National Trail Mix Day observed on August 31st

August 31st marks National Trail Mix Day, a holiday celebrating the nutritious snack composed of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Often referred to as ‘GORP’ (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts), the snack has deep historical roots. While Native Americans have consumed similar mixtures including buffalo meat for thousands of years, modern iterations were documented in 1910s camping guides by Horace Kephart.

Other historical milestones include mentions in Jack Kerouac’s 1958 novel ‘The Dharma Bums’ and a 1968 claim by California surfers who blended peanuts and raisins. The snack is known as ‘Scroggin’ in Australia and New Zealand. Modern commercial popularity is supported by brands such as Nature Valley and KIND.

In addition to National Trail Mix Day, August 31st also includes National Eat Outside Day and National We Love Memoirs Day.