The most important thing on a hike? Well, of course, it’s the snacks! However, muesli and energy bars have the stupid attribute that they are usually individually wrapped in plastic. At the end of a hike, especially if it goes over several days, there is quite a pile of garbage together …

My solution: I simply make my own bars or “flapjacks”. This way I can not only avoid a lot of waste, but also easily adapt the snacks to my taste.

Sustainable energy bars – What’s inside

Energy bars should not only taste delicious, but of course also serve a purpose: They provide you with energy and replenish at least part of your batteries when you are on the trail for a long time. To do this, you need quickly usable carbohydrates, proteins and fatty acids.

Sources of nutrients

Carbohydrates:

• Oatmeal
• Dried fruits
• Honey, maple syrup, agave syrup

Proteins and fatty acids:

• Nuts
• Seeds (e.g. chia, linseed, sunflower seeds)
• coconut oil

How to make sustainable energy bars yourself

Add three tablespoons of chia seeds to 100 milliliters of water and let them soak for 10 minutes.

In the meantime, heat two tablespoons of coconut oil until it is liquid. Put the liquid oil in a blender together with 10 dates (pitted, of course) and about 100 grams of cranberries. Add 100 milliliters of water and blend everything together.

Then add the chia seeds, 100 grams of rolled oats, and 100 grams of almonds or hazelnuts to the mixture. Depending on your taste, add a little cinnamon or cocoa powder, or whatever else you like.

Then blend again. I like it when there are still a few pieces in it. You can also completely puree it if you prefer.

The mixture then goes into a small baking dish and into the refrigerator for at least four hours. Once it’s firm, you can cut it into pieces and put it in a container.

Note: The coconut oil will make the bars soft again at high temperatures. That means for tours in high summer you should rather fall back on muesli bars or baked variants. They stay in shape even at higher temperatures 😉 

Looking for ideas for your next hike? Have a look here: