GORP Mix

GORP mix is a simple sweet-and-salty trail mix made with raisins, peanuts, M&Ms, and Honey Nut Cheerios. It takes just five minutes to assemble, needs no cooking, and makes 12 servings—handy for road trips, hikes, camping, or an easy snack at home. Keep the ingredients as listed for a classic version, or use the variation ideas below to make a mix that suits your taste.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for GORP Mix

This recipe uses four easy-to-find ingredients. For a more even mix, measure each ingredient before combining.

Raisins: Their chewy texture and natural sweetness balance the crunchy ingredients. Dried cranberries or dried cherries can be used instead.
Peanuts: Roasted, salted peanuts provide a savory crunch. A mixed-nut blend is another option.
M&Ms: These add chocolate and a colorful finish. Choose colors to match a holiday or gathering.
Honey Nut Cheerios: This cereal gives the mix a light, crisp texture. Another cereal can be substituted if preferred.

What Does GORP Mix Mean?

One commonly shared explanation is that GORP means “Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts.” Other interpretations include “Granola, Oats, Raisins and Peanuts.” The Oxford English Dictionary’s 1913 reference also defines “gorp” as a verb meaning “to eat greedily.” The exact origin is not settled, but the name is often associated with a portable snack for outdoor activities.

Because it combines dry, ready-to-eat ingredients, GORP mix is convenient to pack for a hike, camping trip, or drive. For outings, divide it into small portions before leaving so it is easy to serve and the main container can stay closed.

How to Make GORP Mix

No baking or special equipment is needed. Use a large bowl so you can stir the ingredients without crushing the cereal.

Add the raisins, peanuts, M&Ms, and Honey Nut Cheerios to a large bowl.
Stir gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container until ready to serve.

Storage and Serving Tips

Keep it sealed: Store the mix in an airtight container. It can keep for several weeks when stored properly, although freshness may vary depending on the ingredients and storage conditions.
Serve portions: Spoon servings into small bowls rather than eating directly from the storage container. This helps limit repeated handling and keeps the remaining mix covered.
Pack it for trips: Portion the mix into small containers or bags for convenient snacks on road trips, hikes, and camping trips.
Check for allergens: Peanuts and some cereals or candies may contain or come into contact with other allergens. Read ingredient labels if preparing the mix for someone with a food allergy.

Easy GORP Mix Variations

Keep the basic raisin-and-peanut combination or swap ingredients to change the flavor and texture. Add a few extras at a time so the mix remains easy to portion.

Change the chocolate: Try peanut M&Ms, peanut butter M&Ms, chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or chocolate-covered nuts.
Use another cereal: Honey Ohs, Chocolate Cheerios, or Strawberry Cheerios can add a different flavor and crunch.
Mix in dried fruit: Golden raisins, dried apricots, banana chips, dried coconut, dried peaches, dried mango, and dried strawberries are possible alternatives or additions.
Choose other nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, and pistachios offer different textures.
Add a savory crunch: Mini pretzels, rye bagel chips, small crackers such as Goldfish or Cheese-Its, and yogurt-covered raisins can provide variety. Peanut butter chips are another sweet addition.

GORP Mix Recipe

This four-ingredient recipe makes 12 servings and takes about five minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

3 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
1½ cups raisins
1½ cups peanuts or mixed nuts
1 cup M&M candy

Instructions

Combine the Honey Nut Cheerios, raisins, peanuts, and M&Ms in a large bowl.
Stir gently to mix.
Store in an airtight container until ready to eat.

Nutrition Information

The nutrition estimate provided for one serving is 158 calories, 9 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 3 g polyunsaturated fat, 4 g monounsaturated fat, 9 mg sodium, 285 mg potassium, 17 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 5 g protein, 1 mg vitamin C, 24 mg calcium, and 1 mg iron. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimates and may vary with the brands and ingredient amounts used.

For a straightforward snack that can be adjusted with different cereals, dried fruit, nuts, or candy, GORP mix is easy to prepare and pack. Keep it sealed between servings, and check ingredient labels when sharing it with anyone who has food allergies.