For those on the go and who are also trying to lead a plant-forward lifestyle, easy, quick and filling meals such as granola, energy bites or balls and trail mix have become very popular — and for good reason. Rather than a sit-down meal, these items can be quickly prepared, made in advance and stored for ready-to-eat moments and they can also be taken on the go. Not to mention the fact that they are loaded with nutritious vitamins and minerals that keep the body fueled up for activity and feeling fuller well into the day. Traina Foods™ offers some inspired ideas for energy balls, granola, trail mix and more.

“Apple Pie” Energy Balls — Just like Mom’s apple pie, these little bites have all the flavor of that beloved traditional dessert… but not all the added sugar and refined carbs! Adding ingredients such as chopped Traina Foods Natural Dried Apple Rings, some vanilla extract, cinnamon and pecans to a basic energy ball recipe (oats, nut butter, honey, etc.) can satisfy a sweet tooth while also fueling a healthy day. 

Pumpkin Pie Granola — Pumpkin spice has become all the rage from lattes to potato chips! So why not granola? Add a little fall flavor to any granola recipe with the addition of pumpkin pie spice, canned pumpkin, maple syrup, vanilla, dried cranberries and nuts and seeds of choice (such as pecans, almonds, sunflower or pumpkin seeds).

Very Berry Energy Bites — Traina Foods Dried Blueberries, Sun Dried or Dried Tart Sweetened Cherries and Cranberries make for a sweet-and-tart result for energy bites and trail mix. A dash of salt can help temper the sweet and tart flavors, if needed. 

Trail Mix of the Tropics — Summon a little taste of summer with a trail mix loaded with tropical bites such as pineapple, mango, banana, coconut and more! The great thing about trail mix is that is can be as individual as it’s creator — so why not pull out all the stops? A great tropical trail mix combo starts with Traina Foods Tropical Trail Mix Blend featuring sweetened pineapple and papaya nibbles, almonds, toasted coconut, raisins and golden raisins. Take it to the next level by adding Traina Foods Banana Chips, some dark chocolate chunks, macadamia nuts or cashews.

Camp-style Popcorn — Air pop some corn and use that as the base for energy balls, granola or trail mix as an alternative to oats! Mix in nuts, dried fruits and other items such as pretzels, cereal, mini crackers, yogurt chips and more. The sky’s the limit!

Grain-free Bites — While oats are the basis of many granolas and energy bites, those enjoying a grain-free lifestyle also have creative reign when it comes to creating a version of their own that doesn’t include grains. With a combination of nuts, seeds, dried fruits and any other grain-free add-ins, grain-free bites are anything but taste-free!

Kid-Friendly Versions — When kids have the chance to help make their meal, they are more likely to enjoy it! Granolas and trail mixes are the perfect way to introduce culinary creativity to children because they are virtually impossible to “mess up.” Set out some options — a variety of nuts, oats, dried fruits, add-ins like crackers and cereals, and a few sweets like yogurt- or chocolate-covered raisins and peanuts — and let the creative juices start flowing!