need ideas- going “natural” on my long runs/hikes

Good stuff. If you haven’t tried the rice cakes mentioned yet give them a try. I usually made a savory blend of bacon, egg and Parmesan with some soy sauce. A good sticky and moist sushi rice is the key to get them compressed and helps them hold together. Eating on a bike is as hard or harder than eating while fast packing.  I keep them cool until ready to go. Wrapped in foil. Not sure if they’ll work in extreme heat for long but likely long enough and it’s something different.

Nothing too amazing but I’ve discovered sunflower kernels. They are high in calories (close to 200 calories/ounce iirc), pack really nicely (air is the enemy), chew easily (my jaw gets tired eating almonds) and taste great (to me). A side benefit is they cost $2.99/ pound at Trader Joes.

My new favorite lunch is sunflower kernels poured into a foil pack of tuna along with some olive oil. Very delicious, compact and high in calories.

Pumpkin kernels are also tasty, added to stuff and on their own as snack. 126 calories/oz and very very healthy.