30+ Best Hiking Snacks For Your Next Trail Adventure
Hiking is more than just a walk in the woods; it's an adventure that allows us to explore nature, challenge our physical limits, and find peace away from the bustling world. Whether setting out for a short trail walk or a long hike, the snacks you bring can make or break your experience. The best hiking snacks are those that not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide the necessary fuel to keep you energized and happy throughout your journey.
When packing snacks for a hike, it's crucial to consider their nutritional value and convenience. Your body will exert a lot of energy, so it's vital to replenish it with foods rich in nutrients and easy to consume on the go. Look for snacks that balance carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to maintain blood sugar levels and sustain energy. This is where energy bars, sports drinks, granola bars, and protein balls come into play. They're not only packed with the right nutrients but also compact and easy to carry, making them ideal for a hike.
However, hiking snacks aren't just about nutrition. They should also be enjoyable and something you look forward to eating. Everyone has their favorite snack that gives them a little boost of happiness during a strenuous hike. It could be the savory crunch of potato chips, the unique taste of moon cheese, or a homemade treat you picked up from your local grocery store. These snacks add a personal touch to your hiking experience and can motivate you to reach the next peak or viewpoint.
In this guide, we'll dive into the world of hiking snacks and uncover the best options for your next hike. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or planning your next adventure, our guide will inspire you to pack the most satisfying and energizing snacks. So, let's get ready to elevate your hiking experience with some delicious and nourishing snack ideas for your next outdoor adventure!
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What makes a good hiking snack?
The ideal snack for hiking should meet several criteria to ensure that it enhances your journey rather than becomes a burden. Here's a list of criteria to consider when choosing the best hiking snacks:
- Portability: Should be lightweight and compact for easy carrying.
- Nutrient Density: Rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for balanced energy.
- Shelf-Stable: Does not require refrigeration and remains fresh throughout the hike.
- Minimal Packaging: Easy to open, consume, and dispose of, with eco-friendly packaging preferred.
- Low Mess: Snacks that can be eaten cleanly without crumbs or spills.
- Taste: Should be enjoyable and something you look forward to eating.
- Energy Boost: Provides a quick and sustained energy supply.
- Hydration: Snacks that help with hydration, like fruits, can be beneficial.
- Dietary Needs: Accommodates any personal dietary restrictions or preferences.
Our Favorite Hiking Snacks
Nut Butters
Nut butters, such as almond butter or those made from sunflower seeds, are excellent for hiking snacks due to their impressive nutritional profile. They offer a high protein content, crucial for muscle repair after strenuous activity and healthy fats that provide sustained energy. This combination makes nut butter a powerhouse of energy, perfect for long treks where maintaining stamina is key. Additionally, many nut butter have minimal added sugar, ensuring their energy is steady and without the crash associated with high-sugar snacks.
Turning nut butter into a hiking snack is both easy and versatile. One popular way is to spread them on a protein bar, creating a snack that's doubly rich in energy and nutrition. Alternatively, nut butters can be mixed with oats or sunflower seeds, to make homemade energy balls. These are a tasty treat and highly portable and convenient for on-the-go consumption.
- Sunnie Snacks SunButter + Jam Dipper
- Chubby Snacks Peanut Butter + Strawberry Jam Sandwich
- Hungryroot Superfood Almond Butter
- Hungryroot Organic Creamy Peanut Butter
Trail Mixes & Nuts
Trail mixes and nuts are a classic hiking snack, beloved by outdoor enthusiasts for their perfect blend of taste, convenience, and nutritional value. Firstly, they are incredibly portable, often in compact, resealable bags that fit easily into any backpack or pocket. Trail mixes and nuts are a powerhouse of healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The healthy fats in nuts provide long-lasting energy, crucial for enduring long hikes, while the protein content aids in muscle recovery. Furthermore, the carbohydrates found in the dried fruits commonly included in trail mixes offer quick energy, keeping you alert and active on the trail.
Customizing your trail mix is one of the favorite ways to tailor this snack to personal tastes and needs. You can mix nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a natural sweetness. For those with a sweet tooth, adding a few chocolate chips can make the mix more indulgent, yet still energy-efficient. Savory lovers might opt for salted nuts or throw in pretzels and parm crisps to satisfy that craving for a salty snack. The beauty of trail mix lies in its versatility; you can create a mix that caters specifically to your preferences while still packing a nutritional punch.
- Good Sam Foods Roasted + Salted Macadamia Nuts
- Superseedz Sea Salt Pumpkin Seeds
- Daily Crunch Nashville Hot Almonds
- Hungryroot Coconut Cashew Grain-Free Granola
- Biena Snacks Magic Monster Trail Mix
Crackers + Hummus, Cheese, or Dip
Crackers paired with hummus, cheese, or dips are another excellent snack choice for hikers. Crackers are typically lightweight and compact, which makes them highly portable and convenient to carry even on long hikes. When combined with hummus or cheese, they provide a substantial nutritional profile. Hummus, made from chickpeas, is rich in protein and healthy fats, while cheese adds calcium and additional protein. These snacks also cater to the need for minimal packaging and mess, as many crackers come in resealable packs, and dips like hummus can be found in single-serve containers.
You can choose whole grain or multigrain crackers for added fiber and nutrients, pairing them with various hummus flavors like classic, roasted red pepper, or garlic. For cheese, options like individually wrapped portions or hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda are practical for hikes. Dips can range from guacamole for a dose of healthy fats to a spicy bean dip for an extra kick.
- Cedar’s Roasted Red Pepper Hommus + Chips
- Cedar’s Garlic Hommus + Chips
- Good Foods Chunky Guacamole + Chip Dipper
- Taylor Farms Pretzels +Cheese Snack Pack
- Sunnie Snacks Hummus +Cracker Dipper
Fresh + Dried Fruit & Fruit Jerky
Fresh fruit, dried fruit, and fruit jerky offer a natural, refreshing, and nutritious option for trail enthusiasts. Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges are lightweight, easy to carry, and provide quick energy through natural sugars. On the other hand, dried fruits and fruit jerky are even more portable due to their reduced size and weight. They are also shelf-stable and can withstand weather conditions, making them a reliable choice for longer hikes.
Fresh fruits can be eaten as they are or sliced and carried in a small container or reusable snack bag. Dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or mangoes can be mixed into homemade trail mixes, adding a sweet and chewy dimension to the snack. Fruit jerky, a less common but equally delicious option, can be a standalone snack or paired with nuts or seeds for a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
- Solely Organic Mango Fruit Jerky
- Solely Mango + Passion Fruit Gummies
- Rind Apple Chips
- Patience Fruit Co. Organic Whole Dried Cranberries
- Sweet Nothings Strawberry Beet Squeezable Smoothie
- Barnana Organic Dark Chocolate Banana Bites
Meat Jerky & Meat Sticks
As a satisfying snack option, meat jerky, and meat sticks are increasingly popular among hikers because of their portability and convenience. They are lightweight, compact, and exceptionally shelf-stable, making them ideal for long hikes. The high protein content provides the amino acids necessary for muscle repair and sustained energy.
Meat jerky comes in various flavors and types, including beef, turkey, and even exotic meats, allowing hikers to choose based on their taste preferences and dietary restrictions. For a more balanced snack, hikers can pair these meat products with cheese or crackers, creating a mini meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. This combination of high protein content, ease of transport, and versatility in flavor and pairing options makes meat jerky and sticks an excellent choice for hikers looking for a reliable source of energy on the trail.
- The New Primal Grass-Fed Beef Stick
- Mighty Spark Sea Salt + Pepper Chicken Snack Stick
- Prevail Original Beef Jerky
Olives & Pickles
Olives and pickles are a unique and flavorful snack choice for hiking, offering a delightful contrast to the more common sweet or protein-rich trail foods. Olives and pickles are typically available in small, lightweight packaging, such as vacuum-sealed bags or single-serving containers, making them easy to carry. They are also shelf-stable, meaning they can endure various outdoor conditions without spoiling. Nutritionally, olives are a great source of healthy fats, particularly oleic acid, which can provide sustained energy for long hikes. Pickles, which are fermented cucumbers, offer the added benefit of probiotics for digestive health.
They can be eaten straight from their packaging as a refreshing, tangy treat, offering a pleasant palate cleanser amidst more traditional hiking foods. For a more substantial snack, olives can be combined with cheese cubes and crackers, creating a mini Mediterranean-style picnic on the trail. Similarly, pickles can be paired with meat sticks or cheese for a savory, satisfying snack that balances the saltiness with protein.
- Suckerpunch Chip-Cut Dill Pickles
- Veggicopia Pitted Kalamata Olives
- Veggicopia Pitted Green Olives
- Rick’s Picks Garlic Dill Snacking Pickles
Snack Bars
For a good reason, snack bars, including granola, oat, and protein bars, are a staple in the hiking world. They are highly portable, nutrient-dense, and convenient. They don't require any preparation or special storage conditions, which is a significant advantage for outdoor activities. Granola bars, often loaded with oats, nuts, and dried fruits, provide a quick source of energy through carbohydrates and keep you feeling full. Oat bars offer a similar benefit, with the added advantage of lower sugar content. On the other hand, protein bars are an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair and recovery, making them especially beneficial for longer, more strenuous hikes.
To make snack bars an even more appealing hiking snack, you can choose varieties that cater to your tastes and nutritional needs. For instance, if you prefer a sweet snack, look for granola bars with chocolate chips or a honey base. For those seeking a healthier option, bars with a higher proportion of nuts and seeds, lower added sugars, and whole-grain ingredients are ideal. You can also make your own snack bars at home, allowing full control over the ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary preferences and health goals.
- Kate’s Real Food Chocolate Cherry + Almond Mini Granola Bars
- This Saves Lives Chocolate Chip “Dino” Mite Bars
- Bobo’s Pumpkin Spice Oat Bites
- Belliwelli Probiotic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar
- Perfect Snacks Peanut Butter Bar
Choosing the right snacks for hiking is crucial in fueling outdoor adventures. From the convenience of snack bars to the savory satisfaction of meat jerky and the refreshing natural sugars in fruits, there are a wide array of options to suit every hiker's taste and nutritional needs. We hope this guide has inspired you to experiment with different snack combinations and find those that best support and enhance your hiking experience. Remember, the right snack can nourish your body and elevate your spirits, making your journey through nature all the more enjoyable and memorable. Happy hiking!
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