Tough Mudder event day isn’t the time to skimp on snacks, no matter how many butterflies are already filling up your stomach before the start. So when you’re packing up all the stuff you need to bring the night before, don’t forget to toss in a few healthy snacks. Sure, you could throw in a banana and call it a day, but consider these easy grab-and-go options, too—they can provide a pick-me-up while you’re waiting (afternoon start time, anyone?) or need something fast and satisfying post-event. And since never eating something new on race day is basically the first rule of the Mudder club, consider this your chance to taste-test your event-day snack plan ahead of time. Hey, it’s all in the name of research, right?
1. Barnana Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These chewy banana bites come in Peanut Butter, Coconut, Chocolate, Apple Cinnamon, and Coffee flavors. The snack bags are easy to store in your bag or zippered pocket, and are chock full of potassium. As the company puts it, bananas are mother nature’s original energy bar! You can find them at Whole Foods and other local health food stores.
2. RXBAR
If you haven’t jumped on the RXBAR train yet, it’s time to ride. We love these super-clean, whole food protein bars. You probably recognize the clean packaging that spells out their simple ingredients, like egg whites, nuts, and dates. They come in a ton of delicious flavors, but Mixed Berry, Coconut Chocolate, and Mint Chocolate are all favorites.
3. Justin’s Snack Packs
You know Justin’s for its almond butter, but did you know they have portable snack-packs, too? The design will bring you back to grade school in the best way. Pick up the Almond Butter and Pretzels or Peanut Butter and Banana Chips pack for a mix of carbs and healthy fats on event day.
4. Pressed by KIND Bars
These super-thin KIND snacks are easy to stash on your person, and will give you a quick energy boost mid-race. They’re only made with fruit and veggies, and pack two servings of fruit into each stick. We like the Pineapple Banana Kale Spinach and Mango Apple Chia flavors.
5. P3 Protein Packs
If you’re looking for a post-race snack, these healthy Lunchables-like boxes from Planters are a solid option. They come with jerky, nuts, and seeds, like honey roasted peanuts and sunflower kernels. You can buy them online at Boxed.
6. Almond Butter Brownie
We wouldn’t usually recommend a brownies on race day (at least pre- or mid-race), but the clean ingredients have us hooked. You’d never guess it by looking at ‘em, but these brownies are actually paleo-approved. Find them at grocery stores like Whole Foods, Kroger, and Walmart.
7. Jack Links Beef Steak Strip
If you’re a meat-eater, Jack Links’ original beef steak strip is a bar you can really, well, sink your teeth into. It has an ingredient list you’ll recognize and just 70 calories per satisfying bar.
8. Kashi Nut Butter Bars
We’re all about the nut butters, but squeezing a to-go package into your mouth can get messy, and is hard to eat quickly. Enter Kashi’s nut butter bars. They’re vegan-friendly and come in flavors like Coconut Cashew Macaroon. Part energy bar, part cookie, they’ll definitely fuel you up pre-race.
9. Bare Coconut Bites
You probably know Bare for their apple chips, but we recommend the coconut bites for race day. The base for all three flavors is chia and coconut, plus either pineapple, vanilla, or flax seeds. Keep a snack pack on hand for quick, bite-size fuel.
10. Biena Chickpea Snacks
If you’re vegetarian, or just a fan of chickpeas, these snacks are a good source of protein. They come in tons of savory and sweet flavors, like classic sea salt and a newly-released Thin Mints flavor. Yep, like the Girl Scouts cookies.
11. Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars
These sweet and fiber-filled bars are like healthier Fig Newtons, and we’re obsessed. The whole-wheat bars are the classic, but you can also get a gluten-free version if you like. Each package comes with two, so it’s easy to eat half and save the rest for later.
