Packing Nutritious, Satisfying Camping Snacks
Heading out on a camping trip soon? One of the keys to enjoying your time outdoors is packing satisfying snacks that will keep your energy levels up throughout the day's adventures. When choosing camping snacks, aim for options that are nutritious, easy to transport, and able to withstand being out of refrigeration. Follow the tips below on how to pick healthy, delicious camp themed snacks.
Consider Shelf-Stable and Non-Perishable Items
Since you won't have access to a refrigerator while camping, focus on snacks that are shelf-stable or non-perishable. This way they won't spoil quickly and can withstand being out of consistent refrigeration. Some great options include:
- Dried fruits like mango, pineapple, raisins, cranberries, apples, banana chips
- Nut mixes with almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts
- Protein-rich roasted chickpeas or roasted edamame
- Veggie chips made from root vegetables like sweet potato or beet
- Granola, energy, cereal, or fruit nut bars
- Beef or turkey jerky for a protein boost
Going with dried, roasted, preserved, or fortified snacks means you won't have to worry about keeping things chilled and they'll last over the length of your trip without going bad.
Prepare Homemade Trail Mixes
An easy go-to is throwing together your own homemade trail mixes using your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Some healthy mix-in options include:
- Almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanut butter-filled pretzels
- Sunflower and pumpkin seeds, sesame sticks
- Dried pineapple, mango, cherries, cranberries, raisins, apricots
- Dark chocolate chips or chunks
- Whole grain or rice crackers
- Granola
Making your own custom blend means you can control the ingredients and strike the right balance of flavors and textures that you enjoy most. Bring small bags for easy grabbing while hiking or enjoying the campsite.
Consider No-Cook Camping Meals
Another option is preparing some no-cook, ready-to-eat camping meals that make satisfying quick snacks or mini-meals throughout the day. Some ideas include:
- Overnight oats: Mix together rolled oats, chia seeds, nut butter and milk in a Mason jar. The oats soften overnight and create a creamy treat.
- Tinned fish: Pack tuna, salmon or sardine tins to mix with crackers for an easy protein snack.
- Hummus and veggies: Dip sliced bell peppers, carrots, cucumber into hummus.
- Canned bean salads: Chickpeas, kidney beans or black beans dressed in olive oil, lemon juice and spices.
- Nut butter sandwiches: Spread nut butter and jelly between whole grain bread or bagels.
- Tortilla roll-ups: Spread refried beans, cheese, avocado on whole grain tortillas.
Having ready-to-eat items takes outdoor eating off your mind so you can focus on fun without needing to cook.
Choosing Healthy and Satisfying Campfire Snacks
After full days of activity like hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, etc, it's nice to recharge at the campsite with some hearty snacks around the campfire. When choosing your camping snacks, make sure they're as satisfying as they are healthy.
Seeking Out Protein-Rich Foods
Focus on protein-rich foods in your camping snacks to help rebuild any muscle breakdown that happens with all the physical activity and movement involved in outdoor adventures and exploring nature. Some high protein campfire snack ideas include:
- Protein bars or trail mix bars: Choose whole food ingredients with nuts and seeds for lasting energy.
- Deli meat rolls or pinwheels: Roll up sliced deli turkey, ham or roast beef with cheese slices.
- Roasted chickpeas or edamame: Toss chickpeas or soybeans in olive oil, spices and roast until crispy.
- Tins of fish like salmon, sardines or tuna: Eat straight from the tin or mix with crackers.
- Beef or buffalo jerky: Dried meats offer a tasty protein punch and are very portable.
- Canned tuna and cracker snacks: Mix tuna with mayo, spices and serve with crackers or bread.
- Nut butter sandwiches: Choose whole grain for lasting energy and load up on nut butter for creaminess.
Choosing protein-filled foods for the campfire will help your muscles repair overnight and get you refueled for the next day of adventures.
Include Fruits and Veggies Where Possible
In addition to protein, try to work in some fruits and veggies where possible into your camping snack list. Some ideas include:
- Dried fruits: Bring apricots, pineapple, mango, apples, banana chips.
- Fresh fruits and veggies: Carrots, snap peas, bell peppers, oranges, apples.
- Veggie tortilla pinwheels: Roll up hummus and sliced veggies in a whole grain tortilla.
- Fruit spreads: Bring peanut butter and jelly or almond butter and jam to spread on crackers or bread.
- Fruit leather: Dried pured fruit snacks are shelf-stable.
- Applesauce pouches: Look for unsweetened varieties.
Getting some plant-based foods along with protein will help balance your diet and pack more overall nutrients into your daily snacks while out in nature.
Make a "S'mores Skillet"
No campfire snack list would be complete without mentioning s'mores! Instead of making them the traditional way with crackers and chocolate, try a fun s'mores skillet twist. Simply toast large marshmallows over the campfire until golden brown, then sandwich between graham crackers with chocolate squares. Press together in a cast iron pan so the marshmallows and chocolate get even more ooey-gooey. Yum!
Useful Equipment for Transporting and Preparing Camp Snacks
Now that you know what types of snacks to bring, make sure you also have the right gear for transporting and preparing your campsite eats. Helpful items include:
Innovative Food Storage Containers
Look for storage solutions that seal tight, resist leaks, and stand up to being stuffed into backpacks and handled roughly. Ideas include:
- Reusable silicone bags: Moldable bags that are durable and waterproof for snacks like trail mix.
- Vacuum-sealed snack pouches: Sucks air out to compress snacks down to save space.
- Divided bento box style containers: Keeps varieties of snacks separated.
- Insulated food jars: Helps regulate temperature sensitive items.
- Rigid plastic storage tubs: More structure to prevent crushing.
Mess Kit for Cooking While Camping
For preparing simple no-cook camping meals or heating up food at your site, pack a portable mess kit. Useful items include:
- Camp stove or portable burner
- Fuel canister or propane tank to power stove
- Pots, pans and
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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