Planning out a road trip is always fun, especially when it comes to certain destinations and stops made along the way. One of the best aspects of a road trip is figuring out where to pick up breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc. - but that doesn't account for any of the snacks passengers will require in between. It doesn't matter whether the drive is long or short; inevitably, someone is going to get a case of the stomach rumbles.
The wide world of snacks can be overwhelming, which is why we've decided to break up different types of snacks depending on what the eating habits of passengers are. There's something for everyone: sweet, salty, healthy - you name it.
Healthy & Wholesome Snacks
We get it - sometimes, road-trip snacking doesn't always mean eating the most unhealthy gas station finds a person can get their hands on. While that is part of the allure for some, for others, it's about being creative and setting up snacks that will set their bodies up for a nutrition-filled drive. The term 'healthy' doesn't always inspire the happiest of faces but it doesn't mean healthy road trip snacks need to be boring or flavorless. With a few simple (healthy) hacks, the front seat will be asking the backseat to pass up the protein and fiber-filled foods without even hesitating
Healthy Snacks
- Apple slices and peanut butter. Pro tip: squeeze lemon juice over the apple slices to keep them fresh and ward off any browning prior to the tip. Pack peanut butter and plastic knives in a separate Tupperware to prevent a mess.
- Ants on a log. This childhood favorite still rings true today and is super easy to make with celery, peanut butter, and raisins - not to mention, it's pretty low-calorie.
- Veggies and homemade ranch dressing for dipping. Making ranch from scratch provides the opportunity to add tons of fresh herbs (parsley, dill, and chives) as well as opting for a low-fat sour cream or mayo as the base. Plus, it tastes way better than the stuff in a squeeze bottle!
- Cheese and charcuterie. Surprisingly, this travels pretty well. If a cooler or ice packs aren't an option, just avoid the soft cheeses! Hard cheeses are fine to be left out for an hour or so, as well as charcuterie since it's already been dried and cured. Pro tip: pack plastic bento box-style containers with individual servings of cheeses, roll up some charcuterie (salami, prosciutto, soppressata, etc.), some crackers, and a fruit spread or two. Stack them in a cooler or bag with an ice pack, and they're good to go!
The Guilty Pleasure Snacks
Essentially, anything that can be snagged from the gas station checkout line would be considered a guilty pleasure snack. However, there are some that are better than others, especially when it comes to a long drive. The last thing anyone wants to do is fill their stomach with salty foods or crash from a sugar coma, so here's what to consider.
- Pretzels. This is a great roadside snack with plenty of options to choose from, whether it be cheddar-coated or flavored with some kind of jalapeño dust for extra flavor.
- Flavored Nuts. Blue Diamond and Planters both have mixed varieties of nuts in a multitude of flavors, and they're a great hit of protein while on the road.
- Combos, Slim Jims, locally-flavored chips, popcorn, beef jerky, dip sets. Any of this would otherwise be considered a guilty pleasure snack but while on the road, they're simply just a means to satisfy hunger.
Sweet Treats For The Road
For those with a sweet tooth, sugary snacks might be the only thing worthy of satisfying a craving on the road. The good news is that there are plenty of snacks to choose from - the bad news is that eating them all at once could lead to an early sugar-induced nap upon arrival.
- Cereal. It's easy to pack and can be thrown into a few ziplock bags for easy transportation... This is also a great way to maintain portion control.
- Pop-Tarts. Understandably not the healthiest but definitely one of the most filling while on the road, and packed with carbohydrates for some quick early-morning energy.
- Trail Mix. Not every trail mix has candy incorporated throughout but the ones that do are always the ones that taste so much better with a handful of nuts.
- Dried fruit. It's easy, delicious, and still packs a fruity punch that satisfies any sweet craving.
- Protein and Fruit Bars. They err on the side of healthy but give enough protein, sweetness, and fiber to get the day started on the road.