DIY Trail Snacks
Easy Trail Snacks You Can Make at Home
Hitting the trail doesn’t mean you need to rely on overpriced or processed snacks. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prep your own trail snacks that are healthy, affordable, and perfectly packable. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or road-tripping, these DIY options are easy to throw together and keep you fueled outdoors.
Why Make Your Own Trail Snacks?
Saves Money: Store-bought energy bars and trail mixes can add up fast.
Healthier Ingredients: Skip the added sugar, preservatives, and artificial flavors.
Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, dried fruit, or spices.
Better for the Environment: Less packaging waste.
1. Classic DIY Trail Mix
What You Need:
1 cup almonds or peanuts
½ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
½ cup dark chocolate chips or M&Ms
½ cup pretzels or granola clusters
How to Make:
Mix everything together and store in small, sealable bags. Keeps well for weeks.
Tip: Add cinnamon or coconut flakes for extra flavor.
2. No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup peanut butter
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
1 tbsp chia or flax seeds (optional)
How to Make:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl
Roll into bite-sized balls
Chill for 20–30 minutes in the fridge
Store in an airtight container or cooler
Great For: Mid-hike energy boosts or breakfast on the go.
3. Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients:
2 cups oats
½ cup nut butter (peanut, almond, etc.)
⅓ cup honey or agave
½ cup chopped nuts
½ cup dried fruit (cherries, apricots, raisins)
1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make:
Warm honey and nut butter in a pot
Stir in oats, nuts, and fruit
Press into a lined baking dish
Chill, then cut into bars
Bonus: Wrap in parchment or wax paper for easy grab-and-go storage.
4. Roasted Chickpeas
Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas (rinsed and dried)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning (garlic, paprika, chili powder)
How to Make:
Toss chickpeas with oil and spices
Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway through
Cool completely before packing
Crispy, savory, and full of protein.
5. Apple Chips or Banana Chips
How to Make:
Thinly slice apples or bananas
Arrange on a baking sheet
Bake at 200°F for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through
Let cool and store in an airtight container
Great For: Sweet cravings without processed sugar.
6. Jerky (Optional for Meat Eaters)
Skip the store-bought stuff loaded with preservatives.
You can dehydrate lean beef, turkey, or even mushrooms at home using a food dehydrator or oven set to low heat.
Add salt, pepper, and a simple marinade like soy sauce + garlic for flavor.
Pack Like a Pro: Snack Storage Tips
Use reusable silicone bags or resealable containers
Label snacks for each day of your trip
Keep crumbly or sticky items separate from dry goods
For long hikes, portion out snacks ahead of time to avoid overeating early
Final Thoughts
Trail snacks don’t have to be complicated. With a little prep at home, you can eat better, spend less, and keep your energy up wherever your adventures take you. Try a few of these recipes and see which ones work best for your next hike.