Snack smarter with these hiking snack hacks

While we love sharing homemade snack recipes, sometimes convenience wins—especially when you’re short on time or prepping for a last-minute hike. Choosing the right store-bought snacks can keep your energy up, your pack light, and your taste buds happy. This guide will help you pick nutritious, practical, and delicious options from the shelves, so you can fuel your adventure and enjoy every step on the trail.

Tips for choosing your hiking snacks:

  • Go for nutrient-dense, shelf-stable, and easy-to-eat options.

  • Look for snacks that are high in protein and/or healthy fats for longer-lasting energy.

  • Mix up flavours and textures to avoid snack fatigue.

  • Test snacks on shorter hikes before relying on them for longer treks.

  • Balance taste with nutrition—what you enjoy eating will keep morale high!

1. Jerky

  • Why it’s great: Lightweight, high in protein, and doesn’t require refrigeration. Perfect for muscle recovery and long-lasting energy.

2. Trail Mix & Nut Packs

  • Why it’s great: Combines healthy fats, protein, and natural sugars for quick, steady energy. Easy to customise or buy pre-made.

  • Tip: Look for mixes with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for the best balance.

3. Energy & Protein Bars

  • Why it’s great: Convenient, compact, and provide a mix of carbs and protein. Great for quick energy on the go.

  • Popular brands and products:

    • Clif Bar – Widely available, great taste, high in energy (but a bit pricier)

    • On Track Meals – Summit Bar – Good for a quick energy hit, available in Choc Cherry and Apricot

    • Chief Nutrition – Beef Bar – High-protein, savoury option (beef-based)

    • Keep it Cleaner – Plant Protein Bars – Vegan-friendly, supermarket available

    • All Natural Bakery – Oat Slice – High in energy, good for breakfast or a quick boost

    • Nature Valley – Crunchy Granola Bars – Affordable, widely available, good energy content

    • Koja Peanut Butter Choc Chip Crunch Bar – Lower sugar, gluten/dairy free

4. Nut Butter Packets

  • Why it’s great: Calorie-dense, healthy fats, easy to eat straight from the pouch or with fruit/rice cakes.

5. Dried or Fresh Fruit

  • Why it’s great: Natural sugars for quick energy, vitamins, and easy to pack. Dried options last longer and are lighter.

6. Other Popular Options

  • Rice cakes with nut butter

  • Boiled eggs (for shorter hikes)

  • Energy balls (dates, nuts, seeds)

  • Dark chocolate (for a morale boost)

  • Whole-grain crackers & cheese (for longer-lasting energy)

  • Electrolyte tablets or drink mixes (for hydration, especially in hot weather)

Michele Michel