My Top 5 Secrets for Packing the Best Snacks for Mountain Biking

When I finally learned how to pack snacks for a mountain bike ride, biking became so much more fun. Instead of being stuck with fuel options I “should” eat as an athlete, I started bringing snacks that I actually looked forward to. We’re talking about alternatives to energy bars—because there’s more to life than that! The best snacks for long bike rides are not found in the energy bar aisle. Here are my top 5 secrets for packing the best snacks for mountain biking.

1. Salty Snacks

Salty snacks make a huge difference during a long ride. As athletes, we’re often surrounded by sweet options, but it’s great to have something salty to balance out those sugars.

My favorite salty snacks for a ride are Annie’s White Cheddar Bunnies, Cheez-Its, Goldfish, pretzels, or crackers. I stock up at Costco or the grocery store and repack them in Ziploc bags for convenience. I don’t stop there—I like to pair these with other snacks. For example, cheese sticks are perfectly packaged for on-the-go and pair wonderfully with pretzels or crackers to create a mini cheese board!

2. The Bakery

Stopping at your favorite bakery mid-ride is one of life’s simple pleasures. Fresh baked goods are always a treat during a long ride and something to look forward to. If I’m going for a long ride and I know there’s a great bakery along the route, I’ll stop and grab the biggest cookie I can find. It’s the perfect mid-ride pick-me-up.

3. Diversity

Never pack the same snacks twice. I mean it—never. Keep your bike snacks diverse so that every time you reach into your bag, there’s something new to look forward to. Imagine biking both Saturday and Sunday, only to discover you’ve packed protein bars for both days. By the end of Sunday’s ride, you’re going to be over protein bars. Think outside the energy bar aisle and mix it up.

4. Leftovers

Hear me out. I’m not suggesting you bring last night’s curry (though I’ve done that). But leftovers like naan from curry or tortillas from burritos make for great bike snacks! Naan is flat, easy to digest, and packed with quick carbs. Or maybe you’ve got leftover brownies from dessert—that’s a solid snack! Leftover burritos or quesadillas? Even better! Repack and you’re good to go.

5. Neve

Of course, I’ve got to share Neve here! Neve was designed specifically for athletes as a convenient, science-backed smoothie pouch. If you're looking for the best ride snacks—or perhaps want to pair your pretzels with something tasty—Neve is an easy, plant-based, nutrient-packed option to take along for the ride!

Let me know if you try any of these snack hacks! You can diversify your bike snack strategy as soon as you open your mind to it!