gems: the vegan M&M alternative. If you'd like an even nuttier variation, Unreal also makes these dark chocolate peanut gems. Substitute with dairy-free chocolate chips if you can't find them near you.
- Pumpkin seeds: add a subtle nuttiness and an extra nutrient boost.
- Mini chocolate chips: optional but highly recommended for extra chocolatey goodness. I use Enjoy Life semi-sweet mini chips.
How to make vegan monster trail mix
This recipe is super simple - no baking, no cooking, just a few ingredients combined in a bowl.
1. Combine everything, except the popcorn
Add the peanuts, almonds, raisins, pumpkin seeds, Unreal gems, and chocolate chips to a large bowl. Stir to combine so everything is evenly distributed, leading to the perfect ratio of sweet to salty in each bite.
2. Add the popcorn
Add the popcorn and gently toss everything together. Using a large bowl with a lid is easiest but you can use a wooden spoon alternatively. Go easy here as you want the popcorn to stay intact rather than getting crushed into the mix.
3. Serve or store
Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container. See the storage section below for best results.
Ways to make it your own
Ingredient swaps
- Popcorn: omit or use puffed cereal of choice.
- Peanuts: salted cashews or pistachios work beautifully.
- Raw almonds: swap for pecans, walnuts, or cashews.
- Raisins: substitute with dried cherries, chopped dates, or dried cranberries
- Unreal crispy gems: swap with dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks.
- Pumpkin seeds: omit or use sunflower seeds instead.
Add more sweetness Banana chips, vegan marshmallows, vegan white chocolate chips, or dried mango.
Add more saltiness Gluten-free pretzels, cashews, or pistachios.
Peanut butter edition Add peanut butter stuffed pretzels for a salty, nutty twist that takes this mix to another level.
Monster trail mix bark Melt 1½ cups dairy-free chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Pour onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and generously top with the trail mix — hold the popcorn. Freeze for 20 minutes until or until hardened, then break apart and enjoy.
More sweet and salty recipes
Storing homemade monster trail mix
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. The popcorn will naturally lose its crunch over time so this mix is best enjoyed within the first few days. If you want to extend the life of the mix, store the popcorn separately and add just before serving.
📋 Recipe
Vegan Monster Trail Mix
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups Lesser Evil Himalayan Pink Salt Organic Popcorn
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- ½ cup almonds, whole or sliced
- ⅓ cup raisins
- ⅓ cup Unreal dark chocolate crispy quinoa gems
- ⅓ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Add the peanuts, almonds, raisins, pumpkin seeds, Unreal gems, and chocolate chips to a large bowl. Stir to combine so everything is evenly distributed for the perfect ratio of sweet to salty in each bite.
- Add the popcorn and gently toss everything together. A large bowl with a lid is easiest so you can just seal and shake, but a wooden spoon works well too. Go easy either way so the popcorn doesn't get crushed.
- Enjoy immediately or transfer to an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Unreal gems: found at Whole Foods, Target, and natural local markets. Online Thrive Market and Amazon. Substitute with dairy-free chocolate chips if needed.
- Popcorn: best enjoyed within the first few days before it loses its crunch. Store separately if making ahead.
- Customization: see the variations section above for swap ideas, a peanut butter edition, and the monster trail mix bark recipe.
Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite add-in to the mix, and what you're currently binge watching. xo, Morgan
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