Good And Gather Trail Mix

Finding the Perfect Trail Mix for Your Needs

As an outdoor enthusiast who loves snacking on the go, I’m always on the lookout for a tasty and nutritious trail mix to fuel my adventures. Recently, I discovered Good & Gather Trail Mix at my local Target store and decided to give it a try. I’ve been so impressed that I want to share a complete guide to buying, enjoying, and getting the most out of this great snack.

Whether you already love Good & Gather Trail Mix or are considering trying it for the first time, this guide will tell you everything you need to know. I’ll cover all the important factors like ingredients, nutrition, price, taste, and more. You’ll also get tips on the best ways to eat trail mix and how to make your own customized blend. So join me on this tasty journey into the world of trail mix and see why Good & Gather has become my new go-to hiking and snacking staple!

Checking Out the Ingredients

The first thing I always do when trying a new trail mix is read the ingredient list. This gives you an idea of what exactly you’ll be getting in terms of flavors, textures, and nutrients.

Good & Gather Trail Mix keeps it simple with just 11 ingredients: almonds, peanuts, walnuts, raisins, sweetened dried cranberries, roasted salted pumpkin seeds, roasted salted sunflower seeds, millet, quinoa, dark chocolate chunks, and coconut flakes.

I love that the majority of this trail mix comes from nuts and seeds, which provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The addition of “super grains” like millet and quinoa adds extra nutrients like iron, magnesium and antioxidants. And just enough chocolate, coconut and dried fruit brings natural sweetness without going overboard on sugar.

Reading the ingredients gives me confidence that this blend is made with high-quality, recognizable whole foods. There are no artificial flavors or unhealthy oils. For an on-the-go snack, this is about as nutritious as it gets!

Verifying the Absence of Allergens

Since food allergies are a major concern for many people, I always look into what allergens a product contains. I’m happy to report that Good & Gather Trail Mix is free of many of the top allergens.

It contains no dairy, soy, eggs, fish, shellfish or wheat. This makes it safe for those with allergies or intolerances to those items. It’s also free of artificial colors and preservatives.

The only potential allergens present are tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), peanuts, coconut and sulfites. As always, check the label each time you purchase to confirm the ingredients haven’t changed. But for most people, this trail mix poses very little allergy risk.

Determining If It’s Gluten-Free

In addition to allergens, many people also look for snacks that are gluten-free. I’m happy to confirm that Good & Gather Trail Mix is 100% gluten-free.

None of the ingredients contain wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing grains. This makes it a safe and delicious option for anyone following a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or another health reason.

It’s hard to find trail mixes that are both allergen-friendly AND gluten-free, so Good & Gather checks both boxes. I never have to worry about eating this snack myself or serving it to friends and family members with dietary restrictions.

Crunching the Calorie and Nutrition Numbers

When I’m fueling my busy days with trail mix, calories and nutrients matter. I aim for a balance between deliciousness and nutritional value.

A 1/4 cup serving of Good & Gather Trail Mix packs in:

• 170 calories
• 7g protein
• 13g fat
• 12g carbs
• 3g fiber

This offers a hefty dose of protein and fiber, which is fantastic for keeping you feeling full and energized. The calorie count is reasonable for a hearty snack, and fits in my daily calorie budget without a problem.

Nutritionally, you get vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats from the nuts, seeds, grains and chocolate. It’s a well-rounded snack bursting with nutrition.

For times when I want something lighter, I measure out a smaller 1 oz serving. This contains just 90 calories while still providing a tasty crunch. The versatility makes this trail mix work for both mini snacks and hearty trail fuel.

Considering Potential Health Benefits

Beyond just calories and nutrients, I like knowing that my snacks provide additional potential health bonuses. The wholesome ingredients in Good & Gather Trail Mix deliver in this area.

Studies show that nuts may help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol to support heart health. The unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamin E and plant sterols are the likely cholesterol-lowering compounds.

The mix of protein, fiber and healthy fats also creates a low glycemic food that avoids sharp spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. Steady energy is perfect when you’re on the move.

Antioxidants from the nuts, seeds, chocolate and dried fruit support overall health. And ingredients like almonds and walnuts may even help reduce inflammation.

While I don’t solely rely on trail mix for my health needs, it’s nice to snack on something with some extra benefits! This makes me feel a bit less guilty about enjoying the delicious flavor.

Considering Potential Downsides

To provide an honest review, I also think about any potential downsides of a snack. In general, Good & Gather Trail Mix doesn’t have many concerning factors. But here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Fats and calories: While the fats are predominantly healthy ones from nuts, the calorie count can add up if you over-snack. Stick to suggested serving sizes.
• Sugar content: Dried fruit and chocolate add sweeter flavors, so the sugar content is higher than a plain nut/seed mix. The 14g of sugar per serving is reasonable but could be a consideration for some.
• Allergies: Despite being free of most allergens, this trail mix still contains nuts, seeds and coconut so allergy precautions are needed.
• Sodium: The saltiness from the roasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds bumps up the sodium a bit, with 140mg per serving. Not a huge concern but worth noting.

Overall though, I don’t find any aspects of this trail mix to be cause for major concern. And the benefits seem to easily outweigh the potential cautions for me.

Deciding Where to Buy Good & Gather Trail Mix

Once I realized how delicious Good & Gather Trail Mix is, I wanted to stock up! So the next question was: where can I easily buy it?

The Good & Gather brand is exclusive to Target stores, so that’s currently the only place to purchase it. I generally can find it in two spots:

• The regular snack/granola aisle, mixed in with the other trail mixes. Look on the lower shelves.
• Sometimes there’s a special end-cap display for the Good & Gather brand near the grocery section. Check there if you don’t see it in the regular snack aisle.

One thing I appreciate is the bright, colorful packaging of Good & Gather products. It makes it easy to spot this trail mix on the shelves without having to search the ingredient lists on every bag.

I always have luck finding plenty of stock at my local Super Target. But be sure to also check Target’s website or app to see if it’s in stock at your neighborhood location.

The only downside is that you can’t purchase Good & Gather products on Target’s website for home delivery. But since I’m already a frequent Target shopper, grabbing a bag or two each trip is no problem!

Choosing Your Favorite Flavors and Varieties

One fun thing about the Good & Gather brand is that they offer several flavor varieties of trail mix to suit different tastes. Here are some of the options I’ve seen:

• Original Trail Mix: The classic version I’ve described in this article, with almonds, peanuts, chocolate, cranberries, seeds and more.
• Tropical Trail Mix: Features mango, pineapple & coconut for fruity flavors.
• Berry Trail Mix: Dried strawberries and raspberries give this one a sweet & tangy berry taste.
• Spicy Trail Mix: This amps up the heat with spicy pumpkin seeds and chili-dusted almonds.
• Nut Lover’s Trail Mix: For true nut fans, this has extra almonds, cashews & pecans.
• Protein Trail Mix: Packs an extra punch of protein with roasted soy nuts.

I’m still working my way through sampling all the varieties! It’s fun to switch it up with different flavors depending on my mood. But I’d recommend starting with the original if you’ve never tried Good & Gather before. You really can’t go wrong though – every blend I’ve tried has been delicious!

Assessing the Health Profile

In addition to flavors, another way the trail mixes differ is in their specific nutrition profiles. Here’s a quick look at how some of the key nutrients stack up across a few varieties:

• Original: 170 calories, 7g protein, 13g fat, 12g carbs, 3g fiber
• Tropical: 180 calories, 5g protein, 12g fat, 16g carbs, 2g fiber
• Berry: 160 calories, 5g protein, 10g fat, 15g carbs, 3g fiber
• Spicy: 180 calories, 6g protein, 14g fat, 12g carbs, 3g fiber

As you can see, the calorie, protein, carb and fat totals are all fairly similar. The ingredient variations change the flavors and tweak the numbers slightly, but the core nutrition is comparable across the board.

No matter which Good & Gather Trail Mix suits your tastes, you’re getting a nutritious snack packed with energy. But the options let you customize the exact flavors and crunch you crave!

Creating Your Own DIY Trail Mix

After falling in love with pre-made Good & Gather Trail Mix, I was inspired to try creating some homemade versions too. This lets you fully customize the ingredients to your perfect blend.

I started by buying plain raw almonds, cashews, walnuts and pecans to form the nut base. Then I added pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, chopped dark chocolate and coconut flakes.

To take the flavor up a notch, I got creative with mix-ins like:

• Dried mango, pineapple, banana chips or apples
• Toasted quinoa or wheat germ
• Flax or chia seeds
• Shredded coconut
• Cinnamon or nutmeg for spice
• Vanilla chips or crunch peanut butter chips
• Pretzel sticks or cereal bits for crunch

The options are endless! I love being able to control the sugar content by limiting dried fruit, or boosting protein with soy nuts or edamame.

A DIY version may take more effort than just grabbing a bag off the shelf. But the satisfaction of creating my own signature blend is so worth it. Get creative with your own trail mix recipes!

Ensuring Proper Storage to Maximize Freshness

Any time I open a package of nuts, seeds, chocolate or dried fruit, proper storage instantly becomes important. Exposure to air, light, moisture and heat can quickly lead to staleness or spoilage.

Here are my tips for keeping Good & Gather Trail Mix (or any trail mix) tasting great after opening:

• Transfer to an airtight container: The foil bags are not the best for long-term storage. I transfer to a glass jar or storage container with an airtight seal. Plastic bags designed for snacks work too.
• Store in a cool, dark place: Heat, light and humidity are enemies of freshness. I store my trail mix in a cool, dry pantry away from any heat sources like the oven.
• Refrigerate for extended freshness: If I know it may be a while before I finish the package, I refrigerate it. The cold air further prevents premature staleness.
• Watch expiration dates: The bag states how long unopened trail mix lasts past the printed “best by” date. Once opened, I try to finish within 3-4 months.

Follow these tips and you’ll be rewarded with trail mix almost as fresh as the day you opened it! Nobody likes limp, soggy mix that leaves you disappointed.

Crunching the Numbers on Price and Value

Whenever I’m restocking my trail mix supply, I of course consider the price. Good value for the cost makes something a regular staple versus an occasional treat.

A 10 oz bag of Good & Gather Trail Mix typically costs around $3.99 at my local Target. That shakes out to about 40 cents per ounce.

Comparing to other popular trail mix brands, this is very reasonable:

• Planters Trail Mix = 57 cents per oz
• Frito Lay Trail Mix = 51 cents per oz
• Emerald Nuts Trail Mix = 80 cents per oz

For the quality ingredients and delicious flavor, I think Good & Gather provides excellent value at less than 50 cents per ounce. It’s budget-friendly while still feeling like a premium snack.

Even better – Target often runs sales and specials on the Good & Gather line. I watch for opportunities to grab it for an even more discounted price. With a shelf life of 10-12 months, stocking up is worthwhile!

Considering Potential Allergy Risks

While I already covered that Good & Gather Trail Mix is free of many top allergens, it’s so important that I reiterate: this is NOT an allergen-free food.

It contains almonds, walnuts, peanuts, coconut, and sunflower/pumpkin seeds. So those with nut, peanut or coconut allergies need to avoid eating this trail mix.

Some types of trail mix are processed on shared equipment with dairy, soy or gluten-containing ingredients. But the Good & Gather packaging indicates theirs is produced on dedicated equipment. However, the risk of cross-contamination is never zero.

As with any food, allergies can develop at any time in life. Discontinue eating if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction. Safety first! Consult your doctor with any allergy concerns.

For those without allergies though, this mix offers a delicious way to get in nuts, seeds and other nutrient-packed ingredients. Just consume mindfully and in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.

Comparing to Other Trail Mix Brands

Until discovering Good & Gather, I’d typically alternate between a few of the popular pre-made trail mix brands like Planters and Emerald. How does Good & Gather compare?

In my experience, it wins on several fronts:

• Price: More affordable for the size/quantity you get
• Ingredients: Focus on simple, recognizable whole foods
• Quality: The flavors and textures are clearly high-quality
• Variety: Offers more interesting flavor options beyond basic nuts & chocolate
• Nutrition: Better balance of protein/carbs/fat compared to some brands
• Packaging: Colorful, appealing bags that catch your eye and store nicely

Could other trail mixes also be tasty and nutritious? Absolutely. But for the ideal combo of great taste, quality ingredients, and value, none satisfy me quite like Good & Gather. It hits all the high notes.

I suggest doing your own taste comparisons though. Try out a few options to determine your own favorites based on your needs, preferences and budget. You really can’t go wrong with trail mix!

Checking Store Availability Beyond Target

As I mentioned earlier, Good & Gather Trail Mix is currently exclusive to Target stores. It’s their own in-house brand.

However, you can certainly find an abundance of trail mixes from other major brands at most grocery stores and big box shops. Here are some places I’ve spotted plenty of options:

• Walmart
• Costco
• Sam’s Club
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Whole Foods
• Trader Joe’s
• Amazon (delivery)

Trail mix is popular nearly everywhere snacks are sold. But I haven’t been able to find the exact Good & Gather blends at other retailers. The ingredients and flavors are unique to Target’s brand label.

If you love Good & Gather, your best bet is making a routine Target run. But for a general trail mix fix, you’ve got plenty of convenient places to shop. Mix up the brands and discover your favorites!

Accommodating Vegan and Vegetarian Diets

In addition to allergies, more people are choosing plant-based diets for health, environmental or ethical reasons. The good news is that Good & Gather Trail Mix fits nicely into vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

It contains no animal products whatsoever. There are no dairy, eggs, gelatin or other ingredients sourced from animals.

The nuts, seeds, grains, fruits, vegetables and chocolate are 100% plant-based and vegan-friendly. This makes it a snack both vegetarians and vegans can enjoy without compromise.

Finding tasty grab-and-go trail mixes without animal products can be tricky. But Good & Gather makes nutritious plant-based snacking easy and delicious. No need to pore over ingredient lists with a fine-tooth comb!

Portioning Out Single Servings

One key to keeping your daily calories, carbs and fats balanced is paying attention to portion sizes. Bags of trail mix are so easy to overindulge in!

A standard serving size of Good & Gather Trail Mix is 1/4 cup. This contains:

• 170 calories
• 7g protein
• 13g fat
• 12g carbs
• 3g fiber

To make it easy, I measure 1/4 cup portions into reusable snack bags or small containers right when I open a new package. That way I can just grab a pre-portioned serving anytime hunger strikes. No temptation to keep mindlessly munching straight from the bag.

When willpower fails, I also find smaller 100 calorie snack packs helpful. But these cost more than buying the regular bags. Portioning it out yourself ensures you know exactly how much you’re eating.

Stick within a 1/4 cup serving as a filling snack, or pair it with fruit or yogurt for a mini trail mix parfait meal. However you enjoy it, tracking portions prevents overdoing it on the calorie and fat intake.

Purchasing Good & Gather Trail Mix Online

As I mentioned earlier, the one downside to Good & Gather being exclusive to Target is that you can’t order it online for home delivery. Target’s website doesn’t offer any Good & Gather products for direct shipping.

However, you CAN order Target pickup and simply swing by to grab your trail mix order along with the rest of your haul. This is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to browse the aisles.

And while you can’t buy it directly from Target online, I have found Good & Gather Trail Mix available on sites like Amazon and Walmart:

• Amazon: Offers Subscribe & Save discounted ordering or one-time purchases.
• Walmart: Look for third-party sellers offering free shipping.

The catch is that you’ll pay a higher price – generally $1-2 more per bag. For maximum savings, your best bet is sticking to in-store purchases directly from Target.

But if you really need the convenience of delivery, it is handy that third-party retailers make it available online. Paying a bit extra for that shipped convenience may be worth it!

Checking Out Customer Reviews

Before buying any grocery item, I like to get others’ take by browsing reviews. For Good & Gather Trail Mix, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive across the web. Here’s a sampling:

• “This mix is delicious and SO much cheaper than brand-name alternatives. Will keep buying it!”
• “The chocolate, raisins and cranberries blend so nicely with the nuts and seeds. It’s the perfect movie-watching or road trip snack.”
• “Way better than I expected for a Target in-house brand. The flavors and textures are all spot-on. Plus the ingredients are simple and natural.”
• “Love having the tropical and berry flavors to switch up from regular trail mix. It’s like a mini fruit salad in snack form!”
• “This is officially my go-to hiking trail mix! The protein and calories keep me fueled without weighing down my pack.”

Based on the glowing feedback, it seems Good & Gather has won over plenty of fans with its balance of quality, value and taste. While I’ve only tried the original so far, the reviews have me excited to sample all the flavor varieties!

Checking Out Packaging and Labeling

Beyond the snack itself, I also evaluate packaging when considering a product. Convenient, sturdy and eco-friendly packaging is a plus.

Good & Gather Trail Mix comes packaged in colorful, foil bags. The material seems thicker and more durable than some brands, which is great for preventing tears.

The bag has a zip-style seal at the top. I appreciate that it re-seals well compared to chip clips or twist ties. This helps maintain maximum freshness after opening.

The fun, bright labeling catches your eye and looks upscale. It’s clear Good & Gather put effort into their in-house brand image and appeal.

One thing to note is that the bags are not resealable. Some brands offer zipper pouches. I get around this by transferring to an airtight container after opening.

Overall, the packaging is well-designed, sturdy and effective. And Good & Gather avoids excess packaging waste by keeping it simple yet functional.

Determining Added Sugar Content

Whenever I snack on dried fruit, I know some natural sugar will come along with the nutrients. But I still like to check labels for unwanted added sugars.

The ingredients list revealed that Good & Gather Trail Mix contains no added sugars. The 14g of sugar per serving all comes from the intrinsic sugar naturally occurring in the dried cranberries, raisins, chocolate and coconut flakes.

This is excellent, because excess added sugar provides empty calories without nutritional benefit. I’m thrilled that Good & Gather keeps their trail mix wholesome and free of high fructose corn syrup or other added sweeteners.

The chocolate chunks add rich sweetness due to the cocoa butter and cocoa solids, but this is not the same as “added sugar.” Nothing artificial goes into this blend!

Identifying the Nut Varieties

Nuts are one of my favorite trail mix add-ins, so I always like to know exactly which types are included and what unique nutrition each brings.

Based on the ingredients list, Good & Gather Trail Mix contains four nut varieties:

• Almonds: Loaded with vitamin E, magnesium, fiber and plant protein. Their crunchy texture is satisfaction guaranteed!
• Walnuts: Supreme source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Their slightly tangy flavor balances the sweetness.
• Peanuts: Technically legumes but we treat them like nuts! Peanut protein is highly filling and satisfying.
• Pecans: Buttery, rich pecans contain protective antioxidants including polyphenols and flavonoids.

This nut lover is drooling just thinking about that blend! Each one adds unique health bonuses so you get a well-rounded nutrient mix. Plus the assortment of textures and flavors takes this trail mix to the next level.

Verifying Organic Status

In an ideal world, all our food would come straight from small organic farms. Realistically though, I know that 100% organic is usually costly and not practical.

But I do still like to check if a product is USDA certified organic when possible. For Good & Gather Trail Mix, the ingredients are not organic.

However, Target has committed to more sustainable practices for their in-house brands. Their trail mix oats and cocoa are Rainforest Alliance certified.

While not fully organic, efforts toward ethical ingredient sourcing are admirable. Cost and availability prevent total organic status, but Target is taking steps in that direction.

I don’t require organic to purchase trail mix, but it’s always a nice bonus! Even without an organic label, Good & Gather meets my criteria for wholesome quality.

The Verdict? A Tasty Choice Worth Trying!

After breaking down all the nitty-gritty details, my final verdict is that Good & Gather Trail Mix is absolutely delicious and nutritious. This snack has earned a permanent place in my pantry and my heart!

The thoughtful blend of nuts, seeds, dried fruit and chocolate provides everything you want from a tasty trail companion. It keeps you fueled with a balance of protein, fiber and healthy fats.

While you’re limited to buying it at Target, the price is less than many mainstream brands yet it still feels like a premium product. The ingredient quality shines through in the exceptional flavors.

So if you’re an on-the-go snack lover like me, grab a bag or two on your next Target run and get munching! With so many nutritious ingredients in perfect harmony, Good & Gather Trail Mix earns my highest recommendation.