Jerky Trail Mix

This post is sponsored by the Beef Checkoff, in conjunction with a social media campaign through Sunday Supper Media.  All opinions are my own.

Sweet, salty, and satisfying, this jerky trail mix recipe combines beef jerky, kettle corn, pretzels, peanuts, and raisins. It can also be made gluten free!

Jerky Trail Mix

Do you ever struggle to find ways to introduce new foods to your kids?  I sure do.  That’s why I was thrilled to discover some new Kid Pleaser recipe ideas from the North American Meat Institute, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff.  The Jerky Trail Mix recipe featured here demonstrates the magic of combining sweet flavors with salty flavors for a snack that’s appealing to adults and children alike.

One of my favorite strategies for getting kids to eat a greater variety of foods is to involve them in preparing meals.  Since this jerky trail mix is very simple to make, it’s a snap to get the kids involved.  All you need is beef jerky, kettle corn, pretzels, peanuts, and raisins.  Want to make it gluten free?  It’s “easy peasy lemon squeezy,” as my kids like to say.  Just swap in gluten free pretzel twists instead of regular pretzel twists, and double check the nutrition labels on your other ingredients to make sure they’re gluten free.

Simply toss the ingredients together.   Your kids can even practice their measuring skills by dividing the resulting trail mix into eight 1/2 cup servings.

As you plan meals and snacks, keep in mind that beef products like beef jerky, hot dogs, deli roast beef, salami and summer sausage are readily available sources of nutrients that kids need, like protein, zinc and B12.  By pairing beef products creatively with fruits, vegetables, and other familiar flavors, you can coax your little ones (and even your not-so-little ones) to enjoy a balanced meal that includes a variety of essential nutrients.

Want some inspiration?  Try these:

• Fried Bologna Cup with Apple Salad,
• Green Bean Twists, or
• Doggie-Babs.

See the complete collection of Kid Pleaser recipes here.

5 from 3 votes

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Jerky Trail Mix

Sweet, salty, and satisfying, this jerky trail mix recipe combines beef jerky, kettle corn, pretzels, peanuts, and raisins. It can also be made gluten free!

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword camping, hiking, kid friendly, portable, snack mix, trail mix

Prep Time 1 minute

Total Time 1 minute

Servings 8

Calories 120 kcal

Author North American Meat Institute

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup kettle corn
• 1 cup mini unsalted pretzels see note for gluten free substitution
• 1/2 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup beef jerky broken or chopped into 1/4-inch bits
• 1/2 cup golden raisins

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, stir all ingredients together. Seal in sandwich bags to carry on a hike or serve in a bowl.

Recipe Notes

Makes 4 cups, equal to 8 half-cup servings.

To make this jerky trail mix gluten free, substitute gluten free pretzel twists, and check package labels on all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten free.

Nutrition Facts

Jerky Trail Mix

Amount Per Serving

Calories 120 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 5g 8%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Potassium 138mg 4%

Total Carbohydrates 15g 5%

Protein 5g 10%

Calcium 11%

Iron 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.