AdventureiteHomemade Hiking Snacks (with recipes) For You And Your Dog
Our favorite collection of homemade hiking snack recipes that are easy to make, nutritious, and perfect for fueling outdoor adventures. From high-energy trail mix and protein balls to unique treats like seaweed chips, these snacks are designed for both humans and dogs. Plus, a bonus dog-friendly snack ensures your furry companion stays energized on the trail as well!
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If there’s one thing we’ve learned after years of hiking, it’s that snacks are everything. Whether we’re tackling a long, tough trail or enjoying a quick day hike, the right snacks keep us energized and ready for whatever comes next. We’ve always been fans of saving money with homemade treats—knowing exactly what’s in your food is a bonus, and it’s a great way to cut down on waste with eco-friendly packaging.
And let’s not forget Drax—he’s out there hiking with us, and we want him fueled too! Today, we’re sharing some of our absolute favorite homemade hiking snacks, including a special bonus recipe for dogs. These recipes come from small blogs we love, and they’re perfect for anyone who wants healthy, easy-to-make snacks for their next adventure.
1. High-Energy Trail Mix with a Twist
We all know trail mix is a hiking classic, but this version brings something a little extra to the table. With a mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and dark chocolate, it’s the perfect blend of healthy fats, protein, and energy-boosting carbs. What makes this trail mix special is that you can customize it however you like—add your favorite nuts, swap the chocolate for coconut flakes, or even throw in some granola for a bit more crunch.
- Salty & Sweet Paleo Trail Mix – A perfectly balanced paleo-friendly mix of raw nuts, dried fruit, and dairy-free chocolate chips. It’s both crunchy and chewy, ideal for a quick, on-the-go snack. From Rooted in Nature.
- Healthy Trail Mix – This trail mix is packed with healthy fats, protein, and the right kind of carbs. It includes cashews, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and chocolate-covered almonds for a sweet and salty balance. From The Tiny Twenty-Something.
- Nut-Free Trail Mix – A great option for anyone with allergies, featuring seeds, dried fruit, and coconut flakes instead of nuts. From Allergy Awesomeness.
2. Peanut Butter Protein Balls
These no-bake peanut butter protein balls are the perfect on-the-go snack when you need something quick and filling. Packed with protein from peanut butter and oats, and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, they give you the boost you need without relying on processed sugars. The best part? They’re so easy to make, and you can store them for multiple hikes.
- Classic Peanut Butter Protein Balls – This simple recipe is loaded with peanut butter, oats, and honey, making it a great pre-hike snack. From Well Plated.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Balls – A fun twist with chocolate chips and chia seeds for extra texture and flavor. From Fit Foodie Finds.
- Vegan Protein Balls – A simple vegan recipe that combines pea protein powder, cocoa, ground hazelnuts, and sweetened condensed coconut milk for a delicious, plant-based protein ball. From Rachel Blog.
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls – A no-fuss, no-bake recipe that’s super easy to throw together and perfect for busy weeks. From Eating Bird Food.
3. Homemade Granola Bars
If you’re tired of overpriced, store-bought granola bars that are loaded with sugar, this recipe is for you. These chewy granola bars are nutrient-dense and way more affordable when made at home. Oats, nuts, dried fruits, and honey form the base, but you can easily add whatever mix-ins you love—chocolate chips, coconut, or seeds. These bars are perfect for a midday energy boost and can be made in bulk for the week ahead.
- Easy No-Bake Granola Bars – These bars use oats, honey, and nuts for a chewy, nutritious snack that’s easy to customize. From Cookie and Kate.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars – A delicious mix of peanut butter and chocolate chips makes these bars taste like dessert. From Chef Savvy.
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars – A rich, no-bake recipe that combines peanut butter, chocolate, and oats for an indulgent, healthy treat. From Ambitious Kitchen.
- 5-Ingredient Vegan Granola Bars – Simple and wholesome, these vegan granola bars require only five ingredients, making them easy and quick to prepare. From Minimalist Baker.
4. Dehydrated Fruit and Veggie Chips
Craving something crunchy on the trail but want to avoid processed snacks? Dehydrated fruit and veggie chips are the perfect solution. Apple chips and sweet potato chips are some of our favorites, but you can get creative with nearly any fruit or vegetable. Dehydrating preserves the nutrients while giving you a lightweight, easy-to-pack snack that’s full of flavor.
- Crispy Apple Chips – Lightly sweet and crispy, these apple chips are perfect for a healthy, crunchy snack. From Downshiftology.
- Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Chips – These sweet potato chips are baked to perfection, seasoned with olive oil and sea salt for a simple, healthy snack that’s crispy and full of flavor. From Shayna’s Kitchen.
- Zucchini Chips – For something different, try these crunchy zucchini chips, which are baked and lightly seasoned. From Oh My Veggies.
- Spicy Carrot Chips – These crispy carrot chips are seasoned with paprika and cayenne pepper, offering a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional snacks. Perfect for adding a spicy kick to your snack routine. From Anina’s Recipes.
5. DIY Fruit and Nut Energy Bars
These naturally sweetened energy bars are filled with whole ingredients like dates, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. They’re rich in fiber and healthy fats, which provide sustained energy for long hikes. Best of all, they’re easy to make in big batches, so you can prep ahead and have enough for multiple hikes.
- 3-Ingredient Energy Bars – A simple and versatile recipe that combines dates, nuts, and dried fruit to create naturally sweet, chewy energy bars, perfect for an on-the-go snack. From The Kitchn.
- Pumpkin Spice Cashew Energy Bars – These no-bake energy bars blend cashews, oats, and pumpkin spice for a fall-flavored snack that’s perfect for a healthy, seasonal treat. From A Couple Cooks.
- Peanut Butter Oat Date Crumb Bars – These vegan and gluten-free bars combine creamy peanut butter, sweet dates, and oats, layered together for a delicious and wholesome treat. From Healthy Little Vittles.
- Paleo No-Bake Fruit & Nut Bars – These paleo-friendly bars are packed with dates, nuts, and seeds, offering a naturally sweet, chewy, and nutrient-dense snack that’s perfect for fueling outdoor adventures. From Paleo Running Momma.
6. Savory Roasted Chickpeas
For those days when you’re not craving something sweet, savory roasted chickpeas hit the spot. They’re crunchy, salty, and packed with protein and fiber, making them a perfect alternative to chips or crackers. Roasting them with olive oil and your favorite spices—like smoked paprika or garlic powder—creates an addictive snack that’s both healthy and satisfying.
- Za’atar Spiced Crispy Chickpeas – These roasted chickpeas are seasoned with za’atar, giving them a flavorful, Middle Eastern-inspired twist that’s both crunchy and savory. From Crowded Kitchen.
- Parmesan Garlic Roasted Chickpeas – These chickpeas are roasted to crispy perfection and tossed with Parmesan and garlic for a savory, crunchy snack. From Helpful Homemade.
- Smoky BBQ Roasted Chickpeas – These chickpeas are roasted with BBQ spices for a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. From Minimalist Baker.
- Crispy Honey Roasted Chickpeas – These chickpeas are roasted with honey and a touch of cinnamon for a sweet, crunchy snack that’s perfect for on-the-go munching. From No Spoon Necessary.
7. Seaweed and Rice Crisps
Here’s a snack that’s a little less common but just as tasty. Seaweed and rice crisps are light, crunchy, and packed with savory flavor. The rice gives the crisps some substance, while the seaweed brings a burst of minerals and a satisfying salty crunch. They’re perfect for when you want something different on the trail that’s also lightweight to carry.
- Healthy Rice Crispy Treats – A lightened-up version of the classic treat, made with healthier ingredients like brown rice syrup and almond butter for a delicious, guilt-free snack. From Pickled Plum.
- Garden Crisps with Herby White Bean Spread – These homemade garden crisps are packed with wholesome ingredients and served with a flavorful herby white bean spread, making for a healthy and delicious snack. From Love and Lemons.
- Honey Sesame Nori Chips – These crispy nori chips are brushed with honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, creating a sweet and savory snack with an addictive crunch. From Jamie Geller.
- Korean Seaweed Chips – These crispy Korean seaweed chips are baked with sesame oil and soy sauce, creating a light, savory snack with an irresistible crunch. From Christie at Home.
- Crispy Air Fryer Rice Paper Seaweed Snacks – These crunchy rice paper and seaweed snacks are air-fried and packed with B12, making them a nutritious and flavorful option for a healthy bite. From Justine Cooks Vegan.
Bonus: Hiking Snacks For Your Dog
And because we always bring Drax along for our hikes, we couldn’t forget including a few of his favorites! These peanut butter banana dog treats are a simple, healthy option for your dog, made from just a few wholesome ingredients. I’m pretty sure Drax will eat just about anything but we made sure that these snack are all delicious and healthy.
- Bacon Dog Treats – These homemade dog treats are made with bacon, peanut butter, and oats, creating a crunchy and flavorful snack for your furry friends. From Damn Delicious.
- Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats – These simple, 5-ingredient dog treats feature peanut butter, whole wheat flour, and oats, creating a wholesome, crunchy snack that your dog will love. From Sally’s Baking Addiction.
- Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats – These homemade dog treats combine the natural sweetness of bananas with creamy peanut butter for a healthy, delicious snack for your furry friend. From Pook’s Pantry.
- Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treats – These adorable pretzel-shaped dog treats are made with oats, apples, and peanut butter, offering a healthy and fun snack for your dog. From The Cookie Rookie.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re out for a short hike or gearing up for a long trek, the right snacks make all the difference. These homemade recipes not only taste great, but they’re also packed with nutrients to keep you energized and ready for adventure. Plus, with a few eco-friendly tweaks, you can make sure your snack game is just as sustainable as your hiking habits. For more ideas for hiking food check out this post on picking the right food to take hiking.
Have any favorite homemade hiking snacks? Find us on social media and let us know if you try any of these recipes, or share your go-to trail snacks!
Happy hiking (and snacking)!
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By Summer and Bill
Summer and Bill are the dynamic duo behind Adventureite.com, a blog dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. With a combined lifetime of experience traveling and adventuring across America, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. From hiking to camping, kayaking to travel, Summer and Bill are passionate about helping others discover the beauty of the natural world.