Trailing Mix with M&Ms Recipe
If you love a crunchy, colorful, no-bake snack that makes both kids and adults happy, this Trailing Mix with M&Ms Recipe is about to become your new pantry staple.
I call this my “trailing” mix because, honestly, it follows us everywhere—road trips, movie nights, backyard cookouts, even my husband’s golf bag. This easy trail mix recipe is a sweet and salty snack mix loaded with nuts, crunchy cereal, pretzels, and bright chocolate candy. It’s the kind of chocolate candy trail mix that looks party-ready but takes just minutes to throw together.
This Trailing Mix with M&Ms Recipe also checks a lot of boxes: it’s a no bake snack mix, it stores well, and it’s simple to customize for holidays, kids’ snack mix bags, or lunch boxes. You can keep it on the healthier side with whole nuts and whole-grain cereal, or lean into a colorful candy snack mix with extra M&Ms and chocolate chips.
On busy weeks, I make a big batch on Sunday, portion it into small containers, and suddenly snack time isn’t a battle—it’s handled.
Why You’ll Love This Trailing Mix with M&Ms Recipe
- No oven, no fuss – This is a totally no-bake snack mix; you just measure, mix, and eat.
- Ready in 10 minutes – Faster than a run to the store for packaged trail mix with M&Ms.
- Sweet and salty balance – Crunchy pretzels, nuts, and creamy chocolate hit all the snack cravings at once.
- Perfect for kids and adults – Think game nights, lunch boxes, desk snacks, and road-trip fuel.
- Customizable and seasonal – Swap in holiday M&Ms colors or favorite nuts and dried fruit.
- Budget-friendly – Making homemade trail mix recipe-style snacks at home costs less than most store brands.
- Great make-ahead snack – Stays fresh for weeks in an airtight container, so you can prep once and enjoy often.
- Party-ready – A colorful candy snack mix that looks festive in bowls, jars, or snack bags.
Ingredients
Here’s exactly what you’ll need for this crunchy sweet trail mix. This makes about 8 cups of mix, which is great for a family or a small get-together.
- 1 ½ cups lightly salted roasted peanuts
- (Or use half peanuts, half cashews for a softer bite.)
- 1 cup whole almonds, roasted and unsalted
- You can use dry roasted or raw; roasted adds more flavor.
- 1 cup mini pretzels or pretzel twists
- Sticks work too; smaller shapes cling to the candy better.
- 2 cups whole-grain cereal (like Cheerios or a similar “O” cereal)
- This adds bulk and crunch without being too heavy.
- ½ cup salted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- These give nice texture and extra nutrition.
- 1 cup classic M&Ms (plain)
- The star of this Trailing Mix with M&Ms Recipe; use regular-size for maximum color.
- ½ cup peanut M&Ms (optional but delicious)
- Great if you love a chocolate peanut trail mix vibe.
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chocolate chunks (semi-sweet or milk)
- Adds even more chocolate candy trail mix goodness.
- ¾ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- Adds chewiness and natural sweetness; cranberries are great for a tart contrast.
- ¼ cup shredded coconut, unsweetened or sweetened (optional)
- Toasted coconut adds a lovely nutty note if you have time.
Ingredient Tips:
- For a more wholesome m&ms nut mix, use unsalted nuts and reduce pretzels slightly.
- For a more indulgent party snack mix recipe, use sweetened coconut and extra chocolate chips.
- If nut allergies are a concern, skip the nuts and double the seeds and cereal—still tasty and safe for more people.
Directions
-
Prep a big mixing bowl
Grab the largest mixing bowl you own—trail mix always seems to grow as you add ingredients. A wide bowl lets you combine everything without spilling half on the counter. -
Add the nuts first
Pour in the peanuts and almonds. Give them a quick toss with your hands or a large spoon. Starting with heavier ingredients makes it easier to get an even mix later. -
Stir in pretzels and cereal
Add the mini pretzels and your whole-grain cereal. Gently fold them in so you don’t crush the cereal too much. You want big, crunchy bites in every handful. -
Mix in the seeds
Sprinkle in the sunflower seeds or pepitas. These tiny pieces like to sink, so take a minute to really stir from the bottom up. This keeps them from hiding at the bottom of the bowl. -
Add dried fruit
Add raisins or dried cranberries. If your dried fruit is stuck together, use clean fingers to separate any big clumps so they spread out evenly. -
Fold in the M&Ms
Now for the fun part—add your M&Ms and peanut M&Ms, if using. Gently fold until the color is nicely distributed. This is where the mix starts to look like a kids snack mix recipe from a party table. -
Finish with chocolate chips and coconut
Add chocolate chips and coconut (if using). Stir just until combined. Try not to over-mix at this stage; you don’t want the chocolate chips to get scuffed or broken. -
Taste and adjust
Take a small handful and taste. If you want more sweet, add another small handful of M&Ms or chocolate chips. If it feels too sweet, stir in a little more cereal or pretzels for balance. -
Portion and store
Transfer the trailing mix with M&Ms to airtight containers or snack-size bags. For portion control (I speak from experience here), use ½-cup or ¾-cup portions for grab-and-go snacks.
Servings & Timing
- Yield: About 8 cups of trail mix (roughly 10–12 snack servings)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill/Rest Time: None required (though 10–15 minutes in the fridge can help chocolate stay firm on a hot day)
- Total Time: About 10 minutes from start to finish
If you’re prepping this as a party snack mix recipe, I recommend making it a few hours ahead so the flavors settle in a bit. But you can absolutely make it and serve it right away.
Variations
You know what? This Trailing Mix with M&Ms Recipe is almost like a base “template” snack—once you get the hang of it, you can play.
- Holiday Trail Mix with M&Ms – Use red and green M&Ms for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or team colors for sports parties.
- Nut-Free School Snack Mix – Skip nuts and use extra seeds, pretzels, cereal, and dried fruit for a school-safe kids snack mix recipe.
- High-Protein M&Ms Nut Mix – Add extra almonds, pistachios, and peanuts, and reduce cereal for a more filling snack.
- Tropical Crunchy Sweet Trail Mix – Use dried pineapple, mango, toasted coconut, and white chocolate chips.
- Spicy-Sweet Snack Mix – Use chili-lime peanuts and add a pinch of cayenne to the nuts before mixing.
- Breakfast Trail Mix – Add banana chips and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and pair with Greek yogurt for an easy breakfast bowl.
Storage & Reheating
No real “reheating” here, but storage does matter for crunch and freshness.
-
Room Temperature:
Store your trail mix with M&Ms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry pantry away from sunlight so the chocolate doesn’t get too soft. -
Refrigerator:
If your kitchen runs warm, you can store this crunchy sweet trail mix in the fridge for up to 1 month. The chocolate stays firm, and the nuts keep their crunch. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. -
Freezer:
Yes, you can freeze it. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw on the counter for 15–20 minutes before eating. It’s actually good a little cold and extra crunchy. -
Make-Ahead Tip:
For parties, make this no bake snack mix up to 5 days in advance. Keep it sealed; give it a quick stir or shake right before serving to redistribute any bits that settled.
Notes
A few little things I’ve learned while testing (and snacking on) this Trailing Mix with M&Ms Recipe:
- Balance is key. If the mix feels “off,” it’s usually a sweet–salty balance issue. Add more pretzels or cereal if it’s too sweet; more candy or dried fruit if it’s too salty or plain.
- Use what you have. This is a pantry-clearing recipe. Leftover cereal, the last handful of nuts, that half-bag of M&Ms from Halloween—they all work.
- Stir gently. If you stir too hard, you’ll crush the cereal and pretzels and end up with crumbs at the bottom of the bowl (which are still delicious sprinkled over yogurt).
- Tiny hands love tiny pieces. For younger kids, use mini pretzels, mini chocolate chips, and smaller nuts like peanuts instead of big almonds.
- Label portions. If you’re tracking snacks for lunches or road trips, label bags with portions like “½ cup” or “snack size” so it’s easy for everyone to grab the right amount.
- Allergy-aware. When making this for parties or school, keep a nut-free batch separate and label containers clearly. It’s a small step that makes a big difference for families with allergies.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of M&Ms in this recipe?
Yes. Peanut, peanut butter, mini M&Ms, or crispy M&Ms all work well. Just keep the total amount of candy about the same.
How do I make this trail mix with M&Ms a little healthier?
Use unsalted nuts, whole-grain cereal, extra seeds, and slightly reduce the chocolate candy trail mix components like M&Ms and chocolate chips. You’ll still get sweetness without going overboard.
Is this safe for kids with nut allergies?
Only if you make it nut-free. Skip all nuts and use extra pretzels, cereal, seeds, and dried fruit. Always check labels to be sure they’re made in nut-free facilities if needed.
Can I halve or double this recipe?
Absolutely. This is a very flexible homemade trail mix recipe. Just keep the ratios similar and grab a bowl big enough if you’re doubling.
Why is my trail mix getting soft or stale quickly?
It’s usually from moisture in the dried fruit or a container that’s not sealed tightly. Make sure everything is fully cooled and dry, and always store in airtight containers.
Can I add popcorn to this mix?
Yes, but add it right before serving. Popcorn gets stale faster than the other ingredients, so it’s best for same-day snacking.
Is this a good option for party favors?
Yes! This party snack mix recipe looks fantastic in clear treat bags or small mason jars. Add a ribbon or label and you’ve got an easy, colorful gift.
Can I use white chocolate instead of regular chocolate chips?
You can. White chocolate makes this sweet and creamy; you might want to balance it with extra pretzels or salted nuts.
Conclusion
This Trailing Mix with M&Ms Recipe is one of those simple, reliable snacks that just fits into real life—busy weeks, long drives, last-minute gatherings, and those late-night “I need something crunchy” moments. It’s colorful, customizable, and quick, with that classic sweet and salty snack mix flavor everyone seems to love.
Give it a try, tweak it to your family’s taste, and let me know in the comments what your favorite variation is. And if you love easy trail mix recipes like this, make sure to check out my other no-bake snacks and road-trip-friendly treats on the blog.
Trailing Mix with M&Ms
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups lightly salted roasted peanuts or use half peanuts, half cashews for a softer bite
- 1 cup whole almonds roasted and unsalted; dry roasted or raw both work, roasted adds more flavor
- 1 cup mini pretzels or pretzel twists sticks work too; smaller shapes cling to the candy better
- 2 cups whole-grain cereal such as Cheerios or a similar “O” cereal
- 1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1 cup classic M&Ms plain; regular size for maximum color
- 1/2 cup peanut M&Ms optional but delicious
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chocolate chunks semi-sweet or milk chocolate
- 3/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut unsweetened or sweetened; optional, toasted if desired
Instructions
- Grab the largest mixing bowl you own so you have plenty of room to toss the ingredients without spilling.
- Add the peanuts and almonds to the bowl and give them a quick toss. Starting with the heavier ingredients makes it easier to mix everything evenly later.
- Add the mini pretzels and whole-grain cereal. Gently fold them in so you don’t crush the cereal; you want big, crunchy pieces in every handful.
- Sprinkle in the sunflower seeds or pepitas. Stir from the bottom up so the smaller pieces don’t sink and hide at the bottom of the bowl.
- Add the raisins or dried cranberries. If the dried fruit is clumped together, separate any big pieces with clean fingers so it distributes evenly.
- Add the classic M&Ms and peanut M&Ms, if using. Gently fold until the colorful candies are evenly distributed throughout the mix.
- Add the chocolate chips or chunks and the shredded coconut, if using. Stir just until combined so the chocolate pieces don’t get scuffed or broken.
- Taste a small handful. Add more M&Ms or chocolate chips if you’d like it sweeter, or more cereal or pretzels if you want extra crunch or less sweetness.
- Transfer the trail mix to airtight containers or snack-size bags. For grab-and-go snacks, portion into 1/2–3/4 cup servings.
