Heading out on a long hike or backpacking trip can't be done without the right food. Packing easy-to-make snacks that provide a burst of energy and taste delicious is essential for keeping your spirits high on the trail.
Below, we offer up 10 basic and quick snack ideas, ingredients and preparation instructions included, that you can prepare at home and bring along on your outdoor adventures.
Let's begin.
1. Trail Mix Bliss:
Ingredients:
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
- Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
- Dark chocolate chunks or chips
- Pretzels or whole-grain cereal
Preparation:
- Mix together your choice of nuts, dried fruits, dark chocolate, and pretzels in a large bowl.
- Portion the trail mix into small, resealable bags for convenient snacking on the trail.
- Customize the mix to your taste preferences, creating a balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy.
2. Energy-Packed, Homemade Granola Bars:
Ingredients:
- Rolled oats
- Nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Add-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruits, or seeds)
Preparation:
- In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and your choice of add-ins.
- Press the mixture into a flat, even layer on a baking tray.
- Refrigerate until set, then cut into bars.
- Pack these homemade granola bars for a hearty and portable trail snack.
3. Easy Apple Slices with Nut Butter:
Ingredients:
- Apples
- Nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower)
Preparation:
- Slice apples into thin wedges or rounds.
- Pack the apple slices in a container along with a small jar of your preferred nut butter.
- Dip the apple slices into the nut butter for a satisfying and nutritious trailside snack.
4. Greek Yogurt Parfait Cups:
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt
- Granola
- Honey
- Fresh berries or sliced fruits
Preparation:
- Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries or sliced fruits in small, portable cups.
- Drizzle honey over the top for added sweetness.
- Seal the cups and carry them for a refreshing and protein-rich trail snack.
5. No-Bake Energy Balls:
Ingredients:
- Rolled oats
- Nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Add-ins (chocolate chips, chia seeds, or dried fruits)
Preparation:
- Mix together rolled oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and your preferred add-ins in a bowl.
- Form the mixture into bite-sized balls.
- Refrigerate until firm, then pack them for a convenient and energizing trailside treat.
6. Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers:
Ingredients:
- Cheese slices or cubes
- Whole grain crackers
Preparation:
- Slice or cube your favorite cheese variety.
- Pack the cheese along with a handful of whole grain crackers in a container.
- Enjoy the combination of protein and carbohydrates for a quick and savory trail snack.
7. Dried Seaweed Snacks:
Ingredients:
- Dried seaweed sheets
Preparation:
- Purchase pre-packaged dried seaweed snacks or make your own by roasting seaweed sheets until crisp.
- Pack the seaweed sheets in a resealable bag for a lightweight and nutrient-rich trail snack.
8. DIY Popcorn Mix:
Ingredients:
- Popcorn kernels
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Seasonings (salt, nutritional yeast, or your favorite spice blend)
Preparation:
- Air-pop popcorn kernels or prepare them on the stovetop.
- Toss the popcorn with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter.
- Season with your preferred seasonings and pack in a breathable container for a crunchy trail snack.
9. Homemade Fruit Leather Strips:
Ingredients:
- Pureed fruits (strawberries, mangoes, or apples)
- Honey or agave syrup (optional)
Preparation:
- Blend fruits into a smooth puree, adding honey or agave syrup if desired.
- Spread the puree thinly on parchment paper and dehydrate until the fruit leather is pliable.
- Cut the fruit leather into strips and pack them for a naturally sweet trailside treat.
10. Roasted Chickpeas:
Ingredients:
- Canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- Olive oil
- Seasonings (smoked paprika, cumin, or garlic powder)
Preparation:
- Toss drained and rinsed chickpeas with olive oil and your choice of seasonings.
- Roast the chickpeas in the oven until crispy.
- Allow them to cool, then pack in a resealable bag for a crunchy and protein-packed trail snack.
Conclusion:
Preparing easy and satisfying snacks for your hiking or backpacking adventure adds a delightful touch to your outdoor experience. These DIY snack ideas provide a mix of flavors, textures, and nutrients, ensuring you stay fueled and energized on the trail.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your favorites, hit the trail, and relish these trailside temptations during your wilderness adventure.
