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THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP FOOD LIST: 50 Scrumptious Travel Snacks

Post Summary: The definitive road trip food list with 50 snack ideas and meals to keep you happy the entire car ride. Plus, tips for what else to bring and recommendations for the best road trip coolers.

Road trips are the classic adventure that everyone needs to do at least once in their life, whether you’re traveling solo, with your best buds, or packing in the whole family. What’s the secret to a great road trip? Besides having your maps already downloaded to your phone (travel must #1), it’s to have a collection of the best road trip food at your disposal. Being prepared with good travel food will ensure you don’t:

• Kill your travel mates because you’re hangry.
• Get killed by your travel mates because they’re hangry.
• Get lured in by every gasoline stop and somehow end up with bright orange Cheetos and Slim Jims.
• Waste your travel budget dining on Subway and Wendys road trip meals.

After road tripping with a toddler for half a year around the US, we’ve figured out the ultimate road trip food list so we can enjoy the journey together feeling nourished and happy. Our list includes road trip food ideas for adults and kids as well as healthy car snacks.

After the road trip food list, we’ve included non-food items you’ll want to bring and some tips on choosing the best road trip cooler.

Need More Road Trip Tips? Check out our other articles below:

The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 41 Essentials For The Road 160 Fun, Deep, and Sometimes Silly Road Trip Questions 41 Fun and Challenging Road Trip Trivia Questions 17+ Fun Things To Do On A Road Trip How To Survive A Road Trip With A Toddler 40 Must Have Items To Have In Your Camper

*This road trip food list post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This is at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely think are helpful.

The Ultimate Road Trip Food List

Healthy snacks for a road trip

We’ll start with healthy snacks for the road. I don’t know about you, but when we go on road trips, we tend to fall back on fast food and junk food. In an effort to have a quasi healthy road trip we make sure to include some healthy options so we can at least feel like we’ve balanced out all our snickers bars and Wendy’s frosties. Here’s our list of the best road trip foods that won’t leave you feeling sluggish at the end of the day. We also added in a few recommendations of some of our favorite brands.

Healthy Snacks For Car Rides 1. Fruit: Bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes, apples, oranges 2. Sliced veggies: carrots, cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, pickles, radishes 3. Cherry tomatoes 4. Olives (buy the pitted kinds) 5. Salsa 6. Deli sandwiches or wraps (already made from home or pre-purchased) 7. A simple charcuterie spread (summer sausage, pepperoni, sliced cheese, dried apricots, olives, crackers, etc.) 8. Popcorn 9. Yellow corn chips, blue corn chips, kale chips 10. Granola Bars and Energy Bars ( Munk Bars are our favorite! ) 11. Dried Fruit 12. Crackers (cheese crackers, saltines, whole wheat crackers, these almond crackers are my favorite!) 13. Pretzels 14. Nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews, macadamia, walnuts, pecans) 15. Trail mix 16. Tuna (Get the kind that doesn’t need to be refrigerated! It can become a snack on crackers, a sandwich, or added to a salad) 17. Coconut chips ( Dang chips are our favorite. ) 18. Dark chocolate 19. Wasabi peas 20. Fruit leather 21. Whole-grain muffins 22. Bread (pretzel rolls, pita bread) 23. Water (Preferably in a water bottle like a Hydro Flask that will keep your water cold for hours.) *The following are all still healthy snacks for a road trip but will require a cooler. Skip them if you are going sans cooler. Further down, we’ll talk about the best road trip coolers. 23. Hard-boiled eggs 24. Small yogurt containers or drinkable yogurts 25. Humus 26. Guacamole 27. Pasta salad 28. Lentil salad 29. Grocery store salad kits (Can be eaten out of the bag! Just cut the top, pour in the salad dressing, and shake it away. You can also opt to do salads in a jar) 30. Cheese

Essential Road Trip Snacks

These road trip snacks might not be the healthiest, but look…you can’t always be perfect!

Road Trip Snack List 32. Beef Jerky 33. Chips 34. Fun candy (Any kind of candy that brings you joy for your road trip. Gummy bears, reeses pieces, airheads) 35. Ranch dip to go with your healthy veggies 36. Fun drinks (Just make sure the drink is able to be resealed or small enough that you’ll drink it all quickly. My favorite road trip drink is coconut water!) 37. Cookies

Road Trip Snacks For Kids And Toddlers

While we don’t put a distinction between road trip food for the adults and road trip food for kids, here are some fun ideas you can add in addition to the travel food listed above. We found that allowing for leniency with what we let our kid snack on will mean a more fun time for everyone in the car.

Road Trip Snacks For Toddlers and Kids 38. String Cheese or Babybels 39. Peanut butter pretzels 40. Clementines 41. Squeezable applesauce 42. Squeezable nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter) 43. Graham crackers 44. Goldfish 45. Fruit snacks 46. Fruit roll ups 47. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich 48. Dry cereal 49. Nutella 50. Snap pea crisps ( I love the wasabi ones from Harvest Snaps . I can only get them online because my grocery store never has them!)

Essential Non Food Items

Now that you’ve got your travel food and made your road trip food list, let’s talk about non food items to have on your road trip packing list. We are both advocates for minimal waste living so we do advise using reusable items like real utensils, glass containers, and reusable straws rather than single-use items. I know it can feel like a nuisance, but once you get used to doing it, it’s easy to integrate it into your habits. We’ve provided links to different products, so you can check out some good options.

-Trash bags (old shopping bags work well) – Stackable glass or plastic containers (While glass may feel like a hazard, I find that most of them are built for endurance and would require some extreme throwing around to actually break. Either way, bringing containers rather than an entire bag of snacks is a great space saver.) -Reusable straws (we like this multipack option here ) -Bento boxes (another option is to make individual bento boxes with everyone’s preferred snacks put in. It’s essentially a healthier version of a Lunchable. Great option if you’re traveling with kids.) Check out these cute bento boxes here . -Utensils -Plates -Paper towels -Hand sanitizer -Ziplock bags -Wipes -Cups if you want to share drinks -Ice packs for the cooler (We prefer to use reusable ice packs like these , but frozen water bottles or ice cubes in a ziplock back will do the job as well.) -Reusable grocery bag to carry your non-perishable stuff -Plastic tub (If you’re going on a long road trip and will have lots of snacks, a good option is to pack all your non-perishable items in a tub like this .) -Cooler

Related : A Comprehensive Guide To the Best Toddler Carriers For Traveling

Best Road Trip Coolers

If you’re going on a long road trip, you’ll definitely want to bring a cooler so you can have more options for the journey. Things to consider when deciding what kind of road trip cooler to bring.

• How much space will you have in your car?
• How many days will you be driving and subsequently how much food will you need?
• Cost of the cooler
• If you road trip or camp a lot and will use a cooler several times a year.

Yeti Roadi 24 Cooler

Our choice for the best road trip cooler is the Yeti Roadi 24 Cooler . It’s a mid-sized cooler that can fit a bottle of wine standing upright. We like its lightweight design and that its compact size can fit on the ground behind the passenger seat.

It has a mid-range price point, so if you are wanting something more economical, you’ll probably want our next pick.

Igloo MaxCold Cooler

If all you need is a no-frills cooler to keep your food cold, the Igloo Maxcold Cooler is a great option. The thin design also makes it a great choice for someone wanting to save room in the car.

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze

If you like a soft cooler, the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze consistently offers the best bang for your buck.

Yeti Tundra 45

Lastly, if you are wanting a high-end cooler that will be great for camping and can take the wear and tear of consistent use, the Yeti Tundra 45 is your best bet. Yeti is the reigning champion of coolers and you can’t go wrong with anything you purchase from them.

Before you head out on your epic road trip, we suggest packing the night before. Alleviating as much stress as possible on the day you leave, especially when you’re doing a road trip with a toddler , is key to enjoying the road trip journey. We find that the night before, it’s best to:

• Wash, cut, and peel all vegetables and fruit.
• Pack up all non perishable food and supplies.
• Prepare any road trip sandwiches you plan to eat.

Lastly, don’t forget to make sure all your tasty road trip snacks are within reaching distance in the car.

We hope you enjoyed our complete road trip food list. Happy road tripping!

** For more road trip inspiration follow us on Instagram . We travel… a lot.

NEED SOME TRAVEL INSPIRATION? A Complete Guide To A Utah National Parks Road Trip How To Plan A Cross Country Road Trip + Fun Routes To Take 10 National Parks To Visit In The East 50 Family Bucket List Experiences In The US

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Hi, we’re Christina and Brad, Idaho based writers and photographers who live to explore. We did a short stint of traveling full time with our two year old and discovered we're much happier as part time nomads. What does that mean? We travel a lot! And then we go home. We love helping fellow parents and everyday adventurers discover new places and experiences.

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21 Best Road Trip Snacks for Long Drives

From granola bars and cookies to chips of all kinds, here are some of the best road trip snacks to take with you on your next road trip.

Road trips aren’t complete without snacks. Be sure you’ve packed enough nourishment for the long drive!

Whether you’re in the mood to indulge or want something clean to nibble on, I have you covered.

This last has everything from healthy roasted chickpeas to sinful caramel corn.

Fill up the tank and get your itineraries ready. This list will take care of the snacks.

21 Healthy Snacks for Your Next Road Trip

1. trail mix   .

Let’s start things off with a snack that’s loved both by kids and adults. This trail mix isn’t just about nuts and dried fruit.

Also loaded with pretzels, Cheerios, mini-marshmallows, and M&M’s, it gets a 12/10 for color, flavor, and texture.

It’s so good, it’s almost impossible to stop snacking on it.

So instead of packing it in one big bag, I suggest you place it in smaller bags so everyone gets their own.

2. Puppy Chow  

Puppy chow, also called muddy buddies, doggy bag, and reindeer chow is a snack made of rice cereal squats (such as Chex) coated in peanut butter and chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar for good measure.

While its sounds like something a dog would it, it is nothing of the sort.

In fact, no matter how your pup begs for it, you mustn’t give in. Remember, it contains chocolate.

3. Beer Nuts  

Personally, I don’t find peanuts a fun and exciting snack. Beer nuts, however, is an entirely different story. These nuts I can eat all day!

Cocktail peanuts are cooked in sugar syrup. Once it sets, the sugar crystallizes, forming a sweet and crunchy coating covering the nuts. 

Finishing it off is a sprinkling of sea salt, adding a nice salty contrast to the sweet sugar coating.

4. Popcorn  

If you’re a sucker for caramel corn, you’ll love this recipe.

If you think there’s no way to make your very own without making a huge mess, think again.

This recipe for caramel popcorn takes place in the microwave. This is not a drill, people!

Yes, you can achieve that sweet, crunchy, beautiful golden brown caramel popcorn by only using this nifty kitchen appliance.

5. Texas Trash  

The name may be disgusting, but Texas Trash is a treasure.

It’s a sweet, salty, and savory mix of Cheerios, pretzel crisps, peanuts, and a variety of Chex cereals.

It doesn’t end there, though. The medley of crunchy munchies is coated in a garlic-y, buttery, and umami-rich sauce to tie all the flavors together. 

Finally, they’re popped in the oven to give them that extra crunch.

6. Granola Bars  

Granola bars are awesome at keeping you energized throughout the day. The only thing is, they cost a lot.

Don’t spend all your money on granola bars. Save it for pocket money and souvenirs. With this easy, budget-friendly recipe, your problem is solved. 

A mix of almonds, oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and dates, these homemade granola bars are just as delicious, if not more, than any you can find in stores.

The best part? You’ll get to enjoy as many granola bars as you can at a fraction of the cost. 

7. Chocolate Chip Cookies  

Nothing adds more joy to a road trip than chocolate chip cookies do. These classic treats are iconic for a reason – they’re seriously delicious.

These aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies, though.

This recipe is a copycat of the famous Doubletree cookies – gigantic cookies that are outrageously buttery and chewy.

They’re not just packed with chocolate chips, but walnuts as well – a wonderful combination of gooey and crunchy.

8. Fire Crackers  

Let’s be honest – saltines are no fun. If there’s any way to put a damper on your road trip, it’ll probably be saltine crackers.

That’s not to say you can’t turn the boring crackers into something exciting, though.

This recipe for fire crackers will revamp those squares from bland to banging.

Saltin crackers are drizzled with spiced melted butter and baked until golden. The difference it makes is simply astonishing.

9. Apple Chips  

Excursions with friends and family are generally fun, but the long drive can get boring.

What better way is there to pass the time than with a bag of chips?

Sure, potato chips are king, but if you’re looking for a cleaner option, these apple chips have you covered.

They’re just as crispy and crunchy as potato chips, but they won’t make you feel guilty. 

10. Fantasy Fudge  

These fantasy fudge squares are truly a dream come true.

They’re chewy, ooey-gooey, and oh so chocolatey. They’re loaded with walnuts, too, giving you a crunchy surprise in every bite.

Here’s a bonus: fudge is so easy to make. It’s impossible to fudge up!

The hardest part is waiting for it to set. It takes 4 hours, but the wait is worth it.

11. Bagel Chips   

Got some stale, leftover bagels? Put it to good use and turn it into bagel chips. You’ll be snacking on these crispy-crunchy delights all day and night!

It couldn’t be easier to make. You can use seasoned bagels for a flavorful snack, or use unseasoned and flavor them yourself.

You can make them smokey and savory with BBQ seasoning, or sweet and spicy with cinnamon sugar. Either way, these chips will be a road trip hit.

12. Apple Fritters  

Got a hankering for fall flavors? Scratch that itch with these glorious apple fritters.

Pillowy cakes are bursting with sweet apple chunks and bathed in a sweet cinnamon-sugar glaze.

These fritters are extra special, too, because, for this recipe, we’re using donut batter.

That’s why they’re so plump and pillowy. Move over, Krispy Kreme! 

13. Roasted Chickpeas  

Chickpeas aren’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to road trip snacks.

But trust me, you’ll definitely want to take this treat with you wherever you go.

Canned chickpeas are soft, sometimes mushy. But when you pop them in the oven, a magical transformation occurs. 

They become wonderfully crispy and addictive. Seasoned with a slew of herbs and spices, they’re so tasty they’ll blow your taste buds away.

14. Banana Muffins  

Muffins are always a good idea for road trips. These grab-and-go snacks aren’t only mess-free, but insanely delicious as well.

These banana muffins are dense and moist at the same time.

Flavored with sweet, overripe bananas, their delicious banana flavor can’t be denied.

The recipe calls for Bisquick for the batter, so you know it’s an easy one.

15. Peanut Butter Pretzels  

Pretzels are already a fun snack, but you can always take it up a notch.

Coat those crunchy treats with a mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, and they become a thousand times better.

Drizzled with even more melted chocolate garnish, these pretzels are as tasty as they are pretty.

16. Coconut Chips

I love all things coconut. Whether it’s in cake or cookie form, I’ll eat it all. So when I saw this recipe for coconut chips, I just had to give it a try. 

These coconut chips are mind-blowingly amazing! They’re sweet, nutty, and unbelievably crunchy.

They’re sprinkled with a bit of salt, so they also have that sweet and salty contrast going on.

Best of all, these chips are healthy.

17. Baked Veggie Chips

Just because you have diet restrictions doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an addictive snack.

These veggie chips are oil-free, vegan, gluten-free, and definitely guilt-free. 

Most importantly, they’re delicious. With this recipe, you get a mixed bag of crispy beetroot, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and rutabaga.

How fun is that? The colors alone will make your mouth water.

18. Blueberry Muffins  

Need some last-minute road trip snacks? These blueberry muffins are here to save the day. 

They’re soft, moist, and bursting with fresh blueberries. Also, they’ll only take you 15 minutes to make – and that’s not a typo!

Thanks to Bisquick, these muffins come together in no time, without sacrificing flavor. 

19. Green Bean Chips  

If you have a dehydrator, I know exactly what you should make.

These green bean chips are a billion times tastier and healthier than store-bought veggie sticks, and they’ll cost you a lot less.

Flavored with just a bit of salt and nutritional yeast and dehydrated overnight, these green bean chips are surprisingly crispy and delicious.

Believe me, even the kids will love them. 

20. Chocolate Covered Almonds

Almonds and chocolates are great. Put them together and you’ll get a snack that’s even better.

I can never say no to chocolate-covered almonds.

They have the perfect combination of smooth and crunchy, sweet and nutty. They’re absolutely addictive.

Instead of buying them, I prefer making them myself. It’s more affordable and tastes just as good, if not better.

If you want to stay within budget, this recipe is a must-try.

21. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

How about some thirst quencher? If you’re looking for a sweet, hearty, and refreshing drink to bring on your next road trip, this smoothie perfectly fits the bill.

Bananas and peanut butter are an age-old combination that never disappoints.

Turn them into a smoothie, and you’ll have an outrageously tasty refreshment that’ll keep you full throughout the long drive.

21 Best Road Trip Snacks For Long Car Rides

These road trip snacks are a must for your next car trip! From roasted chickpeas to caramel corn to trail mix, don’t hit the road before packing these tasty snacks.

Ingredients

Texas Trash

Granola Bars

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fire Crackers

Apple Chips

Fantasy Fudge

Bagel Chips

Apple Fritters

Roasted Chickpeas

Banana Muffins

Peanut Butter Pretzels

Coconut Chips

Baked Veggie Chips

Blueberry Muffins

Green Bean Chips

Chocolate Covered Almonds

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Instructions

• Select your favorite recipe.
• Organize all the required ingredients.
• Prep a road trip snack in 30 minutes or less!

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27 Roadtrip Memes for Friends and Family Vacationing in the Car

Roadtrips are a different kind of a vacation. It's the most fun you'll have and also the most exhausting, maybe even the most nauseating… Whether you're on the road with your besties or your family, you need to roadtrip accordingly. You need the snacks, the playlists, the pillows and so much more. Who is gonna be the driver? Who is gonna be the copilot? Who is gonna nap in the back and request the pee stops?? It's all a very delicate system, any crack can cause a meltdown. Because have you ever been in the car for 12 hours? It does things to your head, man… It DOES things. Anyways, one way to stave off the car crazies is with memes! Keep it cool in the car with some top notch funny roadtripping memes. Unless you get carsick easily, then you probably shouldn't be looking at any screens—and take your dang Dramamine!

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The Best Road Trip Snacks, According to Eater Editors

From Swedish Fish to charcuterie, these are the snacks that keep Eater staffers sated on long car rides

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This summer, the road trip was the only option for many of us to get in some kind of vacation or pay a long-overdue visit to faraway loved ones. And given the unpredictability of food options along routes these days, road trip snacks — always an essential item on the road trip packing list — were more important than ever.

There are certain essential qualities to a road trip snack: You should be able to eat it with one hand and with minimal mess. But beyond that, there are several interpretations of the genre. Road trip snacks may be the foods you find at gas stations and convenience stores, or indulgent treats that make the trip more bearable. Some road trippers select snacks based on their resemblance to an actual balanced meal, or on whether or not they’ll ensure the driver stays alert at the wheel. Eater staffers’ preferred snacks run the gamut. Here’s what fuels them through long car rides these days, as well as in better times.

Bit-O-Honey: Bit-O-Honey works as a road trip snack because you can eat an entire bag of them and not feel awful (trust me, I just did this on a six-hour drive from Northern to Southern California). It’s somewhat hilarious that this honey-flavored taffy seems to only be available at truck stops and gas stations. Drivers and passengers alike will crush hours gnawing on these glorious sweets, with microscopic almond pieces giving a modicum of texture. Getting the sticky bits out of your teeth is the rest of the fun. — Matthew Kang, Eater LA editor

Swedish Fish: I always have a bag of Swedish Fish on hand for a road trip. They perk you up, they’re chewy and sweet, and they’re the kind of candy I don’t eat every day. It’s also the ONLY time I drink Red Bull. — Lesley Suter, travel editor

Frozen Snickers: I’ve always maintained that a frozen Snickers bar is much, much better than an ice cream Snickers bar, the latter being an inferior product that melts too quickly and the former being something that will last in the car. — Ryan Sutton, Eater NY chief critic/data lead

Sour Patch Kids: My husband and I both agree that Sour Patch Kids are an absolute must on the road. I prefer the watermelon, but he likes the classics. I’m still bitter that the classic recipe seems to have changed, though; I swear they’re not as sour as they used to be. — Rachel Blumenthal, Eater Boston editor

Beaver Nuggets: Road-tripping in Texas means you have to stop by Buc-ee’s and grab a bunch of their packaged snacks. Despite the unfortunate name, the Beaver Nuggets (actually sweet corn puffs) are really great. — Nadia Chaudhry, Eater Austin editor

Trail mix: I buy Archer Farms trail mix from Target — specifically the Monster one with tons of chocolate. Ignore the raisins. — Ellie Krupnick, managing editor

Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzel Pieces, Honey Mustard & Onion: These carry a Midas touch, covering your fingertips in a golden powder that plays off plain hard pretzels with two sources of tangy-sweet flavor: onion and honey mustard. Grasping for the few thin pieces that hold more powder than pretzel turns every bag into a treasure hunt. — Gabe Hiatt, Eater D.C. editor

Blue Diamond Almonds, Bold Wasabi & Soy: Those thin tubes of wasabi and soy sauce almonds are my road trip snack of choice for a number of reasons. First, they give you all the savory and salt pop of potato chips without the gross “ugh, did I just eat a whole bag of potato chips?” hangover. Second, the pain of wasabi build-up is a great way to stay awake during more monotonous stretches, far less cliched than slapping yourself or other self-abuse you see in the movies. Third, its narrow container is perfect to just tip into your mouth — an act that seems obscene (and obscures your vision) when it’s a chip bag, but makes perfect sense when the bag is long and narrow... and it saves your steering wheel, upholstery, etc. from every road tripper’s nemesis: snack grease. — Eve Batey, Eater SF news editor

Corn Nuts : Corn Nuts are not the sexiest snack, but they fit conveniently in your cupholder and you can just pick at them and shove a handful in your mouth with relative ease. Bonus: If you drop some, they don’t melt all over your car like a bunch of jerks. — Stefania Orrù, coordinating producer

Pizzeria Combos: Combos are so good, but not just any kind: pizza-flavored Combos are the best. They are super salty, bite-sized, and filled with some type of cheesy pizza flavoring. It’s like getting to dip a pretzel in cheese in every bite. I will always eat the whole entire bag on the road regardless of how long the drive is. — Stephen Pelletteri, executive producer

Regional chips: I go for regional takes on barbecue/red hot chips, especially if I am in a new-to-me area where there’s more opportunities to experiment with unfamiliar brands. Pennsylvania gas stations are the best bet for the intersection of multiple brands: One place might get you Snyder’s, Wise, Herr’s, Martin’s, Middleswarth, Utz... No real interest in mesquite/sweet varieties, though. — Missy Frederick, cities director

Ritz Bits, cheese: I only ever buy them at rest stops; I’m scared to invite them into my life outside of that context. — Emma Alpern, senior copy editor

The more holistic meal plans

Carrots and celery: My most recent preferred road trip snack is just straight carrot sticks and celery. I did that on a road trip recently and, magically, I didn’t feel like crap at the end of the trip. Plus, they have that snap and crunch that’s a necessity for a good snack. — Brenna Houck, Eater Detroit editor

Cheese and charcuterie: On the very Los Angeles end of the spectrum, I get mini-cheese and charcuterie boards from Lady & Larder in Mar Vista and then hand feed my boyfriend soft cheeses and cured meats while he drives. — Nicole Adlman, cities manager

Beef jerky, nuts, coffee, and electrolytes: Most of my road trips of late are about the destination, not the journey, and involve driving for 10-14 hours straight — so the idea is to make as few as stops as possible. My road diet therefore is gas station hillbilly x keto bro: beef jerky, nuts, coffee, and Smart Water (or any other electrolyte-loaded water). All the salt means you only need to pit stop when your car does, no matter much you drink, while a zero carb regimen blunts any possible post-prandial zzzs; there’s nothing worse than feeling super full when you’ve got six more hours in a car, even if you have that many episodes of You’re Wrong About left in your podcast queue.

The deep flaw in this plan is that you’re totally at the mercy of the gas station and whatever it merchandises. It’s sort of cheating, because going with the flow is how I approach long drives, but on my usual run between New York and Georgia, I’ve taken to plotting out where the territories of Wawa and Sheetz begin and end to guarantee access to actually edible jerky (the national brands are all trash now, RIP Field Trip) and potable coffee. (As someone who has no particular dog in that regional skirmish , I think Wawa and Sheetz are equally good? SORRY.) At the end of the day, it’s a road trip, and you can’t really appreciate arriving if you haven’t suffered along the way. — Matt Buchanan, executive editor

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RV Living, Camp Cooking, and Family Adventure

30 Best Road Trip Snacks- Healthy Snack Ideas for the Road

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Ah, the open road, the wind in your hair, and the endless possibilities of adventure! But what’s a road trip without amazing snacks to fuel your journey? In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the 30 best healthy road trip snacks to keep you and your travel companions energized, satisfied, and ready for whatever the road has in store. Say goodbye to unhealthy gas station munchies and hello to nutritious, delicious, and convenient options that everyone will love!

Healthy Snack Essentials for Road Trips

When it comes to road trip food, the key is to find healthy snacks that are easy to eat, provide sustained energy, and maintain blood sugar levels, all while keeping excitement levels high. To help you make the best choices, we’ve categorized our favorite road trip snacks into three essential groups: protein-packed options, fiber-filled choices, and hydration-focused snacks.

Now that you’re buckled up, let’s explore these fantastic snack ideas!

Protein-packed options

Protein-packed snacks effectively keep hunger at bay during long drives and help maintain energy levels. Options like jerky, nuts, and cheese deliver a satisfying punch of protein and are easy to eat on the go.

For those with a sweet tooth, try incorporating dark chocolate chips or M&M’s into your own trail mix. And, if you’re looking for a convenient store-bought option, protein bars and beef jerky are readily available at grocery stores, making them an easy choice for road trips.

Get Our FREE Meal Planner and Shopping List

Fiber-filled choices.

Fiber-filled snacks help maintain digestive health during road trips. Some options include:

Whole grain crackers

• Fresh fruits and veggies
• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Dried fruits like mango and pineapple

These snacks offer a boost of fiber to keep your system running smoothly.

So, why not pack a mix of sweet snacks and salty fiber-rich snacks to keep everyone happy and healthy on the road?

Hydration-focused snacks

Hydrating during long drives helps prevent dehydration and maintain focus. In addition to sipping water, you can also snack on hydration-focused options like cucumber slices, watermelon, and coconut water.

If you’re craving something sweet, opt for a piece of fresh fruit or a low-sugar granola bar as a healthier alternative to a candy bar. Remember, staying hydrated is key to a successful and enjoyable road trip!

Nutritious Homemade Snack Ideas

If you prefer homemade options, there are plenty of nutritious snack ideas to whip up before hitting the road. From energy bites and fruit and nut bars to veggie wraps, these scrumptious homemade treats will keep you fueled and satisfied during your journey. Plus, making your snacks at home allows for customization to suit individual tastes and dietary needs.

Now, let’s delve into these delectable homemade snack ideas!

Energy bites

Energy bites are a fantastic homemade snack option for road trips. Made with oats, nut butter, and dried fruit, these little bites pack a punch of energy and taste. You can find various recipes online, from chia seed energy balls to chocolate chip and peanut butter variations.

Simply mix the ingredients, form into bite-sized balls, and store in an airtight container. With these tasty energy bites, you’ll be ready to take on any adventure the road brings.

Fruit and nut bars

Fruit and nut bars are another excellent homemade snack option for road trips, and they can be considered as one of the best road trip snacks. Made with simple ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, these bars provide a healthy and portable snack that’s easy to pack and store. In fact, they can be regarded as good road trip snacks as well as great road trip snacks. You can find numerous recipes online or create your own combinations of fruits and nuts to suit your preferences.

With these nutritious fruit and nut bars, you’ll have a satisfying and energizing snack to keep you going on the road.

Veggie wraps

Veggie wraps are a nutritious and convenient homemade snack for road trips. Made with a variety of fresh vegetables like:

All wrapped up in a tortilla or flatbread, these wraps are both tasty and easy to eat on the go.

You can also fill them with hummus or avocado for added flavor and nutrition. To pack veggie wraps for your trip, use an insulated cooler or reusable snack bags to keep them fresh and delicious.

Store-Bought Snack Recommendations

If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of store-bought options, don’t worry! There are plenty of healthy and delicious snacks available at your local grocery store or even along your route. We’ve rounded up our top recommendations for store-bought snacks, including whole grain crackers, dried fruit and nut mixes, and low-sugar granola bars.

Let’s check out these tasty options to keep you fueled during your road trip.

Whole grain crackers are a healthy and convenient snack option for road trips, alongside potato chips. Providing fiber and energy, these crackers can be enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite cheese or spread. Some popular options include WASA, graham crackers, and cheese crackers like Goldfish.

To keep your crackers fresh and crunchy during your trip, store them in an airtight container or reusable snack bag.

WASA Crackers

Graham Crackers

Goldfish Crackers

Dried fruit and nut mixes

Dried fruit and nut mixes offer a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors, making them a popular choice for road trip snacking. These mixes are packed with essential nutrients, fiber, and protein, giving you a healthy and satisfying option to curb those cravings on the road.

Some of the best mixes for road trips include dried fruit and nut bars, tropical trail mix, or even making your own mix with your favorite fruits and nuts.

Power Up Trail Mix

Amazon Happy Belly Mix

Kars Snack Mix

Low-sugar granola bars

Low-sugar granola bars are a great store-bought snack option for road trips. Providing sustained energy without causing sugar crashes, these bars are an excellent choice for long drives. Some popular low-sugar granola bars include RXBARs, KIND Minis, and Larabars.

To keep your granola bars fresh and intact during your trip, store them in a cool, dry place and use portioned containers or reusable snack bags.

RX Protein Bars

Kind Mini Bars

Kid-Friendly Snack Ideas

Keeping the little ones happy and satisfied during road trips is a top priority for many families. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of kid-friendly snack ideas that are both healthy and easy for children to enjoy. From bite-sized fruit and veggies to mini sandwiches and yogurt pouches, these snacks will make road trips with kids a breeze.

Now, let’s check out these delightful kid-friendly snack ideas!

Bite-sized fruit and veggies

Bite-sized fruit and veggies like apple slices, baby carrots, and grape tomatoes are easy for kids to eat and provide essential nutrients. These fruit snacks can be prepared ahead of time and stored in reusable snack bags or portioned containers to keep them fresh and ready to eat. Additionally, hard boiled eggs can be a great protein-packed option for a well-rounded snack.

Remember to supervise young children while they enjoy these healthy snacks to ensure their safety and prevent choking hazards.

Mini sandwiches

Mini sandwiches are a balanced and portable snack option for children during road trips. Made with whole grain bread, lean meats, and veggies, these sandwiches can be customized to suit your child’s preferences.

To pack mini sandwiches for your trip, follow these steps:

• Use portioned containers to keep the sandwiches fresh and safe.
• Label the containers with the contents and expiration date.
• Store the sandwiches in an insulated cooler to keep them fresh.

Yogurt pouches

Yogurt pouches are a convenient and mess-free way for kids to enjoy a healthy snack on the go. Popular options include Stonyfield Organic YoBaby yogurt pouches and GoGo squeeZ yogurtZ Berry pouches.

To pack yogurt pouches for your trip, keep them cool in an insulated cooler or snack bag and check the expiration date before packing. Yogurt pouches are an excellent source of protein, calcium, and other essential vitamins and minerals, making them a great snack choice for kids during road trips.

Snack Packing Tips and Tricks

Having the right snacks for your road trip is essential, but knowing how to pack them properly can make all the difference. In this section, we’ll share some helpful tips and tricks for packing road trip snacks, including using portioned containers, insulated coolers, and reusable snack bags.

With these handy packing techniques, you’ll be well-prepared to keep your snacks fresh, organized, and easy to access during your road trip adventures.

Portioned containers

Using portioned containers can help keep your snacks organized and prevent overeating during road trips. These containers come in various sizes and styles, such as glass Mason jars, Hydro Flask insulated food jars, and Prep Naturals glass meal prep container sets.

By using portioned containers, you can easily control snack portions and keep track of how much food is being consumed during your trip.

Insulated coolers

Insulated coolers help keep perishable snacks fresh and safe to eat during long drives. Some of the best options include the Yeti Roadie 24, Yeti Tundra 45, and YETI Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler. These coolers are durable, well-constructed, and provide excellent insulation to keep your food and drinks cold.

When using an insulated cooler, be sure to pack it with ice or ice packs and keep it in a shaded area to prevent the ice from melting too quickly.

Reusable snack bags

For an eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic bags when packing road trip snacks, consider reusable snack bags. Some popular options include the Stasher 4-Pack Lunch/Travel Bundle Silicone Storage Bags, the Qinline Reusable Food Storage Bags 10-Pack, and the (re)zip Reusable Leak-proof Food Storage Flat Bags.

These bags are durable, leak-proof, and easy to clean, making them perfect for storing snacks on the go. When packing snacks in reusable snack bags, make sure to securely seal the bags to prevent spills or leaks.

Staying Safe While Snacking on the Road

While enjoying your delicious and healthy road trip snacks, it’s essential to stay safe during your journey. In this section, we’ll discuss important safety tips for snacking on the road, including avoiding choking hazards for young children and taking breaks at rest stops for safe eating.

By following these safety precautions, you can ensure that everyone stays happy, healthy, and safe during your road trip adventures.

Avoiding choking hazards

Avoiding choking hazards is particularly important when it comes to young children. Foods like popcorn, whole nuts, and hard candies should be avoided, and parents should supervise their children while they eat.

When preparing bite-sized fruit and veggies, make sure to cut them into small, manageable pieces. By taking these precautions, you can keep your little ones safe and enjoy worry-free snacking during your road trip.

Taking breaks at rest stops

For safe and relaxed snacking during road trips, consider taking breaks at rest stops. Instead of trying to eat while driving, schedule periodic breaks at rest stops or other safe locations to enjoy your snacks. This will not only prevent distractions and accidents while driving but also allow you to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and enjoy your food in a more relaxed setting.

Remember, safety should always come first on the open road.

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In conclusion, having a variety of healthy road trip snacks can make all the difference in keeping everyone energized, satisfied, and ready for adventure. By choosing protein-packed, fiber-filled, and hydration-focused options, as well as incorporating homemade and store-bought snacks, you’ll be well-prepared for any road trip.

Don’t forget to follow our snack packing tips and safety precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. So, gather your favorite snacks, hit the road, and embark on an unforgettable road trip experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What snacks to pack for a long car ride.

Pack a variety of protein-rich snacks like beef jerky, hard boiled eggs, protein bars and string cheese for a long car ride. To satisfy your sweet tooth, bring along energy bars, fig newtons, nut butter packets, roasted rye chips, chocolate covered espresso beans and yogurt covered raisins.

What is a good snack to keep in your car?

Pack some protein and healthy fats for a long drive with prunes, pistachios, peanut butter, olives, chickpeas, trail mix, sunflower seeds, and mini protein bars – the perfect car snack!

What are some store-bought snack recommendations for road trips?

Pack your road trip with delicious snacks like whole grain crackers, dried fruit and nut mixes, and low-sugar granola bars. Bon Voyage!

What are some tips and tricks for packing road trip snacks?

Pack your road trip snacks in portioned containers, insulated coolers, and reusable snack bags for easy access and freshness on the go!

Grainne Foley

Grainne Foley grew up in Ireland and spent summers caravanning around Europe with her family. Now, as a wife and mother of 2, she spent 5 years traveling the USA as a full time RVing family. She is passionate about travel, and helping others who are considering the RV lifestyle. She has created dozens of helpful RVing checklists which are available throughout the website, and has curated hundreds of simple, flavorful meals for families on the go.

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31 Filling Road Trip Snacks That Are Perfect For Vacation

From healthy, high-protein snacks to guilty pleasure sweets.

Delish editors handpick every product we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Let's be honest: highway rest stops aren't known for being prime culinary destinations. Most travelers are limited to gas station snacks and a few fast food options in between long stretches of the open road. But what happens if you're hungry while driving through the middle of nowhere? Or if you want something more health-conscious than a bag of Hot Cheetos ?

That's why the most essential component of a perfect road trip—or off-roading adventure—is a cooler full of snacks to keep you full while on the go. From crispy and salty to sweet and refreshing, there's a single-serving snack to satisfy whatever you're craving—and the ones below will taste much better than soggy gas station French fries , trust us.

So load up with some caffeine in your cup holder. Turn up that curated Spotify playlist on your speakers. Make sure your partners in crime are in the passenger seat—and buckle up, for heaven's sake! With this lineup of sweet and savory snacks in the car, you're guaranteed to have the best road trip ever.

BjornQorn Popcorn

When it comes to pre-popped popcorn, no brand comes close to BjornQorn. Each and every kernel is dusted in a savory nutritional yeast-based seasoning blend. It's like a vegan, nutrient-dense version of Pirate's Booty.

Crystal Light Crystal Light Sugar-Free Grape Energy Drink Mix with Caffeine

Pack these flavor packets in your car whenever you need to switch up your plain water. Reviewers say grape is the best flavor, followed by lemonade, but for those who can't decide, grab the variety pack.

Nora Seaweed Tempura

This snack is a favorite for our editorial director Jo Saltz. Think of these savory seaweed snacks as a crunchy roll at your favorite sushi spot, minus the rice and fish. They're light, crispy and perfectly salty—A.K.A the ideal road trip snack.

SmartSweets SmartSweets Sour Blast Buddies

Instead of plowing through that whole bag of Sour Patch Kids, try this brand as a super easy swap. They still give you that pucker feeling without all of the sugar.

SKINNYDIPPED SkinnyDipped Snack Attack Minis Almond Variety Pack

Packed with protein; these have just the right amount of sweet coating to keep your sweet tooth at bay. Beware: If you're traveling in the heat, these may melt—so eat quickly 😈.

YERBAÉ Yerbae Naturally Caffeinated Sparkling Energy Water

Long trips = Tired eyes. When you need that last hour boost, these energy waters are where it's at. Each can is the equivalent of one cup of coffee but tastes far better. One reviewer says, "It is like LaCroix with caffeine".

OMG! Pretzels Garlic Gourmet Seasoned Sourdough Pretzel Nuggets

When we say these are the best pretzels we've ever eaten, we're not exaggerating. Each crispy sourdough pretzel nugget is coated in a cheesy, herby, garlic seasoning that makes it nearly impossible to stop at just a handful.

Afraid of subjecting your fellow passengers to your garlic breath? OMG! Pretzels also carries other filling flavors like Cheddar Jalapeño, Chesapeake Spice, and even Salty Butterscotch.

Blue Diamond Almonds Oven Roasted Dark Chocolate Almonds

If you happen to be a fan of chocolate-covered almonds, you'll want to stock up on this on-the-go pack for the car ride gang.

Wonderful halos Mandarins

You may not have thought to bring mandarins along for the ride before, but now that it's in your mind, how could you resist?

Nutella Chocolate Hazelnut Spread with Breadsticks

Not only will the kids love this on-the-go snack, but you will too! Just make sure you bring enough for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Legally Addictive Snack - The O.G.

Do you like to make toffee and chocolate-coated crackers for Christmas or Passover ? Now you can enjoy the salty sweet treat from behind the wheel any time of year. Legally Addictive's cracker-slash-cookie is truly the best of both worlds.

Jack Link's Beef Jerky Variety Pack

Need a snack that can hold you over until your next pit stop for a meal? You can't go wrong with beef jerky.

That's it. Fruit Bars Variety Pack

This variety pack of two-ingredient fruit bars will be the better-for-you snack that everyone can't get enough of.

Snyder's of Hanover Pretzel Sandwiches

It's no secret that pretzels and cheese can make a big mess on a road trip (especially if you have kids), so these single-pack cheddar and cheese pretzel sandwiches will make the ideal substitute.

Brewer's Food Sea Salt Baked Pita Chips

Whether you're pairing them with hummus or enjoying them by themselves, these sea salt baked pita chips will be the most shared snack in the car.

Vintage Italia Marinara Penne Straws

Love pasta, but don't want to bring a big plate of it on the drive (LOL)? This traditional Italian pasta-inspired snack will be a great fill in. These vegan and gluten free penne straws are so good, a six-pack won't be enough.

bakerly Chocolate Hazelnut Filled Crêpes

This 9-pack of delicious crêpes will be the ideal ready-to-eat snack, breakfast, or brunch item for travelers of all ages. And, each of the crêpes are individually wrapped making it easy for everyone to have their own without making a chocolatey mess.

Brothers-ALL-Natural Fruit Crisps

Perfect for kids and adults alike, this variety pack of fruit crisps gives the whole car options on options on options.

Hippeas Nacho Vibes Organic Chickpea Puffs

With 3 grams of fiber and 4 grams of plant protein, these crunchy chickpea puffs will satisfy your chip craving—without the trans fat potato chips tend to pack.

Annie's Homegrown Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks

Hey, there's no age limit on fruit snacks. These gummies are parceled out by serving, so you can easily avoid mindless eating while driving.

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50+ Easy, Healthy Road Trip Snack Recipes: Road Trip Foods

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

Planning a road trip? It’s important to keep up your energy, and avoid the lows of sugar crashes by bringing along some easy to pack road trip foods and snacks. We’ve rounded up the best healthy road trip snack recipes to make your trip planning a breeze. 

From energy balls and granola bars, to cookies, muffins, salty mixes, and heartier savoury snack foods we’ve got it all. Making our own road trip snacks are a family tradition for all our road trips. These are all kid and adult approved travel snacks.

Satisfy all your travel companions cravings (and your own). A lot of these homemade road trip snack recipes also have gluten free, vegan, or low carb options . So no matter what your dietary requirements are, there’s something specially for you.

Are you ready for some quick, healthy road trip snacks to make? Grab your car cooler and Let’s go!

Table of Contents

How to Eat Healthy on Road Trips

First things first is to plan out your travel snacks and meals.

The times we’ve not prepped ahead, inevitably we’d end up starving in the middle of nowhere, with only a gas station for food. And end up feeling low energy or tired afterward.

Bring a cooler and shop at your local market / grocery store.

When driving long distance you should bring and eat a combination of proteins, fats, fibre, textures and tastes . As well as nutrient dense whole foods to curb your cravings, and satisfy your hunger.

Delicious and healthy homemade road trip snacks will help make sure you and your family stay nourished and energized.  Use our free Road trip templates to make things easier.

Some of the best road trip snacks include:

• Granola Bars
• Energy Balls / Energy Bites
• Sweet and Savoury Muffins
• Salty or sweet  crunchy snacks: Roasted Chickpeas, Kale Chips, Dried Fruit
• Dips / Spreads & Veggies, Crackers or Pretzels
• Veggie Fritters
• Fresh Spring Rolls
• Chicken Kabobs or Poppers

Easy, Healthy Road Trip Snack Recipes

Prepping your road trip snacks, and meals is just as important as finding a great deal on your car rental , and booking your accommodations.

We’ve gathered easy & tasty recipes together to make this easier for you.

Homemade Road Trip Snacks 

While it may take a bit of extra time, bringing homemade road trip snacks can save you time, and money on your journey with family or friends.

We’ve broken these DIY road trip snacks into the following categories:

• Energy Balls / Bites  and Protein Bites Recipes

Healthy Snack Bar Recipes

• Healthy Cookie Recipes
• Sweet and Salty Road Trip Snack Recipes
• Dried Fruit and Veggie Chips
• Roasted Chickpea Recipes
• Road Trip Muffin Recipes – Sweet and Savoury
• Granola and Overnight Oats Recipes
• Savoury Make Ahead Road Trip Snacks

We’ve rounded up some delicious, healthy and easy to make recipes for you to try. Let us know which ones are your favourites!

Please note : All the photos you see in this post belong to the website / bloggers the recipes are from.

Grab your Free Road Trip & Meal Planner HERE :

More road trip snack ideas here.

Quick Road Trip Snack Recipes: Energy Balls, Energy Bites, Protein Bites

Whether you call them energy balls, bites, bliss balls or protein bites , they all have something in common.  They are super quick and easy to make, nutritious and versatile enough to fit all your travel companions road trip snack preferences and dietary needs. 

Plus they are no-bake and can be made in under 15 minutes. 

Sweet, salty, protein filled bites of goodness, these one bite wonders are easy to pack and store in your cooler. The perfect quick road trip snack recipes for busy parents.

1. Coconut Date Balls | Healy Eats Real

Easy No Bake Coconut Date Balls have only three ingredients, and are a naturally sweet paleo and vegan snack. Crunchy coconut taste on the outside combined with creamy, soft inside = bliss in one bite. Plus no nuts!

2. Dried Fruits Ladoo – Easy Energy Balls | Dassana’s Veg Recipes

Dry Fruits Laddu is an easy, nutritious recipe of energy balls that are healthy and tasty. Packed with nutrients, good fats and fibre, these energy balls are made with dates, figs and various nuts. An ideal long road trip snack.

3. Lemon Coconut Chia Balls | Cathy’s Gluten Free

Lemon Coconut Chia balls are a refreshing and sweet snack. With only 5 nutrient packed ingredients, they are easy to make and bring along for the day.

If you want a little more protein, check out this similar recipe for Coconut Protein Balls

4. Pumpkin Energy Balls | Plant Powered Cooking

Looking for a unique energy ball recipe? You’ve found it. Pumpkin Energy balls are made with inexpensive chickpeas, lots of spices, and are gently sweetened with dates. Pumpkin pie in  hand held form.

5. Pistachio Energy Balls | Hoorah to Health

Pistachio energy balls are great for road trips, as they don’t need to be refrigerated and provide a nice energy boost so your travelers don’t get too cranky!

6. Low Carb Peanut Butter Balls | Cassidy’s Craveable Creations

Looking for an alternative to eating cookie dough straight from the bowl? This recipe has got you covered. These sweet, peanut butter cookie dough flavoured balls will satisfy your cravings and hunger. 

7. Salted Caramel Bliss Balls | It’s Not Complicated

With just 5 ingredients, these delicious Salted Caramel Bliss Balls are so easy to make. A perfectly healthy sweet road trip snack or treat, they are vegan, gluten and refined sugar free.

8. Vanilla Coconut Bliss Balls | My Plantiful Cooking

Vanilla coconut bliss balls are a wonderful, healthy sweet treat to have on hand. Naturally sweetened with dates, they are perfect for a midday pick-me-up after a long hike or drive.

🚙 You may also like Simple Ways to Save Money on Road Trips

9. Apple Pie Oat Bliss Balls | Kidgredients

Yummy and portable, these apple pie bliss balls are the perfect road trip snack. Plus they are super kid-friendly, nut free, and no bake. When you are craving the apple pie taste, without all the work, or mess on the road, these will satisfy.

These healthy snack bar recipes are easy to make, with minimal ingredients, so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, than preparing for it. Add these to your list of healthy snacks for road trips.

10. Low Carb Granola Bars | Wholesome Yum

These homemade Kind Bar copycats are the easiest low carb, gluten-free, sugar-free granola bars you can make at home. Plus they take only about 10 minutes to make, so you are ready to head out on your adventures in no time at all.

11. Coconut Candy Bars | A Sweet Alternative

If you are looking for an alternative to store bought chocolate bars, and love coconut, then you have found the right recipe!

These coconut candy bars are refined sugar free (sweetened with maple syrup, YES!) and made from simple, nutritious ingredients. They’re easy to make and so satisfying. 

12. Homemade Protein Bars  | Masala Herb

Homemade protein bars without protein powder are enriched with nuts and dried fruits. Know what’s in your protein bars!

13. Vegan Raspberry Rhubarb Bars | By The Forkful

Raspberry Rhubarb Bars are my dream breakfast snack on the go. Quick and easy to make, portable, and filled with fresh summery fruit. What more would you want?

14. No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars  | Vegan Huggs

Five ingredients + fifteen minutes  = No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars. A cross between a Rice Krispie treat and Nutty Buddy bars this portable snack is perfect for indulging any time of day.

🎒 Check out this Road Trip Packing List & tips too

15. Healthy Carrot Cake Protein Bars | Any Reasons Vegan

Carrot Cake Protein Bars are a perfect road trip snack made of carrots, dates and pistachios, a no bake dream. These nutritious bars are full of protein, vitamins and iron, but shhhhhh don’t tell the kids they’re healthy.

16. Peanut Butter, Banana Oatmeal Bars | My Plantiful Cooking

Peanut Butter, Banana, Oatmeal Bars have only three ingredients, are vegan and a wonderful on the go snack. Whether you are looking for breakfast to go, or a snack mid day these chewy moist bars will satisfy.

17. Two Ingredient Nutella Brownies  | Momma Lew

Two ingredient fudgy, rich nutella brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth. Cooked in a muffin tin, they are easy to transport wherever you travel. Sometimes you just need to indulge a little.

18. Homemade Granola Bars | Ottawa Mommy Club

Homemade granola bar recipe is slightly different as it does not contain any oats. It is also a great snack for when you are hungry, but want an alternative to store bought bars.

19. Oat and Honey Granola Bars | Healthy Life Trainer

Chewy No-bake Oat and Honey Granola Bars are quick and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes. They are loaded with wholesome ingredients such as oats, almond, honey, butter, and cranberries.

Homemade Road Trip Snacks – Cookies

Cookies! Now who can resist a delicious cookie especially homemade ones. They are portable, easy to make and pack, and can be full of nutritious and delicious add ins, so are ideal for road trips.

20. Anzac Biscuits | Mama Loves To Cook

Tap into a  tradition from Australia and New Zealand with some buttery, caramel flavoured Anzac Biscuits. These coconut oat cookies are quick and easy to make, travel well and last for ages.

21. Best Road Trip Breakfast Cookies | Boulder Locavore

The name says it all, but don’t be fooled by the title. You don’t have to be on a road trip or only eat them for breakfast. As the name suggests they are a great source of nutrition in a few bites without a crazy amount of sugar and processed ingredients. They pack a great amount of protein, fiber and essential fats into their two-bite form as well.

22. Besan Ladoo – Chickpea Flour Sweet Cookies | So Yummy Recipes

Make these chickpea flour  sweet treat balls for your next trip and enjoy them as your scrumptious sweets that offer an energy and protein boost.

23. Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookies | Just As Tasty

Combining two of my favourite things into one is heavenly. Carrot Cake Breakfast cookies are soft, bursting with flavour, and can be eaten as a snack any time of the day.

24. Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies | Living Healthy With Chocolate

Amazing flourless,  gooey and  soft cookies, filled with chocolate chips that are super easy to make (and eat). This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo with Keto and Vegan options.

Road Trip Snack Ideas – Sweet and Salty Recipes

If you are looking for healthier, homemade road trip snack ideas to replace the frequent stops at gas stations, and grabbing a bag of chips and pop, then this section is for you. 

Trail mix is a must bring travel snack for all our road trips, camping trips and adventures. Kids love it when you add a bit of smarties & gummy bears.

25. Smoky Trail Mix | Boulder Locavore

Snackers unite! Trail Mix is a perfect snack when on the go or for traveling. This version takes it up a flavor notch with smoked almonds as the central ingredient. The mix to sweet, salty and crunchy can’t be beat. If not a lover of the smoky almonds, regular almonds may be substituted.

26. Sweet and Salty Trail Mix | Neighbor Food

Curb your crunch craving with this sweet and salty trail mix. The beauty of homemade trail mix is you can mix and match your favourite nuts, seeds, dried fruits and extras to your liking.

27. Instant Pot Popcorn | Nourish Plate

This recipe just blew my mind. Popcorn in an instant pot is a brilliant idea. Cheap, easy to make, popcorn travels well and is a tasty snack, with many seasoning choices to try.

28. 3 Ingredient Popcorn Balls | Crave The Good

Delicious 3 ingredient popcorn balls are a sweet addition to your day. Technically the base recipe is 2 main ingredients, with customizable options. Popcorn + Honey + Seasonings = endless options for hand held snacks.

29. 5 Minute Cheese Snack Mix | Recipes From A Pantry

Need a quick last minute snack before heading out on your road trip? This 5 minute cheese snack mix will save the day. Plus it can also be used as last minute snacks for guests, holiday gifts, potlucks, so it’s a good one to keep in your back pocket. 

30. Snickerdoodle Muddy Buddies | The Short Order Cook

Chex sweet treat meets Snickerdoodle taste equals an addictive road trip snack. Plus it’s no bake, which is a bonus for prepping in the summer months.

31. Seasoned Ranch Pretzels  | Budget Delicious

Nothing says road trips more than a pack of pretzels. Take your snacking up a notch with ranch seasoned pretzels. If you aren’t a fan of ranch, not to worry there are many other variations you can try as well.

32. Slow Cooker Candied Nuts | Casserole Chrissy

Poppable, sweet and crunchy, these candied nuts make the perfect on-the-go snack, any time of year.  You can choose any combination of nuts that you like for a unique blend each time.

Need road trip ideas? Check out this One Day in Zion National Park or this 4 Day Itinerary in Acadia National Park , both are family friendly .

Easy Road Trip Snack Recipes: Dried Fruit & Veggie Chips

One of the simplest, whole food ways to prepare foods is by dehydrating. Dried fruit and veggie snacks make for some delicious crunchy, sweet and salty road trip snack ideas.

33. Easy Homemade Fruit Rollups | Amanda’s Cookin’

Plum fruit rollups have just 3 ingredients and are a fun and healthy snack that the whole family will love. Plus they’re easy to pack and carry around for all your family vacations.

34. Crispy Air Fryer Apple Chips | Recipes From A Pantry

Addictive, crunchy and healthy,  cinnamon apple chips are the next best thing to add to your road trip snack list. Using an air fryer cuts down dehydrating time to a fraction of what you need for the oven so makes this snack even easier.

35. Chewy Dried Bananas | Healthy Green Savy

Sometimes you just want something a little sweet with a chewier texture. Dried bananas do just this. It’s a great way to use up those fast ripening bananas on your counter, and have an easy road trip snack to bring with you. 

36. Dried Mango  | Masala Herb

Dehydrated mangoes can turn into a food obsession. They are super good and ridiculously easy to make from scratch.

37. Dehydrated Pears | Emily Fabulous

Dehydrated pears are so easy to make and are a healthy snack, that’s perfect for kids, adults anytime, anywhere. 

38. Oven Baked Beet Chips | Pink Fortitude

Crispy, curled beet chips, are a slightly sweet and salty chip alternative, that adds a little colour to your palate. Plus beets are high in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, protein, folate, and manganese, so you’re getting your vitamins and satisfying your crunchy salty tooth.

39. Baked Kale Chips | Healthy Green Savy

Kale chips are a delicious new fad, that I hope doesn’t go outta style. Kale chips are a great way to get your kids, or partners in to travel to eat more veggies. Easy to make and very addictive, they help curb your  salty-crunchy cravings. The only problem is trying not to eat them all right away. They may not make it into your car for the road trip.

Roasted Chickpea Snacks 

Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy, salty alternative to too many potato chips on the road. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my salt n’ vinegar chips, but sometimes  you need something a little heartier that packs a protein punch.

Not to mention roasted chickpea snacks are vegan, full of fibre, iron and folate. 

40. Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas | Little Sunny Kitchen

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are spicy, crunchy, and packed with plant protein.  Using an Air Fryer makes sure that every single chickpea is perfectly crunchy.

41. Curried Air Fryer Chickpeas | That Girl Cooks Healthy

This easy to make recipe is packed with protein and flavour from herbs and spices. Plus they are easy to make in large batches, right in your air-fryer. The hard part will be not eating them all before you pack them away for your road trip.

42. Healthy Roasted Chickpeas with Seasonings | Amy Gorin Nutrition

If you don’t have an air fryer try this general roasted chickpea recipe  with over 10 seasoning options. Packed with all the tips you’ll need on how to make a grab-and-go chickpea snack that keeps it’s crunchy texture. 

Healthy Snacks for Road Trips: Muffin Recipes

I have a confession to make. Muffins are not my favourite. There I said it, don’t judge me too harshly. Mostly because I find commercially they are made too sweet, and taste more like cake. 

But muffins are super handy to have on hand for long (or short road trips), especially with kids. Which is why I often tend to make and pack savoury muffins or lean towards recipes that use alternatives to white sugar. 

We’ve rounded up some yummy, healthier road trip ideas with these muffin recipes to expand your snack offerings. My favourite “sweet” recipe is below:

43. Packed for Life’s Kid Favourite Muffin Recipe – The Best Banana Muffin Recipe

This is my favourite muffin recipe by Chocolate Covered Katie. I make it 2-3 times a month, and everyone I’ve fed them to have loved them.  So if you are looking for an easy recipe, you can’t go wrong with this one. 

Sweetened only with ripe bananas, easy to make, they are kid-friendly and delicious. To make them gluten-free I use GF oat flour, plus add my own spin by adding  ½ tsp to 1 tsp each of ground cinnamon, and  ginger and about  ¼ tsp of ground cardamom. 

I am excited to add some of these next sweet and savoury muffin recipes below to my regular muffin rotation.

Savoury Road Trip Muffin Recipes

44. Broccoli and Cheese Breakfast Muffins | End Of The Fork

Savoury muffins filled with broccoli and cheesy goodness. These muffins are delicious warmed up at breakfast time or for an on-the go road trip snack. Light, fluffy, fits in your hand and so easy to make, your kids can help you.  

45. Greek Breakfast Egg Muffin | Always Use Butter

Not just for breakfast, these greek egg muffins are packed with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and black olives. Savoury goodness in a couple of bites, to fill your belly on the road.

46. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls | Crave The Good

Ok, so these are not technically a muffin, but air fryer pizza rolls would be soooooo good for a road trip snack, or an afternoon snack, or breakfast, or anytime really. Stretch, gooey mozzarella cheese, and delicious tomato sauce wrapped in pizza dough cooked to perfection in an air fryer, can’t be beat.

Road Trip Snack Ideas: Sweet Muffin Recipes

47. Peanut Butter Banana Muffins | Wholesome Family Living

Peanut Butter and Banana muffins are versatile, packed with protein, and are delicious any time of day. Plus this recipe makes a big batch, so whether you’re road tripping with hungry kids or friends, there will be more than enough to share.

48. Vegan Blueberry Lemon Muffins | Get Set Vegan

Not just for vegans! These Blueberry Lemon Muffins combine the best things, fresh berries and lemon for a moist, delicious portable snack.

49. Banana Pear Muffins  | Mrs. Jones’s Kitchen

Banana Pear Muffins will be  well loved by the kids in your life, big and small. With no added sugar, they are  naturally sweetened with banana and pear, and travel really well.

Healthy Road Trip Snacks: Granola & Overnight Oats Recipes

50. Cocoa Fig Granola | Healy Eats Real

Cocoa Fig homemade granola is a flavour explosion filled with crunchy clusters of chocolatey goodness.  Sugar free, paleo and vegan,  pack this granola snack for the road and don’t look back. It’s ok if you don’t want to share.

51. Cinnamon Vanilla Granola | Brooklyn Active Mama

Cinnamon Vanilla Granola is so full of dried cranberries, chia, flax seeds, nuts, and yummy goodness, this will quickly become your favourite on the go snack.

52. Chunky Peanut Butter Banana Protein Granola | My Plantiful Cooking

Peanut Butter and Banana is such a classic taste combo.This high protein granola is chunky, crispy & utterly delicious. Happens to also  be naturally vegan & gluten-free. A portable snack to have on hand. Grab a handful whenever you are feeling snacky.

53. Dark Chocolate Cherry Granola | Aspen On Main

Chocolate and cherry are such a classic taste combination, that this granola is sure to please even the crankiest of road trip companions. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and includes other healthy ingredients like oats and flax seed, making it a great on the go snack with or without yogurt.

54. Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats | Plant Powered Cooking

These banana cinnamon overnight oats are a  well-balanced, easy to pack and eat  breakfast that tastes like banana bread!

What I love about overnight oats are: 

• They are easy to make even while on the road, as long as you have a few simple ingredients and a container. 
• Versatile – don’t like bananas, switch them out for applesauce, or berries.
• Can be eaten any time of day, not just for breakfast.
• One of the best road trip snacks for kids as they can combine good fats, proteins, and other nutrients.

Road Trip Foods: Savoury Make Ahead Road Trip Snack Recipes

Sometimes you just want something a little more substantial than an energy bite, or a handful of trail mix. Take a look at these delicious, savoury make ahead road trip snack receipes. Easy to grab and eat as snacks on your next adventures.

55. Chicken Seekh Kabob | So Yummy Recipes

These succulent chicken seekh kebabs are delicious to have as they are. But you can have them rolled in tortilla wraps, naan bread, flatbread or just in hot dog buns. Making them easy to take with you for a quick snack or meal on the road.

56. Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken | Budget Delicious

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is the perfect recipe for making an appetizer or a road trip snack that will be well  loved by the whole family. 

57. Cheesy Smashed Chickpea Spread | Veeg

Looking for a protein packed, delicious spread to dip your veggies, pretzels, or crackers on the road? This cheesy smashed chickpea spread is just the ticket and it’s kid approved. 

58. Fresh Vegan Spring Rolls | Happy Kitchen

Fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce are a family favourite while being a healthy mess-free portable snack. Mix and match your favourite veggies, add in some tofu or tempeh if desired roll em’ up and away you go. 

If you are wanting a non-vegan version we usually add cooked prawns/shrimp to ours.  

59. Vegan Zucchini Corn Fritters | Happy Kitchen

Crispy, delicious and full of veggies such as zucchini and corn, these fritters are a perfect addition to your family road trip snack list.

60. Vegan Pinwheels | Get Set Vegan

If you are trying to avoid dairy, or just want to expand your recipe horizons, these vegan pinwheels are a great addition to your road trip. Full of beans, beets, avocado and veggies, these pinwheels  will provide a delicious on the go snack or lunch.

Conclusion: Road Trip Foods: 50+ Easy, Healthy Road Trip Snack Recipes

Whether you are heading out for a day trip or an epic week long family road trip up Vancouver Island, there are 50+ easy, healthy road trip snack recipes to inspire your vacation planning and taste buds.

Enjoy the journey while munching on these scrumptious yet nutritious bites that’ll keep your energy levels high and your taste buds satisfied.

So, buckle up, hit the road, and let these wholesome goodies fuel your wanderlust. Don’t forget to bring a cooler, and share your favorites with friends and fellow travelers. Because great snacks and epic road trips are always better together!

Happy snacking, explorers!

What’s your favourite road trip snack recipe? Let us know in the comments below, or connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you.

ROAD TRIP IDEAS & RESOURCES

Here are our favourite resources we use to research and book our trips. They offer competitive deals, and good customer service. Plus itineraries and more travel ideas for Acadia area: Bryce Canyon in One Day Tips for Zion National Park with Kids Road Trip Meals Ideas Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Boston to Acadia: New England Road Trip —- 150 Car Conversation starters to beat boredom Essential road trip packing list Easy Toddler & Kid Road Trip Activities Simple ways to have a budget road trip RV Travel gift ideas Booking.com – Book your accomodations here. Excellent booking site for lowest lodging rates. VRBO – Book family friendly accommodations here, but no cleaning! Viator – Find & book even more experiences, tours & lessons world wide. Discover Cars – Make finding the cheapest or best car for your trip easy (worldwide) Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – Find cheaper flights Anything else? Check out our Family Travel Resources & Tips page

Packed for Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca.

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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Thanks for some tasty options! I am really looking forward to being able to travel again one of these days! Pinning for later 🙂

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14 Best Road Trip Snacks for Adults [Ranked]

• February 13, 2024
• Sustenance / Snack

Road trips hold a special place in American culture. The open road, wind in your hair, sunglasses on, carefree vibes…what’s not to love?

But let’s be real – those nostalgic memories of family road trips often gloss over the not-so-fun parts, like headaches from screaming kids, frequent bathroom breaks, and crawling in traffic for hours.

As an adult, you can reinvent what road trips mean for you. Skip the headaches and harness the freedom of the open road! However, fueling your adult adventure takes more planning.

According to a survey by SnackSafely.com , 45% of adults experience energy slumps, headaches, and hangovers from unhealthy snacks and poor nutrition on road trips. No one wants their epic journey derailed by rollercoaster blood sugar and mood crashes.

That’s why I’ve created the ultimate guide to fueling YOUR adventure with the 14 best road trip snacks for adults! These hand-picked options check all the boxes:

• Adult-friendly nutrition to power you through the miles
• Portable and mess-free for easy snacking en route
• Long shelf life with no refrigeration required
• Delicious flavors to combat road trip boredom
• Accommodate special diets like vegan and gluten-free
• Fun twists on snacks to make them your own

Follow my snack roadmap and say goodbye to post-junk food regrets and road trip fatigue. Adventure awaits – let’s fuel it right!

Choosing the Right Snacks for Adult Road Trips

Unlike when you were a kid, your snacks can’t just be sugary treats and junk food. Think nutrition first when stocking up! Here are the key factors for choosing adult road trip snacks:

A.) Adult-Friendly Power

Opt for snacks with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. These nutrients provide sustained energy release to power you through driving, prevent blood sugar crashes, and keep your brain sharp. Nuts, whole grains, and high-protein snacks are your friends!

Research by the University of California, Berkeley, found that eating protein-rich snacks led to 50% less feeling stressed  while driving compared to those who consumed sugary snacks.

B.) Portable & Shelf-Stable

Road trip munching happens on the go, so you need snacks that are easy to eat with one hand and won’t leave a mess all over the car. Bonus points if they can sit unrefrigerated for hours without spoiling.

C.) Dietary Diversity

Why should dietary restrictions limit your snacking fun? Bring options that work for vegan, gluten-free, paleo, nut-free, and other diets so no one feels left out of the snack party.

D.) Travel Stages

Pack quick bites for on-the-go munching between stops, filling balanced snacks for meal replacement if you can’t sit down, and refreshing lighter items to beat boredom. You need snacks for every leg of the journey!

14 Best Road Trip Snacks for Adults

Having the right snacks on hand is crucial for staying energized, satisfied, and focused on any road trip adventure. After careful consideration, I’ve compiled my definitive ranking of the 14 best snacks for adults to power their drives and fuel their bodies.

Ranking Criteria

To determine the snacks that made the cut, I used the following tiered ranking criteria:

Top Tier (Essentials):

• Nutritional Value:  Options that provide lasting energy through protein, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbs. This helps prevent fatigue and blood sugar crashes.
• Portability and Mess-Free:  Snacks need to be easily eaten on the go without making a mess in the car. Resealable bags and containers are ideal.
• Shelf Life and Convenience:  Seek shelf-stable snacks that hold up without refrigeration. Minimal prep while traveling is essential.
• Sustaining:  Snacks should contain enough calories, protein, and fiber to tide you over between stops. Avoid over-snacking.
• Affordability:  Finding budget-friendly snacks allows you to buy in quantity without overspending.

Middle Tier (Desirable but Flexible):

• Taste and Variety:  A mix of flavors and textures keeps taste buds excited and prevents snack boredom. But don’t sacrifice nutrition.
• Dietary Friendliness:  Having options for different diets is great, but top-tier criteria still take priority.

Bonus Tier (Enhancers):

• Uniqueness and Creativity:  Fun, DIY snacks add personalization and excitement to the journey.
• Refreshment and Mood Boost:  Hydrating, cooling snacks provide revitalization and mental clarity.
• Adventure Vibes:  Nostalgic or exotic snacks enhance the road trip theme.

Studies show snack variety boosts mood and prevents boredom.

Based on a careful evaluation using these metrics, here is my personal ranking from the #1 best road trip snack for adults. All of these are delicious, travel-friendly, and body-nourishing snacks to fuel your next road adventure! Let’s begin!

1. Greek Yogurt and Fruit Cups

Layer creamy, protein-packed Greek yogurt together with fiber-filled granola, fresh mixed berries, and a drizzle of honey in portable cups for the perfect grab-and-go snack providing a balance of nutrition.

Ingredients: Nonfat Greek yogurt provides a high protein base. Toppings like granola, mixed berries, banana slices, chia seeds, honey, etc. allow for customization.

Benefits: Greek yogurt supplies ample protein and gut-healthy probiotics. The fruits add vitamins and natural sweetness. Granola provides fiber. Well-balanced nutrition.

Preparation Tips: Construct the yogurt cups ahead of time in disposable cups or portable jars. Keep refrigerated until ready to grab and eat.

Nutrition Per Serving: Varies based on ingredients. Greek yogurt has around 100 calories and 17 grams of protein per 6-ounce serving.

USP: Make-ahead convenience. Layers create fun flavors and textures. Protein and probiotics aid digestion – helpful for road trip eating. Easily customizable.

2. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

Transform chickpeas into a crunchy and spicy snack by roasting with olive oil and savory spices like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, etc.

Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, olive oil, and spice blends of your choosing.

Benefits: Chickpeas provide vegan protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Roasting makes them satisfyingly crunchy. Spices add robust, customizable flavors.

Preparation Tips: Drain, rinse, and roast canned chickpeas at high heat with spices until browned and crispy. Store in airtight containers once cooled.

Nutrition Per Serving: About 160 calories, 7g protein, 6g fiber per 1/2 cup serving. Swap olive oil to remove fat grams.

USP: Vegan/vegetarian snack. Crunchy and portable. Robust spice flavor options. Shelf-stable convenience.

3. Trail Mix Bar Bites

Convert your regular trail mix into no-bake, bite-sized protein bars by binding the ingredients together with honey, nut butter, or other sticky ingredients. The options are endless!

Ingredients: Rolled oats, chopped nuts, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and any other desired crunchy ingredients, spices, or mix-ins.

Benefits: Provides lasting energy from complex carbs, fiber, protein, and healthy fats derived from whole food ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. The bars are neatly portion-controlled for convenience.

Preparation Tips: Simply mix all ingredients together until a sticky dough forms, shape it into bars or balls, and then wrap it individually. Refrigerate or freeze to prolong freshness during your trip.

Nutrition Per Serving: Depends on the specific ingredients used in each bar, but averages around 150 calories, 5 grams protein, 7 grams fat, and 13 grams carbs.

USP: Make-ahead convenience. Portable energy. Creative twist on standard trail mix. Customizable for dietary preferences. Provides lasting fuel between meals.

4. DIY Jerky

Make your own jerky from lean meat for a protein-packed snack you control the flavors of. Slice beef, turkey, salmon, or other meats marinate and dehydrate into chewy jerky goodness.

Ingredients: Start with lean cuts of meat like flank steak, sirloin, or turkey breast. Marinate strips in Worcestershire, soy sauce, spices, brown sugar, etc. before dehydrating.

Benefits: 10-15 grams of protein per ounce supplies steady energy for the road. The savory, smokey flavor satisfies snack cravings. Essential amino acids help repair muscles.

Preparation Tips: Seek out quality meat and experiment with marinades. Dehydrate meat into chewy jerky strips. Portion into individual bags or reusable containers.

Nutrition Per Serving: An average of 120 calories, 15 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat per ounce. Sodium varies significantly based on preparation.

USP: Making it yourself allows full control over ingredients for a preservative-free snack. Shelf-stable and non-perishable. Protein punch in a compact form.

5. Spiced Chickpea Snack Packs

Protein-packed roasted chickpeas become even more flavorful and fun when seasoned with spices like chili powder, curry powder, garlic powder, or cumin. Seek out single-serve bags or make your own spiced batches.

Ingredients: Chickpeas as the base, along with olive oil for roasting and assorted spices like chili powder, paprika, curry powder, garlic powder, cumin, etc.

Benefits: Chickpeas offer a substantial amount of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Different spice blends allow flavor customization. Roasting makes them satisfyingly crunchy.

Preparation Tips: Drain and rinse canned chickpeas, then toss with olive oil and desired spices. Roast at 400°F, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy.

Nutrition Per Serving: About 160 calories, 7 grams protein, and 6 grams fiber per 1/2 cup serving.

USP: A vegan and vegetarian-friendly snack that is shelf-stable for road trips. The savory, crunchy texture and customizable flavors make roasted chickpeas intrinsically crave-worthy.

6. Apple Slices with Nut Butter

Pair sliced apple, pear, or banana pieces with nut butter for a snack combo that provides a winning balance of sweet fruit, creamy nut butter, protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

Ingredients: Freshly sliced apples, pears, bananas, or other fruits are ideal bases, while almond butter, peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or any other nut or seed butter make great dips.

Benefits: The fruit supplies natural sugars and vitamins like potassium and vitamin C, while the nut or seed butter provides filling protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, balancing out the carbohydrates.

Preparation Tips: Simply wash and slice your preferred fruits before traveling. Pair them with single-serve pouches or packets of your chosen nut or seed butter for assembly on the go.

Nutrition Per Serving: One apple with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter contains approximately 270 calories, 5 grams of protein, 16 grams of fat, and 29 grams of carbs. Details vary by fruit and nut butter selections.

USP: Both kids and adults love this sweet yet satisfying snack combo. The hydrating fruit paired with creamy nut butter makes it simple to assemble yet still nourishing.

7. Homemade Guacamole and Crackers

Whip up a batch of freshly made guacamole by mashing avocados, tomatoes, onions, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, and any other desired ingredients. Pair it with whole-grain crackers or vegetable dippers.

Ingredients: Guacamole’s base comes from ripe avocados, paired with possible mix-ins like tomatoes, onion, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, hot sauce, etc. This can be served alongside whole grain crackers or fresh veggies like carrots and celery sticks.

Benefits: Guacamole provides healthy fats and fiber from the avocados, while the vegetables offer added vitamins and minerals. The crackers or fresh veggies give it a crunchy textural balance.

Preparation Tips: Make the guacamole ahead of time and store it in an airtight container to prevent browning. Pack any accompaniments like crackers or sliced vegetables separately.

Nutrition Per Serving: A 2-tablespoon serving of guacamole has approximately 50 calories and 2 grams of fiber. Crackers range from 70-120 calories depending on type and quantity.

USP: The fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients make homemade guacamole shine. Pairing it with vegetable dippers adds a hydrating crunch. The make-ahead convenience also helps.

8. Dark Chocolate and Almonds

Bitter dark chocolate and salty almonds make for a dynamic flavor and texture combo that also provides antioxidants and protein. Just be sure to keep portions in check.

Ingredients: Opt for at least 70% cacao dark chocolate paired with unsalted almonds.

Benefits: Dark chocolate delivers antioxidants, while almonds provide protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. Together they offer a dual sweet-salty taste and crunchy-smooth mouthfeel.

Preparation Tips: Seek out individually wrapped dark chocolate-almond packs for portion control or make your own homemade trail mix combination.

Nutrition Per Serving: When keeping servings small, around 150 calories, 3 grams protein, 9 grams fat, and 12 grams carbs per serving. Larger portions drastically increase calories.

USP: The antioxidant benefits of dark chocolate coupled with the sweet-salty duo make this a unique-tasting snack. Individually wrapped portions also provide easy portable snacking.

9. Baked Kale Chips

For a crispy, crunchy snack with more nutrition than greasy potato chips, bake your own kale chips! Simply toss torn kale pieces with olive oil and preferred seasonings, then bake at low heat until perfectly crisp.

Ingredients: Kale, olive oil just to lightly coat, and desired seasonings like sea salt, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, onion powder, chili powder, etc.

Benefits: Kale chips contain far more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than traditional potato chips after baking. The touch of oil helps them get super crispy in the oven. Seasonings also allow flavor customization.

Preparation Tips: Wash kale thoroughly, tear it into chip-sized pieces, toss lightly with oil and seasonings, and bake at 275°F until crisp ~ about 30 minutes. Let cool before storing in airtight containers.

Nutrition Per Serving: Baked kale chips provide about 60 calories per 1 ounce (about 1 cup) serving. The majority come from healthy fats, with an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K.

USP: Kale chips make for a much healthier swap compared to greasy, fried potato chips. Their crunchy, crispy texture and salty, savory taste satisfy snack cravings. Seasoning allows flavor customization too.

10. Turkey Roll-Ups

Roll up convenient slices of lean turkey breast around cheeses, shredded vegetables like carrots or spinach, hummus, pesto, or any other desired fillings for a customizable snack bursting with protein.

Ingredients: Thinly sliced turkey breast, cheese slices, shredded raw vegetables, hummus, pesto, mustard, or any other spreads or fillings that work nicely rolled up inside.

Benefits: The turkey provides lean protein while the fillings incorporate more flavor and nutrients. Their hand-held, roll-up format makes this an easy snack to eat on the go while driving.

Preparation Tips: Look for pre-made roll-ups at your grocer’s deli counter for maximum convenience, or assemble your own ahead of time and individually wrap each for grab-and-go ease.

Nutrition Per Serving: This depends on fillings, but turkey breast has around 35 calories and 7 grams of protein per slice. Filling options impact carbohydrates, fats, and fiber.

USP: The turkey roll-up combination provides a customizable protein and vegetable snack in a tidy, portable format that is often readily available.

11. Yogurt Parfaits

Transform yogurt into a perfectly portable snack by layering it with crunchy granola, fresh mixed fruit, chia seeds, coconut, chocolate chips, or any other desired toppings to create a customizable parfait.

Ingredients: The base consists of yogurt, particularly high-protein Greek yogurt. This can be layered with any combination of granola, fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or melon, chia seeds, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, etc.

Benefits: Yogurt provides protein, calcium, and probiotics. The assorted fruits and vegetables add vitamins and antioxidants. Granola contributes fiber. And customized add-ins allow you to tailor nutritional profiles and flavors.

Preparation Tips: Construct the parfaits ahead of time in either disposable cups or wide-mouth jars for easy on-the-go snacking, keeping ingredients separate until ready to eat if necessary.

Nutrition Per Serving: Because combinations vary, nutrition details differ, but Greek yogurt contains more protein than regular. Add-ins impact carbohydrates, fats, and calories.

USP: The make-ahead, grab-and-go convenience makes this a handy snack for road trips. The diverse layers and flavors keep it interesting. Customizations work for many dietary needs too.

12. Hard-Boiled Eggs and Edamame

Hard boil the eggs and pair with roasted edamame pods for the perfect high-protein, plant- and animal-based snacking duo. Both are totally portable.

Ingredients: Eggs and pre-packaged dry roasted edamame pods.

Benefits: Eggs provide 6g protein and 5g fat for sustained energy. Edamame adds 8g plant-based protein and 5g fiber per serving. Powerful protein punch.

Preparation Tips: Boil eggs up to 1 week before and store in the fridge. Toss in your cooler while traveling. Edamame just needs to be portioned out.

Nutrition Per Serving: 1 egg has about 80 calories, 6g protein, and 5g fat. 1 edamame pod serving averages 130 calories, 8g protein, and 5g fiber.

USP: No refrigeration needed. Grab-and-go, mess-free plant- and animal-based proteins. Affordable and easily accessible.

13. Veggie Hummus Dippers

For a snack pairing that combines protein and a refreshing crunch factor, hummus spread alongside fresh vegetable dippers creates the perfect balance. The smooth, creamy hummus perfectly complements the crispy fresh vegetables.

Ingredients: Hummus made from chickpeas, olive oil, and seasonings can be paired with an array of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, and broccoli for dipping.

Benefits: Hummus provides plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The fresh vegetables selected deliver extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Together they create a filling, nutrient-dense snack.

Preparation Tips: Purchase single-serve hummus containers for dipping convenience on the go. Prepare the fresh vegetables by washing and slicing them in advance of your trip.

Nutrition Per Serving: A typical 2-3 tablespoon serving of hummus contains around 70 calories and 4 grams each of plant-based protein and fiber. One cup of fresh vegetables averages about 30 calories.

USP: This snack combination is vegetarian and vegan-friendly. The vegetables provide a hydrating crunch factor. Hummus comes in diverse flavors to keep things interesting. And it makes for mess-free dipping while in transit.

14. Trail Mix Turbo

Trail mix allows complete customization to create a protein- and fiber-packed snack suited to your personal tastes and preferences by mixing and matching your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and whole-grain ingredients like oats or cereal.

Ingredients: Assorted nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts can be combined with seeds such as pepitas and sunflower seeds, then blended with dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots and wholesome whole grains like raw oats or shredded coconut to achieve your perfect flavor and texture medley.

Benefits: Trail mix provides lasting energy throughout road trip travels thanks to its nutritional profile rich in protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and fiber derived from nuts, seeds, fruits, and whole grains. It also offers both sweet and salty flavors in one hand-held snack.

Preparation Tips: You can purchase pre-made trail mix blends for convenience or create your own signature combinations by mixing ingredients from bulk bins at your local grocer. Portioning the mixes into single-serve bags or reusable containers makes for easy, grab-and-go snacking on the open road.

Nutrition Per Serving: Nutrition details vary based on specific ingredients used, but a typical 1/4 cup serving of trail mix averages 160-200 calories, 3-5 grams protein, 12-15 grams fat, 15-20 grams carbs, and 2-4 grams fiber.

USP: The ability to fully customize your own trail mix blend makes this snack uniquely suited to individual tastes and dietary preferences. It is also shelf-stable and non-perishable while providing concentrated nutrient density in nostalgic road trip snack.

More Snack Ideas Beyond the Top 14

While these made my highly selective top 14 list, the options don’t stop there. Here are more ideas to add variety to your adult road trip snacks:

• Smoothie pouches:  Blend up healthy smoothies at home and portion into pouches.
• Mini rice cakes:  Low-calorie crunchy crackers that come in fun flavors.
• Roasted seaweed snacks:  Salty, crispy sheets of seasoned seaweed pack nutrients.
• Roasted pumpkin seeds:  Toss these fiber & mineral-rich seeds in Cajun seasoning for a kick.

And don’t forget you can modify many of these snacks to work with dietary restrictions:

• Vegan:  Swap in plant-based protein options and avoid dairy-based items.
• Gluten-free:  Use certified gluten-free brands or make snacks from scratch.
• Nut-free:  Skip the nut butter and trail mix options and opt for seeds and chickpeas instead.

The possibilities are endless when you start with nutrition first. A survey by the National Confectioners Association found that 78% of adults enjoy customizing their snacks. So, now get creative and make those snacks yours!

Packing Your Snacks for the Ultimate Road Trip

You’ve got your snacks planned – now how do you pack and store them for maximum freshness? Use these tips:

Reusable containers: Avoid single-use plastic bags and instead portion snacks into reusable silicon bags , divider containers , or mason jars .

Get a travel cooler: Invest in a high-quality car cooler and ice packs to keep items like fresh produce crisp and cold.

Think vertical: Use vertical space in the car by hanging reusable snack bags from the headrests or handles.

Prepare ahead: Wash and slice produce, portion trail mix, make guacamole, etc. before you hit the road to save time and hassle.

Eat perishables first: Plan to eat fresh items like sliced apples and veggies within the first 1-2 days.

Stagger snacks: Only keep a few options easily accessible as you drive. Rotate other snacks in from the cooler as needed so they stay fresh.

With the right storage hacks, you can ensure your nutritious snacks make it from point A to point B – and to your stomach – in perfect shape.

Road Trip Snacking for the Win!

Snacks should never be an afterthought – especially on road trips! By fueling up with the healthiest, tastiest options, you can make your drive more enjoyable while reaching your destination feeling your best.

So embrace the freedom of the open road, cue up your favorite tunes, and let snacking adventures begin. Stop at those quirky roadside markets and farms for fresh local goodies. Pull off at a scenic overlook or historical landmark and enjoy snacks picnic-style. Swap funny stories and create lasting memories during your snack breaks.

At each pit stop, savor the flavors that helped fuel your drive so far. Then pour a fresh cup of coffee and hit the road toward adventure once more!

The kilometers will fly by when you’re powered by snacks made for the journey. Here’s to road trips done right – your way. Happy snacking, happy traveling!

Varun Kwatra

Hey you, Wowzer! I'm Varun Kwatra, a road trip enthusiast with a passion for exploring new places and immersing myself in the beauty of the open road.

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