If you think s’mores mean a sticky campfire situation or an allergic reaction waiting to happen, guess again! This s’mores trail mix brings you all the flavors of the classic treat, but without the fire, the hassle, or an allergic reaction from gelatin.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
There’s nothing like the taste of s’mores — gooey marshmallow, rich chocolate, and a satisfying crunch. But it’s hard to enjoy them if you’re worried about an alpha-gal reaction. With this easy s’mores trail mix, you can enjoy all the classic flavors without the worry. This mix is a perfect after-school snack, a quick lunch box treat, and a great road-trip companion.
Fun Fact: This recipe was inspired by a conversation with Christine M., the mother of a preschool-aged alpha gal in Central Missouri.
In This Article
Key Ingredients in S’mores Trail Mix
You know the classic s’mores setup: toast a marshmallow to gooey perfection over a campfire, then squish it between two graham crackers with a square of chocolate. Simple, right? But when you’ve got alpha-gal, nothing is that simple. No worries, though — I’ve got a lineup of safe, tasty alternatives so you can enjoy a classic snack without an allergic reaction.
The Graham Cracker Flavor
For that classic graham flavor, peanut butter Puffins cereal is my go-to. These little guys are vegan, they’ve got the right crunch, and they’re the perfect size to mix with miniature marshmallows and chocolate chips.
Don’t love peanut butter? Simple Mills Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins are a close second. They’re a bit bigger, but they pack a cinnamon-honey flavor that’s just right for this mix. If you’re not sensitive to sugar processed with bone char, Golden Grahams, Teddy Grahams, or Annie’s Bunny Grahams are delicious options too.
Marshmallows
If you’ve got alpha-gal, finding marshmallows that won’t cause an allergic reaction can be trickier than catching that marshmallow right before it bursts into flames. All of the most popular vegan brands include carrageenan, which can be a trigger for alpha-gal allergies. Thankfully, Paskesz mini marshmallows use fish gelatin. They’re light, fluffy, and blend perfectly in this mix. They also work well in this rice crispy treats recipe.
Chocolate
If you’re an alpha gal who avoids dairy, you’ll want a dairy–free chocolate choice. The chocolate adds a sweet touch that makes this trail mix feel like the real s’mores deal. Use dark chocolate chips or carob chips if you prefer a lower-sugar option.
How to Make S’mores Trail Mix
This s’mores trail mix couldn’t be easier to make. Seriously. You won’t need a campfire, skewers, or even more than two minutes to pull it all together. Just gather your ingredients, pour them into a mixing bowl, give them a gentle toss, and voilà — instant snack magic.
With no cooking involved, this mix is perfect for when you need something fast and easy. It’s just as delicious whether you’re sneaking a handful after work, packing it as a lunch box treat, or divvying it up for a road trip. Just grab a container, scoop, and go!
Storing Leftover S’mores Snack Mix
If you don’t devour this s’mores trail mix in one sitting (and I’d totally understand if you did), storing the leftovers is a breeze. Just transfer your leftover snack mix into an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for few weeks — if you have that kind of self-control.
Keep the container in a cool, dry spot, like the pantry, to keep the marshmallows from getting stale and the chocolate from melting all over everything else. When a snack attack strikes, your s’mores trail mix will be just as tasty as it was on day one!
S’mores Trail Mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups peanut butter Puffins cereal (see other options in the ingredients section above or the notes below)
- 1 cup Paskesz miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup dairy-free chocolate or carob chips
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ingredients.
- Store snack mix in an airtight container.
Notes
- If you can safely enjoy Teddy Grahams or Annie’s Bunny Grahams, switch things up with cinnamon, chocolate chip, or chocolate flavors instead of honey grahams.
- Swap the graham crackers for an alpha-gal friendly, bite-sized pretzel.
- Add a cup of peanuts to plump up the protein.
My family loved this!