Salads have fantastic PR. 

They’re the go-to meal for clean eating, glowing skin, and pretending you enjoy kale (sorry kale, but your head has gotten too big). 

But trail mix? Trail mix walks in with a zip-top bag, a confident crunch, and says, “I’m salad’s cooler, snackable cousin.” And it’s not wrong.

Trail mix has all the makings of a health food hero, like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and the occasional square of dark chocolate to keep things interesting. It’s a portable power-up with enough sass to skip the lettuce and still deliver the goods.

No dressing necessary. 

The Nut Case for Protein and Healthy Fats

Almonds, peanuts, cashews are protein-packed and help repair muscle, fuel your day, and keep your stomach from growling during that 3 PM meeting. 

Plus, they’re loaded with heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, which makes every handful feel like a smart life decision. 

Dried Fruit for the Win

Don’t sleep on the dried fruit. 

Raisins, cranberries, cherries, and apricots are nice and sweet, AND they’re packed with fiber, potassium, and natural sugars that give you a quick energy boost. While fresh fruit is great, dried fruit is the reliable friend who shows up on time and never bruises in your bag.

Some naysayers will argue that dried fruit is “just candy with vitamins,” and they may have a point. A lot of these snack packs are loaded with added sugar, so pay attention to the ingredients, even if it means borrowing a pair of readers. 

Seeds: Small But Mighty

Pumpkin and sunflower seeds may not get top billing, but they’re full of magnesium, zinc, and other nutrients that keep your immune system humming. They also add a welcome crunch that makes trail mix fun to eat, which, let’s face it, is a major win for any health food. 

Even better, these healthy fats help you feel full longer, so you’re less likely to raid the vending machine an hour later.

Yes, You Can Have Chocolate

Let’s not pretend that every mix doesn’t include a little chocolate. 

And why shouldn’t it? A few pieces of dark chocolate can deliver antioxidants and make the whole snack feel indulgent without going overboard. It’s self-care in the form of cocoa.

Snack Like You Mean It

Trail mix is convenient for hiking, but it’s ideal for busy days, long commutes, post-gym pick-me-ups, and yes, pretending you’re outdoorsy when you’re actually just pacing your office.

You’re basically eating salad… just with more confidence and none of the fork work.

⛳ SHAMLESS PLUG ALERT ⛳

It’s never a good idea to golf on an empty stomach, so we’ve decided to do something about it. Not only does our Great Golf Gift Basket come with golf-themed snack mix, but these lovely items as well: Golfer’s Guide to the Meaning of Life book; Golf themed flask; Golf towel from recycled bottles; Golf ball and tee set; Golf divot repair tool; Golf theme snack mix; Open water; and Shortbread. 

Eat, drink, hit the links, and be merry.

One More Thing…Our Warehouse Sale

You know how you prepare more food than you need for dinner–lest any guest miss out on seconds or thirds–and you wind up with tasty extras you send them home with? At BasketWorks we take the same approach to our inventory so that we don’t run out of anything. Well, our surplus is your gain! Mark your calendar for our Warehouse Sale this weekend:

• June 19 from 12-5pm
• June 20 from 9am-5pm
• June 21 from 9am-4pm

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.

Red wine has long hogged the spotlight when it comes to health perks. 

It’s the darling of Mediterranean diets and dinner parties alike, touted for its antioxidants and heart-healthy reputation. But let’s not ignore its lighter, crisper cousin: white wine.

White wine may not wear the same deep ruby robe, but it still deserves its place in the wellness conversation. 

So before you instinctively reach for red to “do something good” for your body, here’s why white wine has a few benefits of its own to brag about.

Antioxidants Are in the Building

While red wine gets high marks for resveratrol (an antioxidant found in grape skins, and a term you obviously knew), white wine isn’t exactly slacking off. 

It’s made from the pulp of grapes rather than the skins, but it still delivers antioxidant compounds like tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol—more terms you obviously know—that are both linked to anti-inflammatory properties. 

In plain English? Your glass of Sauvignon Blanc might be doing more than just pairing well with seafood.

Heart Health Still Applies

A 2017 study published in the journal Circulation found that moderate wine consumption—red or white—was associated with better heart health. 

Specifically, white wine drinkers had slightly better cholesterol levels and blood sugar control than beer or liquor drinkers. The key word here is moderate—we’re talking one glass, not the bottle…tempting as it may be. 

A Toast to Stronger Bones

One does not usually think of wine as being helpful for bones, but here we are. 

White wine contains silicon, a mineral associated with increased bone density. While you should still eat your leafy greens and get your calcium, it’s a nice bonus that a Chardonnay might help your skeleton just a little, too.

A Boost for Brain Health

Another study found that white wine polyphenols could help reduce oxidative stress in the brain. Translation: white wine might help protect those neurons from age-related wear and tear. 

You probably still won’t remember where you put your keys, but the science is promising.

Cheers to Balance

Of course, no one’s suggesting that wine is the next superfood. 

It’s not kale. Dang.

But in moderation—and when enjoyed mindfully—white wine offers more than just a refreshing sip. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy a moment, and yes, get a little health benefit in the process.

🍾 SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT 🍾

White wine pairs oh so well with downtime, and wouldn’t you know it—we have a favorite called Down Time Relaxation Gift Basket. This vintage includes Cabernet Sauvignon, a 1000 piece puzzle, Fun quote wine glass, Wine cheese, French truffles, and Crackers. 

Cheers to you!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.