The Best Sweet & Savory Hiking Snacks You Need to Try

It’s important to keep your energy levels up when you’re out on the trail. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best vegan hiking snacks for your adventures.

Having the right supplies with you is key, regardless of whether you’re headed out on a half-day hike, a multi-day trek, hiking in the rain, hiking in the winter, or even hiking with a baby The right equipment plays a huge role in this, as does the food that you pack. When it comes to hiking snacks, you’ll want to load up on the following: 

• Complex carbohydrates are the best way to increase your energy levels quickly. Due to their higher fiber content, they are digested slowly, which leaves you feeling full for longer.  
• Healthy fats will help you feel full and keep your energy levels up while out on the trail. 
• Sodium is an essential electrolyte that will keep your body hydrated. 
• Natural sugars can help maintain consistent blood sugar levels 
• Protein helps you feel full for longer, and will also help rebuild muscle and tissue after the hike is finished. 

It’s always best to make your own vegan hiking snacks since you’re able to avoid packaging waste and unnecessary additives — just make sure you pack your snacks in reusable containers. You might also want to consider packing an electrolyte drink or homemade Gatorade to keep you hydrated. It will also help to start your day with a high-protein breakfast before you hit the trail. 

Sweet Vegan Hiking Snacks

Your body might need a bit of a natural boost while out on the trail, which is where sweet hiking snacks come in. There are plenty of snack options that fall under this category that can also provide valuable protein and energy. Consider taking any of the following vegan hiking snacks out on your next adventure: 

• Dried fruit or fruit leather
• Homemade protein bars
• Sunflower seed butter stuffed dates
• Vegan blueberry zucchini bread
• PB&J on homemade buckwheat bread with sliced banana
• Vegan energy balls
• Apple slices and homemade peanut butter or peanut butter alternative
• Homemade trail mix
• Homemade vegan chocolate or vegan truffles
• High-protein fruit like apricots or cherries 

Why are these hiking snacks a good choice? Nuts and seeds are high in protein, calories, and healthy fats, which will help fill you up. Dried fruit contains easily digestible carbohydrates which are great when you’re out on the go. Bananas and dates are good sources of potassium, which is an electrolyte lost through sweat and perspiration. 

Savory Vegan Hiking Snacks

It’s also a good idea to take some savory hiking snacks or even a few small meals along when you hit the trails. Chickpeas are featured heavily on this list because they are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine amino acids that are essential for proper body function. Consider packing the following vegan hiking snacks in your bag to help give you the boost you need: 

• Carrot sticks and homemade hummus, hummus without tahini, or cauliflower hummus 
• Pita and homemade tzatziki
• Vegan sandwiches
• Roasted chickpeas
• Vegan chickpea salad
• Cowboy caviar dip

No matter which hiking snacks you choose, remember to pack plenty of them. You never know how your body might react on any given day, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

Read more: 

• 15 Easy Vegetarian Camping Meals
• Best Hiking on the East Coast: 7 Amazing Trails
• Is Hummus Vegan? What to Consider

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Tags: Cooking Guide Hiking Snacks Vegan