Fueling Up During Your Hike: The Best Energy Bars for Sustained Adventure
Starting your hike with a nutritious breakfast is crucial, but let’s face it, it won’t keep you going for the entire journey. That’s where the best energy bars for hiking come in. These portable powerhouses are packed with the essential nutrients and sustained energy you need to conquer those trails with gusto.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting, fueling up with these top energy bars will keep you energized and ready to take on any adventure that comes your way. So, let’s dive into our hand-picked selection of the best energy bars for hiking!
Stopping for lunch isn’t always practical, so a good energy bar is a convenient way to stave off hunger and get an energy boost. Some of these are not much better than candy, though.
Does it matter which one you buy? It turns out that a little nutritional knowledge can help you make a healthier choice. Do you have to buy freeze-dried food or freeze-dried meals to complete a delicious camping meal? We’ve reviewed some of the best energy bars for hiking. Pack a few of these in your backpack and enjoy the energy boost when you need it most.
At a Glance:
- PROBAR Meal Bar – best overall for taste & ingredients
- GreenBelly Food Bar – great meal replacement, pricey
- CLIF BARS Energy Bars for Hiking– hiker’s favorite for many years!
- Nakd Bar – fruit & nut bars for a sweet boost
- GoMacroBar Organic Vegan Protein Bars– organic, vegan, and delicious
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon
Table of contents
Taste on the Trail: Best Energy Bars for Hiking
PROBAR Meal Bar
The Good…
- High caloric density – 390 calories from 3 oz (85g)
- Great balance of protein, carbs and fat
- 70% – 90% of ingredients are organic
- 100% non-GMO natural ingredients
- Taste great – flavors actually taste like their name!
The Bad…
- Price
These energy bars for hiking are awesome for getting a good mix of energy and protein from real natural ingredients. The caloric density is one of the highest we’ve seen, and munching one of these mid-morning could keep you feeling full for ages.
The Pro Bars have a decent amount of low glycaemic carbs, fiber, and fat for long-lasting energy levels. The nutritional balance is great and we love that most of the ingredients are organic and non-GMO.
The consistency is good, and it feels like you’re eating real food rather than processed garbage. Being gluten-free and vegan-friendly gives them wide appeal to all kinds of hikers. If you’re looking for something less filling but with a quicker energy boost then check out the ProBar Bolt energy chews.
Green Belly Backpacking Meal Bar
The Good…
- High nutritional value
- Really filling – like eating a proper meal
- Chewy consistency without being sticky
- Easy-open resealable packaging
The Bad…
- Price
These are more of a meal replacement than a simple energy bar.
Each pack comes with 2 energy bars (5.47oz total) offering a total of 650 calories. Made from high-quality ingredients, with great nutritional value, they do come at a hefty price tag.
GreenBelly Food bars have a consistency like granola, so are easy on your teeth, but aren’t sticky like a lot of others are. They work great as a breakfast or lunch replacement and will easily keep you filled up until dinner.
Chris, the owner, has done a great job with these – as a thru-hiker and ultralight himself, he knows the value of good nutrition in a convenient package when putting in the miles.
CLIF BARS Energy Bars for Hiking
The Good…
- Moist, chewy consistency
- 20 great flavors to choose from
- Good caloric density – ~260 calories in each 2.4oz (68g)
- Majority of the ingredients are organic
- Great value
The Bad…
- Some flavors are a little too sweet for some palates (not mine!)
For the price, these tried and tasted bars offer excellent value.
You get a great-tasting endurance bar made from mostly organic ingredients. The nutritional info reflects a good balance between fat, carbs, and protein.
The chewy, moist consistency is great. Clif Bars have been around for as long as I’ve been hiking, and have stood the test (taste?) of time! There are loads of flavors to choose from, to suit the fussiest palate.
Nakd Bar – Vegan Energy Hiking Bars
The Good…
- Whole-food simple ingredients
- GM free and vegan friendly
- No added sugars or syrups – not overly sweet
- Taste great
The Bad…
- Portion sizes too small
- Caloric density a little low
These energy bars for hiking have one of the shortest lists of ingredients I’ve seen. They’ve taken a bunch of fruit and nuts, mashed them up, and formed them into the shape.
I love these – they were a staple on my last Kilimanjaro trip, gave me a good boost, and were easy to eat – even at altitude when I was feeling a bit nauseous.
They’re a great option if you prefer your food wheat, dairy, and gluten-free. They are small though so you’ll probably end up eating two at a time.
GoMacroBar Organic Vegan Protein Bars
The Good…
- High nutrition and caloric density
- 100% organic ingredients
- Vegan-friendly
- Not overly sweet
The Bad…
- Price
- Flavors are a little bland
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly organic bar that’s 100% organic and macrobiotic then these are a great option.
Each 2.5 oz (71g) packs 290 calories for a very respectable caloric density of just over 4 calories per gram. We like the focus this company has on making sure its ingredients are responsibly and ethically sourced.
Even their chocolate chips are fair-trade. These may be a healthy option, but the flavors are a little bland.
Why eat an energy bar when hiking?
An energy bar is a convenient and effective means of increasing your bloodstream levels (glucose) levels. Ideally, you want to be eating energy-dense real camping food, but these can be a convenient option when hiking.
Glycemic Index
The “glycemic index” refers to how quickly a sugar source raises the sugar level in your body. Highly refined sweeteners and simple sugars pump up your blood sugar fast.
The “glycemic index” refers to how quickly a sugar source raises the sugar level in your body. Highly refined sweeteners and simple sugars pump up your blood sugar fast.
The best backpacking meals will contain low-glycemic sugar sources. These elevate your blood sugar levels gradually and sustain those levels for more prolonged periods without spiking your insulin levels.
High Fiber Complex Carbs
Your body turns simple carbs like white bread or rice into simple sugars, giving you the same sugar spike and crash you’re trying to avoid.
Low-GI (Glycemic Index) complex carbs, like oats or whole grains, convert to sugar slower. The high fiber content slows the absorption for a more sustained boost.
If you’re trying to figure out which is going to give you the best bang for your buck, then these are the most important things to consider:
Energy
The whole reason you’re considering eating one of these is that you want an energy boost. It needs to have energy sources that your body can metabolize and use: i.e, good fat sources, protein, low glycemic index sweeteners, and complex carbs.
A calorie is a unit of energy, so the number of calories indicated on the wrapper gives you an idea of how much energy this energy bar for hiking will provide you with.
Caloric Density
How many calories do you get packed into each gram? This is calculated by dividing the number of calories by the number of grams.
The higher the number, the better. You want more calories packed into a lighter amount of food. This is important when you’re on the trail because your pack weight is always an issue – and you’ll probably be carrying a bunch of these.
You want to be carrying nutrient-dense food with high caloric density so the added weight is worth it. Oats and almonds are examples of high-caloric density foods, which is why you’ll often find them in energy bars.
Taste
Taste is an essential factor. If it tastes horrible, you’re less likely to eat it. You hike for fun, so why spoil the experience by having to force down something that tastes evil?
When Should I Eat My Energy Bar?
A good hiking snack will give you a steady and sustained increase in your blood sugar and will take a little while to digest.
This means you should be eating it an hour or two before you think you’ll need that extra boost. Note that if you want a real “boost” you’ll likely want something with caffeine in it. What we’re talking about here is nutrition, not your caffeine fix!
What I find works best is to eat before I’m hungry. I know we go hiking to get away from schedules, but if you’re tackling the challenging Uinta Highline trail, you’ll need to have at least a basic plan for when you need to eat.
Don’t wait until you’re ready to kill your hiking buddy. And please, unless it’s “just” a day hike, leave the calorie-counting and diets at home.
I don’t like sweet stuff. What are my options?
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. There are several unsweetened options like the Nakd bars that have no added sugar or syrup.
If it contains fruit, it’s still going to be a little sweet. You also get savory-flavored snacks like the YES Bar. They offer flavors like Black Sesame Sea Salt
KIND also has some low glycemic bars and a few savory options.
Protein Bar vs Energy Bar – What’s the difference?
Protein makes up the building blocks used for muscle repair. If you want your muscles to recover after a long day on the trail, you’re going to need some protein.
A protein bar will probably have some sweeteners and carbs but will be heavy on protein content. It might not give you the sustained sugar levels you need for endurance activities.
Energy bars are for use before and during your periods of activity. Their function is to elevate glucose levels, so your body has fuel to power your muscles. Conversely, it might not be high enough in grams of protein to help muscle recovery.
Just to confuse matters, you’ll find most labeled as “protein bars” have plenty of fats, good carbs, and sugars and are perfect for your hiking needs.
If you’re looking for a boost for your workout, then a higher sugar content will do the trick. For hiking and backpacking, you’re going to need the long-lasting energy levels that a low-GI (Glycemic Index) snack will give you.
Basically, ignore the name tag and check the ingredients. If it’s got a decent amount of carbs, fiber, fat, and no added sugars, then you’re onto a good thing. If they’ve thrown some protein in there, too, even better.
Ingredients – What’s in my energy bar?
The shorter the list of ingredients, the better the chance you’re eating something healthy. If you need a PhD to pronounce some of the ingredients, they probably shouldn’t be passing your lips.
Here are a few ingredients that you’ll come across:
Nuts – high caloric density, a good source of fats
Sweeteners – Try to avoid cane sugar (sucrose) or corn syrup and opt for raw honey or fructose.
Fruit – Fruit and berries contain fructose. These give you a great natural flavor with a low-GI sugar source.
Caffeine – Great for a quick boost. Often comes in the form of green tea extract or other natural sources like Guarana.
Protein – Most energy bars that contain protein will use plant-based proteins or eggs.
Oats – Rolled oats have a low glycemic index and a high caloric density.
Flavoring – Make sure they use natural sources for flavoring like fruit, spices, or unsweetened chocolate
As a general rule of thumb, if you struggle to pronounce an ingredient or have a combination of numbers and letters, you should probably avoid it.
Energy Bars & Your Hiking Style
If you’re trying to find the best energy bar for your hiking style it’s worth knowing a little about macronutrients and macro ratios.
The macronutrients in your food are carbs, fat, and protein. Each of these has different roles in the body. In simplistic terms, carbs and fat are burned as fuel, and protein is used to repair and build muscle.
If you’re engaging in energetic activity, you want more carbs.
Fats are great for picking up the slack when the carbs are burnt up and are essential for lengthier, less intense endurance activities.
If you’re trekking at altitude, spare a thought for your digestion. At higher altitudes, your body prioritizes blood flow to your brain, heart, lungs, and muscles. This can mean digestion takes a back seat, so you want to avoid too much protein as your stomach will not process it easily.
Recommended read:
Do Protein Bars Contain Allergens?
If you’re allergic to nuts, you probably already know you need to carefully examine the label on anything you plan to eat. A lot of these snacks for camping contain tree nuts or ground nuts (peanuts). Most will also contain common allergens like wheat, dairy, and soy. If you’re pregnant then you should also avoid ones that contain caffeine.
Energy Bars And Your Diet
Which diet are you on this month? Keto, Paleo, high-carb, low-carb?
You may be intolerant to certain foods, like gluten or wheat, or you may be avoiding certain foods for other health or even ethical reasons.
The hiking community, in general, is focused on healthy living so there are plenty of options free of gluten, wheat, soy, animal proteins, or GMO ingredients.
Just remember that fats and carbs are where your energy is going to come from. If you avoid these then don’t expect to have a spring in your step.
Energy Bar Alternatives
You don’t have to shell out for pre-made. Any whole foods would do, and even a bar of dark chocolate with nuts might be sufficient.
Consider swapping out your usual energy bars for MRE meals on your next outdoor adventure. MREs offer a hearty, diverse menu that can energize you for any challenge. For an in-depth comparison, check out this comprehensive review on RightonTrek meals.
A bag of old-fashioned trail mix (GORP) is a great alternative.
Some people like to snack on beef jerky. The salts and protein content will help with muscle recovery and your electrolytes. Still, the lack of carbs can mean they’re not a ready source of quick energy.
For a quick boost, there are some good gels or chews available. These contain sugar carbohydrates that deliver a faster boost but they don’t have any fat, protein, or fiber.
If you’re moving fast they can be a convenient top-up, but don’t count on them as a meal replacement.
DIY It: Homemade Energy Bars
Buying these can get expensive. Also, the only way to be 100% sure what’s in your food is to make it yourself.
There are some excellent homemade energy bar recipes available online like this one. Just remember to use low-GI carbs and sweeteners. If you’re combining nuts, oats, dates, peanut butter (or other nut butter) and raw honey then you’re off to a good start. Throw a few chocolate chips in there if you’re feeling decadent!
Crushing, blending, and smashing the ingredients together will give you a denser texture. Still, the consistency is sometimes more pleasant when it’s less mushy and has a little crunch.
As with any good activity bar, the lack of preservatives means they won’t keep for very long so don’t make them too far ahead of your hike.
If you’re looking for the best energy bar for hiking then begin with fundamental common-sense nutrition. Aim for whole foods with no added sugars.
Carbs are the primary fuel your body burns to produce glucose. But make sure you’re getting low-GI carbs for sustained endurance levels without the sugar crash.
It’s worth paying attention to the list of ingredients, even if you aren’t sensitive to allergens. A high-performance engine needs quality fuel. Having informed hiking food ideas on healthy food choices can significantly impact how your body performs on the trail.
Recommended Reading: 3 Day Backpacking Checklist Gear Needs, Do You Need To Worry About Bears In Winter?
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best energy bar for your hiking adventures is all about balancing taste, nutritional value, and your specific energy needs. Whether you’re out for a short nature walk or embarking on a challenging long-distance hike, the right energy bar can significantly enhance your experience.
Opt for bars like Clif Bars for a reliable energy boost, Kind Bars for a natural, less processed option, or ProBar Meal Bars for those longer trails where you need sustained energy. Remember, the best choice is one that not only fuels your body but also satisfies your taste buds.
Happy trails and happy snacking, folks! Keep exploring and stay energized with the perfect hiking snack. 🌲🥾🍫
FAQS
If you’re planning a long, strenuous hike, opt for energy bars that are high in calories and nutrients. Clif Bars and ProBar Meal Bars are fantastic choices for sustained energy.
Absolutely! Many brands cater to various dietary requirements. Kind Bars and Larabar offer gluten-free options, while Clif Bar has a range of vegan-friendly bars.
Think about the duration of your hike and your dietary preferences. Shorter hikes might just need a carb-heavy bar for a quick energy boost, while longer treks require bars with a balance of carbs, proteins, and fats. And, of course, taste matters too!
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Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When you are hiking you need to be fully energetic throughout your schedule. Hiking needs lot of energy to conduct the task successfully. The energy bars mentioned in this article along with its good and bad side will help us select the best one for us. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Shashank!