How to Prepare Healthy Hiking Snacks

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Make a Snack Mix

Trail mix is one of the most classic hiking snacks, however, store brands will likely have a variety of oils and additives, which you want to avoid. Instead, you can make your own snack mix that will refuel your body without all the unnecessary extras.

Try this snack mix:

  • Cashews, almonds and brazil nuts
  • Pepitas and pumpkin seeds
  • Raw coconut flakes
  • Dark chocolate pieces: 60 percent or higher
  • Small pretzels (should be made with all whole ingredients, five or fewer)

More: How to Create the Ultimate Trail Mix Recipe

Portable Dippers

There's something about a snack you can dip that is fun and interesting. So, instead of relying on the same old boring hiking snacks, get creative by making portable dipping packs. You can cater these to your tastes, choosing the dip and snack you most prefer. Some of the best combos include:

  • Garlic hummus and whole-wheat pita
  • Peanut butter and celery
  • Vegetable hummus and carrot sticks
  • Homemade salsa mixed with vegetarian beans and whole corn tortilla chips
  • Strawberries and plain Greek yogurt

Trade Your Snacks for Lunch

If you're going for a short hike, lunch will be enough to refuel between your trek up and descend back down. Make your lunch portable, nutritious and filling enough that you don't need the extra snacks.

Some healthy options include:

  • Tuna or chicken salad mixed with a small amount of olive oil on whole grain bread or a wrap.
  • Peanut butter and banana is the perfect combination of potassium, sugar, carbohydrates, protein and healthy fat.
  • Salsa and corn salad, on a bed of greens, with meat and black beans gives you great flavor and a handful of nutritional benefits.

The best hiking snacks can't always be found on the shelf of your local supermarket. Make your own to get a nutritional boost that tastes good, too.

More: 5 Easy Camping Lunch Ideas

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