Top 6 Best Hiking Snacks

Sharon Palmer

Published on July 27, 2023

Are you hitting the open trail? Then you’ll want to check out this Top 6 Best Hiking Snacks guide, filled with expert nutrition tips and healthy hiking food ideas for powering your hike well.

I really love hiking! I hit the hiking trail in my own community of Ojai, California every week, and when I travel I love to put hiking on the agenda. But how do you fuel your journey with the best hiking food to provide good nutrition and powerful endurance? I’m providing these top 6 best hiking snacks and tips from registered dietitian nutritionists on how to load up on healthy snacks for hiking. Each tip and recipe is based on portable, plant-based, delicious foods that are packed with nutrition to give you the right amount of energy and sustenance without weighing you down. So, get to hiking the healthy, delicious way with these top nutrition tips and recipes.

Happy Trails!

Sharon

Top 6 Best Hiking Snacks & Tips

Plant-Based Eating on the Hiking Trail — Rosemary Roasted Pistachios

1. Tote Nutrient-Dense Carb Snacks & Water

It’s priority one to pack along some nutrient-dense, slow-burning carb dense foods that are ideal for snacking during a hike to provide long-lasting energy for your long distance hike. Try baking up a batch of these Berry Oat Tahini Bars, Vegan Pine Nut Oat Cookies, or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chickpea Bars before you go hiking and pack them up in a reusable lightweight aluminum container. And that’s not all—remember to pack along plenty of water in a reusable water bottle for hydration. “In addition to eating healthy snacks to maintain energy while hiking, bring plenty of water. I suggest at least 32 ounces for a hike that lasts a few hours,” says Lisa Andrews, RDN, of Sound Bites Nutrition.

2. Remember: Hummus Is so Good!

Hummus is the perfect, plant-powered snack to pack along for a little hiking break, and you can really get creative by trying different types of hummus, too. Just pack up some flavorful hummus (try this Avocado Cilantro Hummus, Sun-dried Tomato Hummus, or Olive Hummus) in a small light resealable container in an insulated bag with ice, along with veggies and whole grain pita bread, and pull it out when you find a nice shady rock or fallen tree to rest on. “Take your energy break to the next level by trying this Cake Batter Hummus! Hummus is a nutritious snack that is easy to prepare at home and even easier to prepare in the backcountry,” says Aaron Mayhew, RDN of Backcountry Foodie.

3. Make Healthy Eating Portable

Rely upon healthy, convenient, portable snacks that don’t cause any fuss. That means snacks that won’t get crushed in your backpack, and don’t require refrigeration or utensils to eat. Try rosemary roasted pistachio nuts, dried fruit, durable fresh fruit with peels (oranges are perfect), and whole grain crackers with nut butter. “Don’t leave home without easy delicious snacks!” says Megan Byrd, RDN, The Oregon Dietitian.

4. Bring Your Own Energy Bites

Who says you have to bring store-bought, refined nutrition bars and bites when you can make them yourself just the way you like it! Try these Bliss Berry Energy Balls, Strawberry Coconut Energy Bites, and Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls. “I enjoy packing my Healthy Energy Bites with Dates, Apricots, and Cashews for whenever I go hiking. They’re small, portable, and provide quick energy from the apricots and dates, but also have a small amount of fiber and healthy fats to help keep you full,” says EA Stewart, RDN.

5. Go Light and Nutritious

Don’t overdo your hiking snacks by packing your backpack with foods that weigh you down. Instead, pack your hiking snacks in lightweight reusable aluminum containers or reusable silicone storage bags. And make sure those snacks are lightweight, as well as packed with nutrition. These Rosemary Whole Grain Seed Crackers, Smoky Rosemary Snack Mix, Dark Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti are good options. “Make sure to pack snacks that are light, yet nutritious. My Carob Walnut Energy Balls are ideal because they are very portable and can be carried in a reusable bag while hiking,” says Dixya Bhattarai, MS, RDN, Food, Pleasure, and Health.

6. Whip Up Your Own Custom Trail Mix

Who needs store-bought versions of trail mix when you can make up your own? I love my Dark Chocolate and Cherry Energy Mix, which can be packaged up in a reusable container for easy, sustainable, powerful munching. Check out the video on how to make Dark Chocolate and Cherry Energy Mix here.