Be wary of granola bars, which tend to be high in sugar. With just 3 grams of sugar, these bite-sized KIND bars are made with a whole nut base (not granola) to give you a hit of protein, which will help you feel full and help your muscles recover post workout.
Banana
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back//Getty Images You can’t get a much better portable, all-natural snack than the trusty banana. It comes with its own packaging and is a good source of potassium for muscle function. Add a tablespoon of nut butter for some added protein.
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Once Again Organic Almond Butter
Once Again Organic Almond Butter
Almond butter is an excellent source of quality protein and healthy fat. These packets are great portable snacks on their own, or you can serve them with baby carrots, a banana, or an apple.
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Nature's Bakery Fig Bars
Nature's Bakery Fig Bars
Credit: Nature’s BakeryUpdated: Mar 27, 2020 snack made with simple ingredients. Each package contains two servings.
Cuban black beans, Mexican cowboy beans, trini chickpea curry—these packs make the perfect snacks or sides for busy athletes. They are ready to eat (just microwave!) and pre-seasoned for those of us who feel challenged in the kitchen or don’t have time to fuss with fancy preparation. The flavors will wow your tastebuds. Just add rice to create a complete protein or add to your favorite dishes and bowls.
Dried Fruit
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Kirkland Signature Dried Tart Cherries
Kirkland Signature Dried Tart Cherries
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These perfectly portioned and easy-to-grab hummus cups have zero grams of sugar, four grams of protein, and three grams of fiber. They pair well with both veggies and your favorite tortilla or pita chips.
Sliced Bell Peppers
Is the Keto Diet a Smart Choice for Runners//Getty Images Prepped veggies can go a long way when you’re hungry and trying to make smart snacking decisions. Slice up a bell pepper, high in fiber and vitamin C, and toss in a container or zip-top bag for on-the-go munching. These also go great with a side of hummus.
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Grapes
jopstock//Getty Images High in vitamin C and K and resveratrol, grapes can help lower your risk of heart disease and boost your immune system. Pop them in the freezer overnight for a frozen treat, perfect for cooling down after a run.
Kalahari Biltong Spicy Peri Peri
Kalahari Biltong Spicy Peri Peri
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Beef jerky (or turkey jerky, if you prefer) is an excellent source of lean protein. Just a serving of Biltong has 15 grams of protein. Health & Injuries.
RX Bar Peanut Butter & Berries
RX Bar Peanut Butter & Berries
Credit: rxbarThis bar tastes like the perfect PB&J sandwich from childhood. All RX Bars are made with simple ingredients listed clearly on the front label and come in a variety of flavors that can satisfy any flavor craving. The high protein content makes them a great option for postrun fuel.
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Hard-Boiled Eggs
sasapanchenko//Getty Images Should Runners Always Avoid Ultraprocessed Foods is give you a hit of protein egg. They’re easy to prepare the night before but travel well, so you can have a high-protein breakfast on the go.
These tasty bars are made with whole food proteins like peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter, sweetened with dates or honey, and packs in a convenient dose of vitamin and mineral-dense nutrition thanks to an organic superfood blend. The nut butter base keeps you full and helps with postrun recovery.
You can eat this tuna straight from the pouch with a fork or add it to your desk salad for a high-protein lunch. Keep your tuna intake to just one or two servings per week due to its mercury levels.
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Clementines
Milan Momirov//Getty Images Buddha Bowl Popcorn
Buddha Bowl Popcorn
Credit: AmazonWhen done right—without the loads of butter and salt—popcorn can be a healthy snack. Try this variety, sprinkled with Himalayan pink sea salt. (Spoiler: That’s not a healthier kind of salt, but it does look pretty and feels fancy.)
Mixed Nuts
R.Tsubin//Getty Images Keep a family-size container of nuts—cashews, almonds, peanuts—at your desk or in your car for a heart-healthy, filling snack. Stay away from the honey roasted and salted varieties, which can add a lot of sugar and salt to your snack.
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Celery
The Best Energy-Dense Foods for Runners//Getty Images This snack with a satisfying crunch can be eaten on its own or paired with nut butter or hummus. It’s also a great way to get vitamin K and potassium, even if you’re not quite ready to jump on the Should Runners Take Vitamin D in Winter.
Nature’s Path Frozen Waffle
Nature’s Path Frozen Waffle
Pop a waffle into the toaster and have a quick, healthy-ish breakfast for the road. This brand is lower in sugar than others (four grams per two-waffle serving) and topped with peanut butter, it’ll give you a boost of protein to start your day.
[16 Healthy Snacks That Will Fuel Your Runs]
Heather is the former food and nutrition editor for Runner's World, the author of The Runner's World Vegetarian Cookbook, and a seven-time marathoner with a best of 3:31—but she is most proud of her 1:32 half, 19:40 5K, and 5:33 mile.
Jordan Smith is a writer and editor with over 5 years of experience reporting on health and fitness news and trends. She is a published author, studying for her personal trainer certification, and over the past year became an unintentional Coronavirus expert. She has previously worked at Health, Inc., and 605 Magazine and was the editor-in-chief of her collegiate newspaper. Her love of all things outdoors came from growing up in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
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