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What are the Ingredients in the Favorite Day Trail Mix Varieties?

3 min read

Favorite Day, Target's popular in-house food brand, offers a wide variety of trail mixes, each with its own distinct and delicious flavor profile. This means the exact ingredients in the Favorite Day trail mix you have will depend entirely on which specific version you've picked up from the shelf.

Quick Summary

An overview of the different Favorite Day trail mix varieties, detailing the specific components like nuts, chocolate, dried fruit, and savory additions for each unique blend sold at Target.

Key Points

  • Variety is Key: The ingredients in Favorite Day trail mix depend entirely on which specific flavor you purchase, as the brand offers multiple types.

  • Monster Mix Ingredients: The classic Monster variety includes peanuts, M&M's milk chocolate candies, raisins, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips.

  • Decadent Options: Other indulgent mixes feature ingredients like caramel milk chocolate cups (Caramel Cashew) and yogurt-flavored coatings (Black & White).

  • Savory Alternatives: For non-sweet palates, the Dill Pickle mix contains peanuts, cashews, almonds, pepitas, and corn sticks with dill seasoning.

  • Check for Allergens: All mixes should be checked for allergen information, as most contain peanuts, milk, and soy, and are processed in facilities handling other allergens.

  • Nutritional Profile Varies: The healthiness of the mix depends on its composition; sugary mixes are energy-dense, while nut and seed-heavy mixes offer more protein and healthy fats.

In This Article

Favorite Day is Target's house brand for snacks and treats, and they offer a diverse collection of trail mixes. It is crucial for consumers, especially those with allergies or specific dietary needs, to recognize that the ingredients vary significantly by mix. Here, we'll break down the contents of several popular varieties to help you make an informed choice.

Unpacking the Popular Favorite Day Trail Mix Flavors

The Sweet and Decadent Mixes

Monster Trail Mix: This classic sweet and salty blend is one of the brand's most popular offerings. The mix contains a generous assortment of:

  • Peanuts
  • M&M's Milk Chocolate Candies
  • Raisins
  • Milk Chocolate Chips
  • Peanut Butter Chips

Peanut Butter Monster Trail Mix: For peanut butter lovers, this version doubles down on the rich, nutty flavor. This mix includes:

  • Peanuts
  • Peanut Butter Chips
  • Raisins
  • M&M's Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies
  • Peanut Butter Coated Pretzel Balls

Black & White Trail Mix: This mix combines contrasting flavors for a unique experience. Ingredients include:

  • Peanuts
  • Raisins
  • Chocolate-Flavored Coated Peanuts and Raisins
  • Yogurt-Flavored Confectionery Coated Peanuts and Raisins

Caramel Cashew Trail Mix: This mix leans heavily into a rich, buttery sweetness. According to a taste test by Tasting Table, this mix includes:

  • Peanuts
  • Cashews
  • Caramel Milk Chocolate Caramel Cups
  • Milk Chocolate Caramel Balls

The Savory and Unique Mixes

Dill Pickle Trail Mix: This is an unexpected, tangy mix for those who prefer savory snacks. Its primary ingredients are:

  • Peanuts
  • Corn Sticks
  • Cashews
  • Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • Almonds
  • Dill Seasoning

Nutritional Considerations and Ingredient Quality

While all trail mixes offer an energy boost, their nutritional profiles can vary drastically based on the specific ingredients. Mixes heavy on candy, like the Monster varieties, are often classified as ultra-processed foods with higher sugar and saturated fat content, according to reports by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Those looking for a more nutrient-dense option might prefer mixes with more nuts, seeds, and unsweetened dried fruit. For example, the Dill Pickle mix forgoes the chocolate and candy for a more savory flavor profile, though it still contains processed components like corn sticks and seasonings. As with any snack, portion control is key, as nuts and dried fruits are calorie-dense. A mix with a higher proportion of nuts and seeds will offer more healthy fats and protein, while candy-heavy mixes are primarily sources of sugar.

Favorite Day Trail Mix Varieties Comparison

Variety Key Ingredients Primary Flavor Profile Health Consideration
Monster Peanuts, raisins, M&M's, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips Sweet, salty, decadent High sugar and saturated fat from candy and chips; energy-dense.
Black & White Peanuts, raisins, chocolate and yogurt coatings Balanced sweet and savory Sweetened coatings add sugar and processed fats.
Dill Pickle Peanuts, cashews, almonds, pepitas, corn sticks, dill seasoning Tangy, savory, salty Higher in nuts and seeds, but seasoning and corn sticks add processing.

Potential Allergens and Manufacturing Information

It's important to be aware of the allergen information provided by the brand. The Favorite Day Monster Trail Mix, for instance, contains peanuts, soy, and milk. The packaging also warns that products are often processed in a facility that handles other common allergens, such as tree nuts, eggs, and wheat, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Always check the specific product's label for the most accurate allergen and ingredient information.

Conclusion

Given the wide range of offerings, there is no single answer to what are the ingredients in the Favorite Day trail mix. From the intensely sweet and chocolatey Monster mix to the savory and tangy Dill Pickle version, the specific components vary significantly. Your choice will depend on your personal flavor preference and nutritional goals. Regardless of the flavor, it's always best to check the product's label for the most up-to-date and specific ingredient details before consuming, especially for those with food allergies or sensitivities. For additional information on nutritional aspects of common processed snacks, refer to resources like the Environmental Working Group's food reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Favorite Day Monster Trail Mix is composed of peanuts, M&M's milk chocolate candies, raisins, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips.

Yes, Favorite Day offers a savory Dill Pickle Trail Mix, which includes peanuts, cashews, almonds, pepitas, and corn sticks flavored with a dill seasoning.

Some of the more decadent varieties, like the Monster mixes, can be high in sugar due to the candy, chocolate chips, and other sweetened components. An analysis by EWG classified them as ultra-processed foods with a high sugar content.

Common allergens include peanuts, milk, and soy. The manufacturer also warns that the products are processed in facilities that handle other allergens like tree nuts, eggs, and wheat, so cross-contamination is a risk.

The most accurate place to find ingredients for a specific Favorite Day trail mix is on the nutritional label of the product packaging itself. Online listings on the Target website or Instacart also often provide this information.

The healthiness depends on the specific mix and portion size. While nuts and seeds offer healthy fats and protein, mixes with large amounts of candy or sweetened coatings are high in sugar and calories, and should be consumed in moderation.

Yes, Favorite Day has a wide variety of trail mixes, with different ingredient combinations. Examples include Monster, Peanut Butter Monster, Black & White, Caramel Cashew, and Dill Pickle.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.