Let me guess: you like to hike. Me too. And when I do, there’s one thing I always have with me. Trail mix. It’s the perfect snack—you can customize it, easily carry in a small container, and just eat as much as you want. The variety I like usually has nuts, but what if you’re allergic, or looking for a lower fat version?

There are no rules for trail mix. That’s the beauty of it. You are free to make any mix that matches your taste preferences and gives you the energy you need for any activities you’re undertaking. Whether you want an afternoon workday boost or a kayak trip kick, these nut-free options are good to go.

Pull out the popcorn

If you take out the nuts, what can you use to replace the volume and crunch? One answer is popcorn. It has lots of fibre, not too many calories (especially if you’re using the air popped stuff), and provides a pleasant biting experience. Combine popcorn with dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips or M&M’s, and you’ll have a nice hearty mix. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on it for a special flavor.

See more cereal

Some of the best snack mixes to eat on or off trails can be made using cereal as a base. If it’s good enough to help you start your day, it’ll likely make a great foundation for a filling trail mix. Anything from Cheerios to Chex works great. This recipe mixes Cheerios with pepitas, raisins and chocolate chips. You can play around with the proportions until you’re happy.

Go crackers

Those cheddar goldfish crackers are tasty and popular with kids and adults alike, and they make a great base for a trail mix with a unique cheesy flavor. Try this version, which combines the crackers with pretzel twists and dried apple rings, but leave out the peanuts.

Plant some seeds

Seeds are a great substitute for nuts, possessing essential oils, a nice crunchy texture and earthy flavors that complement any dried fruits or chocolate you include in your recipe for sweetness. Seeds also have protein, which is important to help repair your muscles if you’re getting a lot of exercise. Here’s one take on a seed-based trail mix, with lentils, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds and several dried fruits. It’ll surely help keep you energized, no matter what path you’re on.

Do you have a favorite trail mix that is nut free? Fill us in in the comments and on Twitter at @luvoinc.