Table of Contents
1. Natural Nuts & Oils
Natural Nuts | Are the poster child for a low carb and natural fat food. Nuts are high in natural fats, mega high in calories, low in carbs, add protein and take up little pack space. In addition they are (allergies aside) perfect for all backpacking diets from omnivore, to gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, and keto. Our favorite is Costco’s lightly salted mix of macadamias, pecans, cashews, and almonds. But take whatever nuts you like, mixed or individual, salted or unsalted.
Unsweetened Nut Butters Whole Natural Nuts are best but nut butters (Kirkland Trader Joe’s & Whole Foods 365) are still great. You can slather them on crackers, eat the plain out of the jar with spoon, or put them in dinners to add a bunch of calories and flavor. Bring a few jars on every trip!
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Olive Oil to add to meals. Natural fat, compact, and 200 calories per ounce.
2. Treats
Yes, there needs to be some joy on the trail and for many hikers dark chocolate may be the gastronomic highlight of the day.
When it’s over 90%, chocolate is a food! VERY Dark Chocolate is compatible with all diets it’s high in calories and satisfaction. One of our favorites is GHIRARDELLI Intense Dark Chocolate 92% with just a touch of sweetness. And Taza Chocolate Organic Amaze Bar 95% Stone Ground, Wicked Dark. And if you need it slightly sweeter Lindt Excellence Bar, 90% Cocoa Supreme Dark Chocolate.
Unsweetened Dried Mango or other dried fruit adds sweetness and flavor complexity to very-dark or even 100% dark chocolate. Or use Freeze Dried Strawberries to sweeten your breakfast without using sugar. Dried fruit is great for dessert or midday snack. Note that dried fruits should be used with discretion as they are not calorie dense and high in sugar.
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Rawmio Vegan Hazelnut Spread – coming in at over 160 cal/oz this sweet spread has ⅓ the carbs of regular Nutella. Doubles both as a spread or dessert.
3. Meat Protein Options
Duke’s Original Sausages High in fat (150 cal/oz!), protein, and less than 1 g sugar, these tasty sausages are a trail carnivores dream food. Or try supermarket dry salami. Try and get it at 110 cal/oz or better and no added sugar.
Snake River Farms American Wagyu Beef Jerky is the clear winner for Beef Jerky. Its high caloric density (130 cal/oz) it blows away the competition that is in the 70-90 cal/oz range. It’s delicious and only has 2g of sugar. It can be purchased at COSTCO for $15 per bag!
But in general, Meat Jerkies great source of protein. We prefer minimally processed, natural meats with little or no sugar added. Two other favorites are People’s Choice Beef Jerky – Old Fashioned – Original | sugar free, zero carb, gluten free, and keto Friendly. And if you want healthy grass-fed fats we like 365 Grass-Fed Beef Jerky | Super healthy, grass-fed fat profile, 11g protein and delicious at a reasonable price. Downside is it a bit heavy (80 cal/oz) and has 5g of sugar — but used with restraint this should not be an issue, even on a keto diet. And for a no sugar jerky try Made by True Smokehouse Biltong Slab – Grass Fed Beef Whole Jerky Slab altho it’s admittedly expensive!
Tuna in Olive Oil nice protein hit for lunch, a snack or to add to dinners. Not the highest in calories but nice for variety.
4. Vegetarian Protein Options
Moon Cheese & similar ParmCrips are about as high calorie as it gets at 170 cal/oz and providing 11-12 g of protein. This is 100% cheese that’s crispy with all the water removed. Only downside is that it’s a bit bulky.
Hard Cheeses are a fresh, and tasty treat on the trail. Compatible with all but the Vegan Diet, some of the drier and harder cheeses, cheddar cheese & parmesan cheese & , are 110 to 120 cal/oz, packed with flavor, low on carbs and a good source of protein. In addition, the harder cheeses keep well on the trail. Powdered parmesan cheese is exceptionally high in calories, and can be added to meals for extra flavor and calories.
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Powdered Eggs can be made as a stand alone egg dish, or added to meals.
5. Vegan Protein Options
Both Soy and Quinoa are complete proteins, and while they have virtually no fat and come with a bit of carbs they are still good vegan options for protein. Obviously nuts have some, but not a ton of protein.
Soy Protein Powder. Fantastic source of veggie protein (complete protein) and low on carbs. Can be added to drinks and meals. (Just make sure you get the kind without added sugars!).
Soy Jerky | Good source of veggie protein (complete protein), low on carbs and some soy jerkies are as high as 120 cal/oz (just make sure you pick ones little or no added sugar).
Texturized soy protein, TVP can be added to breakfasts and dinners.
6. High Fat Dairy Options
Heavy Cream Powder and Whole Fat Powdered Milk at 200 cal/oz and 140 cal/oz respectively these are great to add to coffee, tea and breakfasts to boost calories. And the milk has 8 g protein per oz.
Butter, if you can keep it from melting, is a great choice to add delicious calories to breakfasts and dinners.
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Source: https://www.adventurealan.com/best-backpacking-food/
