Trail mix is a type of
snack mix, typically a combination of
granola,
dried fruit,
nuts, and sometimes
candy, developed as a food to be taken along on
hikes. Trail mix is a popular snack food for hikes, because it is lightweight, easy to store, and nutritious, providing a quick energy boost from the carbohydrates in the dried fruit or granola, and sustained energy from fat in nuts.
In New Zealand, trail mix is known as scroggin or schmogle.[2] In Australia, the term "scroggin" is used almost exclusively, although in more recent years, "trail mix" has been imported into the jargon from the US. Some claim that the name stands for sultanas, carob, raisins, orange peel, grains, glucose, and nuts or alternatively sultanas, chocolate, raisins and other goody-goodies including nuts; but this may be a
backronym.[3]
The American term gorp is often used by
campers and
hikers in North America. Most recognize gorp to be an acronym for its four main ingredients, "granola, oats, raisins, and peanuts." Some claim it's an acronym for "good ol' raisins and peanuts."[4] The Oxford English Dictionary cites a 1913 reference to the verb gorp, meaning "to eat greedily," so the acronyms may be
folk etymology or
backronyms.
In Germany, Poland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and several other European countries, trail mix is called student
fodder,student oats or student mix in the local languages. It usually does not include chocolate.
There are common trail mix varieties, which are commonly made at home, or can commonly be found pre-mixed in supermarkets by numerous producers.[5][6][7]
Asia mix (sometimes called Zen mix): peanuts, sesame sticks,
rice crackers, and soybeans.
Cape Cod trail mix (sometimes called
Northeastern): almonds, cashews, and dried cranberries.
Hawaiian trail mix (also known as Tropical):
pineapple,
mango, banana chips, coconut, and cashews.[8]
Mexican trail mix (also called Sweet and Spicy):
mango, sunflower seeds, pepitas, raisins, and
chili powder.[9]
Monster trail mix (or Peanut Butter and Chocolate): peanut butter chips, peanuts,
M&M's, and sometimes either or both raisins and cranberries.
Omega-3 trail mix: cashews, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon apples pieces.[10][11]