Hiking is among the most energy-consuming activities in the nature, which means you’ll have to constantly refill.
Since it is not possible to stop and eat a full meal every time you become hungry, using energy bars as a replacement is the best option. In this article we’ll lead you through the best options and help you learn how to find the best option for your outdoor activity, so you don’t have to worry about your basic needs and can focus solely on the fun part of your journey through the nature.
In addition to this, we have also reviewed best hiking food, best trail mix and mountain house meals, electrolyte powders to cover your eating needs while you are enjoying outdoor adventure.
Types of Energy Bars
Although there are many different types of energy bars, the three kinds you’ll most often run into in the world of hiking are protein bars, energy bars and replacement meals. Each of them has different purpose.
Protein bars
Mostly used as a recovery tools, protein bars are what the name itself says – bars rich with proteins. They will help your muscles during recovery and growth.
However, they are not the best option while hiking.
Energy (activity) bars
Unlike protein bars, these are bars rich with carbohydrate content that will provide you with easy but sustained energy release.
Simple to open, with simple texture, their main purpose is to give you energy boost during long hikes that can become exhausting.
Meal replacement bars
As the name itself states, meal replacement bars have all the stuff you’ll need without having to stop. Balanced, they provide proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and sometimes vitamins and minerals needed for one whole meal.
However, these also have one joint con – although healthy, they do not offer complete meal replacement and can cause problems if used as a main piece of nutrition. Their main purpose is to serve as an add-on to your meals, not the main part of your nutrition.
Let’s start with the best energy bars available in the market.
Best Overall Energy Bars
1. CLIF BARS Variety Pack
Made out of completely natural, plant-based and non-GMO ingredients, these energy bars represent the ultimate energy bars, as they offer a mix of proteins, fat and carbohydrates.
As a great meal replacement, they are a great choice for every hiker and backpacker. What makes them even more fun to try is the fact that you’ll have a bit of trouble finding the one you like the most, as there are many different tastes.
Some of them have no added sugar, which means they won’t be very sweet as they rely on natural sugars. A great texture makes them fan-favorite, along with a pretty solid size, so they are a great choice for any outdoor activity, no matter the weather conditions outside – these are great choices in summer and winter.
When it comes to cons, there are a few possible problems. Compared to other energy bars, they can be a bit pricey. Another issue you may run into is the fact that they can be a bit hard to open, and you may need a knife or scissors to cut the package.
Also, when purchasing them, make sure to use them in the near future, as they do not have long shelf life and you’ll have to eat them quickly, so we recommend taking them just before the trip, not in advance, so they don’t sit and possibly lose freshness.
Pros
- Plant-based ingredients
- Better for the planet
- Come in a variety of flavors
- Tasty and nutritious
- Contains adequate protein
Cons
- Can be little bit sweet
Value For The Money
2. Quaker Chewy Granola Bars
One of the best all-around snacks, Quaker Chewy Granola bars are a great option to have in your backpack for any activity.
Rich in protein, these are crispy thanks to whole grains and other natural ingredients. These chewy bars serve as meal replacements and will give you everything you need to power through your hike without any problem while being among the most affordable options out there, especially if you love chocolate bars.
Their additional advantage is rather long shelf life before going stale. However, if you end up using them near the date, they may become hard to chew and a bit stale with a changed taste. Also, they can be a bit dry, so you may have to use them with juice or water for easier swallowing.
Also, because they contain chocolate, you may have to deal with potential melting, especially if you’ll be hiking during hot summer days. Also, melting could lead to a slight deformation of the bar itself.
Another possible issue is their tendency to crumble as you eat them, so you’ll have to pay attention to avoid having crumbles all around you as you walk or on your clothes.
Pros
- Individually wrapped
- Variety of flavors
- Great price
- Can order as little or as much as you want
Cons
- Make sure to read the expiry while buying online
Best Multi-Flavor Option
3. LÄRABAR Variety Pack
LÄRABAR comes in various choices – from apple pie, blueberry muffin, chocolate chip cookie, peanut butter, and even banana bread. As a gluten-free, vegan option, this bar can be consumed by everyone. They don’t have any artificial flavors, are completely natural, and are pretty delicious along the way.
Their texture is firm but not dry. Thanks to their sweet taste, they can serve as a meal replacement and as a dessert after the meal, especially if you have a place to warm them up a bit.
They are not too big, so it will be easy to fit them wherever you want – from your backpack to even your pocket for a quick bite when on the trail.
However, there is one common issue with these bars. Due to their ingredients and as something that is 100% natural, they don’t have a long shelf life, so they may end up becoming stale after some time. That’s why always check the expiration date on the back of the bar and make sure to use it before the date.
Also, store them someplace dry to avoid possible moisture from affecting the quality of your bar, and make sure to eat them once you open the package.
Pros
- Different options
- Reasonable price
- Healthy
- Great taste
Cons
- Some people might not like the texture
Best Tasty Option
4. Honey Stinger Organic Honey Waffle
If you need a quick energy boost and something to give you additional pace while hiking or backpacking. As the name states itself, what makes them different compared to other energy bars is the layer of honey between two waffles.
A delicious mix of honey filling and crispy waffles makes them a great choice to pack into your bag, and they can be used before, during, or even after your activity without the fear of it having a negative effect on your body or your stomach.
Made out of organic ingredients, it is as healthy as an energy bar can be.
However, there are some downsides. First of all, waffles start to crumble after some time, so when opening the package, you may have to deal with parts of your energy bar that have fallen out.
Also, package opening may be a bit complex, as it can’t be opened in a single pull. Also, they do not have a long shelf life, so make sure to purchase them according to your trip without storing them for a longer period to avoid possible problems. Also, as the name itself says, their main ingredient is honey, so if you don’t like it or have problems when eating it, it is better to avoid Honey Stingers than to have to deal with possible stomach problems.
Pros
- Easy to digest
- Designed for performance
- Tasty
- No preservatives
- USDA Organic
Cons
- If little pressure put on them, they can break in pieces.
Best Of The Rest
5. Kate’s Real Food Bars
With eight different flavors to offer, Kate’s Real Food Organic Energy bars are another good choice that will give you a sweet boost.
Certified as a non-gluten, GMO-free and kosher bar, they offer a natural taste that uses organic dried fruits, dark chocolate and honey to keep the things sweet, combined with whole peanut and almond butter.
The big size makes them a great meal-replacement option, and their texture is firm but not hard, so you won’t have a problem eating it or have to worry about the crumbles. Also, it may serve as a great dessert option after your hike and after your meal to put a sweet stamp on the end of the day.
There are a few downsides of these bars you should know about, though. Firstly, make sure the expiration date is nowhere near, as they can become stale and dry even before the date itself due to their natural ingredients.
Also another potential issue is the packaging. It is easy to open and can get damaged along the way. So, you may have to place the bars in an additional zip bag just to make sure they stay fresh and avoid any possible problems as you go.
Pros
- Tasty
- Organic
- Very portable
Cons
- Bit expensive
6. Justin’s Maple Almond Butter
These squeeze packs are perfect for hikers and backpackers who love almond butter and maple syrup. What makes them unique is the fact that they are an amazing choice for mess-free consumption and relatively simple to use. Also, they can be used in many different ways – you can eat them on their own as you go, you can use them as a spread on bread, apple, or even banana, or add them as a spice to your cooking.
While being completely organic, they are a great option for any backpacker, as they are easy to consume while doing something else.
They don’t serve as a meal replacement but will give you a small energy boost that will help you get through to your meal.
On a downsize, there are a few potential problems you should know about. First of all, always check the expiration date before you use them.
Secondly, the package is prone to leaks, so you may have to use additional bags and it is recommended to keep them away from anything sharp to avoid potential rips that will give you unnecessary headaches on the road. This is also a reason why you should avoid placing them in your pockets.
Pros
- Gluten free
- Good packing
- Lightweight
- No indigestion issues
- Come in multiple delicious flavors
Cons
- You might not like all flavors
7. KIND Protein Bars
KIND protein is a kosher option among energy bars that contain peanuts, almonds, palm kernel oil, honey, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa, sea salt… As a gluten-free protein bar, they will give you a protein boost for your activity.
It is easy to carry even in your pocket, so you’ll be able to easily access it, open it and enjoy the delicious treat that will give you a protein boost.
What makes them even better is the fact that they are low in sugar but are really sweet and tasty. Also, they can serve as a quick snack between two meals. Using whole ingredients, they offer a good nutritional value, making them a great on-the-go option. Thanks to a great nutty crunch/creamy combination, their texture is also a plus side.
However, their small size makes them good only as a short-term help snack, which will help you bridge the time if you become hungry and have to wait a bit longer for your meal. Also, wrappers can sometimes be a bit tricky to open.
Overall, KIND protein bars are a great option for a quick snack that will give you a small energy boost while on the road.
Pros
- Plant protein
- Gluten free
- Natural
- Keeps you full for hours
- Perfect snack to take on the go
Cons
- Little bit pricy
How To Choose Energy Bars? Buying Guide
Nutritional Considerations
Before you start looking for a best energy bar, it is important to learn what are necessary nutrients for hiking.
Basically, you’ll be looking for three things – proteins, carbohydrates and fats. The purpose of proteins is to keep your muscles in a good shape, preventing possible problems and limiting the effects of fatigue. Carbohydrates are the main energy source for every activity, while fats are crucial in storing and making the energy for your hike.
Reading the label will help you learn what each and every bar offers, so you can find the one that is optimal for your activity.
Energy bar ingredients
The best way to know the energy bar is healthy is if it is completely natural, without additives. Most often they are made out of nuts, cereal, seeds…What makes it a bit of complicated is the fact that there are many different options – and new are being found basically every day – so the best option for you is to try before you decide if you like it.
Taste and Texture
Although whether you like the taste or not is probably the most important aspect of this, there are also some other stuff related to taste and texture to know. First of all, make sure the texture is suitable for consumption during physical activity, so you can eat it as you go.
Second, make sure to find the bars that won’t melt easily during summer, or freeze during winter, depending on the time of you trip.
And third – learn which type you like better, crunchy or soft.
Additional Considerations
Before you hit the road, it is a good idea to visit a nutritionist, especially if you have some diet restrictions or special needs.
Also, feel free to be creative and try to make your own energy bar. And lastly, always check the expiration date. Although most often they can last even up to 2 years if stored properly (in a cold, dry place), it is better to be safe than sorry.
Summary
When it comes to finding the best energy bar for your trip, it completely depends of you and your own preferences. The best solution is to take your time and try a few different options before you find the best one.
Remember, we are all different, what works for one person may not have the same effect for the other in terms of food, so the final decision lies on you and your own preferences. But, even if you find the one, remember – they serve the best in combination with your regular meals and do not use them as a replacement to avoid potential health issues.
Related: