Looking for a quick and nutritious snack that's both delicious and easy to make? This Zinc-Rich Trail Mix featuring pumpkin seeds, almonds, and dark chocolate is the perfect blend of taste and health. Ready in just 5 minutes, this trail mix is ideal for on-the-go snacking, hiking trips, or a midday energy boost. Packed with essential nutrients like zinc, antioxidants, and healthy fats, it's not just a treat for your taste buds but also a boon for your overall well-being. Plus, it's vegan, gluten-free, and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences.
Prep / Cook / Total Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Serves
Serves: 8
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Total Carbs: 20g
Total Calories: 250
Total Protein: 6g
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds, almonds, dark chocolate chunks, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, dried apricots, and coconut flakes (if using).
- Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Dietary Information
Gluten Free: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes
Vegan: Yes
Contains Nuts: Yes
Health Benefits of This Trail Mix
- Pumpkin Seeds: A key ingredient in this trail mix, pumpkin seeds are packed with zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Zinc is essential for immune support, wound healing, and DNA synthesis, making this trail mix a nutritious choice for daily health.
- Almonds: Almonds bring a dose of vitamin E, fibre, and healthy monounsaturated fats to this trail mix, helping to lower cholesterol levels, support heart health, and provide sustained energy.
- Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa or higher) in this trail mix is rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids, which can improve heart health, enhance brain function, and boost mood.
- Sunflower Seeds: High in vitamin E and selenium, sunflower seeds in this trail mix help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, promoting healthy skin and immune function.
- Dried Cranberries and Apricots: Adding natural sweetness, these dried fruits in the trail mix provide dietary fibre, essential vitamins, and minerals that aid digestion and offer a quick energy boost.
- Coconut Flakes (Optional): Coconut flakes offer medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that provide quick energy and support metabolic health, making this trail mix both tasty and beneficial for sustained energy.
