When you’re out on the trail, the right snack can make all the difference. Over my years of hiking he Sierra I have gone through a variety of changes as it comes to trail snacks. From basic nut mixes, to dried fruit, to trail bars, I find one of the things that I wont put aside is overall taste and texture of the items I bring. Whether I needed a quick energy boost on a grueling ascent or a satisfying bite on a scenic break, finding snack or bar that delivers great taste and real fuel is key. Recently, I revisited Kate’s Real Food energy bars—a brand I first tried a few months ago—and once again, I was blown away.

Kate’s Real Food: Real Ingredients, Real Energy

Kate’s Real Food bars are made with organic, whole-food ingredients, offering a balance of sustained energy and delicious flavors. While there are plenty of energy bars on the market, what sets Kate’s apart is the texture and flavor variety—they taste like real food, not overly processed or artificial. There ingredient list promotes:

  • USDA-Organic
  • Soy-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Non-GMO
  • Kosher
  • Sweetened with Organic Honey
  • Dairy-Free (except Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate)

One of my go-to flavors has been the White Chocolate Macadamia bar, which combines a perfect mix of creamy white chocolate, crunchy macadamia nuts, and hearty oats. On my latest order, I also picked up the Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate bar to see how it stacks up. Both bars pack around 3-4g of protein, 17g of carbs, and natural sugars to keep you going without the crash.

Trail-Tested: How Do They Hold Up?

I’ve had bars melt, crumble, or get rock-hard on the trail, but Kate’s Real Food bars held up well in the Sierra conditions. The texture stays soft and chewy, even in cooler weather, making them a great option for all-season adventures. Plus, they’re easy to eat on the move—no jaw-breaking bites or sticky mess.

For backpackers or day hikers looking for a reliable, tasty, and organic trail snack, Kate’s bars are a solid choice.

Kates Other Flavors include:

  • Pumpkin Spice Bars
  • Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Bars
  • Lemon Coconut Bars
  • Oatmeal Cranberry and Almond Bars
  • Peanut Butter and Milk Chocolate bars
  • Peanut Butter Hemp and Flax Bars
  • And a Variety Pack

Enjoy Kate’s Organic Mini Snack Bars: Perfect Grab-and-Go School Snacks

Kate’s Real Food Mini Snack Bars are the perfect organic granola bars for the whole family. Made with organic honey and simple, real ingredients, these bite-sized energy bars are easy to pack and enjoy on the go. Whether you need a quick, gluten-free snack for the kids or a midday boost, our mini bars deliver a delicious blend of flavors to keep everyone fueled and satisfied. Enjoy the same wholesome taste and energy-boosting benefits of our full-sized bars in a convenient, family-friendly size.

Where do I get these bars?

Garage Grown Gear: A Goldmine for Independent Outdoor Brands

One of my favorite discoveries in 2024 has been Garage Grown Gear, an online marketplace featuring independent outdoor brands. This is where I found Kate’s Real Food, along with other small-batch, innovative products made by passionate outdoor enthusiasts.

If you love supporting small businesses that craft high-quality, trail-tested gear and snacks, Garage Grown Gear is worth exploring. They stock everything from ultralight backpacking equipment to unique backcountry foods that you won’t find in big-box stores.

Where to Buy & Final Thoughts

You can grab Kate’s Real Food bars directly from their website or through Garage Grown Gear, where you’ll also find other small-brand outdoor essentials.

If you’re looking for a new go-to trail snack with real ingredients, great taste, and solid trail performance, Kate’s Real Food is worth a try. And if you want to dive deeper into the world of independent outdoor brands, Garage Grown Gear is a goldmine of trail flavor.

Have a favorite trail snack or a Garage Grown Gear find? Drop a comment or let me know what fuels your adventures!