Best Protein Snacks For Camping

There’s something about camping that can make you ravenous. But when you’re camping, you can’t necessarily whip up a fancy meal to satisfy your hunger. To keep your energy up, you’ll need some easy camping snacks that are rich in protein.

Choosing the best snacks for camping comes down to nutrients and convenience. Here, we show you the best protein-focused snacks to fuel your outdoor adventures. From nonperishable options to lightweight snacks, we’ve got you covered. 

Why Is Protein Important?

Your body is made up of cells—cells that need protein to build and repair themselves. Think of protein as an energy source for your cells, helping to fuel growth and repairs. Plus, many of your bodily functions depend on protein to work correctly, such as your body’s ability to carry oxygen in your blood. 

What to Look for in Protein For Outdoors

Let’s break down some quick criteria to help you choose the best camping protein snacks: 

• They’re lightweight and compact: When you’re camping, your snacks should take up little space and be as light as possible. Plus, they should be durable.
• They’re rich in nutrients:  Between outdoor activities and sleeping in uncontrolled temperatures, camping can take a lot of energy. Choose snacks that are quality sources of protein and nutrient-dense whenever possible to keep your body energized.
• Nonperishable and easy to clean up: While you may take a cooler with you, you’ll still want a variety of snacks that don’t need refrigeration. For instance, Jack Link’s unopened meat snacks can be stored for long periods of time without moisture getting inside. Also, select snacks are easy to clean up after, so you don’t have to worry about washing dishes or storing garbage.
• Delicious for everyone: Your snacks shouldn’t just satisfy your hunger; they should also satisfy your tastebuds. Choose foods that you and your loved ones enjoy the most.

Our Favorite Non-Perishable Foods That Are A Good Source Of Protein

Jack Link’s Sticks

Our original Beef Sticks are the perfect camping snack. Smoked ground beef is stuffed into a tender meat casing and seasoned with a special blend of herbs and spices. Each stick is nonperishable, lightweight and has a whopping 13 grams of protein to help keep your energy up. Enjoy them while you’re hiking, fishing or simply enjoying a beautiful view.

Beef and Cheese Bites

Enjoy the smoky taste of cured beef with real Wisconsin cheese curds in our Jack Link’s Cold Crafted® Beef and Cheese Bites. Each package has 20 grams of protein and are easy to carry around for a short period of time. These are a definite crowd-pleaser!

String Cheese

As a protein-focused snack, a typical stick of string cheese may contain as much as 6.72 grams of protein and only 1.26 grams of carbs. Plus, string cheese is one of the most convenient snacks to keep in your cooler. They’re small, compact and individually wrapped, so you can pack plenty while still having room to spare. 

Protein Bars

Protein bars come in all shapes, sizes and flavors. You can choose the right one for you just by reading the nutrition facts. Select options are higher in protein and have little-to-no added sugar. And if they have some fiber, even better! Fiber can help you stay fuller longer, which is a must during your camping adventures

Peanut Butter or Hazelnut Spread Tortillas

You can safely store tortillas with heavy items since they’re so flat and won’t squish. Plus, peanut butter is generally rich in protein; half a cult has peanut butter 12 grams. If you love creamy nut butter but want something sweeter, try hazelnut spread. It’s higher in carbs and sugar, so it’s perfect when you need a little spoonful of dessert as you camp beneath the stars.

Trail Mix

You can fit just about any food group into trail mix and customize it to your palette. Enjoy a spicy trail mix with dried wasabi peas and nuts. Add some wholesome grains like granola or create a sweet mixture with dried fruit, coconut flakes and chocolate. You can keep it rich in protein with plenty of nuts, seeds and even your favorite jerky!

Hard Salami

Hard salami is typically made from pork and is seasoned and cured with a variety of spices. A ten-gram slice has 2.26 grams of protein and a firm texture. Since it’s harder than other types of salami, it’s durable enough to pack without getting crushed.

Hummus

A little hummus can go a long way, with a mere two tablespoons of hummus having 2.49 grams of protein. You can make it yourself as you prepare for your camping trip or find it premade at your local market. Enjoy it as a dip with your favorite veggies or crackers.

Protein Powder or Protein Shakes

You can prep protein shakes with your favorite protein powder at home or find premade shakes at your local shop to store in your camping cooler. Not a fan of protein powder but love a protein-focused smoothie? We’ve got you covered. There are plenty of alternatives to protein powder that you can enjoy!

Instant Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal is an ideal camping food that can be made in five minutes or less. Just pour a packet into your mug, heat up some water over the fire and mix the two together for a steaming-hot breakfast. One packet of instant oatmeal has 3.33 grams of protein, plus a healthy mix of carbs and fiber to help fuel your energy.

Find Your Favorite Camping Snack Here

Whether you’re going solo or taking the family on a camping trip, we’ll help keep you fueled the entire way. From spicy chicken strips to classic beef jerky, we’ve got a style and flavor to please everyone. Stock up on your favorites by shopping our snacks today.