The best day hiking snacks

When you and your family or friends are out on a day hike remember to pack some snacks. During the hike your body exerts a lot of energy and the younger children, and some adults sometimes need encouragement. That’s when the snacks you have packed will come in very handy.

Skip the chocolate bar and choose a healthy snack that will help take you that extra mile. These are our top six snack options that will make for a fun day hike.

Biltong

Our family favorite. Biltong is a delicious alternative to your standard protein bars as it’s both healthy, low in sugar, high in protein and tasty. It makes a useful savoury snack; pack carbohydrate-rich foods as well for a varied supply of energy.

When the group needs a rest, stop for food and water. Biltong can be part of that break, but a snack is not a substitute for rest, hydration or adjusting the pace to suit everyone.

Cheese triangles

Made with milk and cheese, heated and blended into a cheesy triangle. Keep these individually wrapped snacks in the cardboard box they are sold in, this will make it easy to pack them and to enjoy them in the shapes they are made. Follow the storage instructions on the pack. The Laughing Cow’s South African guidance says to refrigerate its cheese after purchase, so keep it chilled in transit or choose a shelf-stable alternative for a hot hike.

Trail mix

You can make your own mix or try the Hoedies & Herholdt Trail Mix which includes rich toasted coconut flakes, and crunchy nuts and seeds. This versatile product is entirely grain-free, and also works really well as muesli, or an on-the-go gluten-free snack.

Nougat

Nougat is a sweet treat that can add variety to your trail snacks. Ingredients vary, and many bars contain nuts, egg or milk, so check the label for allergens and portion it to suit your needs. It should not be described as a cholesterol-lowering food.

Fruit

Almost all fruits are good to pack for a day hike. Apples and oranges make some of the best hiking snacks as they are not easily squashed, so packed carelessly, they will still survive. Loaded with energy-boosting carbs and natural sugar. Other fruits may require extra packaging considerations, but many fruits can work.

Energade Sports Jellies / Jelly tots

When you are outdoors and hiking, a sugary treat for both young and old in moderation is deserved.

Sports jellies and sweets provide carbohydrate and can be a convenient treat on the trail. Choose foods you tolerate well and balance sweet snacks with other food and enough water. I remember hiking up Beacon Buttress Gully and eating a small packet when at the top. Within a few minutes my energy was restored, and I went on to hike a further 14km that day.

I hope you enjoy your snacks. Pack delicious hiking food to keep you powered up for a day of exploring. I suggest that you pack more food than you think you’re going to need. It's better to have more than not enough, just remember to leave no trace and bring all your wrappers home! Besides snacks always carry the water you will need; this is your most important endurance staple.

View from the top of Beacon Buttress Gully