When you ask a climber “What’s your go-to Climbing Snack?” there’s a high likelihood you’ll get a list of delicious Clif Bar flavours reeled back at you. Me? I bloody love a Cool Mint Chocolate. But there are a lot of options, so let’s do a bit of a virtual supermarket tour and a deeper dive into some great snacks to boost your body and brain when you’re up there clinging on by the tips of your fingers and needing that extra boost!
We’re focussing on snacks for your small-boost, quick-fuel needs like bouldering. That in mind, and picturing yourself at the gym, would you like to bring some of those cool outdoor vibes to your indoor session? Trail Mix will make you feel like there’s not a phone signal or flushing toilet in sight (when, thank God, there is).
This is a great option because you can truly make it to your taste and leave out anything you would have picked around if going for a prepackaged option.
Grab your favourite nuts (almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews), some dried fruit (sultanas, cranberries, apricot, apple, banana, mango), some broken up sweet biscuits, granola and mini pretzels (for crunch!), a hint of chocolate (MnMs or chocolate chips), some seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) and then go ahead and salt-bae sprinkle some shredded coconut on top - mmm mmm!
Consistently snacking on your mix will keep your energy up throughout your session especially with the calorie dense nuts and little sugar boosts along the way.
Clif Bars are, subjectively, the top runner bar available. The flavours are off-the-charts delicious (White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Peanut Butter Banana with Dark Chocolate and Chocolate Brownie to name a few) and the benefits you gain from what they’ve put in have actually been really well thought through. Climbing demands a lot of your body; every muscle gets attention, so the mix of carbohydrates, protein and fibre in Clif Bars are super for the needed extra energy over an extended period. Slow-release carbs tackle that terrible sugar crash which can happen with other snacks. Smash one of these an hour or two before a longer session for best and tastiest* results.
Prefer something natural and unpackaged? Hit the fruit aisle! Fresh fruit is full of nutrients, vitamins, water and natural sugars. Some great picks: apples, oranges, bananas, mandarins, berries and peaches.
Just pack it wisely so it doesn’t end up squished and for Gods sake, remember to take any leftovers out of your bag at the end of the session rather than leaving old banana in there for next time… Commenting for a friend.
If you have one, grab your EpiPen because I’m bringing out a big favourite of the Boulder Project family: PEANUTS! Specifically: Peanut Butter.
A good old fashioned calorie dense peanut butter sandwich delivers carbs, with slather of good fats and protein as well a little sugar kick depending on your brand. You can also jazz it up with some jam, honey or banana slices - but that’s all a little exotic for me.
This snack is cheap, filling and easy to prepare - just pack some extra water.
Did someone say LOLLY AISLE. Bright colours, eye-catching branding and sugar sugar sugar - which you’ll be glad to hear can be used for good during your session! Example: The sweet toothed Killer Pythons (or ‘sneks’, available 2 for $1 at Boulder Project!) are a great boost if you’re trying to grab that dyno or land a heel hook but are just lacking that extra energy needed! It’s a quick burn of instant fuel to supply your muscles when you’re just about to reach the limit!
Closing thoughts: Find the snack that’s right for your body, budget and beta needs and LORDY don’t forget your water. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Sara Best
Everyday Snacker, Weekly Climber. Basically an expert on this.
*timing of tasting will not affect tastiness.