Healthy Chex Mix - Being Nutritious (2024)

Published: by Laura Yautz

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This homemade healthy Chex mix recipe is low sodium, low sugar, and great for all your munching needs! We start with a mix of Chex cereal, and add some puffed grains and seeds for a fun textural experience. Then we mix in some sweetness, herbs, and spices, along with some optional spiciness, and bake it low and slow to crisp it all up. A simple, healthy snack!

Healthy Chex Mix - Being Nutritious (1)

Is Chex mix a healthy snack

In terms of snacks, this one certainly isn't the worst. On the other hand, if you've got high blood pressure, you definitely need to be careful of mindlessly eating it. In just a half cup, traditional Chex mix has 250 mg of sodium. Again - that's not the worst. But if you're not paying attention and munching away, you could easily eat two, three, four, or more servings in a sitting. Now that's a problem.

My healthy Chex mix version has only 60 mg of sodium per serving! Plus, we use a delicious blend of seeds to add fiber and protein to the mix, without the refined carbohydrates in traditional mixes (from things like pretzels and bagel chips).

How long does homemade Chex mix last

If you store it properly, this low sodium Chex mix should last up to a month.

To make sure you get the most mileage out of it, make sure you store it in an airtight container. Room temperature is fine, but if you live in a very hot and/or damp place, you might find your healthy snack mix goes stale faster. Keeping the moisture out is key.

If your homemade Chex mix does end up getting moisture in it, you can try to refresh it by baking it at 250 degrees F for 10 minutes or so. Keep an eye on it and take it out when it's crisp again, but not burned.

Healthy Chex Mix - Being Nutritious (2)

Healthy Chex Mix Substitutions

If you're looking for some alternative ingredients, try some of these:

  • Use Crispix instead of Chex. Yep, it will still turn out great!
  • Try freshly popped popcorn instead of the puffed cereal for a fun change.
  • Use any nut or seed combo in place of the listed seeds. Use either small nuts or chop them so they're smaller.
  • Do not use dry rosemary in place of fresh. But you can leave it out if you prefer.
  • Try a mixture of dried thyme and sage in place of the rosemary. One teaspoon of each should do.

Did you know this is a vegan Chex mix, too? That's right. Just make sure you use the maple syrup instead of the honey option for a sweetener. Plus I think the maple compliments the other flavors better.

If you try this Healthy Chex Mix, tell me in the comments!

And try our other heart healthy snacks, too!

📖 Recipe

Healthy Chex Mix - Being Nutritious (3)

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5 from 1 vote

Healthy Chex Mix

A homemade healthy Chex mix that is low sodium, low sugar, and great for all your munching needs!

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Diet Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Calories 111kcal

Author Laura Yautz

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Chex cereal any mix of varieties, gluten-free if needed
  • 1 ½ cup Puffed Rice, Corn, Millet, etc.
  • ¼ cup raw Pumpkin Seeds hulled (pepitas)
  • ¼ cup raw Sunflower Seeds hulled
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil
  • 1-2 tablespoon 100% Pure Maple Syrup or Honey
  • 2 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary minced
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme
  • optional 1 teaspoon Chipotle Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Salt if needed

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 250° F.

  • In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, puffed rice, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, and mix.

  • In a smaller bowl, combine oil, maple syrup, and herbs and spices, and mix well.

  • Drizzle the oil mixture over the dry ingredients, and stir to mix well.

  • Divide the mixture between two parchment lined baking sheets, and spread in a single layer.

  • Bake for 60 minutes, tossing every 15 minutes.

  • Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 60mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 57IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 3mg

More Snacks

  • Christmas Fruit Tray with Cinnamon Yogurt Dip
  • Healthy Trail Mix Recipe
  • How To Make Dried Bananas
  • Spiced Nuts Recipe (no sugar)

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Healthy Chex Mix - Being Nutritious (2024)

FAQs

How healthy is Chex Mix? ›

Chex mix also includes vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, sodium, and many more that are essential for better propagation of health. In general, it is slightly low in protein, and fiber, and high in sodium, which might affect your body if you consume it in high quantities.

What is the nutritional value of Chex Party Mix? ›

Serving Size: 1 Serving Calories 140 (Calories from Fat 60), % Daily Value Total Fat 6g, (Saturated Fat 2 11/2g; Trans Fat 0g), Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 330mg; Total Carbohydrate 17g; (Dietary Fiber 2g Sugars 2g), Protein 3g; % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 6%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 4%; Iron 25%; Exchanges: 1 Starch; 0 Fruit ...

What's the healthiest Chex? ›

Unlike other Chex varieties, Wheat Chex are made from 100% whole-grain wheat. One serving contains only 130 calories but boasts 7 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber. While it is on the higher end for sugars, the overall nutrient profile of this cereal is still noteworthy.

Is Chex Mix healthier than chips? ›

Chex Mix is a healthier alternative if you eat potato chips as a snack. Chips have a lot of oil, carbs, and salts. Eating a lot of chips in one go is also not great for you in terms of health. You're not getting any protein or fiber, and thus, you're very far away from a balanced diet.

What snacks are healthy? ›

Healthy Snacks
  • Apples (dried or cut into wedges), 1 medium or ¼ cup (35 grams)
  • Bananas, 1 medium.
  • Raisins, ¼ cup (35 grams)
  • Fruit leather (dried fruit puree) without added sugar.
  • Carrots (regular carrots cut into strips, or baby carrots ), 1 cup (130 grams)
  • Snap peas (the pods are edible), 1.5 cups (350 grams)
  • Nuts, 1 oz.

Is there a healthy chip? ›

Sun Chips are sometimes given a health halo because they're made with whole grains as opposed to potatoes. Starches digest faster than grains, so Sun Chips, which are made with corn, wheat, rice flour and oat flour, may not give you as much of a blood sugar spike.

Why are Chex mix so good? ›

Chex mix is the ultimate DIY snack. It's crunchy, just the right amount of salty, and stays good for several weeks, making it the perfect thing to keep on the counter for midday or pre-dinner nibbling. Plus, our version can be made with whatever cereal, toasted nuts, and crunchy snacks you've stocked up on.

How much sugar is in Chex? ›

Cereals ready-to-eat, GENERAL MILLS, Rice CHEX, 1 cup (1 NLEA serving)
Protein (g)1.86
Total lipid (fat) (g)0.31
Carbohydrate, by difference (g)26.66
Energy (kcal)116.87
Sugars, total (g)2.48
34 more rows

Can I eat Chex mix everyday? ›

While it may not be a significant source of vitamins and minerals, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. By being mindful of portion sizes and choosing healthier variations or homemade options, you can savor the deliciousness of Chex Mix while maintaining a nutritious eating plan.

What cereal is healthy? ›

This article will cover the 14 healthiest cereals you can eat.
  • Oats. Oats are a nutritious cereal choice. ...
  • DIY muesli. ...
  • Homemade granola. ...
  • DIY cinnamon crunch cereal. ...
  • Post Foods Grape Nuts. ...
  • Bob's Red Mill Paleo-Style Muesli. ...
  • Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Cereals. ...
  • Nature's Path Organics Superfood Cereals.

Are Cheerios healthy to eat? ›

They're not only low in fat and calories but also affordable and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Yet, Cheerios are a processed food, and some flavors are loaded with sugar. As such, you should minimize your intake or choose low sugar varieties like plain or multigrain.

How long is Chex mix good for? ›

Make Ahead Instructions: Chex mix tastes freshest when served within 2-3 days of making it, but it will last stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Freezing Instructions: Chex mix freezes great! Store in freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Is it cheaper to buy Chex mix or make your own? ›

Homemade Chex Mix is cheaper AND better tasting than anything you can buy at the store. Does homemade Chex Mix need to be refrigerated? You can store homemade Chex Mix at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Is it cheaper to make or buy Chex mix? ›

Homemade Chex Mix Is Cheaper AND More Delicious Than The Store-Bought Stuff. Chex Mix offers variety: the crisp cereal, toasty pretzels, the unique crunch of the bagel chips. This homemade recipe puts the store-bought to shame.

Are pretzels a healthy snack? ›

Pretzels may be better than some fatty chips, but four out of five nutrition experts surveyed by Time say if you're trying to eat healthy, pretzels shouldn't be your go-to snack. Although pretzels are low-fat, they are also pretty paltry on the protein and fiber front, and they can be quite high in sodium and carbs.

Does Chex Mix have a lot of carbs? ›

Snacks Chex Mix (1 oz (approx 2/3 cup)) contains 21.2g total carbs, 20.1g net carbs, 2.8g fat, 2.5g protein, and 120 calories.

Are corn chex healthy for you? ›

In conclusion, Corn Chex offers a delicious and nutritious option for your breakfast routine. With its balance of macronutrients, low fat and sugar content, and versatility, it can be part of a well-rounded and enjoyable meal.

Does Chex Mix have added sugar? ›

This product contains added sugar ingredients: ...

Is Chex Mix high in fat? ›

Foods related to snack mix, plain (chex mix)

This serving contains 6 g of fat, 5.3 g of protein and 45 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 4.4 g sugar and 3.5 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. Snack mix, plain (Chex Mix) contains 1 g of saturated fat and 2.4 mg of cholesterol per serving.

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