Do you feel like you are running out of healthy snack ideas? A popcorn trailmix is a fun take on a classic snack that the whole family will love! It’s easy to make and store, and can also be packed as a healthy vacation snack.

We always recommend snacks that incorporate both carb + protein. Protein helps keep your body satiated by releasing appetite suppressing hormones, stabilizing blood sugar, and slowing digestion.

Air popped popcorn is a quick snack that is low in calories and sodium. When paired with nutritious proteins and fats, it can become a satiating snack. We prefer air popped popcorn over microwave popcorn because it is a whole food without any added processed oils (like hydrogenated oils in the “fake” butter) and is a great base for creating a trail mix.

Popcorn Trail Mix 3 Ways

Follow the recipes below by simply adding the ingredients into a large bowl and tossing them together!

Chocolate Cranberry Popcorn Trail Mix (Serves 4)

• 4 Cups air popped popcorn
• ¼ Cup almonds and/or cashews
• ¼ Cup dark chocolate chips
• ¼ Cup dried cranberries

Savory Popcorn Trail Mix (Serves 4)

• 4 Cups air popped popcorn
• 2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
• ¼ Cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts
• ¼ Cup dried chickpeas
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Tropical Popcorn Trail Mix (Serves 4)

• 4 Cups air popped popcorn
• ¼ Cup dried Mango
• ¼ Cup coconut chips
• ¼ Cup macadamia nuts
• 2 Tablespoons pumpkin seeds

How to air pop popcorn:

• Option 1: Place 3 Tablespoons of a single layer of popcorn kernels in the bottom of a deep pot with a lid on top. Turn the stove on medium heat. Carefully listen to the popcorn pop. The popcorn will pop vigorously at first. When the pops are roughly 5 seconds apart, turns off the stove. Wait a few minutes to allow the popcorn to cool and move to your desired bowl
• Option 2: Here is the air popper that Brittany uses and you can get it on Amazon
• Option 3: Buy your own pre-popped popcorn such as SkinnyPop at your local grocery store

-Written and photographed by Gabby Childers, Brittany Jones Nutrition Intern