There's something about being outside that makes everything taste better. The trail mix at mile three of a hike. The picnic spread on a blanket in the sun. The quick refuel before you hop back on your bike. If you're the kind of person who plans an outdoor adventure around what's in your backpack, you're not alone.
At Jackson's, we love packing snacks that keep up with an active day. That's why our chips and straws are always cooked in avocado oil, made with real food ingredients, and easy to toss in a bag, basket, or cooler. Whether you're chasing a sunset hike or a lazy afternoon picnic, we've rounded up crunchy, portable snacks worth packing, including a few of our own favorites.
Packaged Snacks Worth Packing
When you're on the move, convenience matters just as much as flavor. These store-bought options travel well and deliver a satisfying crunch when you need it most.
Jackson's Super Veggie Straws® Variety Pack
Light, airy, and made with a veggie blend of yellow peas, brown rice, cassava, and sweet potato, Super Veggie Straws® are an easy grab for the trail or the picnic blanket. This variety pack lets you sample Sea Salt, Ranch, and Cheddar in one box, so everyone in your group finds a favorite.
- Highlights: Real veggie ingredients, avocado oil, and seasoning; light and crunchy texture that's easy to snack on while moving.
- Dietary Specifics: Vegan, gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO, top 9 allergen-free.
- Why: Their airy crunch and mess-free bites make them a natural fit for hikes, bike rides, or a shared picnic bowl.
Jackson's Wavy Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips
Made with sweet potatoes, avocado oil, and seasoning, these wavy chips bring a sturdy, satisfying crunch that holds up well in a backpack or cooler. The wavy cut is built for dipping, so pack a small container of hummus or guacamole for the ultimate trailside treat.
- Highlights: Kettle-cooked in avocado oil, wavy cut for extra crunch and dip-ability.
- Dietary Specifics: Vegan, gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO, paleo-friendly.
- Why: A reliable, crave-worthy snack for the reward at the end of a long trek or the centerpiece of a picnic spread.
The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame (Sea Salt)
These dry-roasted edamame beans pack in plant-based protein for sustained energy on longer outings. Sea salt keeps the flavor simple and satisfying.
- Highlights: Crunchy, protein-forward, easy to portion into small bags.
- Dietary Specifics: Gluten-free, vegan, keto-friendly (per brand).
- Why: A protein-packed option that's lightweight and won't weigh down your pack.
Siete Grain Free Sea Salt Tortilla Chips
Made with a cassava flour blend and avocado oil, these grain-free tortilla chips bring a light, crisp bite that pairs perfectly with a picnic salsa or guacamole.
- Highlights: Thin, crisp texture; simple sea salt flavor.
- Dietary Specifics: Grain-free, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, vegan (per brand).
- Why: A great dipper for picnic spreads where a cooler and salsa jar are part of the plan.
Daily Crunch Nashville Hot Sprouted Almonds
For a spicy, protein-rich bite that travels well in a pocket or side pouch, these sprouted almonds bring the heat with paprika and cayenne.
- Highlights: Crunchy, spicy, protein-forward nut snack.
- Dietary Specifics: Gluten-free, keto-friendly, vegan (per brand).
- Why: A flavorful pick-me-up when your energy starts to dip mid-hike.
AshaPops Turmeric Garlic
Popped water lily seeds seasoned with turmeric and garlic offer a light, airy crunch at just 120 calories a bag, making them easy to toss into any daypack.
- Highlights: Light, crunchy, savory seasoning.
- Dietary Specifics: Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free (per brand).
- Why: An easy-to-carry, low-mess snack for shorter outings or trail breaks.
Pip's Sea Salt Twists
These light, crispy corn twists are made with upcycled heirloom corn flour and avocado oil, delivering a simple, salty crunch that's easy to share on a picnic blanket.
- Highlights: Airy corn twists, simple sea salt flavor.
- Dietary Specifics: Gluten-free, vegan, kosher, non-GMO (per brand).
- Why: A crowd-pleasing, easy-to-pack option for group picnics.
Poptime Sea Salt Popcorn
Popped in avocado oil with just three ingredients, this airy popcorn is a light snack that's easy to portion into small bags for a hike or bike ride.
- Highlights: Airy, crave-worthy crunch; simple ingredient list.
- Dietary Specifics: Gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO (per brand).
- Why: A satisfying, lightweight snack for those who want a classic popcorn crunch on the go.
DIY Snacks for the Trail or Picnic
Sometimes the best snack is the one you build yourself. These homemade options are perfect for picnics or shorter outings where a cooler bag can tag along.
Build-Your-Own Trail Mix
Combine your favorite roasted nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in a resealable bag for a fully customizable energy boost. Add a few dark chocolate pieces for a little something sweet.
- Highlights: Fully customizable, portable, no prep-day-of required.
- Dietary Specifics: Easily made vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free depending on your mix.
- Why: A classic outdoor staple that travels well and keeps everyone in your group happy.
No-Bake Energy Balls
Blend dates, nuts, cocoa powder, and shredded coconut, then roll into bite-sized balls. Store them in the fridge or a small cooler for a compact, energy-dense treat.
- Highlights: No-bake, easy to make ahead, mess-free to eat on the move.
- Dietary Specifics: Naturally vegan and gluten-free depending on ingredients used.
- Why: A make-ahead option that's ready to grab on your way out the door.
Cold Roasted Veggies
Roast bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots with a drizzle of oil and your favorite herbs, then pack them cold for a picnic side that adds color and texture to your spread.
- Highlights: Colorful, flavorful, easy to prep the night before.
- Dietary Specifics: Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Why: A fresh, veggie-forward addition that rounds out a picnic spread.
Always Check Your Labels!
Formulations can change, so it's always a good idea to check the ingredient list on any packaged snack before you toss it in your bag, especially if you're managing allergies or specific dietary needs. And remember, just because one product from a brand is made with avocado oil doesn't mean every product from that brand is formulated the same way. Always check the label on the exact item and flavor you're buying.
As for Jackson's, you can count on us to keep it consistent: every Jackson's snack is always cooked in avocado oil, always vegan, and always made in a top 9 allergen-free facility. As one customer, Rainyroo, put it: "These veggie straws are absolutely addictive! I especially love the ranch flavor, and the cheddar flavor is equally delicious. I will continue to purchase these indefinitely." And as FlavCity's Bobby Parrish has said of our sweet potato chips, "Avocado oil, sweet potatoes, sea salt. That's it."
If you're curious about how oils factor into snack choices more broadly, our guide to identifying seed oils in everyday foods and our breakdown of why avocado oil kettle chips are taking over are both worth a read before your next grocery run.
Fuel the Fun, Wherever It Takes You
Outdoor adventures are all about momentum, and the right snacks can help keep yours going strong. Whether you're reaching for a bag of Super Veggie Straws®, sharing a bowl of Wavy Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips on a picnic blanket, or rolling your own energy balls the night before, the goal is the same: real food ingredients that taste good and travel well.
So next time you're packing for a hike, bike ride, or picnic in the park, make room for a few Jackson's bags in your gear. Shop our full snack lineup and find your new go-to for the trail, the basket, or the blanket. Your next adventure is calling, and it's ready to be fueled by real ingredients, avocado oil, and a whole lot of crunch.
