GORP Mix – A Beautiful Mess

GORP Mix stands for “Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts.” This is a classic, sweet and salty trail mix recipe. It’s super simple to throw together with only four ingredients: raisins, peanuts, M&Ms and Cheerios. There are many ways to customize this recipe, which we will share. This is a nostalgic family recipe—a memory you will cherish.

Related: Homemade Chex Mix, Churro Chex Mix, Autumn Trail Mix.

Ingredients in Gorp Mix

• Raisins – Raisins are a classic snack mix choice. You can also choose dried cranberries or dried cherries if you prefer.
• Peanuts – Choose classic roasted, salted peanuts or a nut mixture.
• M&Ms – Brighten up the mix. You can easily customize it to a season or holiday by using colored M&Ms that fit your theme.
• Honey Nut Cheerios – Many versions of trail mix are made with granola and I enjoy this simple, nostalgic departure. Honey Nut Cheerios are my top choice, but choose any cereal that appeals most to you.

What is Gorp Mix?

There are several origin stories for GORP mix. The first is that it stands for “Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts.” Others believe it stands for “Granola, Oats, Raisins and Peanuts.” A third explanation is that the 1913 reference in the Oxford English Dictionary defines the word “gorp” as a verb meaning “to eat greedily.”

Gorp Mix has been a top choice for camping, hiking or road trips and I tend to associate gorp trail mix with the autumn season or as a great movie night or bonfire snack.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine raisins, peanuts, M&Ms and Cheerios. Stir to combine. Store your mixture in an airtight container until ready to eat.

Tips for Making

• Storage – As long as you keep the mixture in an airtight container, it will be good for several weeks. I recommend scooping servings into small bowls rather than eating from the container to keep it as fresh as possible.
• Tradition – This is an excellent food to make as a tradition such as a yearly road trip to visit family or an annual camping trip. It’s a core memory waiting to happen.
• Festive Colors – Choose festive colored M&Ms to make this mix perfect for Christmas, Halloween or the 4th of July. I love it with Reese’s Pieces for autumn.

Gorp Mix Variations

• Chocolate – Mix up your chocolate selection by choosing peanut M&Ms, chocolate chips, peanut butter M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces or chocolate covered nuts.
• Cereal – There are so many cereals I can imagine being delicious for this mixture, including Honey Ohs, Chocolate Cheerios or Strawberry Cheerios. Cereal adds a satisfying crunch texture to your snack mix.
• Dried Fruit – Choose a variety of dried fruit, including golden raisins, dried apricots, banana chips, dried coconut, dried peaches, dried mango or dried strawberries.
• Nuts and Seeds – I love almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts and pistachios. Choose your favorite nuts for this recipe.
• More Ideas – Try mini pretzels, yogurt covered raisins, rye bagel chips or Cheese-Its and other small crackers like Goldfish. Peanut butter chips make a wonderful addition.