My Go-To Trail Snacks Perfect for your Next Day Hike
A dozen packable, healthful, and crowd-pleasing snack ideas to keep you hiking strong.
Well I don’t know about where you live, but here in Minnesota spring decided to really take it’s time this year. The standard April snow-day that seems to catch us by surprise every year happened not once, not twice, but more times than I care to count. And the first “pop” of springtime buds appeared at least a week or two later than normal. But: I am happy to report that spring has finally sprung. And with that, so have warm-weather activities.
No doubt, one of my favorite ways to get outside this time of year is with a good, long hike. It’s such a magical time to breathe in the warm forest air, maybe search for sheds and mushrooms, and just watch the new season unfold while getting some exercise. I hit the trails last week for the first time and was not disappointed.
Anyway, no matter what season you’re out, if you’re going to hike, you’ll of course need some snacks to keep you going strong. Over the years I’ve developed some favorites, and I put together this post to offer them up to you.
Whether you love a good DIY, or store-bought simplicity is more your speed, I think you’ll find some ideas here you’ll use. Hope this helps you hike longer, harder & happier this season!
What I look for in a day-hike trail snack:
A balance of great taste and solid nutrition
Durability (nothing that will too easily flatten or bruise)
High caloric “bang for your buck” (something with plenty of calories your body can use for energy, without taking up too much volume in your pack)
Easy to “grab-and-go”
A good variety of: sweet, salty, filling, crisp, carbs, protein & fat to check all the boxes
Salted Nut Roll
Placing Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll first on this list is no coincidence. Once my childhood favorite, these bars have again become my first-choice snack for outdoor adventure all year. It’s a great grab-and-go option that saves you the hassle of prep work, and the heap of peanuts provides a nice protein-boost - six grams per bar to be exact. I especially love that it’s a candy bar that doesn’t melt, so it couldn’t be easier to toss in a pack and bring anywhere. Salted Nut Roll is a treat you’re sure to enjoy, and I can promise the kiddos won’t object to it either!
If you follow my Instagram, you know I’ve partnered up with the Minnesota-based company to share the love with you all. Learn more about how you can Eat One, Do More on the Salted Nut Roll website and by following on Instagram.
My Favorite “Simple-But-Fancy” Homemade Trail Mix
Trail mix is an obvious choice and for good reason. This homemade option provides a good balance of protein and carbs for quick- and long-term energy.
Ingredients: 1 Cup Roasted Almonds, 1 Cup Roasted Cashews, ½ Cup Organic Dried Cherries, ¼ Cup Organic Dried Pineapple, 1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chunks (give or take).
Directions: Um, mix it.
Apples and Cheese Sticks (or Nut Butter)
I rarely go on a hike during which I don’t crave the refreshment of a little fruit. Apples are great options as they hold up pretty well to packing. To balance in some protein, pair with a cheddar cheese stick (do NOT knock apples + cheese until you try it), or a pouch of nut butter if that’s more your speed.
Homemade Fruit Leather
What fruit holds up even better than apples? Fruit leather! There are some healthy store-bought options now, but do be wary of brands that pack in added flavorings and preservatives. Here’s a homemade option to put you in charge of the ingredients (take note: it’s simple but takes a while, so plan ahead):
Ingredients: 4 cups of cleaned/peeled/cored, fresh fruit like: berries, mangos, apricots or plums, ½ cup water; 1 tsp fresh lemon juice.
Directions: Place fruit and water in a large saucepan, bring to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 10 minutes or until fruit is cooked. Add lemon juice and continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mix is nice and thick. Puree in a food processor or blender until smooth. Pour onto a lined baking sheet and allow to dry out in the oven at 150 degrees for about 8 hours. Slice into strips, roll up with plastic wrap, and store in refrigerator to prolong freshness.
DIY No-Bake Choco-Nut Energy Bites
If you love a do-it-yourself, these Energy Bites are simple, healthful and so delicious!
Ingredients: 1 Cup Rolled Oats, ¾ Cup Almond Butter, 1/3 Cup Honey, ½ Cup Shredded Coconut, ½ Cup Chocolate Chips (I’ve learned I like the minis!), 1/3 Cup Chopped Toasted Almonds, ¼ Cup Ground Flaxseed, optional: a dash of Cinnamon or tsp of Vanilla.
Directions: Mix all ingredients until combined. Form into the shape/size of golf balls. Place on parchment-paper lined tray and refrigerate until your hike. I pack them in a small Tupperware, but a plastic baggy works too.
Carrots and Hummus
This is a great way to get some fresh vegetables on the trail. I opt for cleaning and slicing large carrots when I can, then bringing them in a Tupperware (better flavor and no extra plastic waste), but you can always grab a bag of baby carrots if needed. Pair with homemade or store-bought hummus. Roasted Red Pepper hummus is my favorite!
Dried Mangos
Yum, yum, YUM! Anyone who has hiked, camped or fished with me has long heard of my love for dried mangos. They are as delicious as candy while giving your body plenty of nutrition alongside natural sugars. Be sure to look for brands that are *just* dried mangos.
Cheese and Crackers
So cheese makes its second appearance on this post (you’d never guess I’m moderately lactose intolerant…). Cheese and crackers pack easily and feel like a fancy treat on the trail. My favorites are a good sharp cheddar and a bag of nut-based or rice-based crackers that are usually less crumbly.
P.S. I promise your cheese won’t spoil on a day hike.
My (Second-Favorite) “Kid Friendly” Homemade Trail Mix
You probably don’t need me to tell this to you, but you can really whip up unique trail mixes with just about any combination of nuts, dried fruits, chocolate candies, seeds, or crunchy additions like pretzels or animal crackers. But here’s another of my favorite blends.
Ingredients: 1 Cup Roasted Peanuts, ½ Cut Roasted Almonds, ½ Cup Organic Dried Blueberries (or Raisons), 1/2 Cup White Chocolate Chunks, ½ Cup Peanut-Butter M&M’s (again…give or take).
PB & J
Yep, I’m doing it: including possibly the most basic and obvious of all packed lunches! Because for me, this childhood favorite fell off my radar for some time. When I grabbed the three staple ingredients in a pinch while on a road-trip a few years back, it quickly earned it’s rightful place back in my regular rotation. Maybe it’ll do the same for you. I love extra crunchy peanut butter, strawberry jam, and a good, textured bread with nuts or seeds.
Beef Jerky
The classic choice that never goes out of style. This is another one of those food items (what isn’t these days?) that often gets loaded up with various preservatives, sugar and added flavors. As a general rule of thumb, try to look for beef jerky with only simple ingredients.
Dark Chocolate
Because when all else fails, there’s always chocolate. Pack a bar on your next hike, and I promise you’ll be glad you did.
And remember: leave no trace! After your snack break, be sure to check your surroundings for any items you may have accidentally left behind.
