The Best Snacks for Quick Energy

When you’re out in the wilds, you can’t afford to eat snacks that will slow you down. Maybe you’re in the final push in a long summer hike up a rugged mountainside; perhaps you need all your focus in a hunting blind; or perhaps you’re in a stare down with a hungry bear. Either way, you don’t have time to nap or sit down for a hearty meal. You need snacks that give you instant energy to climb that mountain, spot that quarry, outrun that bear, or fight off the afternoon slump. Now, I know a thing or two about snacks. So here are a few of my expert tips on snacks for quick energy and where to find them.

How to Get Energy Fast

When looking for the best snacks for energy and focus, I like to lean on a little science. I’m a simple man, but I can tell you that when you’re picking out your high-energy snack foods, you’ll want to look for anything low in sugar and saturated fats. Don’t be swayed by the siren song of sugar, friends. It may give you a rush of pep and vigor, but you don’t want to experience an energy crash when that bear is still hard on your tail. So when you choose snacks to give you energy, reach for lean protein. Here are a few of my favorites. 

Raw Foraged Quail Eggs

When it comes to protein-packed snacks for quick energy, eggs are hard to beat (though I recommend using a whisk). Carrying a bushel full of raw chicken eggs with you is hardly a practical solution, of course. On my travels, I like to keep an eye out for the nests of local ground fowl and grab a snack or two as I pass by. The eggshells are a great source of roughage, but you’ll want to chew thoroughly. (Honestly though, ever since we invented our waterproof and airtight bag for jerky, I haven't had to resort to nest raiding in a very long time).

Ants on a Log

When I say “ants on a log,” you might think of the classic lunchtime snack of peanut butter, celery, and raisins. But if you’re short on celery or peanut butter, you can always try the original ants on a log. Just find the nearest fallen tree and use your trusty hatchet to crack it open. You’ll have to shovel down a fair amount of ants to get the same protein benefits as peanut butter, but you can’t beat the delicious crunch. (Again, this is why I always keep my easily resealable and durable bags of smoked meat with me).

My Tender Beef Jerky

I don’t mess around with my food when I’m on the trail. I know I need snacks for quick energy that will get me through the day. And if you’re asking for this Old Trapper’s recommendation for snacks that give you instant energy to carry you through life’s trials and tribulations, well, it’s right there in my name (I believe in it so much that I guarantee it with my name and face right on the logo).

Old Trapper beef jerky is packed full of energy-boosting proteins from real smoked meat that will keep you going for hours to come. Plus, it comes in simple, portable packaging for easy access during bear escapes. If you’re looking for the number one snacks for quick energy, look no further than the tender, delicious goodness of Old Trapper beef jerky.