Why is trail mix expensive?

Estimated read time: 3 minutes 48 seconds

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Cost is a significant barrier when considering the purchase of a pack of trail mix. This hesitation likely stems from the belief that the product’s value doesn’t justify its price, especially when cheaper alternatives exist.

You might think:

“Why does one brand of trail mix have a higher price tag than the other? Don't all trail mixes have the same quality and taste?”

We’ve done some research for you. So just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show… as we show you the two main factors (both tangible and intangible) that affect the cost of a trail mix.

FACTOR 1 (tangible) - Type of Ingredients

Not all trail mixes are created equal. Beyond their weight, the contents within can vary significantly. In the following section, we will provide a comparison of various trail mix ingredients*.

  • Almonds cost almost twice as much as peanuts.
  • Pistachio kernels are five times the price of peanuts.
  • Dried cranberries are twice as expensive as raisins.
  • Dried blueberries are almost five times the price of raisins.
  • Sunflower seeds are nearly three times the price of green peas.
  • Pumpkin seeds cost four times as much as green peas.

With the comparison presented above, we can now determine which trail mix ingredients are cheap, average, and expensive:

table-value-of-trail-mix-ingredients-from-cheapest-to-average-to-most-expensive

It’s logical to expect that a trail mix containing pricier ingredients will naturally result in a higher overall cost.

FACTOR 2 (tangible) - Quantity of Ingredients

In addition to the cost of individual components, the quantity of ingredients also plays a significant role in determining the price of a trail mix. To illustrate this point, let’s compare two distinct trail mix brands:

table-comparing-two-trail-mix-brands-according-to-ingredient-quantity-and-price-per-gram

Referring to the table provided, including three tasty fruits and two healthy seeds in your trail mix adds an extra thirty-four cents per gram to the total cost. 

FACTOR 3 (intangible) - Importation Costs

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Due to the unavailability of certain nutritious trail mix ingredients in the Philippines, local traders establish global partnerships to source these items. However, before these ingredients can be imported, an extensive series of processes and activities unfolds such as sowing, growing, harvesting, and more.

FACTOR 4 (intangible) - Storage Costs

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To uphold the quality of a trail mix, specific storage conditions must be adhered to:

Packaging: High-quality tubs are used to preserve the freshness of the trail mix. Such container offer an additional layer of protection against unwanted intruders like ants.

Climate-controlled environment: It’s especially recommended to store nuts, among other ingredients, in a climate-controlled room with low temperature and humidity levels to maintain their optimal condition.

FACTOR 5 (intangible) - Shipping Costs

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Logistics of the raw materials (ingredients and packaging) play a huge role in the overall cost of any product. To assemble a trail mix: different companies from different countries export their nuts, seeds, and dried fruits produce; a local importer then collates and receives all imports; and finally, the ingredients are sent to local manufacturers/traders—all steps involving shipping costs. Delivery of packaging materials also contribute to logistical costs.

    FACTOR 6 (intangible) - Platform Costs

    online-and-physical-store-represented-by-cellphone-designed-with-store-canopy-and-hanged-open-signage

    Local traders rely on these partners to effectively reach the people who require their products:

    • e-commerce platform
    • physical shops

    These strategic partnerships enable them to tap into the ever-expanding e-commerce market by establishing a strong online presence, while also catering to traditional shoppers through pop-up shops.

    FACTOR 7 (intangible) - Labor Costs

    hunched-farmers-harvesting-crops

    The technical expertise and unwavering dedication of the farmers are essential elements  that contribute to the production of high-quality and heart-healthy trail mix ingredients.

    To guarantee that the nuts, seeds, and fruits will continue to have a great quality, traders take great care in meticulously storing them under optimal conditions.

    Similar to any other business, there are essential expenses required to sustain it. The factors mentioned, whether tangible or intangible, represent some of the key costs that impact the pricing of a trail mix.

    Still wondering if trail mix is worth buying? Perhaps a look at its health benefits will assist you in making an informed decision.

    If you have any other questions about trail mix, check out our other articles. Alternatively, you can send us an email at getfit@whealthychoice.com.

    REFERENCES:

    *The figures are derived from average prices across various shops, and the data was collected in August 2023.

    **These figures are based on their sale price as of September 2023.

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