Can I make Zoo Trail Mix ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare Zoo Trail Mix one or two days before serving it. Mix the ingredients gently, divide the trail mix into airtight bags or containers, and store it in a cool, dry place. Use freshly opened crackers and completely cooled popcorn for the best texture. Keep the portions away from heat, sunlight, and humidity.

What can I substitute for M&M's in Zoo Trail Mix?

You can replace M&M's with chocolate chips, yogurt-covered raisins, dried cranberries, mini marshmallows, raisins, banana chips, or colorful cereal. For a candy-free version, use dried fruit, cereal, or extra animal crackers. Add the substitute in an equal amount, or begin with one-half cup and adjust to taste.

Can I make Zoo Trail Mix allergy-friendly?

Yes. Choose crackers, pretzels, popcorn, candy, and other ingredients that meet your family's dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, replace the Goldfish crackers, iced animal crackers, and milk chocolate candy with suitable alternatives. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free pretzels, popcorn, cereal, and animal-shaped cookies. Always review every product label for allergens and possible cross-contact.

Zoo Trail Mix: 7 Simple Ingredients Kids Love

Description

This colorful Zoo Trail Mix combines animal crackers, Teddy Grahams, pretzels, popcorn, Goldfish, iced animal crackers, and M&M’s for an easy sweet and salty kids snack.

Ingredients

1 cup chocolate Teddy Grahams
2 cups mini pretzels
3 cups plain popped popcorn, completely cooled
1 cup animal crackers
1 cup iced animal crackers
2 cups Goldfish crackers
2 packages M&M’s candies, 1.69 ounces each

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Instructions

Remove any unpopped kernels from the cooled popcorn.
Add the pretzels, animal crackers, iced animal crackers, chocolate Teddy Grahams, and Goldfish crackers to a large bowl.
Add the cooled popcorn and M&M’s candies.
Fold the ingredients together gently until evenly distributed.
Divide the mixture among 12 snack-size bags or lidded containers.
Seal the portions and store them in a cool, dry place until serving.

Notes

Use completely cooled popcorn so steam does not soften the crackers.
Mix gently to keep the popcorn and iced animal crackers from breaking.
Check every ingredient label when preparing the snack for children with food allergies.
Keep the portions away from heat so the chocolate does not melt.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 270
Sugar: 15
Sodium: 430
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 3
Unsaturated Fat: 5
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 47
Fiber: 2
Protein: 4
Cholesterol: 2