Honey BBQ Chex Mix is a sweet and savory snack mix made by the Chex cereal brand. It contains a variety of Chex cereals, pretzels, peanuts, and other ingredients coated in a honey barbecue flavored seasoning.
Chex Mixes are popular snacks that have been around since the 1950s. The original Chex Mix recipe, sometimes called the “party mix,” contains Wheat Chex, Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, mixed nuts, and seasonings. Over the years many variations and flavors of Chex Mix have been introduced, including the sweet and tangy Honey BBQ flavor.
If you enjoy snacking on Chex Mix but want to know exactly what is in the Honey BBQ variety, this article will break it down ingredient by ingredient. We’ll look at the base ingredients, seasonings, and preservatives that give this snack its signature flavor and crunch.
Base Ingredients
The base of Honey BBQ Chex Mix consists of three types of Chex cereal pieces and mini pretzel twists:
Rice Chex – Rice Chex cereal is made from rice and provides a light, crispy texture.
Wheat Chex – Wheat Chex brings a heartier, wheaty crunch and flavor.
Corn Chex – Corn Chex gives a crisp, corn taste and texture.
Mini Pretzel Twists – Tiny crunchy pretzel twists add a salty bite.
In addition to the Chex cereals and pretzels, Honey BBQ Chex Mix contains peanuts to add protein. The peanuts are a mix of regular peanuts and smaller peanut halves.
Seasonings
The seasonings are what give Honey BBQ Chex Mix its signature sweet and savory barbecue flavor. Here are the main seasonings and flavorings:
Sugar – Sugar adds sweetness to balance the smoky, salty barbecue taste.
Maltodextrin – Maltodextrin is a mildly sweet powder that helps distribute flavors evenly on the cereal and snack pieces.
Salt – A touch of salt enhances overall flavor.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – MSG adds a savory, meaty taste known as umami.
Molasses – Molasses provides a rich, sweet flavor reminiscent of barbecue sauce.
Paprika – Paprika lends a reddish-orange color and mild smoky taste.
Garlic Powder – Garlic powder adds a pungent garlic flavor.
Onion Powder – Onion powder provides subtle onion and savory notes.
Spices – The exact blend of spices varies but may include black pepper, mustard, oregano, thyme, ginger, and smoked paprika.
Together, the balance of sweet and savory seasonings creates the Honey BBQ flavor profile.
Preservatives
To maintain freshness and prolong shelf life, Honey BBQ Chex Mix contains a few preservative ingredients:
Soybean Oil – The small amount of soybean oil helps the seasoning adhere to the snack pieces.
TBHQ – TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) prevents oxidation and rancidity of the oils.
Citric Acid – Citric acid preserves freshness.
Tocopherols – Tocopherols are antioxidants used as preservatives.
While preservatives are added in small amounts, the majority of the ingredients are still the crunchy cereals, nuts, and pretzels coated in sweet and smoky seasoning.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for a 1/4 cup (28g) serving of Honey BBQ Chex Mix:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 190mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 3g |
As you can see, Honey BBQ Chex Mix provides 140 calories per 1/4 cup serving. It has 7g of fat, 190mg sodium, 18g carbs, and 4g of sugars. The fiber, protein, and fat come mostly from the nuts and cereals rather than the seasonings.
Allergens
Honey BBQ Chex Mix contains some common food allergens:
– Wheat – from the Wheat Chex cereal
– Peanuts
– Soybean oil
It does not contain milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients. However, the snack is produced on equipment shared with tree nuts, so there is a chance of cross contact. Always check the allergen statement on the packaging if you have food allergies.
Where to Buy
Honey BBQ Chex Mix can be found in the snack aisle at most major grocery stores in the United States. Popular retailers that carry it include:
– Walmart
– Target
– Kroger
– Safeway
– Publix
– Albertsons
– Meijer
– HEB
– Winn Dixie
It is usually stocked near other Chex Mix flavors and snack mixes. Honey BBQ Chex Mix comes in 7.75oz resealable bags or larger containers up to 15oz.
You can also purchase it online from Walmart, Amazon, or direct from the Chex website. Buying online in bulk can be more economical if you eat a lot of Chex Mix.
Uses and Serving Suggestions
Honey BBQ Chex Mix is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in many ways:
– Eat it straight from the bag for a sweet and salty snack anytime.
– Sprinkle it on top of salads for crunch and flavor.
– Mix it into yogurt or ice cream for a crunchy topping.
– Use it as a salad crouton substitute.
– Sprinkle it over baked potatoes instead of regular croutons.
– Take it along for road trips, sporting events, parties, and potlucks.
– Bake it on top of chicken or fish for an easy crunchy coating.
For parties, transfer the snack mix to serving bowls and set out alongside veggies and dip. You can also repackage smaller portions in snack bags to hand out.
Kids love the sweet honey barbecue taste of Chex Mix. Pack it in lunches or after school snacks.
Comparison to Other Chex Mix Flavors
Honey BBQ Chex Mix has its own unique taste compared to other varieties:
– Original Chex Mix – More savory and less sweet, with seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion powder. No molasses or barbecue flavor.
– Spicy Chex Mix – Packs heat from spices like cayenne, chili powder, and jalapeño. Does not have honey or barbecue taste.
– Sweet and Salty Chex Mix – Similar sweetness level but no smoky barbecue flavor. Uses vanilla, brown sugar, and white chocolate seasonings.
– Chili Cheese Chex Mix – Savory, spicy, and cheesy from nacho cheese seasoning. No honey or molasses.
– Berry Chex Mix – Tart and fruity flavor from raspberries, strawberries, and other mixed berries.
So if you are looking for the perfect balance of sweet molasses and tangy barbecue flavors, Honey BBQ Chex Mix is your best bet. It combines multiple tastes and textures for a truly addictive snack.
Copycat Recipe
Want to recreate the Honey BBQ Chex Mix flavor at home? Here is a homemade copycat recipe:
Ingredients:
– 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
– 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
– 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
– 1 cup mini pretzel twists
– 1 cup peanuts
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon molasses
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Combine all cereals, pretzels, and peanuts in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, brown sugar, molasses, and seasonings until blended.
3. Drizzle seasoning mixture over cereal mixture and stir gently until evenly coated.
4. Spread coated mixture onto a baking sheet.
5. Bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
6. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
Conclusion
Honey BBQ Chex Mix is a beloved snack mix that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors. It contains a variety of crunchy cereals, nuts, and pretzels tossed in a sweet honey barbecue seasoning blend. While it does contain preservatives like TBHQ and soybean oil, these are added in small amounts to maintain freshness.
Overall, Honey BBQ Chex Mix is a tasty snack that can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into fun recipes and meals. It provides carbohydrates, protein, fat, and a bit of fiber. The honey barbecue seasoning gives it addictive flavor unlike other Chex Mix varieties. Pick up a bag and give this classic snack mix a try.