Let us ask you a simple question. What are your favorite snacks when you’re going for a hike? If your answers are Snickers, jellies, or crackers, you might want to reconsider bringing them along with you. While they’re super tasty, they aren’t actually the best snacks to fuel your body, especially for a hike. Instead, you might want to opt for energy bars that are carefully formulated for hiking or even running climbing, and cycling. Many of them are healthy, delicious, and nutritious. Not only do the best energy bars for hiking hold up well in your backpack and pocket, but they will also keep you energized on the trail!
Besides energy bars, make sure you also have competent hiking gear, like the best hiking hat and best hiking backpack. Never settle for anything less than the best! To that end, here are the best energy bars for runners and hikers!
PROBAR Meal Bar
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We can confidently say without a doubt that PROBAR Meal Bar is one of the best energy bars for hiking in the market today. One of the best things about this bar is that it has 12 different flavor options to choose from. Consumers with food allergies will also appreciate this bar a lot. That’s because it’s vegan-friendly, dairy-free, certified organic, uses no GMOs, and has no genetically modified ingredients.
There’s no denying that this bar is scrumptious. Using raw ingredients with fruits, nuts, and seeds, this energy bar is an ideal meal replacement that provides delicious and nutritious satisfaction. With almost 400 calories along with its plant-based proteins and fibers, a bar of this will keep you full and energetic throughout your hike.
What We Love
Contains mostly organic ingredients.
Pros:
- A great meal replacement
- Compact
- Gluten and soy-free
Cons:
- High sugar content
- A little pricey compared to other brands
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Power Crunch Protein Energy Bar
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If you’re in the mood for a sweet and crunchy snack that’s different from the average chewy protein bars, then Power Crunch Protein Energy Bar might just be what you need. It’ll leave you satisfied and provide a solid dose of nutrition, including 13g protein, 5g sugar, and 10g carbs. It tastes like a dessert, and any dessert with only 10g carbs is definitely a huge win.
As one of the best energy bars to eat while running, it’s on par with other similar products. We also like how it doesn’t contain sugar alcohols, which can sometimes upset your stomach. Overall, it’s a good choice for those looking for small snacks with a decent amount of protein. It’s inadequate for meal replacement purposes, but it makes a good treat and is a solid pre and post- hiking snack.
What We Love
Tastes sweet and crunchy.
Pros:
- Doesn’t contain sugar alcohols
- Very good texture
- Quite low in sugar
Cons:
- Heavily processed and non-natural
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Gatorade Whey Protein Bar
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Gatorade Whey Protein Bar is one of the best energy bars for hiking on the market nowadays with the highest protein content. Each bar has 20g of protein, which is a lot to help boost your protein intake. It packs an astounding 42g of carbs, which also makes it one of the best energy bars for runners that need to refuel.
By sheer size alone, this bar has already stood out from the rest. Boasting 350 calories, it’s big and has a chewy interior that contains puffy grains, mixed in with a bit of creamy caramel, and topped off with a smooth chocolate coating. It tastes great and comes at a reasonable price.
What We Love
Has bigger size compared to other brands.
Pros:
- High in carbs
- High in protein
- Tastes great and filling
Cons:
- High sugar content
- High in calories
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ZonePerfect Protein Bars
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Some protein bars might taste weird, but that’s not the case for ZonePerfect Protein Bars. This bar tastes really delicious, and it offers 10 different flavors for you to choose from. It’s a good source of up to 19 vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants for immune support. Whether you’re a hiker or a busy mom always on the go, this energy bar can help keep you full and fuel your routine.
Another plus of this bar is that it has no artificial flavors or colors. Aside from its diverse flavor options, each bar is also crunchy and has great texture. The only downside is that it contains 16g of added sugar, which is quite high compared to other best energy bars to eat while running.
What We Love
It’s crunchy and chewy.
Pros:
- Tons of vitamins and minerals
- Tastes great
- No artificial colors and flavors
Cons:
- High sugar content
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That’s it Fruit Bars
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Sometimes it feels like energy bars are just too complex, with ingredients that are hard to understand for people in general. If you consider yourself one of them, you’ll certainly love That’s it Fruit Bars. As the name suggests, this straight-to-the-point energy bar is made entirely of fruit, that’s it. It has names such as 1 Apple + 12 Strawberries or 1 Apple + ¼ Pineapple, and the ingredient list matches the name, with nothing else added in.
This bar is chunky and doesn’t have the prettiest of colors, but it’s completely normal considering it uses real dried fruit. Each flavor boasts 100 calories per bar, making it an energizing but light snack for on-the-go athletes or a healthy addition to a packed lunch. While it’s heavy on sugar, all of it comes naturally from the fruit, with no other artificial and added sweeteners.
What We Love
Ingredients that are super easy to understand.
Pros:
- Tastes natural
- The soft and moist texture
- No added sweeteners
Cons:
- Very little protein
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IQBAR
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Your search for the best energy bars for hiking that are keto and diet-friendly is officially over, all thanks to IQBAR. This vegan plant-based protein bar is available in 10 different flavors, and each of them is gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free, dairy-free, kosher, and has zero sugar alcohols. Pretty awesome, isn’t it?
Besides the extra nutrients for your brains, this toothsome bar also has 12g of protein, 3g net carbs, and 6-8g of fiber. It’s chewy with crunchy bits distributed throughout. It’s one of the best options out there if you’re trying to stay away from soy, whey, and artificial sweeteners like sucralose. Since it’s also low in carbs, this energy bar is perfect for those who have diabetes.
What We Love
Has 6 nutrients that are backed by science to support brain health.
Pros:
- Diabetic-friendly
- No artificial sweeteners
- Uses plant protein
Cons:
- Some complain that the flavor isn’t strong enough
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Honey Stinger Organic Waffle
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Let’s be honest, when you’re looking for the best energy bars for hiking, what comes to mind must be a rectangular cube of a chewy bar. However, it doesn’t have to be that way! Introducing you to Honey Stinger Organic Waffle. Each pack contains 2 thin wafers sandwiching caramel in the middle, and each bite tastes just like a honey waffle. The wafer is so thin that you won’t have a problem stacking 2 or 3 into your pocket.
With only 150 calories in each pack, it’s easily one of the most calorically dense energy bars on the shelf. The 21g of carbohydrate will be more than enough to provide a real punch when your energy starts to flag, and it’s a great value for the money spent. It also has 100% organic ingredients, proving that it’s possible to have an affordable organic snack.
What We Love
Reasonably priced compared to other fancy energy bars.
Pros:
- Compact
- Great honey and waffle taste
- High caloric density
Cons:
- Can become very hard in cold weather
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Larabar
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With this energy bar, clean eating doesn’t need to be hard anymore. Larabar is one of the most popular energy bars for hiking out there, and it’s made with an ingredient list so short you won’t even believe it. Each bar contains fruits, peanuts, and a spice or two. You won’t find any added sweeteners or preservatives. Plus, it proudly touts that it has no dairy, gluten, soy, or GMOs.
Every bar has 210 calories, and it can be a fairly nutritious snack. When eaten before or during hiking, it can help fuel your muscles with carbohydrates. The consistency of the bar is worth two thumbs up too. It has no coatings to melt, can be broken in half easily, doesn’t crumble, and is easy to chew. And by the way, it tastes fantastic.
What We Love
Easy to chew and not messy.
Pros:
- No preservatives
- Has raw and natural ingredients
- 100% vegan-friendly
Cons:
- Low in protein
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RXBAR
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Unlike other best energy bars for runners and hikers, RXBAR doesn’t bother in making fancy packagings, but that’s also what sets them apart from the rest. On the packaging, you’ll see the minimalist ingredient list that makes it a no-brainer for those who want a bare-bones, protein-packed snack. Thanks to the well-balanced nutritional profile, this bar won’t trigger a sugar spike and insulin coma.
For a bar that’s made with only a few ingredients, the nutritional data manages to tick all the right boxes. Each bar contains 200 calories, and you’ll get 12g of protein, 8g of fat, 13g of sugar, and 4g of fiber. It comes with 8 different flavors, but each of them has the same final ingredient, which is No B.S. Talk about a good marketing gimmick!
What We Love
Reasonably priced compared to other fancy energy bars.
Pros:
- No added sugar
- Real food ingredients
- Has 8 different flavors
Cons:
- Can easily stick to teeth
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Pure Protein Bars (404)
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Those who love chewy, Snickers-like bar (without the caramel and peanuts) will definitely fancy Pure Protein Bars. It’s the perfect bar to have before and after your workout, and it’s definitely one of the best energy bars for runners too. We love how it’s full of flavor and able to satisfy your sweet tooth one bite at a time.
Depending on the flavor, each bar contains 20g-21g of protein and no more than 200 calories. Although it’s also low in sugar, it still tastes good and sweet. It’s definitely one of the best options to curb your sweet cravings and give you lots of protein in the process. Grab one and you’ll have full energy to go for a hike!
What We Love
Great protein to sugar and carbs ratio.
Pros:
- Super high in protein
- Low in calories
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some have complained that they found plastic inside the bar.
Quest Nutrition Protein Bar
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If what you’re looking for are the best energy bars to eat while running with tons of protein, then Quest Nutrition Protein Bar is for you. You can easily fulfill your daily protein need as each bar contains 20g of protein, with an additional 4g net carbs and 1g of sugar. Even better, it has 12g of fiber to provide your body with a more complete macro profile.
Since it’s very low in carbs, this bar is perfect for those on a keto diet. The chewiness, combined with the crunch of the cookies inside will make this bar tastes like a sinful treat during your diet when it’s actually the opposite!
What We Love
It’s keto-friendly.
Pros:
- High in protein
- Tastes sweet with only 1g of sugar
- Gluten-free
Cons:
- Some have complained about the inconsistency of the flavor
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PROTABAR®
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PROTABAR® keeps things simple, focusing on just four essential ingredients: Egg Whites, Dates, Hazelnuts, and a touch of unsweetened natural cocoa. Together, they pack a punch with 15 grams of protein, 210 calories, and plenty of dietary fiber—giving you the lasting energy needed for long hikes.
This energy bar is a hiker’s dream—it doesn’t need refrigeration, making it a breeze to carry in your backpack. Plus, it’s easy on your stomach, so you can enjoy your hike without any discomfort.
What makes PROTABAR® stand out is its versatility on the trail. Whether you’re conquering a tough mountain or taking a leisurely stroll through the woods, PROTABAR® is the ideal sidekick. It’s compact and lasts a long time, so it’s suitable for any hiking adventure. And with its clean, straightforward ingredients, it’s a great choice for hikers of all ages.
What We Love
It has a soft texture and tastes great.
Pros:
- No sugar alcohols.
- Packed with high-quality egg white protein.
- Free from gluten, lactose, and soy.
- Easy on your stomach.
Cons:
- Currently available in one flavor.
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CLIF BAR
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With its huge hit of carbohydrates and a decent amount of protein (9g to 11g), CLIF BAR is definitely one of the best energy bars for runners. It doesn’t matter whether you need sustained energy for running or other activities like hiking, climbing, riding, or skiing, as this bar provides you wholesome energy that’s all wrapped up and ready to go.
As part of the brand’s mission to take care of the planet, every bar is made with sustainably sourced chocolate and plant-based ingredients like almonds, peanuts, and organic rolled oats. Another thing that’s worth praising is that it comes with a dazzling array of crave-able flavors, including classic favorites such as Chocolate Chip and Crunchy Peanut Butter.
What We Love
It’s made with organic rolled oats.
Pros:
- Has 8 different flavors
- Filling
- A good meal replacement
Cons:
- High sugar content
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KIND Bars
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When it comes to the best energy bars for hiking and other sporty activities, KIND Bars has to be on the top of your list. You can almost find this mega-popular energy bar everywhere, and best of all, it tastes delicious. There’s not a hint of any powdery texture and it’s very crunchy as if you’re not eating a protein bar.
With 180 calories per serving, it’s easily one of the most calorically dense energy bars you can buy out there, and it doesn’t cost you a lot of money. Even better, it’s low in glycemic index, rich in fiber, gluten-free, and has zero trans fat. Having 6g of protein and only 5g of sugar in each pack, it’s a satisfying snack that’s not only indulgent but also gives you the energy you need.
What We Love
No powdery texture from the added protein.
Pros:
- Low in calories
- Has low glycemic index
- Most of the protein comes from the nuts
Cons:
- Not that much protein compared to other brands
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How To Choose The Best Energy Bars for Hiking
There’s a myriad of best energy bars for runners and hikers available in the market. Hence, it can be confusing to choose the right one for you. That said, these key features might be able to help you filter them out.
Taste
No matter how healthy and nutritious an energy bar is, no one will be able to enjoy it if it tastes horrible. The last thing you want on a grueling hike is to shovel down your throat the next bite of an awful bar. However, if it tastes superb, not only will you have more energy, but you’ll also be able to hike with a huge smile on your face.
Price
Just like when choosing the best flashlights for hiking, high-quality energy bars don’t always have to be expensive. While the ones with organic ingredients tend to be a bit pricier, many with more affordable prices are also equally good, if not, better. Don’t pay just for the sake of the brand, but purchase the one that suits your needs best.
Macro ratios
Another important aspect you should consider before buying the best energy bars for hiking is to pick the macro ratios. For a short hike, choose the one with high carbs and protein, as it’ll provide you instant energy. However, for a longer hike, we recommend looking for the one with more fat, as it packs much more energy.
Are protein bars good for hiking?
Energy bars that contain high protein content are great for hiking, running, or other activities that aren’t extremely intense. Usually, 9g of protein is considered high, but you can easily buy one with over 20g of protein too.
Are energy bars recommended for Trekkers?
Taking energy bars is recommended while trekking. That’s because your body will require a lot of energy and they can be handy to replenish your depleted energy. There are also many different energy bars with very little sugar content on the market, which are perfect for those who are diabetic.
What should be avoided in energy bars?
With so many options on the shelf, there are certain ingredients that you should avoid in energy bars. They include added sugar, partially-hydrogenated oil, and artificial ingredients. The ones with those ingredients might be cheap and taste good, but they’re certainly bad for you in the long run.
