Last updated: May 23, 2026
Trail mix is the unsung hero of the snack world. It's portable, satisfying, nutritious, and infinitely customizable. We've tested dozens of brands to bring you this comprehensive ranking guide.
What Makes a Great Trail Mix?
The ideal trail mix has: Nuts (40-50%) for protein, Dried fruit (20-30%) for natural sweetness, Seeds (10-15%) for extra nutrition, and Extras (10-20%) like chocolate for fun.
Top Trail Mix Brands Ranked
S-Tier: The Best
1. Kirkland Signature (Costco) - Rating: 9.5/10. Unbeatable value and quality. Dark chocolate chunks with cashews, almonds, and cranberries.
2. Sahale Snacks - Rating: 9.3/10. Premium gourmet mixes with unique flavors. Worth every penny.
3. Trader Joe's - Rating: 9.0/10. Great variety at reasonable prices. Try the Trek Mix or Omega Trek Mix.
A-Tier: Excellent Choices
4. SunRidge Farms - Rating: 8.7/10. Organic options that don't sacrifice taste.
5. Second Nature - Rating: 8.5/10. Widely available with consistent quality.
6. Kar's Nuts - Rating: 8.3/10. The convenience store king with surprisingly good quality.
B-Tier: Solid Options
7. Blue Diamond Almonds - Rating: 8.0/10. Almond-forward mixes with bold flavors.
8. Planters - Rating: 7.8/10. Reliable if unexciting.
How to Build Your Own Trail Mix
The Formula: 2 parts nuts + 1 part seeds + 1 part dried fruit + 1/2 part extras + pinch of salt.
Best Combos: Classic (peanuts, almonds, cashews), Premium (cashews, macadamias, pecans), Tropical (macadamias + mango + coconut).
FAQ
Is trail mix healthy? It can be! Watch portion sizes - a serving is only 1/4 cup.
How many calories? Most run 140-180 calories per 1/4 cup serving.
How long does it last? Unopened: 6-12 months. Opened: 2-3 months for best quality.
Where to Buy
Best for value: Costco, Trader Joe's. Best for variety: Whole Foods, specialty stores like StackCart. Best for quality: Nuts.com, local co-ops.
Looking for trail mix? Stop by StackCart at 77 West State St in Granby, MA. We carry varieties you won't find at big box stores!
StackCart is your local snack destination. Visit us at 77 West State St or shop online at stack-cart.com.