GORP {aka the original trail mix}

With a little bit of sweet and salty deliciousness in every bite, GORP is a snack mix that my family devours every time we make it. Luckily for all of us, the trail mix is ​​easy and hassle-free to prepare.

GORP is the classic trail mix you probably remember from your childhood and I’m happy to report that it’s just as delicious as I remembered. Whether it’s for a short road trip, a movie night, or a longer camping trip, GORP has long been our favorite.

What is GORP?

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

I grew up eating GORP when my family was out. A variation of this recipe has always been our favorite mix. My family usually made their trail mix with peanuts, raisins, and M&Ms or chocolate chips.

I have been traveling extensively over the past 6 weeks and have a constant need for quick, easy and tasty snacks on the go. There are so many packaged snacks out there these days, but GORP remains the travel-friendly snack I grab the most.

GORP

Trail mix is ​​the perfect sweet and salty snack for long days driving or exploring a new city on the way.

GORP probably became THE travel food (and the snack-hikers took it on long journeys) because it’s easy to pack and carry and doesn’t spoil. Luckily for a ready meal, it’s also quite nutritious!

The mix of dried fruit for energy and nuts for protein and fat helps keep hunger pangs at bay and keeps you energized throughout the travel day.

However, GORP is also one of my favorite evening snacks or to have in my bag for a long day of errands. This trail mix mix is ​​easy to dose in Ziploc bags or small serving containers, and is also ideal for lunch packing and stashing in backpacks.

This handy square snack mix container has a permanent place in my RV kitchen and we all reach for it often. I probably mixed a lot of GORP at least once if not twice a week all summer.

GORP recipe

I’ve made countless trail mix combinations over the years, some fancy, some not so much. I always use my four favorite ingredients: nuts, raisins, M&Ms, and honey-nut Cheerios.

The Honey Nut Cheerios are a MUST for me. I love the sweet crunch and they help keep it a little lighter. While I’m not the calorie counting type, I don’t like feeling lethargic after eating a decent bowl.

I also find that adding grains to my GORP makes for a more satisfying variety of textures and flavors compared to the variety that only has nuts and raisins.

What is included in GORP?

To make GORP, simply combine honey nut cheerios, raisins, nuts, and M&Ms in a container and mix well. Munch on right away or keep in the pantry until the next craving.

If you’re not a fan of peanuts or are aware of a peanut allergy, feel free to experiment with using different types of nuts in this recipe. I myself like the variety of using a mixed combination of nuts in the snack mix. It would also taste great with all almonds or all cashews.

I keep the snack mix in an old Costco mixed nut container. I guess I could say a “recycled” or “reused” container and that would be way trendier.

But honestly? I just love Costco’s square containers for their space-saving storage and the fact that I can already buy them and reuse them. I keep flour, sugar, nuts, dried fruit and countless other pantry items in these handy containers.

This trail mix contains chocolate candies. So be sure to keep your trail mix in a place cool enough so the chocolate doesn’t melt.

Still, I’ve had GORP in a lot of hot cars and I’ve been fine. Sure, the M&Ms might get a bit soft in your hands, but that’s part of the fun!

Cooking Tip: For this recipe, I use these measuring cups and these containers (see above).

How to make GORP

1. Combine Cheerios, raisins, nuts, and candy in a large bowl.
2. Stir well to mix everything thoroughly.
3. Transfer to an airtight container or individually portioned ziplock bags.

GORP trail mix

While GORP is the most original, easiest, and truly favorite trail mix mix I’ve ever had, I enjoy just about any variation of trail mix you can make. I’ve tried adding granola pieces to my trail mix mix and was blown away by the added flavor and crunch of this peanut butter chocolate granola.

Speaking of muesli: did you know that you can prepare muesli in a casserole? This was a revelation for me last year and I may never use the oven to make granola again.

Slow cooker granola is a lifesaver when I want homemade granola this summer. I no longer have to fire up the stove and expose my family to even more heat when it’s hot outside. We can offer muesli and muesli student mix all year round.

This Cherry Chocolate Pistachio Student Mix looks heavenly and I can’t wait to make it for our next family game night. You can’t go wrong with the combination of cherry and chocolate flavors.

I’m also intrigued by the use of crunchy chickpeas in this roasted chickpea snack mix and have added it to my list to take as a treat on a future road trip.

I’m usually a pretty simple girl when it comes to my trail mixes, which is perhaps why GORP continues to hold number one in my heart. Nevertheless, every now and then I love an unusual and enjoyable snack mix.

{originally posted 7/13/18 – recipe notes and photos updated 6/1/23}