Whether you're driving the kids to Grandma's house, loading up the Jeep for a weekend in the woods or making your first summer trek across country, it's important to pack the right snacks.
If you plan to be on the road for more than an hour, you'll want to at least pack a few tasty treats and something good to drink while you cruise to your destination.
Like a healthy meal, planning good-for-you snacks really isn't that difficult to do. Just follow these simple tips and you'll be well-stocked for wherever the road may take you!
1. Fruits & Veggies
These are probably the easiest to pack and some of the most common snack foods you would have in your cupboards and fridge at home.
Dried fruits can be mixed in with granola for a tasty trail mix, or eaten on their own for a great kick of sugary sweetness without the crash after. Although fresh berries are delicious, they can get kind of messy if you're traveling with little ones.
If you're not a fan of fruits, but still want to get some benefits, try bottled smoothies or squeezable apple sauce.
Some tried and true travel treats:
- Baby Carrots
- Celery Sticks
- Radishes
- Bell Pepper Strips
- Clementines
- Grapes
- Snap Peas
- Dried Bananas, Apricots, Kiwis
- Raisins
Next up on the road trip menu: Protein! See our recommendations on Page 2
No matter how far away your destination might be, the first thing you need to consider is what you're going to eat. Planning road trip snacks is super easy with this simple guide.
All you have to do is keep one rule of thumb in mind: quality over quantity. Sure, it's easy to toss a bag of chips and some cans of pop into the car, but before you know it, you've got crumbs everywhere and your stomach is growling an hour later.
Try these healthy treats instead!
2. Protein & Healthy Fats
One surefire way to feel full on a road trip is to include protein in your snacking selection. Instead of packing up messy sandwiches or sticky peanut butter, try a few of these alternatives:
- Greek Yogurt
- Beef Jerky
- Almonds
- String Cheese
- Cheese Crackers
- Energy Bars
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Hummus
- Sunflower Seeds
3. Drinks
You've got to stay hydrated, especially if you're driving for long stretches without breaks. You'll want to pack extra if you're driving on a particularly hot day without A/C. It is always a good idea to keep a few litres of water in your trunk in case of emergencies.
Here are a few good alternatives to a bottle of water:
- Coconut Water
- Sugar-Free Juice Boxes
- Iced Coffee Drinks
- Carbonated Fruit Drinks
4. Sweets
No road trip is complete without something sweet! Now that you've filled up on healthy veggies and tasty proteins, why not treat yourself to a little sugary snack?
Instead of picking up a chocolate bar at the gas station, reach for one of these instead:
- Fig Bars
- Graham Cracker Snacks
- Fruit Snacks
- Dark Chocolate
- Chocolate Covered Fruits and Nuts
[h/t Wholefully / Men's Health]
