I’m proud to partner with CVS Pharmacy to promote their exclusive Gold Emblem and Gold Emblem abound snack lines. I am being sponsored by CVS Pharmacy for my posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.
Spring into hiking with some simple and easy hiking snacks!
Hello! Hello!
Oh... spring. It seemed like spring weather kind of disappeared on us for a few weeks, but it was back in a big way this past weekend. I mean the dogwoods are bloom! It's such a wonderful time of year. Aren't they pretty?
Even today's weather looks nothing short of stunning. My former weather girl self wants to say "Make sure to get outside and enjoy it!" My old job was much easier on days like today.
With the recent turn in the weather, I've been itching to hit the trails again. I had a couple extra hours late last week, so I hopped on the Blue Ridge Parkway to do a short hike. I feel so luck to be able to pick up parts of the Mountains to Sea Trail so close to my house.
The leaves are just starting to come in on the trees at some of the higher elevations and it felt great to get outside and enjoy these beautiful mountains.
One thing about hiking is I have to plan a little before I leave. I have a couple personal rules for hiking.
- Wear good shoes.
- Make sure you have enough gas BEFORE you get on a back road.
- Bring water.
- Bring easy hiking snacks.
When I get hungry I feel faint, so I always want to head up a trail with something to eat. There is no fast food up here!
Luckily CVS carries it's own line of affordable, better-for-you products, including some pretty fabulous snacks. I like to stop at a CVS on my way to the trail head for a few things to fill my backpack. When in the store I look out for the Gold Emblem abound and Gold Emblem product lines. There are over 100 wholesome and great tasting products that have no artificial flavors or preservatives.
I picked up a few of my favorites for my recent hike! The options for easy hiking snacks are endless.
My top choice was these delectable Sea Salt & Dark Chocolate Nut Bar and an Almond & Coconut Nut Bar.
Hmmm..... coconut.
They are made with whole, healthy ingredients that you can actually see! None of the mushed up unidentifiable food. They taste amazing and I felt confident I was making a good choice eating them. They are sold individually, so I can pick up just one or two. That is so convenient!
My other favorites are the Dark Chocolate, Fruit and Nut Trail mix. It's low in sodium, has antioxidants and vitamin E.
And look how delicious! The sweet dark chocolate chunks are legit and I really enjoyed the hazelnuts. Such a unique find in a trail mix. It's the perfect salty and sweet combination.
My last pick for this hike was a bag of unsalted Pistachios and Almonds. These babies are sodium free and nothing but goodness. The pistachios are even already out of the shell. A total clean eating choice! Both of these nuts are good sources of protein and energy on a hike.
I ended up hiking about a mile on the trail and then driving up the Parkway to see this gorgeous vista.
Good food and good views! What a day. Don't you just love this time of year?
Gold Emblem abound and Gold Emblem at CVS
If you haven't really looked around CVS lately, I highly recommend it!
The exclusive Gold Emblem abound and Gold Emblem product lines offer gluten-free, USDA organic, heart-healthy, low sodium, and snacks that are a good source of fiber. New products this spring include a wide variety of single snack bars, popcorn, popped fries, tortilla chips, freeze-dried fruits, nuts, trail mixes, herbal and green teas, coconut waters, gourmet coffee and k-cups, honey and blue agave. They have really upped their game with some wonderful options!
Curious where to hike in WNC? Make sure to check out my Hiking page!
Thanks for stopping by today! Come back tomorrow for a fresh new smoothie recipe.
I’m linking up with Marvelous Monday, Fit and Fashionable Friday and Wild Workout Wednesday.
Your turn!
Check out CVS's Gold Emblem abound and Gold Emblem snacks. Which one is your favorite?
Liz says
Hooray hiking and the Mountains to Sea Trail! I've used those CVS snacks occasionally for day trips.
JulieWunder says
They are so good!
Autumn @AutumnPTW says
Oh those snacks look yummy! I will keep a lookout for them. Thanks for sharing!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
I'll have to try out their snacks, I love a good trail mix and CVS is definitely my favorite spot. I need to go hiking, what amazing views!
JulieWunder says
They have such great stuff.
Wehaf says
My favorite hiking snack is definitely fruit leather - I'm a huge fan!
JulieWunder says
Yum! Sounds good.
Toughcookiemommy says
I have always loved snacks from CVS. They always carry my favorite assortment of nuts and trail mix. You are right, they are perfect for taking on a hike or for enjoying outdoors.
JulieWunder says
Thanks! Such good stuff!
Anne @ Annesmiles says
Such beautiful pictures! Seems like a fantastic place for a hike 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Anne! It's pretty here!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
I'm so happy that spring weather is finally starting to make an appearance in MN! We've been spending as much time as possible outside! Love these snack ideas!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Yay for spring.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
My husband loves to snack on nuts. I bet he'd enjoy all of those snacks any time.
JulieWunder says
He'd love them!
glenneth says
what a gorgeous hike! snacks while hiking are a must - i lean toward bars, trail mix and nuts as well.
JulieWunder says
I do too-- so easy to pack.
jill conyers says
So happy we finally have spring weather. I'm sure I would love both of the snacks.
JulieWunder says
Such good stuff. They have a surprising number of options.
jennifer says
It looks like a lovely hike . . .and snacks are always a must! Good to know I can get some healthy ones at CVS -- I never knew they had so much variety
JulieWunder says
They have sooo much more than they used to! Good stuff.
Aliah says
I'm so glad it finally warmed up and we can enjoy family hikes. I love your snack ideas especially since we pack snacks, drinks, and lunches when we go on our adventures! The trail mix looks delish!
JulieWunder says
I'm so glad it's warm too! Such great choices.
Blane Sherer says
Enjoyed your hiking post today. Nice balance with the
CVS snacks incorporated into your post.
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much!!!
LIz Mays says
I have a bag of the edamame, almonds, dried cranberries etc in front of me right now. They make some yummy mixes!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com says
We enjoy hiking and, like you, I always make certain to have snacks with me. Your snack choices look delicious....I'll have to look for those!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Debbie! I know you will like them.
JulieWunder says
They do! So unique!
Neely says
We love the gold emblem products! Th dried apples are my fav!
JulieWunder says
Aren't they awesome! I have some in my bag right now.
Runaway Bridal Planner says
I'm already looking so beyond forward to the snow melting in the mountains and getting some hiking in! Can't come soon enough!!
These look like great snack ideas! I do love nuts, and easy and simple when your hiking is the best!
Thanks for sharing the ideas!!!
JulieWunder says
So true! I love their just plain natural nut options.
Jen V. says
I am going to have to look for these at CVS. We usually spend Saturdays out hiking when the weather's nice. I think the kids are getting tired of the granola bars I usually buy. That sea salt and dark chocolate nut bar sounds yummy!
JulieWunder says
They are a great way to mix it up! They have boxed ones too.
Christina Bauer says
I've never been one for hiking, but you make me want to give it a shot! Those snacks look Delish, too.
JulieWunder says
I used to feel the same way, but now I love it!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet says
My husband and I are big time hikers! We visited two new parks (everything is still new to us in our new home in Des Moines, Iowa!), and it was lovely. So glad you got to get outside too. LOVE your snacking suggestions! I never go on a hike without snacks. 🙂
JulieWunder says
How much fun! I love exploring naturally beautiful places.
Melissa says
Yum! I definitely need to get good at hiking snacks for Hawaii. Trail mix and snack bars on my go to, as they don't have a ton of chocolate that will melt in the heat.
JulieWunder says
The nut ones would be great for Hawaii 🙂
Tammilee Tips says
These sound like amazing snacks for hiking! We are always going out for hikes and these would be perfect, plus they would work great for when we travel too for snacks.
JulieWunder says
I totally agree and it's so nice that CVS is everywhere!
Mary Beth Jackson says
Beautiful pictures! I have tried their line of snacks and they are very good! Those love bars!
JulieWunder says
Me too! So delish.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Ah, the dogwoods. how I miss them! Send me a few?
JulieWunder says
Sending now 🙂
Emily says
Yummy! Granola Bars/Bars and Trail Mix are some of my very favorite hiking snacks.
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Emily. So nice to see you here today.
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
I love grabbing snacks at CVS for road trips - I've never tried those nut bars but OMG I need them!
JulieWunder says
You'd love them!!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
Ok, after seeing that beautiful pollen filled photo, I can't help but comment that you can also pick up your allergy meds (claritin, zyrtec, or allegra) and nasal spray (flonase or nasonex) at CVS as well. I love spring but oh the allergies!
JulieWunder says
Hahaha!! Oh I feel ya! You wouldn't believe the meds they keep me on to fight allergies 🙂
Shelley Marcy says
I tend to grab and go at the grocery store. However, after seeing how delicious and nutritious those CVS snacks look, I will make the extra stop today when I go into town. Can't wait to give them a try. Really appreciate learning about new products and choices through your blog Julie. Thank you!
JulieWunder says
I hope you love them! Such good, quick options!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Nuts and dried fruit are always my snack of choice when out for a long walk. Plus some chocolate thrown in too 😉
JulieWunder says
You can't ever go wrong with a little chocolate, huh? 🙂
Michele says
You sound like you had the perfect day for a hike. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the spring like weather is here to stay---Yes, I have purchased and eaten CVS brand Emblem snacks. They are great to take with you on long distance car ytrips or on a day when you know you will be out and about for many hours.
JulieWunder says
I hope your weather stays nice too!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Sounds like a beautiful spring day. Those snacks are perfect for anytime. Not just hiking. My friend would always get his snacks there for work and he wasn't an outdoor person. Very affordable and delicious!
JulieWunder says
I agree! Such great options and then they are inexpensive too!