Halloween Trail Mix With Popcorn

Name: Halloween Trail Mix with Popcorn
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 cups whole grain cereal ((I used Barbara's Puffins)); 2 cups plain popped popcorn; 1 cup pretzel sticks; 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/3 cup candy corn ((optional - or sub in dried orange fruit such as apricots, mango or papaya))

This sweet and salty Halloween trail mix recipe is the perfect DIY party mix for fall and can be made in less than 5 minutes! Loaded with popcorn, candy corn, pretzel pieces, chocolate and cereal in every bite, it’s a delicious snack mix for kids and adults alike. Easy to customize, fun to eat and perfect for Halloween season! {Nut-free, gluten-free-friendly, & dairy-free-friendly}

A large jar filled with Halloween trail mix.

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Halloween Trail Mix Recipe – Sweet & Salty!

There’s nothing better than the sweet and salty taste and crunchy texture of homemade trail mix. A family-favourite treat, I spruced up my classic healthy snack mix with festive ingredients for a custom Halloween trail mix recipe that’s the perfect combination for the fall season, but really, you could have it any time of year!

Made with simple ingredients including popcorn, salty pretzels, cereal, and candy corn, this fun mix comes together in minutes and is nut-free and allergy-friendly, so it’s a great option for school or kid parties too. Plus, you can spruce it up with your favourite ingredients and fun add-ins for a treat that’s all your own.

What I love most about this easy Halloween snack mix is that it’s full of fibre and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied while also satisfying your sweet tooth.

Even better, the kids will love the chance to get involved and add their favourite ingredients to create their own recipe. It’s the perfect snack mix to prepare a big batch of in advance and keep on hand for Halloween parties, movie nights, pumpkin patch adventures, and trick-or-treating on Halloween night!

For more homemade snack options, try out my Heart Healthy Trail Mix and this Healthy Chocolate Granola Recipe!

A close up of a large bowl filled with Halloween trail mix and a trick or treat sign.

Why We Love This Halloween Snack Mix Recipe

Quick and easy: All you have to do is toss together the ingredients and enjoy. Easiest snack ever!

Healthy: Made with whole grains, raw pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries, this Halloween trail mix recipe is much more nutrient-rich and satiating than your typical Halloween mix. It can also easily be made refined sugar-free.

Simple ingredients: All you’ll need are a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples you probably already have on hand. You can also mix and match all your favourite ingredients for a quick and yummy mix without even having to run to the store.

Ingredient Notes

Bowls of cereal, popcorn, pretzels, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, dark chocolate chips, & candy corn for Halloween trail mix recipe

Cereal: I typically use Barbara’s Puffins, but any whole-grain cereal you like best can be used. Chex cereal or corn bran would work well too.
Popcorn: Any popcorn you like best can be used. To keep this recipe healthier, I typically opt for plain unpopped kernels and simply pop them in the microwave or my air popper, or purchase microwave popcorn or pre-popped plain popcorn at the grocery store for a faster option! For a more salty snack mix, use salted popcorn, or for a more indulgent sweet treat, try caramel popcorn.
Pretzel sticks: I like to use sticks, but any pretzel shape will work great.
Pumpkin seeds: Look for raw, unsalted pepitas or pumpkin seeds to add a little extra crunch and healthy fats to this trail mix recipe.
Dried cranberries: Dried cranberries incorporate a nice sweet tanginess to each bite. Look for naturally sweetened or unsweetened cranberries, if you can find them. Or, use raisins instead.
Chocolate chips: Incorporate dark chocolate chips for a sweet taste and a boost of antioxidants.
Candy corn: Provides a cute and festive touch. For a healthier option, swap it out for orange dried fruit like apricots, mango, or papaya.

How to Make Halloween Trail Mix with Popcorn – Step by Step

A bowl with the ingredients for the Halloween trail mix separated into sections.

A large bowl filled with Halloween snack mix.

Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl, and toss to combine. Snack time truly doesn’t get any easier than that!

Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for this fun halloween recipe!

Recipe Tips:

This recipe makes about 10 cups of trail mix. The nutritional information is based on about 1/2 cup trail mix or a large handful.

The smaller ingredients like the pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries and chocolate chips tend to sink to the bottom of the bowl after mixing. When adding the ingredients to the bowl, I recommend putting the popcorn, pretzels and cereal into the bowl first, tossing, and then sprinkling in the pumpkin seeds, cranberries and chocolate chips. Gently toss to prevent them from all going to the bottom.

I added a bit of candy corn for a more colourful and fun Halloween snack mix, but if you prefer to avoid the candy, you can also add in dried orange fruit such as dried apricot, mango or papaya.

Overhead image of a jar full of homemade Halloween trail mix with popcorn.

How to Store

Once combined, transfer your Halloween trail mix ingredients to a large jar or an airtight container, and store it in a cool, dry place at room temperature for up to 1 month.

Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent the chocolate chips and candy corn from melting and getting sticky.

Recipe FAQs

Can you freeze trail mix?

Yes, to keep this trail mix fresh for longer, place it in a sealable bag, squeeze out all of the air, and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

What is an appropriate trail mix serving size?

Although it can be full of wholesome ingredients, homemade trail mix is pretty calorie-dense. So, it’s best to keep those portion sizes in check! A quarter cup or small handful is usually an appropriate portion, but with higher volume ingredients like popcorn, you could probably do closer to half a cup. For easy snacking, try portioning your snack mix into individual baggies ahead of time!

Is this Halloween snack mix nut free?

Yes, I used pumpkin seeds instead of nuts to keep this Halloween snack mix allergy-friendly and nut free. However, feel free to adjust any of the ingredients to suit your needs.

Serving Suggestions

This Halloween snack mix with popcorn is super tasty when enjoyed on its own or packed into a lunchbox for school. However, it also makes for a yummy afternoon treat when paired with a delicious fruit smoothie.

You could also sprinkle it over yogurt or on top of ice cream for a crunchy, satisfying topping!

Or serve up this festive snack mix at a Halloween party in colourful paper muffin liners or cute treat bags with a gift tag that says “happy halloween” or “trick or treat” for a fun snack!

A muffin liner full of homemade Halloween trail mix with a trick or treat sign.

Recipe Variations & Ideas

To make gluten-free: Make sure to double-check the ingredient lists on all of the items included and look for brands that are certified gluten-free.

Add nuts: For a little extra crunch and even more healthy fats, sprinkle in your favourite nuts like cashews, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, or pecans.

Use different dried fruit: Feel free to swap out the candy corn with orange dried fruit, or incorporate more colour with options like apple chips, dried bananas, or strawberries.

Switch up the chocolate: Personally, I love the rich, slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate chips, but milk chocolate or white chocolate chips make great additions too.

Add your favourite candy: If you aren’t a fan of candy corn, swap it out for candy pumpkins, Reese’s pieces, or whatever candy you like best. You can also skip it altogether.

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