Whether venturing further afield or staying close to home, road trip snacks are essential to staying energized on a driving adventure – especially if you know you’re going to be encountering harsh terrains and climates on your drive. Finding the right balance of carbs, fat, and protein will ensure that you arrive at your destination full of energy and ready to explore. Here are some recommendations for snacks that are tasty, healthy, and – above all – will keep you fueled while on the road.
My selection of healthy road snacks
Over several road trips, I’ve learned that it’s important to have snacks ready and available to keep everyone happy for a successful road trip. Healthy snacks will not only keep your energy up, but they can provide a tasty distraction too. My favorites include apples, bananas, popcorn, pretzels, and granola bars. A variety of nuts like peanuts, almonds, and cashews is also a hit with the family and great road trip snacks for my kids. The best part is that these snacks are easy to pack, eat, and dispose of throughout the trip.
The easiest recipe for a good homemade road trip snack
Trail mix is a great option for healthy road trip snacks, and it can be very versatile too. It’s easy to prepare and fun for kids to help make. Best of all, each person can personalize their mix depending on their individual preferences. All you need is your favorite dry cereal, pretzels, a variety of nuts, some dried fruits, and perhaps a touch of sweetness with your favorite candy (or chocolate chips). Mix it all together in a large bowl and you’re done! The result is a customizable, delicious snack that's sure to keep everyone happy and energized throughout your journey.
What makes a good road trip snack for kids?
The best road trip snack is one that is easy to pack, delicious, healthy, and mess-free. You’ll want to avoid snacks that have added sugar, as they may make your kids antsy, especially during a long drive. When I travel with my kids, I make sure to pack them some natural juice boxes, pretzels, dried fruits, assorted nuts, and the occasional bag of chips. But, bear in mind that giving them too many fluids could result in additional bathroom breaks.
The food essentials to bring with you, wherever you go
One of the most helpful items to bring on a road trip is a refillable water bottle for each member of your traveling party. You can then easily refill your water bottle at any rest or refueling stop, so no one goes thirsty. You’ll also want to bring napkins and reusable utensils, which you can store in the glove box or the storage space between the driver and passenger seat.
How to pack your road trip snacks in a smart way?
A great way to pack food for a short road trip is to use a tackle or bento box. Tackle boxes provide an easy way to pack a variety of snacks together while keeping items sorted and mess-free. For a longer road trip, I recommend bringing a clear storage bin and placing a variety of snacks in clear containers, so that everyone can easily see what options are available.
Respect the environment: handle the trash
As you drive along your route, it’s important to leave each place you visit exactly how you found it, so be sure to never litter any of your waste. I recommend having a small kitchen bag in the car dedicated to collecting any trash, along with a roll of paper towels and a pack of wet wipes to clean up any spills. Keep in mind that even things that are biodegradable, such as apple cores or banana peels, are not allowed to be tossed out the window of your car in most places.
Conclusion
Preparing for your adventure with the best road trip snacks can make a huge difference when it comes to enjoying the drive. By balancing taste, ease of storage, and health benefits, you can keep energy levels up, hunger at bay, and happy taste buds throughout your trip. For more helpful road trip tips, feel free to check out KAYAK’s car rental guide or read up on their family road trip essentials.
