Dealing with low energy levels on a hike day? You need to look for the best hiking snacks. Eating from time to time on a hiking adventure is necessary. Just like sipping water or an energy drink to reinstate your energy level, a good protein base is also important for your energy levels. Moreover, when you choose the best hiking dogs for your hiking adventures, the same should be true with your snacks. Therefore, jump on the bandwagon with us for long-lasting energy as we explore the top snacks to increase your energy levels on the trail.
Best Hiking Snacks
You should never forget about your best hiking snacks when you’re gearing up your hiking pants for a good hiking adventure. Making the correct snack choices is essential when organizing a day trek so you can stay energized and enjoy the experience. The best snacks should be portable, high in energy, and nutrient-dense. Trail mix provides sustained energy and rapid calories by combining nuts and dried fruit. Try protein-rich foods like almond butter packets or beef jerky for increased stamina. Energy bits or bars work well for sustained energy, and fresh fruit, like apples, supplies a natural sugar rush. Snacks that are easy to pack and shelf-stable will help you hike farther, harder, and happier. Whether homemade or purchased from the shop, the correct snacks make all the difference. Let’s further explore these snacks.
15 High Energy Snacks for Hiking: Up Your Energy Levels
1. Beef Jerky Best Hiking Snacks
An excellent food for trekking is beef jerky because of its high protein content and shelf durability. Its flavor, which is savory rather than sweet, provides a welcome variation. The process of making beef jerky at home is surprisingly simple and affordable. To improve your trekking experience, try delicious recipes like Teriyaki Beef Jerky and Classic Beef Jerky. Once you get into creating your own, you’ll find that not only can you make flavors that precisely fit your preferences for every excursion, but you’ll also enjoy saving money.
2. Nut Butter: A Healthy Hiking Snack
It is a trekking snack whether you choose cashew, almond, or peanut butter. Spread it easily over crackers or fruit, use it in a sandwich, or eat it alone. Nut butter provides hikers with a lot of energy because it contains a lot of calories in a small amount. For economy, think about packing a whole jar for group hikes. Smaller squeeze pouches like Justin’s or RX Bar are perfect for solitary hikes. The RX Vanilla Almond Butter is a favorite; give it a try! For long-lasting energy, nut butter is a hiker’s best buddy.
3. Crackers Hiking Snack
Choose solid crackers for your snacks to prevent your trail crackers from becoming crumbles in your pack. Trader Joe’s sells robust crips that are ideal for hiking, with flavors including Mango & Ginger and Fig & Olive. Consider making quick hummus with just water for extra protein. Additionally, little sandwiches with cheese crackers or peanut butter are great options. Not only do brands like Ritz Bits evoke nostalgia, but they also hold up well over time, especially if you store them in a sturdy container to preserve their integrity while you’re hiking.
4. Dried Fruit and Nuts
Nuts and dried fruits provide the ideal balance of nutrients and are a must for any hike. Dried fruits give you a rapid energy boost, but nuts, with their protein and lipids, give you prolonged energy. Trader Joe’s provides a fantastic assortment at reasonable pricing, making them affordable options. If you need help getting to Trader Joe’s, try searching the bulk sections of your neighborhood supermarket for these products. As an alternative, Nuts.com is a great place to buy nuts and dried fruits online.
5. An Easy Hiking Snack: Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is an excellent snack for a quick day trip because it hydrates. Choose fruits that are easy to handle and don’t bruise easily. Pears and apples make for solid fruits, while pre-peeled oranges save the hassle of peels. Berries can also be a great option if kept in a rigid container to avoid squishing. These fruits are perfect for on-the-go energy boosts because they are naturally sweet and hydrating and don’t require laborious cleanup or preparation. This is one of the best snacks for hiking in hot weather.
6. Meat Bars as Best Hiking Snacks
Meat bars provide a low-carb, high-protein snack option for trekking. While avoiding the sugars and carbohydrates typically present in conventional energy snack bars, companies like Epic Bars and Wild Zora offer delicious solutions that work well with a ketogenic diet. These bars provide the consistent energy required for lengthy hikes, are portable, and are simple to pack. Meat bars, as opposed to conventional snacks, help you sustain energy without the crash that comes with sugary alternatives by keeping you fuller for longer.
7. Tuna or Chicken Packets for Hiking Snacking
Packets of tuna or chicken salad make a filling, lightweight lunch for hiking. They are conveniently available at your local grocery store and come in flavors like Buffalo Chicken and Herb & Garlic. These packets are great, wrapped in tortillas or spread on crackers. They’re perfect for long hikes since they provide a tasty, filling lunch that keeps well on the shelf. These are a staple of John Muir Trail adventures, and we strongly recommend them to anyone searching for a dependable, delicious hiking snack.
8. Olives: One of the Best Hiking Snacks
Add some olives to your trail lunch; they’re a delicious addition to any hike. Pour the olives from a jar into a resealable, airtight receptacle such as a ReZip bag, then pack your preferred types. Think about utilizing portable packages from companies like Olives for even greater convenience. Olives are a delicious and healthy snack that you may enjoy in the majesty of nature and add to your outdoor dinners. On your next hiking journey, don’t forget them.
9. Cheese
Cheese’s high energy level and durability make it an excellent food for hiking. Hard cheeses that don’t deteriorate quickly on trails include gruyere, aged cheddar, and smoked gouda. Use a resealable container or wrap your cheese in beeswax for a mess-free experience. Solo travelers will love Babybel and other options, including wax-wrapped ones. Furthermore, cheese sticks from companies like Cabot or Tillamook are kid-friendly and handy, which makes them great options for family hikes.
10. Granola Bars for Hiking Snacks
Granola bars are a great hiking snack because they’re lightweight and nutritious. If you’re trekking, choose granola bars with a high protein content and few added sugars. Homemade variations, such as Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars or Chewy Granola Bars, can be customized to meet dietary requirements and individual preferences. If you’d rather have something already made, look for simplicity and nutrient balance in the ingredient list. Select bars that provide energy and nourishment to fuel your outdoor experiences.
11. Store Bought Bars
Energy bars from the store provide a pleasant and practical way to refuel while on the road. Products from companies like Bobo Bars and Kate’s Real Food Bars are available in a range of tastes to suit a variety of palates. GoMacro bars emphasize organic ingredients and offer an additional level of customization. By combining different brands and flavors, you can avoid boredom and ensure you get various nutrients. These bars provide a convenient, wholesome snack choice that can be included any day, making them ideal for people with hectic schedules.
12. Stroopwafels Best Hiking Snacks
Stroopwafels’ high-calorie content makes them great as trekking snacks. Two thin layers of cooked dough with a delicious caramel filling make up these delicacies. A slight warming makes them taste even better and gives a cozy element to your outdoor experiences. Stroopwafels are readily available online and at stores like Trader Joe’s. Sports energy companies like GU and Honey Stinger also carry stroopwafels, a quick and accessible way to refuel while hiking.
13. Clifchot Blocks Healthy Hiking Snacks
Clif Shot Bloks are crucial for avoiding bonking during hiking. Muscle glycogen levels are probably dropping when you experience a drop in energy after extended effort, which might result in weakness or fainting. These chewy candies replenish your energy reserves by rapidly spilling sugars and electrolytes. Shot Bloks are the ideal trail companion to immediately increase your stamina and keep you going because they are conveniently packed. Take them on hikes to help you stay energized and prevent weariness.
14. Fruit Leathers
When hiking, fruit leathers are a great way to enjoy the flavor of fresh fruit without the mess or weight. Using a food dehydrator at home makes them simple to prepare. Try creating our exotic Tropical Fruit Leathers or colorful Tie Dye Fruit Leathers. These snacks are tasty, portable, creative, and entertaining ways to savor and retain fruit flavors. Fruit leathers are a must-try, ideal for any outdoor activity.
15. Candy Bars: Best Hiking Snacks
Although they might not be the best option for hiking food, candy bars can make your trip more enjoyable. Savor a special delicacy to commemorate reaching the peak, like the recognizable summit Snickers. Tuck it deep inside your bag to keep your candy bar from melting when hiking in warm weather. This small celebration might add even more significance to your accomplishment. Candy bars are, therefore, great for a delicious summit moment, even though they’re not the best for energy bites.
Best Hiking Trail Snacks: Final Thoughts
Are you prepared to take on the trails with unparalleled vigor? With our list of the top 15 hiking snacks, you can be sure to be ready. Whether you’re going on a strenuous multi-day backpacking trip or a sunny day hike, nut butter, sweet dried fruits, and savory beef jerky will keep you energized. Trail mix, Clifchot Blocks, and granola bars are staples for convenience and nutrition.
In conclusion, options like almond butter and tuna packets are excellent for individuals looking for flavorful, nutritious, and shelf-stable snacks. So pack these energizing, healthy snack goodies before you lace up your boots; they’re not just food but fuel for your journey!