To date, I have discovered just two truly food allergy-friendly trail mixes, both new to the market.  Yet Enjoy Life Foods fills a niche all its own.  Their packaging shouts no nuts, dairy, soy or gluten!  So, what’s left?!  Why, a delicious blend of seeds, fruit, and of course, chocolate.

I was overjoyed with the equal proportions of the various ingredients, though I wouldn’t argue if they added a few more chocolate chips.   The “trail” part of this mix was established with raw sunflower kernels (a.k.a. seeds) and roasted pumpkin seeds spiked with a touch of salt.  From there, a chewy blend of diced dried apples, raisins, and cranberries (all sulfite free of course), gave texture and sweetness to the blend

Undeniably, this sweet and every-so-slightly salty mix is a natural.   As a fan of dried fruit, I was smitten with my very first bite.  Also, the mini chocolate chips were a wonderful bonus.  They are semi-sweet in flavor, and one of the only brands I have seen which are also completely soy-free.  My only disappointment, as mentioned, is the shortage of these wonderful little chips.  Another handful per bag would be trail mix bliss!

Beyond the food allergic, this trail mix is perfect for most special diets.  It is certified gluten-free, vegan, and kosher Pareve by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.  Not to mention, it is a wonderful snack for kids, and will meet with any schools nut-free policy. 

For a second opinion, here is a quote from the gluten-free guru himself, Mike Eberhart, " I must admit that, even though the bag claims "6 servings" (at 140 calories per serving), I ate 2/3 of the bag in one sitting last evening and thoroughly enjoyed it. So, 4 servings... hmmm... 560 calories. Oh well. It's "good" calories - fruit, nuts, etc. And, sulfite-free (I avoid sulfites like the plague). Now I need to get back to snow shoveling to burn off those calories,... so I can eat more. heh."

Ingredients: Raw Sunflower Kernel; Roasted Hulled Pumpkin Seeds (Sunflower Oil (Sunflower Oil, Citric Acid), Salt); Raisins*; Dried Apples*; Chocolate CHips (Evaporated Cane Juice, Chocolate Liquor, Non-Dairy Cocoa Butter); Cranberries*; Rosemary Extract (* Sulfite-Free)

My Extra Notes & Tips

• Enjoy Life’s statement of no nuts includes both peanuts and tree nuts.
• The trail mix is packaged in a handy, 6-ounce, stand-up, re-sealable pouch.  I found it perfectly convenient for snacking propped right next to my monitor.  Though it will also travel very well in purses, lunchboxes, and hiking backpacks.
• Don’t miss the No Nuts! Trail Mix Bar recipe on the back of the package, a definite idea bonus.
  Be sure to give the bag a good shake before eating, the heavier seeds like to sink to the bottom. 

Where to Purchase:  Enjoy Life’s many gluten-free and food allergy friendly products are widely distributed throughout the US and Canada.  See their website for a store locator.  If you are having trouble finding this trail mix,  it is readily available from their online store.

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