When embarking on a thrilling hiking adventure, it’s crucial to fuel your body with the right snacks to keep your energy levels high and your taste buds satisfied. For vegetarians, finding delicious and nutritious hiking snacks can sometimes be a challenge. But fear not! In this post, I have curated a list of the best and most efficient vegetarian hiking snacks to fuel your outdoor adventures! These snacks are packed with essential nutrients, easy to carry, and will keep you energized mile after mile.
As an avid hiker of 10+ years, and a dedicated vegetarian of 7+ years, I have made this list from personal experience. When I first started hiking, I would just bring lots of fruit. Although it was yummy, it was rarely substantial, and I would always feel hungry throughout. As time went by, I discovered the snacks that not only tasted good and fit my diet, but also kept me energized and fueled!
If you are ALSO gluten-free (like myself), I have put together a list of 10 of the Best Road Trip Snacks When You are Vegetarian and Gluten Free.
Healthy Vegetarian Hiking Snacks
Nut Butter Pack
Nut butter packs are a staple for any vegetarian hiker’s backpack. They provide a great source of healthy fats, protein, and energy. Almond butter, peanut butter, and cashew butter are popular choices. Look for single-serving packets that are convenient to carry and require no refrigeration. These packs are lightweight and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with whole grain crackers, rice cakes, or fresh fruit for a satisfying snack that will keep you going.
I, personally, love the Justin’s brand packs. They have peanut butter, almond butter, and hazelnut butter, which are all delicious AND packed with protein.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a classic hiking snack, and the options for vegetarians are endless. Create your own mix using a combination of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and dark chocolate. Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate chips make for a delightful combination. The nuts provide protein and healthy fats, while the dried fruits offer natural sugars for a quick energy boost. Pre-portion the trail mix into resealable bags for easy snacking on the trail. You can also find pre-made vegetarian-friendly trail mixes in stores or online.
Nature’s Garden has a great option for healthy, yummy, and individually packaged servings of trail mix.
Veggie Wraps or Roll-Ups
For a more substantial hiking snack, prepare veggie wraps or roll-ups filled with nutritious ingredients. Choose whole grain tortillas or wraps and fill them with a variety of fresh vegetables, hummus, avocado, and cheese. Opt for ingredients that won’t spoil quickly, such as carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, spinach, and feta cheese. These wraps are not only delicious but also provide a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber to sustain you during long hikes. Pack them in foil or airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent them from getting squished in your backpack.
Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy and protein-packed vegetarian snack that is perfect for the trail. Simply toss cooked chickpeas in olive oil, season them with your favorite spices like paprika, cumin, or garlic powder, and roast them until crispy. The result is a flavorful snack that provides essential nutrients and helps keep hunger at bay. You can prepare a big batch at home and divide them into smaller resealable bags for easy grab-and-go snacks on your hiking adventures.
Going on a last minute adventure or simply don’t want to do any cooking? Biena has a wonderful variety of pre-packaged, individually sized, chickpea snacks.
Energy Bars
Energy bars are a convenient and portable snack option for hikers. Look for vegetarian-friendly bars that are made with whole food ingredients and provide a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Read labels carefully to avoid bars that contain animal-derived ingredients. Some popular brands offer plant-based options that are both nutritious and delicious. Look for bars that contain ingredients like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, oats, and natural sweeteners like dates or agave syrup. These bars provide sustained energy and are perfect for longer hikes or when you need a quick and convenient snack option.
My personal top 3 favorites: (all of these are vegan, have protein in them, and have REAL ingredients)
Fresh Fruit
Nature’s perfect snack, fresh fruits are an excellent choice for vegetarian hikers. Fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes are easy to pack and require no preparation. They provide natural sugars, hydration, and a variety of vitamins and minerals to keep you energized on the trail. For longer hikes or when you have access to a cooler, consider packing more perishable fruits like berries or sliced melons.
My go to favorite fruits to bring are apples, oranges, and kiwis! Fun fact about kiwis: Not only can you eat the skin, but you SHOULD eat the skin. According to the Cleveland Clinic, consuming the kiwi skin gives you 50% MORE fiber intake than eating just the flesh.
Eating well on the trail is essential for vegetarian hikers, and these snack ideas will ensure you stay fueled and satisfied during your outdoor adventures. Incorporate a variety of these snacks into your hiking routine to keep your energy levels up and your taste buds happy. Remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body’s needs while hiking. Experiment with different combinations and flavors to find what works best for you. With these vegetarian hiking snacks in your backpack, you’ll be ready to conquer any trail and enjoy the wonders of nature while maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle.
By providing your body with the right fuel, you can maximize your hiking experience and fully embrace the beauty of the great outdoors. Happy hiking, vegetarian adventurers!
