Gluten Free Sugar Free Tropical Trail Mix

Gluten Free Tropical Trail Mix Recipe

Have you ever needed a healthy, convenient, gluten free snack to take with you when traveling, going to the park or to pack into your kidsschool lunches (yep, it is almost that time already!) and thought to yourself “trail mix,” only to be outraged at the price of one tiny little packet? I mean seriously, what’s in that stuff, gold nuggets? Plus, have you seen some of the stuff they put in those trail mixes?  Like M & Ms.  The hubby is addicted to it and he thinks because it is called “trail mix,” it is good for you!  At the risk of repeating myself, SERIOUSLY?!?

Making your own trail mix is a pretty darn smart thing to do. For the cost of about two tiny packets, you can make a whole batch – enough to feed a whole soccer team. And you can totally control the ingredients. It is also dead simple to prepare.

This recipe is gluten, dairy and sugar free, packed with all sort of nutritious ingredients that taste great together and is so much better for you than 99% of the packaged trail mix you can buy (okay – that 99% is not a scientific number. I just made that up, but it is probably true).

Coconut has a list of health benefits a mile long which include improving digestion and the absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids (so important for those with gluten sensitivity), boosting energy and endurance, killing viruses and reducing inflammation.

Almonds are great for improving brain development, are packed with protein, relieve constipation and other digestive issues and boost energy.

Macadamia nuts are also protein packed, a good source of your vitamin Bs and heart healthy fats.

Pumpkin seeds also reduce inflammation, are a natural treatment for parasites and a great source of magnesium.

Pineapples are rich in vitamin C and help ward off colds and such, strengthen the bones and help keep your gums healthy.

Mangos are a great source of antioxidants, help improve eye heath, boost the immune system and are even said to improve your sex life.

OK, so you get the idea, this stuff is really good for you. But almost as important (maybe even more because if it doesn’t taste good, no one will eat it) is how flavorful this is. It’s got an island-inspired tropical taste thanks to the macadamia nuts, coconut flakes and freeze dried pineapples and mangoes. Since macadamia nuts tend to be pricey, I filled it with less expensive almond slices and pumpkin seeds. For a bit of color, I added some freeze-dried strawberries; that little pop of red makes it pretty and adds yet another element of sugar free sweetness.

As a little side note, I took away the hubby’s bowl of trail mix that is packed with M & Ms and all sorts of other sugary things and replaced it with this – as I write this, he is happily munching away and doesn’t even miss those M & Ms!

So seriously, there is no reason to break the bank with portable, healthy, gluten free snacks – make your own trail mix at home and make your family a little healthier and really, really happy!

Gluten Free Tropical Trail Mix

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Gluten Free Sugar Free Tropical Trail Mix
Print Recipe

Gluten Free Tropical Trail Mix Recipe

Prep Time10 mins
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 708kcal
Author: Gluten Free & More

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sliced almonds
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 cup macadamia nuts
  • 1 cup roasted salted pumpkin seeds
  • 1 (1.5 ounce) bag freeze dried pineapple
  • 1 (1.5 ounce) bag freeze dried mango
  • 1 (1 ounce) bag freeze dried strawberries

Instructions

  • Place the almonds and coconut flakes in a large, dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring often until the coconut and almonds are fragrant and toasted, about 6 minutes. Let cool completely.
  • Put the toasted coconut and almonds into a mixing bowl along with the remaining ingredients and combine. Break the pineapple into smaller pieces if desired. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Gluten Free Tropical Trail Mix Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 708 Calories from Fat 396
% Daily Value*
Fat 44g68%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 172mg57%
Sodium 139mg6%
Potassium 1335mg38%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 6g24%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 69g138%
Vitamin C 1.9mg2%
Calcium 102mg10%
Iron 3.5mg19%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owner’s. This blog accepts free manufacturers’ samples and forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. Affiliate links may be included in this post.

Disclaimer: All nutrition facts on Gluten Free & More are meant only as a guide and may differ depending on product brands used or ingredient substitutions. Some errors may occur, so you are encouraged to confirm the recipe’s ingredient and nutrition suitability for your own diet.
Have you tried this recipe? Give it a star rating and let us know your thoughts in the Ratings & Reviews section below.
Tags: Dairy Free Fruit Gluten-Free Gluten-Free Recipes Nuts Trail Mix Tropical
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  1. August 6, 2012

    Yum, this is my kind of snack!

    1. Gluten Free & More
      August 7, 2012

      Thanks Cara, so happy my hubby is eating this instead of that junk!

  2. August 8, 2012

    Yum Yum Yum!
    But you could eat this also as a nutricious breakfast with some home-made cashew milk!

    1. Gluten Free & More
      August 9, 2012

      You know Sohpie, I think you are right!

  3. Joy
    August 8, 2012

    Love it! And yes, so much healthier than most of those trail mixes out there.

    1. Gluten Free & More
      August 9, 2012

      I could not agree more!

  4. August 8, 2012

    Strawberries with mango and pineapple? That sounds like an amazing twist Carol!

    1. Gluten Free & More
      August 9, 2012

      Thanks Alisa! It is so yummy!

  5. Pingback: Almond Chai Breakfast Clusters (grain-free) | Daily Bites | Healthy Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free Recipes

  6. Crystal
    October 29, 2013

    Where do you purchase your nuts? I have noticed that most nuts (even the raw ones) are labeled as “Produced in a facility that also produces wheat” or “may contain traces of wheat” etc. thank you!

    1. CarolKicinski
      October 30, 2013

      I buy my nuts from Publix, they mark everything that is gluten free as such. It is better to buy individual varieties and mix them instead of already mixed. Also check online

  7. I was suggested this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by
    him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble. You’re incredible!

    Thanks!

    1. Gluten Free & More
      August 28, 2014

      Hi,
      haha thank you so much! That’s too funny. Please continue to enjoy my recipes!
      xo,
      Carol

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