Low-sugar protein/energy bars, chews, etc?

[Jo]

A week from now, I’ll be boarding a flight to Nairobi as the beginning of my Kilimanjaro climb. Six weeks ago, I gave up most added sugars and all artificial sweeteners, and I have no interest in going back. 

I need to pack energy snacks for the climb. In the past, I would have used protein bars, gels, chews, and similar. Now, I don’t know what to pack. Any ideas? The only things I can think of are nut butters and jerky (which I don’t love). Are there any non-sweet (but not weird flavor) protein bars? Is there anything else I can try, and what flavors/brands do you recommend?

I do eat fruit and could do a bar sweetened only with dates or figs or similar, but I’m getting overwhelmed with all the choices, and everything I look at seems to be sweeter than I would like. 

What protein/energy snacks do you use for fuel, and what would you recommend?

[sadlebred]

Will you have access to coolers or refrigeration? You could do plain Greek yogurt. Plain nuts or mixed nuts, dried edamame. Google "Savory protein bars," and you'll come up with a ton. Scratch labs make some. I haven't eaten the Savory bars, but other Scratch products I've had taste good and have a nice consistency (not too sticky/thick).

[vcubergirl]

When I run, I like peanut butter filled dates. Or even just plain dates. Maybe instead of bars, take dates and nuts?

I do like the RX bars, which I think is something like what you're talking about. They're mostly dates, nuts, and egg whites.

[Wines Not Whines]

Make your own trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, coconut, etc. Rx bars and Built Bars are pretty good. Some Kind bars have lower sugar.

[wawa]

So to an extent something that gives you easy to digest energy is going to HAVE to be high in sugar. But Lara bars are just dates and whatever other fruit or nuts goes in that flavor. Rx bars are similar, with additional protein from the egg whites. There's always good old trail mix.

What have you been eating on your training hikes?

[wawa]

I can't think of the brand, but I've used single serve nut butter packs while backpacking before. Justin's maybe?

[Jo]

No refrigeration. And I’ve been eating nuts, cheese sticks, hard boiled eggs and apples/bananas for local training hikes. Has been good in the spring here, but I doubt the fruit, eggs or cheese will travel well in Africa.

I’ll look into the RX bars. And I’d forgotten about larabars. I’ve used them before, but find that they taste a little too sweet to me now. Maybe it’s time for another look.

[cuadrado]

An athletic event like a lengthy hike is when a simple carbohydrate is actually more ideal for better energy utilization. You will want to be taking in simple carbs throughout the hike if you're being active for long periods of time, and then refuel at specific times throughout the day with something structured more like a meal - a carbohydrate and protein at least, also possibly adding in a fat depending on how intense the hike is. Dates, raisins and other dried fruit would be good for the carbohydrate if you wanted only naturally occurring carbs. Trader Joe's has a larger line of dried fruit without added sugar and the bags pack well for traveling. Have fun on your hike!