Cave snacks

[bagpuss]

Hydration is more important than fuel! I used to take saus rolls in a tin, but I've either toughened up or become more efficient as although I still pack a few choc bars (dark choc bounty for preference), I don't always eat them.

Capri-sun do screw top drink packages (not the silly straw cartons that they also do) which are squishable (gentle) fit into tacklebags and re-sealable. I often take 1-2 with me.

I use a platypus bottle which is like a capri sun but more reusable for multiple trips.

 

[caving_fox]

Any thoughts on how to avoid ultra-processed foods for cave snacks?

I wouldn't worry too much. It's a very nebulous and ill-defined term, poorly and variably researched mostly through post-hoc analysis of different studies. And as with all health advice, based more on averages then exceptions. Unless you're caving everyday (I wish) the vast majority of your diet will be whatever healthy options you choose, and the odd cave snack will do little to change that.

 

[Ane]

Dried mango is excellent. I mainly eat it post-caving, but works well underground as well. Sweet, so gives an immediate energy boost, but has chewiness to it which I like for hunger cravings.

 

[Babyhagrid]

If you don't mind using inlet water. Energy drink powder works well for a boost. Or just premix it before you go. Same with electrolyte powder and tablets ( good for beating a hangover)

 

[ZombieCake]

I used to quite like the small snickers etc. as not too much sugar in one go, so could take several to munch on. These days they're all pretty small though hanks to shrinkflation.
The idea of chestnuts sounds rather good, maybe also add in a few dried cranberries as well.

 

[pwhole]

Sadly dark chocolate Bountys seem to have been discontinued by Mars - tragedy, as I find the milk choc ones just too cloying. I'm already considering making my own.

 

[Cantclimbtom]

Whatever I found in some random petrol station, so Ginsters slice, McVities biscuits, bottle of water, Lucozade sport, sugar free redbull, flapjack, boost bar - whatever I managed to find really.

But I have standards so there's no way scampi flavour fries, some sort of hot dog looking thing of unknown age and providence, anything heavily reduced in a cardboard next to the till (because they couldn't sell it last year and they still have it) will make my list, nor anything unhealthy like sugary energy drinks or Yazoo milkshakes will make my discerning list.

Have been known to take a can or two of beer if it's not a solo trip and in great moderation (like one at start and one at end) but that's not often for me. (My avatar pic cropped out me holding a can of IPA)

 

[Babyhagrid]

Have been known to take a can or two of beer if it's not a solo trip and in great moderation (like one at start and one at end) but that's not often for me. (My avatar pic cropped out me holding a can of IPA)

440 mL cans do fit nicely into the bottom of the small Daren drums 👀

 

[DuncJ]

Jelly babies, in a small screw topped container for in the cave. You can dispense them into your gob without the remainder getting wet. You can also "drip feed" the supply of energy, rather than having bigger snacks less frequently.

Not done much caving of late but when properly active that was always my go to snack. I also carried them in a little screw topped container! Nalgene if memory serves me right, with a loop of cord round the neck, so it could dangle from a krab for suitable trips.

Also carried a chocolate bar, somewhere; pocket, helmet, srt bag (again, depending on the type of trip). Boost bar, which I've seen mentioned above, was my favourite choice, fairly solid thus less prone to squashing.

 

[Pony]

I've recently moved onto savoury snacks. Pepperamis, not the normal sized ones and cathedral city individual cheese bites. (A damn sight cheaper than baby bells) The wrappers have stood up to a Dowbergill trip,so that's ok by me. I always carry a few chewing gums in a little bottle, so garlic breath from the pepperamis is negated. And I do like a bottle of Coke and not had a split on me yet.

 

[Pony]

It'd be nice if they still made Lucozade Sport in the flexible pouches,they were excellent.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

I don't tend to eat underground and never have although I agree with caving fox that rehydration is very important and have suffered severely from that on occasion.

Oo. I have dozens of photos of you snacking underground.



Meal Deal from Tescos for me. Ham and cheese sandwich, Two boiled eggs and a fruit juice. Nearly always have a coffee flask.

 

[ChrisB]

For taking liquids, I use a soft flask. Takes up very little space compared to a rigid bottle, particularly only 80% full (with no air space).

 

[JAshley73]

Usually I have a chocolate bar in my pocket. If i'm feeling fancy I take baby bells, the wax seems to make them cave proof

Love the baby bells idea!

 

[SqueezyPete]

Usually I have a chocolate bar in my pocket. If i'm feeling fancy I take baby bells, the wax seems to make them cave proof

I tried that using the soft, malleable qualities of the snack as reasoning it would do fine in my pocket. Alas, it didn't last very long once I started going through colostomy crawl.