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What is Gorp?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 16,365
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Gorp is a high energy foodstuff which is designed to be very portable, allowing people to carry it on hikes and trips for a quick burst of energy. It consists of a mixture of nuts, dried fruits, grains, and seeds, and it is classically eaten straight out of hand as a snack food. Many grocery stores and outdoor supply companies sell gorp, often with several varieties available, sometimes including a “house blend,” and it is also possible to make gorp at home.

A variety of slang terms are used to describe this food. Some people know it as trail mix or scroggin, for example, and other regional terms can be found in use among outdoor clubs and groups of friends. The origins of the word “gorp” are a bit unclear. Several people have suggest that it is an acronym of “good old raisins and peanuts” or “granola, oats, raisins, and peanuts,” but these acronyms are probably backformations, invented to fit the word rather than predating it. The only reference to “gorp” in many dictionaries is a turn of the twentieth century slang term meaning “to eat greedily.”

Whatever the origins of the word, gorp is immensely popular with hikers, travelers, and backpackers all of the world. It is also sometimes eaten as a snack by students and other people who are often on the go. The high calorie value of gorp is extremely useful for people who want some energy in a hurry, but it can also be dangerous for people who are sedentary, because it is easy to eat a lot of gorp, thereby consuming a high percentage of the recommended daily caloric value without feeling like very much has been eaten.

Any number of dried goods can be included in gorp, including rolled wheat, oats, peanuts, cashews, almonds, raisins, dried cranberries, dried apples, sesame seeds, pecans, dried blueberries, sunflower seeds, and barley. Some companies also add sweets to their gorp to make it more appealing, adding chocolate, crystallized fruit, or candy pieces. Candy also adds energy. In all cases, the ingredients are very shelf-stable at room temperature for prolonged periods of time.

A well-balanced serving of gorp provides ample protein from the nuts and seeds, paired with vitamins and minerals from the mixture. The food is designed to be energy-dense, allowing people to eat a small amount for a high calorie value, since energy-dense foods are easy to pack on the trail. Some versions of gorp may cross the line into sweet treats, resembling a mixture of candy more than a healthy snack, and this is something to be careful of when preparing or purchasing gorp.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By Wisedly33 — On Aug 26, 2014

The best thing about gorp is you make it yourself and make it to your tastes. I don't usually use peanuts in it, although I like peanuts. I just don't really like them in gorp. I think it gives it an off taste.

I also skip the raisins since they stick to my teeth so bad. I would rather use other dried fruit, like apples or apricots, along with dried coconut pieces. I also use toasted oats with a little honey and some salt. Very tasty! But there are a thousand other variations on gorp and most of them are pretty good.

By Scrbblchick — On Aug 25, 2014

I'm a diabetic, so I have to be careful about foods like gorp. I do love it, though, so I have to eat a much lower carb version of it. I usually stick with toasted pecans, cashews and pistachios, with sunflower seeds thrown in, a few extra dark chocolate pieces and some dried cranberries. That cuts way, way down on the sugar.

If I'm going to be doing some strenuous exercise, I may add a little more chocolate or dried fruit to the mix, but I always try to be careful of the carb count. It's so good, but is so bad for my blood sugar!

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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