When you and your family or friends are out on a day hike remember to pack some snacks. During the hike your body exerts a lot of energy and the younger children, and some adults sometimes need encouragement. Thats when the snacks you have packed will come in very handy.

Skip the chocolate bar and choose a healthy snack that will help take you that extra mile. These are our top six snack options that will make for a fun day hike.

Biltong

Our family favorite. Biltong is a delicious alternative to your standard protein bars as it’s both healthy, low in sugar, high in protein and tasty. It will keep you going all day.

When the tail end of your group slows down, stop, open up your backpack and offer everyone some biltong, within no time everyone will have higher energy levels and be ready to start hiking again.

Cheese triangles

Made with milk and cheese, heated and blended into a cheesy triangle. Keep these individually wrapped snacks in the cardboard box they are sold in, this will make it easy to pack them and to enjoy them in the shapes they are made. The Laughing Cow cheese triangles do not require refrigeration until opened, that makes them perfect for a day hike.

Trail mix

You can make your own mix or try the Hoedies & Herholdt Trail Mix which includes rich toasted coconut flakes, and crunchy nuts and seeds. This versatile product is entirely grain-free, and also works really well as muesli, or an on-the-go gluten-free snack.

Nougat

Nougat is loaded with fiber, proteins, and vitamins from natural sources. Nougat bars with fruits such as raisins and cranberries and nuts like almonds may also help lower cholesterol with the healthy natural fats and enzymes in them.

Fruit

Almost all fruits are good to pack for a day hike. Apples and oranges make some of the best hiking snacks as they are not easily squashed, so packed carelessly, they will still survive. Loaded with energy-boosting carbs and natural sugar. Other fruits may require extra packaging considerations, but many fruits can work.

Energade Sports Jellies / Jelly tots

When you are outdoors and hiking, a sugary treat for both young and old in moderation is deserved.

The Energade Sports Jellies contains sucrose and glucose, which have a higher glycemic index that releases energy quickly, making them ideal for endurance athletes to consume when competing. I remember hiking up Beacon Buttress Gully and eating a small packet when at the top. Within a few minutes my energy was restored, and I went on to hike a further 14km that day.

I hope you enjoy your snacks. Pack delicious hiking food to keep you powered up for a day of exploring. I suggest that you pack more food than you think you’re going to need. It's better to have more than not enough, just remember to leave no trace and bring all your wrappers home! Besides snacks always carry the water you will need; this is your most important endurance staple.

View from the top of Beacon Buttress Gully