16 Best Energy Bars For Hiking 2024

Are you looking for the best energy bars for hiking?

Hiking is one of our all time favorite things to do year round. In fact, we went hiking on one of our first dates and Sam even proposed to me on a hike!

Needless to say, we love going backpacking, on day hikes, hiking in the winter when we have to use our crampons or microspikes, and practically everything in between.

One of our go-to snacks while hiking is energy bars because they provide a good source of energy and are easy to carry!

Not only have we tested out countless energy bars but we have also tested out the best energy foods for hiking.

That’s why we created this list of the best energy bars for hiking to help you all find the perfect energy source that is right for you on your next outdoor adventure!

Top 3 Picks Quick Guide:

🌟 #1 Pick: PROBAR Meal Bars

• Non-GMO Certification
• High amount of protein
• Variety of different flavors

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to purchase your PROBAR Meal Bars for your next hike!

⭐️ #2 Pick: Kate’s Real Food

• Organic ingredients
• Great price
• Delicious taste

👉🏼 Click here to order your Kate’s Real Food bars today!

⭐️ #3 Pick: Clif Bars

• Extensive line of products
• Packed with protein
• Not too expensive

👉🏼 Check out this link to get your own Clif Bars to enjoy on your next outdoor adventure!

The All Time Best Energy Bars for Hiking

Finding the best energy bars for hiking can be a strenuous task because there are so many options to chose from!

After doing countless hours of research ourselves and testing various protein bars for hiking, we have created this list to help you find the perfect energy snack for your next outdoor adventure that is tasty and great for performance.

1. PROBAR Meal Bars – Best Tasting Energy Bar for Hiking

PROBAR Meal Bars are our number one pick for the best energy bars for hiking due to their excellent ingredients, delicious taste, non-GMO certification, and the amount of protein provided. 

These bars are excellent for hikes and provide a substantial amount of energy while on the go.

The texture of these bars is great and they come in a variety of different flavors including peanut butter chocolate chip, blueberry muffin, s’mores, and many more delicious choices.

👉🏼 Click here to get your PROBAR Meal bars today!

2. Kate’s Real Food – Best Organic Energy Bar

Kate’s Real Food Bars are a close second choice for us due to their company mission and story.

They also have an unbelievable taste, are a great price, and they use premium quality organic ingredients.

Kate originally began creating these bars to help sustain her outdoor lifestyle filled with endless outdoor activities.

She began creating these bars to help provide her with energy while on the go!

Their company is passionate about using organic ingredients and creating truly delicious products to help provide you with nutrients while exploring the great outdoors.

We not only love the story behind Kate’s Real Food but love their products as well.

We can really resonate with Kate’s motivation because we constantly stay on the go as a family and love having a solid energy bar on hand to provide a quick source of energy.

Their bars are delicious in flavor and they have countless choices to choose from including dark chocolate and cherry almond bars, dark chocolate mint bars, and many others.

👉🏼 Check out this link to get your Kate’s Real Food bars for your next outdoor adventure!

3. Clif Bars

Clif Bars are one of the most popular energy bar brands on the market and are vastly popular in the hiking community.

Clif Bars were created to provide energy while on the go and to help fuel your activity.

Whether you are skiing down the slopes, going on a day hike, or cycling, Clif Bars were made to help the overall fitness enthusiast or individual that loves to stay moving.

We love Clif Bars because they are packed with protein and not too expensive.

We love the brand in general due to their extensive line of products including Energy Chews and Clif Shots. 

👉🏼 Click here to grab your Clif Bars today for your next hiking excursion!

4. KIND Bars

KIND bars are another fairly popular energy bar brand on the market.

We appreciate their brand’s mission, as they aimed to develop a product that was both healthy and delicious.

KIND prides itself on being a very transparent company, they want their products to be healthy and clean.

They have no problem showing the ingredients and portions used in their products on their packaging.

KIND bars are a great option for those looking for a crunchy energy bar that uses whole nuts in their products.

Their bars are created simply but are delicious and they are an excellent option for those that love almonds, peanuts, and other types of nuts.

👉🏼 Click here to grab your KIND Bars today!

5. Honey Stinger Waffles

Honey Stinger Waffles have been my go to energy bar and energy snack for years now!

I first came across these waffles when I was training for my first half marathon a few years back.

I was searching for a delicious snack that wasn’t nut based and have loved them ever since.

I especially love these waffles during our backpacking and hiking trips because they are the perfect sweet treat that also provides me with a boost of energy.

Honey Stinger Waffles taste and look very similar to stroopwafels but are created with organic ingredients that help provide you with energy and nutrients while you are active.

These waffles are definitely on the sweeter side for those that prefer sweet treats and they come in countless flavors.

👉🏼 Be sure to check out the link here to grab your Honey Stinger Waffles today!

6. THINK Protein Bars

THINK Protein Bars are a great bar for those looking for a protein packed snack on the mountain.

We love that THINK Protein Bars tend to have low carb and sugar contents.

These bars are filled with a significant amount of protein and depending on the type and flavor, they have gluten free options, dairy free choices, KETO products, and many more!

👉🏼 Be sure to grab your THINK Protein Bars today!

7. Power Crunch Bars

Power Crunch Bars are an excellent protein bar for hikers and are one of the best bars for backpacking.

These bars stand out because they come in different types such as original, pro, and kids versions.

We like that each bar has the right amount of protein for their different needs.

We also admire that these bars, just like the name says, are crunchy and come in many tasty flavors.

👉🏼 Click here to grab your Power Crunch Bars today for your next hike! 

8. Bobo’s Oat Bars

Bobo’s Oat Bars are an incredible energy bar for hiking that focuses on whole grain oats.

We love that their bars are kosher, soy free, and non-GMO.

Bobo’s Oat Bars are tasty and very oat-forward. They are not too chewy and not too crunchy, making it the perfect texture to enjoy. 

I’m not a huge nut fan myself so I love that several of their bars come without whole nuts in them.

They have a range of flavors some of which include Pumpkin Spice, Lemon Poppyseed, and much more.

If you are looking for a simply delicious bar and you love oats, look no further.

👉🏼 Be sure to grab your Bobo’s Oat Bars today!

9. LUNA Bar

LUNA Bars are an amazing energy bar for hiking.

We love that LUNA Bars are created with plant based ingredients and that each bar has 7 to 9 grams of protein in them.

We like that their bars are non-GMO and focused on being plant based which is awesome for vegetarians to enjoy. 

LUNA Bars come in countless flavors such as Chocolate Cupcake, Raspberry, Chocolate Dipped Coconut, and many others.

Each of these flavored bars are under 210 calories which is impressive for a tasty protein bar.

👉🏼 Click here to grab your LUNA Bars today!

10. Quest Protein Bars

Quest Protein Bars are a great option for those looking for a heavy protein snack on the trails from a highly recognized brand.

Quest is known for having various protein products including chips, crackers, cookies, and many others.

If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to check out the Quest Peanut Butter Cups for a delicious post hike snack.

Sam loves grabbing their peanut butter cups after a hike, and they’re also his top choice for road trips and a delicious treat after work some days.

👉🏼 Be sure to grab your Quest Protein Bars here to enjoy on your next outdoor excursion!

11. Nature Valley Crunch Bars

If you are looking for a crunchy energy bar, Nature Valley has countless to choose from.

Nature Valley is an excellent brand for those that love a crunchy texture rather than a chewy or protein forward texture. 

Nature Valley is an awesome brand for those looking for an energy bar with less nuts.

Several of their bars incorporate ground oats or nuts, making them a fantastic choice for those who prefer not to consume whole almonds or peanuts in an energy bar.

Nature Valley Crunch Bars serve as a phenomenal introduction for individuals new to energy bars.

The satisfying crunch and moderate protein content make them an ideal choice for beginners and make them one of the best energy bars for walking or hiking.

👉🏼 Check out this link to grab your Nature Valley Crunch Bars today!

12. Nakd Cocoa Delight Bars

The Nakd Cocoa Delight Bars are an excellent option for chocolate fans.

These bars are crafted with fruits, nuts, and cocoa.

Their simple ingredients allow them to create truly delicious energy bars that are sure to provide you with energy while hiking!

Not only does Nakd pride themselves on using simple, healthy, and delicious ingredients but they are also vegan, dairy free, and gluten free.

👉🏼 Make sure to grab your Nakd Cocoa Delight Bars here to enjoy on your next hike!

13. Larabar

Another phenomenal brand for energy bars while hiking is Larabar.

This brand prides themselves on using nine or less ingredients for each of their flavored bars.

Each bar is created with fruits, nuts, and spices in order to create a delicious gluten free energy bar for hikers to enjoy!

If you love simple and healthy ingredients, be sure to check out Larabar.

They have countless flavors such as almond cookie, banana bread, chocolate chip brownie, and many others.

👉🏼 Click here to grab you Larabar’s today!

14. Clif Bloks

Clif Bloks are an awesome option for those looking for a quick way to gain energy and electrolytes on a hike.

They are great for avoiding cramping and dehydration.

These have been a staple for us on our backpacking and hiking adventures and we highly recommend them as a unique type of energy bar.

Clif Bloks are like gummies and their unique form make it easy to pop one in your mouth and continue down the hiking trail without having to take several minutes to eat an entire bar.

👉🏼 Click here to get your Clif Bloks for your next hike!

15. Justin’s Almond Butter Squeeze Packs

Justin’s Almond Butter Squeeze Packs are an excellent option for those looking for a protein rich food that will provide great energy on a hike but that isn’t a traditional energy bar.

Justin’s Almond Butter packets were created thoughtfully and are non-GMO and gluten free.

This almond butter is smooth, delicious, and come in small packets.

If you love almond butter, be sure to check out these packets for a quick snack on the trails.

👉🏼 Check out the link here to get your Justin’s Almond Butter Squeeze Packs today!

16. PROTABAR® 

Another option for the best protein bars for hiking is PROTABAR®.

We were fortunate to have a paid partnership with their brand to conduct a taste test and assess their protein bar’s performance during our hikes.

We only partner with the best brands for our adventures and all opinions are completely our own.

What sets PROTABAR® apart as one of the best hiking bars is their commitment to simple and wholesome ingredients.

These protein bars for hiking are composed of just four essential components: dates, egg whites, hazelnuts, and cocoa.

PROTABAR® protein bars are some of the best bars for backpacking and hiking because they boast an impressive 15 grams of protein, offering a substantial energy boost for your trail adventures.

We appreciate the use of hazelnuts in these bars, offering a delightful change from the more commonly used peanut or almond options.

For those who require gluten-free or dairy-free dietary restrictions, it is worth noting that these bars cater to both needs!

👉🏼 Check out this link to order your PROTABAR® protein bars!

What is Important to Consider When Choosing The Best Energy Bars for Hiking for You:

There are countless things to consider when picking the best energy bar that you will truly enjoy!

We recommend considering factors such as taste, flavor, calories, texture, and much more.

Keep reading below to see the characteristics we personally consider when choosing the perfect energy bar for hiking!

✅ Taste and Flavor

When it comes to choosing the best energy bars for hiking, taste and flavor are two of the most important factors (at least for us!)

If you are like me, I can’t choke down food just because it will fill me up.

I would rather wait until after a hike to eat, then force myself to eat something that I don’t find to be tasty! 

However, that is exactly why we created this list. We crafted this list to help you find the best energy bars that not only provide you with enough energy BUT that also taste delicious! 

✅ Calories

Calories are another big component when picking out energy bars.

You want to make sure it has enough calories to give you energy during your hike but you also don’t want to eat an unnecessary amount of calories and therefore not burn any calories while on your hike!

✅ Allergies and Ingredients

This is a huge factor when choosing energy bars, especially, if you or someone you know is allergic to various ingredients.

We have many friends that are lactose intolerant, have various peanut or tree nut allergies, soy allergies, and many other dietary restrictions.

Therefore, make sure to check the box and packaging to make sure that your specific requirements are met so that you don’t grab a bar with ingredients you cannot eat.

✅ Price

Price is a huge consideration and nowadays, it seems like everything has gone up in price!

Energy bars can be fairly pricey as it is, if you are just now getting into energy bars, we recommend checking out the price and not getting the most expensive brand out there right away.

This way, in case you don’t like them, you don’t feel so bad getting rid of them.

✅ Texture

When it comes to protein bars, I am pretty picky when it comes to their texture. I want the bar to be just right: not too chewy, not too crunchy, and not too proteiny.

Take a look at the box, read some reviews on the bars, and make sure that the texture suits you and your desires.

Homemade Energy Bars for Hiking: The Best Recipe

Sam and I love to make our own treats and when it comes to energy bars, we love to make easy no-bake energy balls. Check out our homemade energy bar recipe below!

½ cup of old fashioned rolled oats

¼ cup of peanut butter

¼ cup of dark chocolate chips

¼ cup of banana

1 tbsp of honey

½ tsp of cinnamon

Combine all of these ingredients together and refrigerate for one of the best hiking energy bar recipes that is easy to make at home!

Additional Food & Energy Bar Alternatives for Hiking

What is the best energy food for hiking?

We believe the best energy food for hiking is a great protein bar.

However, if you are looking for some alternative options, we recommend nuts, peanut butter, and bananas.

What are some alternatives to energy bars while hiking?

The best alternatives to energy bars while hiking are nuts, peanut butter, bananas, trail mix, Honey Stinger Waffles, and Justin’s Almond Butter Squeeze Packets.

Hiking Food FAQs

Are protein bars good for hikes?

Protein bars are great for hikes. They are an excellent source of nutrients and energy while trekking.

Whether you are going on a short hike or a large hike, we cannot recommend enough bringing some good protein bars with you.

Are Clif Bars good for hikes?

Clif Bars are excellent for hikes! Clif Bars were created to provide extra energy during exercise including hiking, cycling, skiing, and so many other activites.

How do I get energy while hiking?

The best way to get energy while hiking is to stay hydrated and eat healthy and nutritious snacks that will provide you with energy.

Another way to stay energetic is to not be afraid to take breaks every once in a while and make sure that you are prepared for the conditions (whether it’s sunny, windy, snowy, etc.)

Furthermore, be sure to wear the right gear while hitting the trails such as the best hiking socks to prevent blisters so that you do not have to slow down or reduce your energy on your hike due to your feet being in pain.

What are the best energy bars for hiking?

In our opinion, the best energy bars for hiking are PROBAR Meal Bars and Kate’s Real Food Bars.

🌟 Overall: Our Favorite Energy Bars for Hiking

In our opinion, we love PROBAR Meal bars for the best tasting energy bar that is sure to provide you with extra energy on the trail.

We hope this list of the best energy bars for hiking helps you find your next delicious treat while on the trails! Happy Hiking!