Consider packing a variety of nutritious and convenient snacks like fruit, nuts, and packaged goods on your next golf trip.
Healthy snacks low in sugar provide sustained energy, which you need to finish out the back nine. Some golf snacks on our list are best made at home, while you can easily find others at your local grocery store or Amazon.
1. Trail Mix
Trail mix is one of our favorite snacks on this list because it’s so easy to customize. You can make your own (check out our meaty trail mix recipe) or buy the pre-packaged stuff and add in your favorite extras–just be sure to avoid mixes with excess amounts of sugar! If you’re looking to purchase pre-packaged, Shār makes a simple, healthy, and ethical trail mix that tastes delicious.
2. Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich
Nostalgically delicious and simple, the peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole-grain bread is a go-to snack when in a rush out the door. The high protein from the peanut butter, potassium from the banana, and carbohydrates from the whole-grain bread is the perfect synergy of nutrition to sustain you for all 18 holes and then some!
3. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is an excellent snack option for golfers with a sweet tooth. It can come in many forms and sometimes resembles a jerky-like texture. Dried fruit is a good source vitamins and convenient to carry; just be sure to munch in moderation. Even though the sugars are natural, excessive consumption can interfere with your golf game.
4. Mixed Nuts
As a healthy snack, mixed nuts are damn near the easiest to prepare. Buy your favorite nuts in bulk (almonds, cashews, pecans, macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, etc.), toss them all in a big Ziploc bag, seal it up and give it a shake! Like trail mix, mixed nuts provide you with enough protein and energy to keep you satiated until you get back to the clubhouse.
5. Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is an excellent choice for golfers. Though, like dried fruit, you don’t want to eat fresh fruit in excess. A round of golf requires heaps of energy, which the carbohydrates and nutrients in fruit provide without a sugar crash–unlike candy, soda, or sugary energy drinks.
6. Protein Bars
When properly sourced (or made), protein bars can be one of the best snacks available. They fit in your pocket and are packed with various essential vitamins and nutrients. RXBars are a great option in a pinch. They’re easy to purchase, made with simple ingredients, and can be bought in a variety of flavors.
7. Dark Chocolate
Another one for the sugar lovers out there. The darker the chocolate, the richer the taste–and the healthier the bar! Shoot for a bar around 80% cacao as their relatively low in sugar while providing a balanced amount of healthy fats, carbs, fiber, and protein.
8. Energy Bars
Nutritious energy bars are now better than ever. It’s pretty easy to source a natural bar without harmful additives. Energy bars low in sugar and made with natural ingredients are what we’re after here. If you’re looking for a good energy boost, check out Verb Energy Bars.
9. People’s Choice Beef Jerky
Call us biased, but we believe that beef jerky is the clear-cut winner when it comes to the best golf snacks. People’s Choice Beef Jerky in particular because of the dried and true, authentic texture and taste. In addition to the top-notch taste, we offer a variety of nutritious cuts and flavors–including a complete line of sugar-free keto-friendly beef jerky options.
Golfers love our handcrafted beef jerky because it’s portable, convenient, and delicious. Grab a bag and tuck it into your golf bag for your next round on the golf course!
10. Pretzel Crisps
Pretzels are perfect for the golfers who enjoy saltier snack flavor profiles. They're crunchy, salty, and easy to transport which makes it the ideal snack on the course. We like Snack Factory's Pretzel Crisps because they have a resealable bag and make their pretzels super thin for an extra level of crunch.
11. Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter
One could argue that peanut butter can really be paired with anything and it's delicious, which is quite true in our opinion! In this case, the celery stalks are basically a vehicle for the peanut butter. This healthy snack on the golf course if the perfect balance of veggies and a little bit of protein coming from nut butters. It's tasty and satisfying and one won't feel guilty eating!
12. Hard Boiled Eggs
Another easy snack food item on the golf course are hard boiled eggs. They are full of protein and can be easily packed in a ziplock bag for an on the go snack. Plus, you can prep them ahead of time and throw them in the fridge so when you're ready to go all you need to do is bring them with you! Not to mention every grocery store or local market carries them.
13. Sliced Vegetables
If you're looking for something healthier while on the golf course, simple, sliced vegetables are the perfect healthy snack. They're filling, delicious, and you can choose from a variety of different types that will keep you satisfied and happy. Plus they keep well in a ziplock bag and won't have you feeling sluggish on those long days.
14. Popcorn
This is for the golfer who loves a crunchy and salty snack that's also healthy and satisfying. Also, there are multiple different ways of bringing popcorn to the course. You can prep it yourself by packing pre-packaged popcorn brands or pop it in the microwave beforehand and pack it in an air tight ziplock. Either way, you have a salty and crunchy snack that's sure to keep you happy.
15. Protein Shakes
Protein shakes are ideal for the golfer who is focusing on protein and keeping full throughout the day. There's a variety of different protein powders to make different kinds of protein shakes. Some range from vegan to vegetarian to whey. All our solid options, it's simply about preference. If you're looking for one of our favorite types of protein it's going to be Orgain Organic Protein. It has 21g of protein per serving and is absolutely delicious.
16. Cheese and Crackers
Is there anything better than a cheese and cracker duo? We don't think so. Throw some sliced cheese and crackers into some tupperware and call it a day. Based on your personal preference of cheese and crackers, you'll find something you like.
17. Gummy Bears or Candy
Now this suggestion is not for the health nut, but rather the golfer who has a sweet tooth and wants to indulge. Sometimes during a long day on the course, golfers need a little pick me so candy or gummy bears are the perfect snack to consume. With a little kick from the sugar it's sure to give the golfer a little hit of energy. We love Haribo Goldbears, which can be found at most grocery stores.
18. Sliced Salami
This snack option might not seem like an obvious choice for golfers, but it sure is a tasty one. Salami or sliced meats are a solid snack item to throw in a cooler for the long golf day. It packs a ton of protein and will keep those hunger pains at bay. Just make sure to put in a cooler with some ice or an ice pack to keep it chilled.
19. Cereal Bars
Cereal bars may seem like a child's snack, but it actually can be a great snack for golfers and adults alike. It's portable, delicious, and comes in a variety of different flavors and textures. If you're looking for more of a sweet cereal bar, we recommend Nature Valley Sweet and Salty Chewy Granola Bars. These have the best of both worlds being both sweet and savory at the same time.
20. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are also a great snack item on the golf course. They are high in protein and rich in healthy fats as well as antioxidants. It's also an excellent source of Vitamin E and B1. Plus they are easy to pack and will keep any golfer busy when they are waiting to hit the ball. Just make sure to have a bag or cup to spit the shells in or better yet buy some without the shells!
21. Fruit Snacks
This one is for the golfer who really is a child at heart. These nostalgic fruit snacks are delicious and chewy and a healthier alternative to gummy candy. Welch's makes fruit snacks that are gluten-free and contain no preservatives. Plus they're a good source of vitamins. They also come in little packs which are ideal for throwing into any golf bag.
22. Jerky Crisps
Another one of our favorite jerky snacks is going to be the Naked Jerky Crisps. With 40g of protein per bag, it will keep any golfer satiated especially during a long day on the course. Plus it's made with 3 simple ingredients and is an addictively crunch and salty snack.
23. Pirate's Booty
If you've never had Pirate's Booty before, you're truly missing out. Since 1987, Pirate's Booty has been creating a delicious snack food that's never fried and made with real cheddar cheese. They come in individual snack packs which make it convenient to carry on the go.
24. Bare Apple Chips
Dried fruit is a delicious and nutritious snack for any golfer. Bare makes an assortment of dried fruits such as crunchy apple chips, banana chips, and coconut chips. Each pack a ton of flavor, but no processed ingredients or added sugar. They're simply slow baked and made from fresh fruits making them portable, convenient, and delicious.
25. Carrots and Hummus
Carrots and hummus is an excellent snack option for any golfer. It's not only healthy and convenient, but it's delicious and easily portable. Plus you can pair any flavor of hummus with any preferred vegetable making it a versatile and satisfying snack option. Most can be found at any local grocery store or market.
The Bottom Line
Your best game requires great snacks on the golf course. Stay hydrated, keep your blood sugar low, avoid unwholesome snacks like tortilla chips, and you should do just fine. If you’re taking any chips on the course, give baked carrot chips or something similar a try. Stick to our list and you’re well on your way to the next Ryder Cup.
