Chex Mix is a popular snack mix consisting of Chex cereal combined with pretzels, nuts, spices and other ingredients. It comes in different varieties including Original, Honey Nut and Chocolate. Chex Mix first hit the market in 1952 and was invented by Ralston Purina. It remains a beloved snack today, consumed by people of all ages. But what exactly makes up this tasty snack mix? Let’s take a closer look at the primary ingredients in Chex Mix.
Main Ingredients in Chex Cereal
The base of any Chex Mix is the Chex cereal itself. Chex comes in rice, corn and wheat varieties. Here are the main ingredients that go into each type of Chex cereal:
Rice Chex
– Rice – This is the main ingredient. Rice Chex cereal is made from cooked and dried rice grains.
– Sugar – Adds sweetness to the cereal. Often brown sugar is used.
– Malt flavoring – Provides distinctive flavor. Made from barley malt.
– Salt – For flavor enhancement.
– Vitamins and minerals – Essential nutrients like calcium carbonate, iron, zinc, and B vitamins are added.
– Color added – Provides light brown hue. Often caramel color is used.
Corn Chex
– Corn meal – Ground dried corn is the primary ingredient.
– Sugar – Adds sweetness. Often brown or cane sugar is used.
– Malt flavoring – Made from barley malt and gives distinctive flavor.
– Salt – For flavor.
– Vitamins and minerals – Same as Rice Chex, enriched with nutrients like calcium, iron and B vitamins.
– Color added – Provides yellow/golden color. Often annatto extract or paprika.
Wheat Chex
– Whole grain wheat – The main ingredient, provides nutrition from whole grains.
– Sugar – Adds sweetness, often cane sugar.
– Malt flavoring – Provides distinctive malty flavor.
– Salt – For flavor enhancement.
– Vitamins and minerals – Enriched with iron, B vitamins, zinc and more.
– Color added – Gives light tan/brown hue. Often caramel color.
So the core Chex cereals are made from rice, corn or whole wheat as the main grain ingredient. Additional sugars, malt, salt and vitamins round out the nutritional profile. Artificial colors provide the proper hue. Now let’s look at the other ingredients commonly added to create Chex Mix.
Other Main Ingredients in Chex Mix
In addition to the Chex cereal pieces, Chex Mix includes a variety of other ingredients to create its signature savory-sweet snack mix taste and crunch. Here are some of the most notable ingredients:
Pretzels
Pretzel pieces are a classic addition to Chex Mix, providing a salty crunch. Traditional pretzels are made from wheat flour, yeast, salt, and water. The pretzels are briefly boiled then baked to get their characteristic shape and texture.
Nuts
Nuts add protein and another level of crunch and flavor. Some varieties use peanuts, while others may contain small almond slivers, cashew pieces or pecan bits. Nuts provide healthy unsaturated fats as well.
Seasonings
A blend of seasonings is what gives Chex Mix its signature flavor. These may include:
– Worcestershire Sauce powder – Provides tangy, savory flavor
– Onion powder – Adds onion and garlic notes
– Mustard powder – Gives a zing of heat
– Paprika – For smoky, spicy flavor
– Chili powder – Brings mild heat
– Salt – For overall flavor enhancement
– Sugar – A touch more sweetness
– Monosodium glutamate (MSG) – Flavor enhancer
So these herbs and spices bring the addictive blend of sweet, savory and spicy. Some varieties use less or more seasoning to create unique tastes.
Oil
A small amount of oil, usually vegetable or canola oil, is spritzed or misted onto the Chex Mix pieces before baking. This allows the seasonings to stick and provides a light crispness.
Corn or Wheat Bran
Some recipes call for a few tablespoons of corn or wheat bran. This adds extra grain goodness and fiber.
Optional Ingredients
Some varieties of Chex Mix add other ingredients to switch up the flavors:
– Chocolate – Real chocolate or cocoa powder adds sweetness.
– Nuts – Peanuts, almonds or cashews increase the protein.
– Bagel chips, rice crackers or bread sticks – Provide additional crunchy elements.
– Different seasonings – Cajun spice, curry powder, lemon pepper, etc.
So in summary, the core ingredients in Chex Mix cereal are the Chex cereal pieces, pretzels, nuts, and a blend of seasonings. Oils help the seasoning adhere and extras like chocolate, bran or spices create unique flavors. Now let’s look at some nutrition information.
Chex Mix Cereal Nutrition Facts
Chex Mix delivers a tasty combination of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 1 cup serving size of Original Chex Mix:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Total Sugars | 3 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
As you can see, Chex Mix provides mostly carbohydrates from the cereal and pretzels, and a good amount of fats from the nuts and oils. It has some dietary fiber and protein as well.
Sodium content is on the high side, providing 16% of the daily recommended value per serving. This comes mostly from the seasonings.
It is low in sugars at only 3 grams per serving. There are no trans fats.
So while Chex Mix is a fairly balanced snack, the sodium content is something to watch out for if consuming frequently or in large quantities. Overall the calories and macronutrients make it an energy-boosting treat.
Some additional nutrition facts on Chex Mix varieties:
– Chocolate and Honey Nut flavors will be higher in sugars due to the chocolate and honey coatings.
– Protein will be increased in mixes with higher nut contents like almonds or cashews.
– Fiber increases slightly in Bran Chex Mix with the added wheat or corn bran.
– Lower sodium options use alternative seasonings to keep sodium content down.
So in summary, Chex Mix provides carbohydrate energy from the cereal and pretzels, fats from nuts and oils, and a hefty dose of addictive seasoning. With 220 calories per serving, it packs a pleasing crunch and flavor punch.
Where to Buy Chex Mix
Chex Mix can be purchased at most major grocery stores, mass retailers, convenience stores, and wholesale clubs. Here are some specific places you can buy it:
Grocery Stores
– Kroger
– Safeway
– Publix
– Albertsons
– Harris Teeter
– H-E-B
– Winn Dixie
– Ralphs
– Fred Meyer
Mass Merchandisers
– Walmart
– Target
– Costco
– Sam’s Club
Convenience Stores
– 7-Eleven
– Wawa
– Circle K
– QuikTrip
Online
– Amazon
– Walmart.com
– Target.com
– WebstaurantStore.com
Chex Mix is produced by General Mills. So anywhere that carries General Mills products will likely carry various Chex Mix offerings. The most common places to locate it are large grocery chains, warehouse clubs, convenience marts, and online retailers.
Some varieties you might find include:
– Original
– Honey Nut
– Chocolate
– Cheddar
– Bacon
– Tropical
– Jalapeno
– Pretzel
– Peanut Butter
– Bold Buffalo Wing
So there are many flavor options on store shelves. You can buy Chex Mix in single serve cups, small bags, or large party size packages. It has a long shelf life so it can be purchased in bulk.
Overall Chex Mix is a widespread, easily accessible snack thanks to its popularity over 70+ years. It can satisfy sweet and salty cravings for all occasions.
How to Make Homemade Chex Mix
You can easily replicate Chex Mix at home with some simple ingredients. Here is an easy DIY recipe:
Ingredients
– 6 cups Chex cereal (Rice, Corn or Wheat)
– 1 cup bite size pretzels
– 1 cup mixed nuts
– 1/4 cup butter (melted)
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
– 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
Steps
1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. Combine Chex cereal, pretzels and nuts in a large bowl.
3. Melt butter and mix in Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
4. Pour butter mixture over the Chex mixture and stir until evenly coated.
5. Spread coated mix evenly on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
7. Let cool and store in an airtight container.
This easy homemade recipe allows you to control the flavors to your liking. You can swap different seasonings, add chocolate chips or spices, or use alternative cereals and nuts.
Baking at low heat allows the cereal and nuts to get crispy without burning. Make a big batch for parties or divide into individual bags for lunchboxes.
Conclusion
Chex Mix is the perfect snack for almost any occasion thanks to its delicious blend of ingredients like nuts, pretzels and addictive seasoning. While it is high in calories, fat, and sodium, it provides a tasty crunch in both sweet and savory flavors. Its cereal base offers some fiber and protein as well.
You can control the nutrition and flavors more by making your own Chex Mix at home. But the convenience of grabbing a bag off the shelf at any grocery store is hard to beat. This iconic snack mix continues to be a staple in pantries today, over 70 years after its invention.