- Gorp: fast to make and perfect for quick energy on the go.
Spring and sunshine have us spending more time outdoors and less time in the kitchen. With all that play comes hungry kids — lots of little feet pattering around the house and even more mouths to fill.
That sudden gap-toothed grin? Yep, it means extra space to fill and even more snacks disappearing from the pantry. When five very busy, very hungry kids are hanging around the kitchen, Gorp is my go-to solution.
My kids keep busy inventing “archaeological digs” in the yard, building tiny fantasy lands, tunneling under the shop, and arranging found sticks, bones and rocks into elaborate scenes. They call it “The Ancient Place,” and all five of them dig in different corners of it. I love late spring.
Gorp goes by many names: trail mix, scroggin, or Pink Buggie, but the idea is the same. Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, whole grains, and a few treats combine into a salty-sweet energy boost. Nuts and dried fruit supply quick carbohydrates and protein, while a whole-grain element (like oat cereal) adds staying power. Best of all, you can make enough to feed a crowd in just a few minutes.
Gorp isn’t fussy. Toss everything together in a big bowl, transfer it to an airtight container, and you’re ready to grab a bag on your way out the door. It’s hardy, travel-friendly, and requires no special care — perfect for kids and outdoor adventures.
Despite the old tale that Gorp stands for “Good Old Raisins and Peanuts,” the mix doesn’t demand exact ingredients. Substitute, omit, or add whatever you like. Aim to include a little from each category:
- Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, blueberries, etc.)
- Nuts and/or seeds (peanuts, cashews, almonds, walnuts, sunflower or pumpkin seeds)
- Whole-grain component (granola, oat cereal, etc.)
- Treats or extras (pretzels, chocolate chips, M&Ms, shredded coconut)
Note: While you can choose budget-friendly or premium ingredients, the goal is the same — a quick, energizing snack that gets everyone back outside. On a holiday weekend, do you really want to spend hours in the kitchen, or be out enjoying the sun? Gorp helps you do the latter.
We also have a few household Gorp rules born of experience. Sound familiar?
- No cherry picking from the Gorp jar — what’s in your bowl is what you eat.
- No refilling until you finish what’s in your bowl, yes, including the raisins.
- No sneaking your raisins into someone else’s bowl.
- No stealthily transferring other kids’ M&Ms or chocolate chips into your own bowl.
- No bribing siblings to eat your raisins.
For a printer-friendly, photo-free version of this recipe you can save or print the ingredients below.
Foodie With Family Gorp
This recipe uses ratios (for example, 1 part to 3 parts) rather than strict measurements so you can scale it for any household. I sometimes make very large batches for a hungry crew, but adjust the quantities to suit your needs.
Ingredients:
- 3 parts roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted)
- 3 parts raisins
- 3 parts oat cereal (Cheerios or a similar off-brand)
- 1 part chocolate chips
- 1 part M&Ms (regular or peanut)
- 1 part skinny salted pretzel sticks
Combine all ingredients in a very large mixing bowl or a roomy airtight container. Use clean hands or a large spoon to gently mix everything together until evenly distributed. If you prefer, place the lid on a container and shake or roll it gently to blend the mix.
Portion into airtight containers or zipper bags and toss one in a backpack for hikes, picnics, or a quick outdoor snack. Gorp stores well and keeps hungry adventurers fueled for hours.
Enjoy the unofficial start of summer with an easy, flexible snack that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat.