GORP {a.k.a. the original trail mix}

GORP is the snack mix your family will devour every time it’s made, with a hint of sweet and salty flavor in every bite. Luckily, this is a no-fuss, easy trail mix.

GORP is the classic trail mix you probably remember from childhood, and I’m happy to report that it tastes just as good as I remembered it. Whether it’s a quick road trip, movie night, or extended camping trip, GORP has been a longtime favorite for all of us.

What is GORP?

GORP is an acronym for “good old raisins and peanuts” and according to some, this was the first trail mix. Chocolate is traditionally included in most of his GORP recipes. Today, GORP and trail mix are more or less synonymous.

I grew up munching on GORP every time my family took a trip. Some of the variations on this recipe have always been trail mix of our choice. My family usually made trail mixes with peanuts, raisins, M&MS or chocolate chips.

I’ve traveled a lot over the past 6 weeks, so I’m always in need of quick, easy, and delicious snacks to enjoy on the go. There are a lot of prepackaged snacks out there these days, but GORP is still the perfect travel snack.

Gorp

Trail mix is ​​the perfect sweet and salty snack for a long drive or a few days spent exploring a new city.

GORP probably became a travel food (and snack hikers took on long trails) because it’s easy to pack and transport and doesn’t spoil. Luckily, it’s pretty nutritious for a ready-to-eat meal.

A blend of dried fruit for energy and nuts for protein and fat will help you curb hunger and keep you energized for the duration of your trip.

That said, GORP is also one of my favorite snacks to have in my bag for a night out or a long day of errands. This trail mix fits easily into a ziplock bag or smaller container, making it perfect for packing in your lunch or backpack.

This handy square canister of snack mix is ​​a regular fixture in my camper’s kitchen, and we all reach for it often. All summer long, I mixed up batches of GORP at least once, if not maybe twice a week.

goop recipe

Over the years, I’ve made countless trail mix combinations, some flashy, some not so much. I always go back to my favorite basic 4 ingredients: Nuts, Raisins, M&MS and Honey Nut Cheerio.

Honey Nut Cheerios are a must for me. I love a sweet crunch so it helps lighten it up a bit. I’m not the type of woman who cares about calories, but I don’t like being lethargic by eating a decent-sized bowl.

We also found that adding cereal to GORP made the variety of textures and flavors more satisfying compared to using only nuts and raisins.

What’s in GORP?

To make GORP, simply combine Honey Nut Cheerios, Raisins, Nuts and M&Ms in a container and mix well. Eat it right away or stash it in the pantry until your next appetite.

If you don’t like peanuts or have a peanut allergy, try using different types of nuts in this recipe. I personally like using mixed nuts in my snack mix. Any almonds or any cashews would be nice too.

I store my snack mixes in an old mixed nut container at Costco. Speaking of “recycled” or “reused” containers, I think that would be much more trendy.

But really? I like Costco’s square containers because they are space-saving and can be reused since they are already purchased. I store flour, sugar, nuts, dried fruit, and countless other groceries in these convenient containers.

Because this trail mix contains chocolate candy, keep the trail mix in a cool place to keep the chocolate from melting.

That said, I’ve taken the GORP in a lot of hot cars and it’s been fine. Sure, the M&M might be a little soft in your hand, but that’s one of the fun things about him.

Kitchen Tips: I Use This measuring cup and these container (see above) Make this recipe.

How to make GORP

1. Mix the cheerios, raisins, nuts and candies in a large bowl.
2. Stir well to mix thoroughly.
3. Transfer to an airtight container or individual resealable bags.

GORP trail mix

GORP is the original, simplest, and truly the most beloved trail mix I’ve had in my life, but I enjoy just about any kind of trail mix you can make. I tried adding a bit of granola to my trail mix and loved the added flavor and crunch from this peanut butter chocolate chip granola.

Speaking of granola, did you know that you can make granola in a clay pot? It was an epiphany for me last year, but I may never use my oven to make granola again.

Slow cooker granola is a lifesaver when you crave homemade granola in the summer. No more exposing your family to extra heat by lighting the oven when it’s hot outside. Granola and Granola Trail Mix are great all year round.

This Cherry Chocolate Pistachio Trail Mix looks great and I can’t wait to mix a batch for our next family game night! Combine cherry and chocolate flavors and you can’t go wrong.

I also like the fact that it contains crispy chickpeas. roasted chickpea snack mix I’ve added it to my list for shopping on future road trips.

I’m usually a very simple girl when it comes to trail mixes. Maybe that’s why she keeps GORP number one in my heart. Still, I love snack mixes that are luxurious and indulgent from time to time.

{First published 13 July 2018 – Recipe notes and photos updated 1 June 23}