Aside from making sure you have enough water, being sure to stock up on the best healthy snacks for hiking is also important before you head out for a hike. Since your body will exert a lot of energy, it’s crucial to keep it fueled so that you can keep yourself energized and moving, no matter how far the winding path takes you. Yummy and healthy snacks for hiking will definitely be able to help you make it that extra mile. Plus, there’s no better way to enjoy a gorgeous waterfall or a breathtaking view than with a snack in hand! So, if you’re looking for a few good snacks for hiking to take along, you should read our suggestions below!
Table of contents
- RIND Snacks Dried Fruit Superfood
- Power Crunch Protein Energy Bar
- Split Nutrition Squeeze Pack
- OVER EASY Breakfast Bar
- Stryve Biltong Beef Jerky
- Daily Crunch Cherry Berry Nut Medley
- Karma Nuts
- That’s It Fruit Bar
- Gatorade Whey Protein Recover Bar
- Quinn Snacks Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
- Bobo’s Oat Bar
- CHOMPS Grass Fed Original Beef Jerky
- KIND Bars
- How To Choose The Best Snacks for Hiking
- Should I bring snacks on a hike?
- Is peanut butter good for hiking?
- Is jerky good for hiking?
RIND Snacks Dried Fruit Superfood
13
Aside from walkie-talkies and binoculars for hiking, it would help if you also had healthy, scrumptious snacks with you. That said, the first snack that we’d like to introduce is the RIND Snacks Dried Fruit Superfood. Whereas other dried fruit snack brands have the same amount of sugar, most of them don’t have the 4g of fiber that RIND has, thanks to them keeping the peel on! Plus, the peel is a great source of vitamins and antioxidants.
Like other good snacks for hiking on this list, this one is lip-smacking! This bag is a blend of apples, strawberries, and pears that offers up whole-food-based sugars to keep your glucose levels even-keeled so you have the energy you need to fuel your hike. Aside from this one, there are two other flavors, which are Coco-Melon and Orchard Blend.
- What We Love:
- It’s a healthy and all-natural snack for hiking that’s rich in fiber.
- Pros:
- Uses real fruits
- Low-calorie
- No sugar added
- 3 tasty flavors to choose from
- Vegan-friendly
- Cons:
- A little too dry for some people
Power Crunch Protein Energy Bar
12
Are you in the mood for something sweet and crunchy that’s different from the average chewy protein bar? Then Power Crunch Protein Energy Bar is the go-to snack. As one of the best snacks for hiking, it’ll leave you satisfied and provide a solid dose of nutrition, including 14g of protein, 5g of sugar, and 10g of carbs. It tastes like a dessert, and any dessert with only 10g carbs is a huge win!
On top of that, we also like how it doesn’t contain sugar alcohols, which can sometimes upset your stomach. Trust us, that’s the last thing you want to happen when you’re hiking! Overall, it’s a good choice for those looking for healthy snacks for hiking with a decent amount of protein. Yes, it’s inadequate for meal replacement purposes, but it makes a good treat.
- What We Love:
- It’s a solid pre and post-hiking snack that tastes yummy.
- Pros:
- Doesn’t contain sugar alcohols
- Low in sugar
- Contains 14g of protein
- Easy to digest
- Has 12 bars in total
- Cons:
- Inadequate for meal replacement purposes
Split Nutrition Squeeze Pack
11
We all love peanut butter and jelly. However, if you’ve ever taken one on a backpacking trip, you know that sometimes they can get mushed up in your bag, or you might feel iffy about eating the sandwich that’s been left out of the fridge for multiple hours. But thank God there’s Split Nutrition Squeeze Pack! This is a snack that’ll provide you the energy you need.
Each packet contains 4 to 6g of protein depending on the flavors and is split into two separate sections. One section is filled with peanut butter, and the other is filled with either real grape or strawberry jelly. It’s nice to be able to tear the packet apart rather than grab a sandwich with potentially dirty hands. As one of the good snacks for hiking out there, it’s also gluten-free, non-GMO, and has zero artificial preservatives or sweeteners.
- What We Love:
- It’s a fun and clean way to enjoy peanut butter and jelly when you’re hiking.
- Pros:
- Unique split design
- No artificial preservatives or sweeteners
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Plant-based
- Decent amount of protein
- Cons:
- Kind of pricey
OVER EASY Breakfast Bar
10
We think everyone agrees that oatmeal makes an ideal pre-hike breakfast, but sometimes we want to get out there without worrying about making breakfast. For that, there’s the OVER EASY Breakfast Bar that provides you 9g of protein and 7g of energy-sustaining fiber. It sounds like a healthy way to start your hike.
Like other healthy snacks for hiking, this meal replacement bar is loaded with nutrients. Aside from protein and fiber, it’s also rich in antioxidants. It’s soy-free, dairy-free, and contains no added sugar! With wholesome ingredients and cage-free eggs, this protein bar will promote a healthy body and gut. Best of all, it’s available in plenty of different flavors, including Apple Cinnamon, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Matcha, and many more!
- What We Love:
- A healthy snack with protein and fiber that you can eat before you start your hike.
- Pros:
- High in protein and fiber
- Can be eaten as a meal replacement
- Available in many flavors
- No added sugar
- Rich in antioxidants
- Cons:
- Not as flavorful as other snacks for hiking
Stryve Biltong Beef Jerky
9
Want a high-protein, low-sugar jerky? Then get yourself the Stryve Biltong Beef Jerky! It’s a thinly sliced version of jerky made with no refined sugars, MSG, and preservatives. Plus, it’s gluten-free! With a stand-out blend of warming spices like pepper, coriander, clove, and nutmeg, this snack is sure to satisfy your jerky cravings!
Not to mention, this snack is air-dried to lock in flavor and nutrients. Like we said earlier, it’s high in protein. Boasting 16g of protein in each serving means it has up to 50% more protein than other low-quality jerkies! Best of all, it’s cheap! So, the next time you want to snack while hiking, eat this snack!
- What We Love:
- It’s a high-protein, portable snack that’s made with your health in mind.
- Pros:
- Cheap
- Available in a wide range of flavors
- Super high in protein
- No MSG and preservatives
- Sugar-free
- Cons:
- A bit too salty for some people
Daily Crunch Cherry Berry Nut Medley
8
It’s time to upgrade your go-to trail mix with the innovative Daily Crunch Cherry Berry Nut Medley! First of all, let’s appreciate how cheap this snack is! By spending less than 14USD, you’ll get two packs of this snack. The almonds, walnuts, and cashews are put through a 4-day process, which results in sprouted and dehydrated nuts that are more nutrient-dense, easier to digest, and crunchier than raw or roasted nuts.
Did you also know that this snack is salt-free, oil-free, and non-GMO? Everyone can enjoy it, including vegans and those doing Keto or Paleo diet. Each serving only has 140 calories, which is pretty low. You don’t have to feel guilty when munching this toothsome snack! Sweet and cheap, this grab-and-go snack is perfect for taking on hikes.
- What We Love:
- It’s a tasty and crunchy snack with no salt.
- Pros:
- Salt and oil-free
- Low-calorie
- Cheap
- Crunchy and sweet
- Easy to digest
- Cons:
- High in sugar
Karma Nuts
7
For some crunch on your hike, you should check out Karma Nuts! Unlike some cashews out there, Karma leaves the skins on its cashews. These are both antioxidant and fiber-rich, containing antioxidant activity comparable to blueberries and two times the fiber of plain cashews! Sounds pretty awesome, doesn’t it? Not to mention, these cashews are also a nice road trip snack!
This snack is also gluten-free and non-GMO. Are you a vegan? Congrats, as it’s made with all-natural ingredients. Plus, this variety pack features only the best flavors, including Peri Peri Chilli, Toasted Coconut, Lightly Salted, Sea-Salted, Lime Twist, and Cinnamon Sugar. You can get the full spectrum of flavor and all of the nutrients to go with it!
- What We Love:
- A healthy hiking snack with a variety of delicious flavors that are super addictive!
- Pros:
- Rich in fiber and antioxidant
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
- Includes only the best flavors
- Low-calorie
- Natural ingredients
- Cons:
- You might not like some of the flavors included
That’s It Fruit Bar
6
Some snacks for hiking are too complex. Many of them come with an ingredients list that’s hard to understand. Thankfully, that’s not the case with the That’s It Fruit Bar. 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 + 1 Banana or 1 Apple + ¼ Pineapple, and the ingredients list matches the name, with nothing else added in.
This bar is chunky, and we have to admit, it doesn’t have the prettiest colors. However, it’s completely normal, considering it uses only real dried fruit. Each flavor boasts 100 calories per bar, making it an energizing but light snack for hiking enthusiasts. Best of all, it has no artificial and added sweeteners, which is definitely a big plus.
- What We Love:
- A simple snack with simple ingredients that’ll give you enough power to hike your way to the top.
- Pros:
- Tastes natural
- No added sweeteners
- Soft and moist texture
- Low-calorie
- Simple ingredients
- Cons:
- Low in protein
Gatorade Whey Protein Recover Bar
5
Compared to other good snacks for hiking, the Gatorade Whey Protein Recover Bar is one of the most popular. Each bar has 20g of protein, which is a lot! Eating this bar will definitely give you the energy you need. Plus, it packs an astounding 42g of carbs to help you get ready for your upcoming hiking session!
By sheer size alone, this bar has already stood out from the rest. Boasting 350 calories, it’s big and has a chewy interior containing puffed 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. Best of all, this bar is scientifically developed for athletes! In fact, it’s a well-known snack among NFL, NHL, and NBA players!
- What We Love:
- It’s a snack that’s scientifically made for athletes that need tons of protein and carbs.
- Pros:
- Delicious and filling
- High in protein and carbs for more energy
- Scientifically made for athletes
- Bigger than other bars
- Popular among NFL, NHL, and NBA players
- Cons:
- High sugar content
Quinn Snacks Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
4
Keeping your body hydrated is key when you’re hiking long distances. Electrolyte drinks are a great option, as are pretzels! While any plain pretzel will do, we’re particularly fans of the Quinn Snacks Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels. It adds a bit of protein and healthy fats for that extra power that you need.
These pretzels are made with real ingredients, and no artificial flavors are involved. They’re gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and filled with creamy peanut butter, and topped with sea salt. They’re so tasty that you probably won’t be able to stop eating! Even better, this snack is pretty cheap. If you’re a fan of pretzels, you shouldn’t hesitate to get this snack!
- What We Love:
- It’s a simple and tasty snack that’s made with real ingredients.
- Pros:
- Affordable
- Gluten-free and vegan-friendly
- No artificial flavors
- Crunchy
- Not too salty
- Cons:
- Some of the pretzels aren’tfilled with peanut butter
Bobo’s Oat Bar
3
If you’re the kind of person who wants good snacks for hiking that can be finished in one bit as you’re not a fan of walking with a heavy stomach, Bobo’s Oat Bar is the perfect option! This energy-boosting snack only contains 140 calories, and it’s stuffed with pureed organic apples flavored with cinnamon to create a treat with 9g of sugar, 2g of protein, and 2g of fiber.
One of the biggest reasons we adore this snack is that it has a gentle, earthy flavor that isn’t too sweet nor too savory, but just right, even for sensitive morning taste buds. Similar to most healthy snacks for hiking, this one is non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly. Best of all, it’s really cheap!
- What We Love:
- An energy-boosting snack that can be savored without any concern.
- Pros:
- Not too sweet nor savory
- Cheap
- Dairy-free and gluten-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Low-calorie
- Cons:
- Ohter healthy snacks for hiking have more protein and fiber
CHOMPS Grass Fed Original Beef Jerky
2
To satisfy your hunger pangs without being weighed down by a full stomach, you might want to opt for CHOMPS Grass Fed Original Beef Jerky. What’s so impressive about this snack? Aside from the fact that it has zero sugar, each stick also has 9g of filling protein with a healthy 290mg of sodium for electrolytes to help your body stay hydrated.
That’s not all! As one of the best snacks for hiking, it’s also non-GMO, gluten-free, and features sustainably sourced select meats. We also like that it’s ideal for any diet. Whether you’re on Whole30, Paleo, or Keto, you can always devour this snack! Plus, it comes in a wide range of different flavors. This snack is so mouthwatering that you’ll find yourself not taking bites but taking chomps!
- What We Love:
- A healthy hiking snack that can be consumed by anyone.
- Pros:
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Has zero sugar
- Low-calorie
- High in protein
- Ideal for any diet
- Cons:
- Some quality control problems
KIND Bars
1
There might be dozens of healthy snacks for hiking on the market, but KIND Bars should totally be on the top of your list. This snack is so popular that you can almost find it everywhere. Why is it in high demand? Well, that’s because this snack tastes amazing! There’s not a hint of any powdery texture at all, and it’s super-duper crunchy!
There are two flavors to choose from Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt and Caramel Almond & Sea Salt. Moreover, each bar only contains 180 calories, which is pretty low compared to other bars for hiking. That’s not all, as this snack is also low in glycemic index, rich in fiber, gluten-free, and has no trans fat.
- What We Love:
- This is a satisfying snack that tastes fantastic and gives you the energy you need.
- Pros:
- Low glycemic index
- Rich in fiber
- Sweet and crunchy
- Affordable
- Incredibly popular
- Cons:
- Other bars have more protein
How To Choose The Best Snacks for Hiking
Similar to when you’re picking the best energy bars for hiking, there are some important criteria to consider when choosing hiking snacks, which are:
Macro ratios
When picking which healthy snacks for hiking to buy, you should consider the macro ratios. For a short hike, choose a snack that’s high in carbs and protein, as it’ll provide you instant energy. We recommend looking for the one with more healthy fat for a longer hike, as it packs much more energy.
Taste
Good snacks for hiking come in several tastes, most commonly sweet, savory, spicy, or combined. Many high carbs containing snacks tend to be sweet, although some, like trail mixes, are packed with protein and carbohydrates, and they have a blend of sweet, salty, and savory. On the other hand, most protein snacks are normally savory and rich in flavors. Don’t pick something too spicy that can upset your stomach!
Packaging
Hiking snacks are made to accommodate the typically short breaks taken between hikes and the minimal resources and space to prepare them. Thus, well-packaged and easy-to-open snacks are an ideal choice. Also, you don’t want the packaging to be too big.
Should I bring snacks on a hike?
Of course, you should! Hiking is one of the most vigorous activities, especially if you carry heavy stuff like a camera backpack for hiking. During the breaks, chances are you’d want to snack! If you don’t bring one, you might run out of energy pretty quickly.
Is peanut butter good for hiking?
Many people see peanut butter as one of the best hiking foods, and we totally agree. It’s tasty, nourishing, and relatively inexpensive. It’s full of healthy fats and protein and contains plenty of calories that’ll give you lots of energy.
Is jerky good for hiking?
Packed with hunger-satisfying protein, beef jerky is an ideal backpacking food as it’s lightweight, nonperishable, and versatile. Plus, it can also be eaten as a mid-day lunch.
