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Embarking on a long hike or outdoor adventure? Keeping your energy levels up with the best hiking snacks is key to ensuring you have the stamina to tackle those trails. Whether you're planning for a short day hike or gearing up for longer hikes, having a variety of easy, healthy energy snacks on hand can make all the difference.
From protein-packed options to sweet treats that satisfy your sweet tooth, here are 21 delicious snack ideas to fuel your next outdoor excursion.
1. Protein Bars: Stock up on ready-made energy bars from your local grocery store or make your own homemade granola bars for a convenient and nutritious snack on the go. If you get store-bought bars, be sure to get a high protein and high fiber bar with no added sugars.
The higher the nutritional value of your snacks, the better you will feel throughout your hike.
I love the No Cow brand! It has so many flavors and is the perfect option for my fellow hikers who want gluten free bars with clean ingredients.
2. Fresh Fruit: Grab some fresh fruit like apples, bananas, or oranges for a quick energy boost on the trail. The natural sugars in fruit provide instant energy, making them a great option for longer hikes. You can also through in some other fresh foods too such as fresh veggies.
3. Fruit Leather: Made from pureed fruit, fruit leather is a convenient and tasty snack for hiking. It's lightweight and easy to pack, making it perfect for longer hikes or outdoor adventures.
4. Bell Peppers: Bell peppers are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a nutritious snack for hiking. Slice them up and pack them in a resealable bag for a crunchy and refreshing trail snack.
5. Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Honey Balls: These little energy balls are fantastic. Just combine the ingredients in the name -peanut butter, chocolate chips, oatmeal, and honey! Roll the mixture into balls, and you're done.
This is one of the best healthy hiking snacks, and they're super easy to make. You can add dried fruit to them such as raisins or cherries for a little more flavor. Throw your energy bites in the fridge or freezer before you hit the trail so they're cool.
6. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are a portable source of protein and healthy fats, making them an ideal snack for hiking. Pack them in your backpack with an ice pack to keep them fresh on hot days. Believe it or not yes, boiled eggs are a good hiking snack and a great way to get in healthy fats and protein.
7. Energy Chews: These chewy snacks are designed to provide quick energy during endurance activities like hiking. Look for options made with natural sugars and electrolytes to keep you fueled and hydrated on the trail.
8. Beef Jerky: Packed with protein and low in carbs, beef jerky is a convenient and portable snack for hiking. Look for options with minimal added sugar and sodium. Beef jerky is a good thing to have on a road trip too! One of my favorite brands of beef jerky is Old Trapper. Just be sure to drink plenty of water on a hot day if you're eating high sodium jerky.
9. Meat Sticks: Individual meat sticks or jerky are a convenient and portable source of protein for hiking. Look for options made with lean meats and minimal added ingredients for a healthier snack choice.
10. String Cheese: String cheese is a convenient source of protein and calcium, making it a great snack for hiking. Pack it in your backpack for a quick and easy way to refuel on the trail.
11. Hard Cheeses: Hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda are a good source of protein and calcium. Pack them in your backpack with an ice pack to keep them fresh on hot days.
12. Cream Cheese: Spread cream cheese on whole-grain crackers or celery sticks for a quick and easy snack on the trail. It's high in protein and adds a creamy texture to your hiking snacks.
13. Protein Powder: Mix protein powder with water or your favorite milk for a quick and easy source of protein on the go. It's lightweight and portable. If you don't need much food, a simple protein shake is easy to take.
14. Trail Mix: Yes, the classic trail mix. Create your own trail mix with a combination of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate for a delicious and satisfying snack that provides long-lasting energy.
15. Nut Butter Squeezable Pouches: Individual squeezable pouches of nut butter are a convenient and mess-free snack for hiking. Simply tear off the top and enjoy for a quick burst of energy on the trail.
A classic hiking snack and one of my favorite foods in general, peanut butter, is packed with healthy fats and protein to keep you energized throughout your hike. Spread it on whole-grain crackers or enjoy it with fresh fruit for a tasty and nutritious snack.
If it's hard for you to get enough food and calories in, peanut better is a high protein option with a lot of calories in a single serving.
Another great option is almond butter. It's similar to peanut butter with its healthy fats and protein. If you're allergic to peanuts, almonds may be a good alternative.
16. Macadamia Nuts: These little guys are another perfect hiking snack for adventurers seeking a delicious and nutritious boost on the trail. Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, macadamia nuts provide sustained energy to fuel long hikes and outdoor adventures.
Their rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch make them a favorite among hikers, while their high nutritional value ensures that you stay energized and satisfied throughout your hike.
17. Salty Snacks: Pack a variety of salty snacks like pretzels, popcorn, or roasted chickpeas. Taking your favorite nuts on your next hike make for great snacks.
18. Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and magnesium, making them an ideal snack for hiking. Roast them with your favorite spices for a tasty and satisfying trail snack.
19. Chocolate Bar: This snack has has to be one of my favorite snacks. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and can provide a quick energy boost on the trail. Pack a small chocolate bar in your backpack for a sweet treat during longer hikes. Just be sure to eat it before it melts!
20. Ready-Made Tuna Packets: Single-serve packets of ready-made tuna are a convenient and protein-rich snack for hiking. Enjoy them straight from the packet or spread on whole-grain crackers for a satisfying trail snack.
21. Salmon Packets: Single-serve packets of smoked salmon or salmon jerky are a delicious and nutritious snack for hiking. They're packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids to keep you fueled and satisfied on the trail.
Whether you're planning a short day hike (like low-intensity hikes) or gearing up for a long trek, having a variety of easy, healthy energy snacks on hand is essential for keeping your energy levels up and fueling your outdoor adventures.
If you're going to need to substitute for one of your main meals on the trail, choose something hearty like beef jerky and trail mix. If you're going for a morning hike, an apple with peanut butter may just do the trick. Either way, it's always a good idea to prepare the right kind of snacks.
From protein-packed options to sweet treats that satisfy your sweet tooth, these 21 snack ideas are sure to keep you energized and ready to hit the trail!
