Road Trip Ready: A Guide to Travel-Friendly Snacks

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Are you planning a road trip to visit loved ones for the holidays? Taking some time off for a 

tropical escape from the winter blues? Or, if you’re like me, crossing state (…or country) borders 

to see Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour? No matter what your upcoming travel plans are, one thing is for 

sure: you’re going to need snacks! And there are some important things to consider when choosing 

what to take with you on your journey:

 

Satiety

This is the #1 factor for me when I’m thinking about choosing travel snacks. I want something 

that is going fill me up and prevent me from feeling hungry again an hour later. The trick is to 

prioritize protein and pair it with complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. These types of foods 

digest slower and will keep you feeling full between meals.

 

Perishability

Food safety is a major concern depending on how I’m traveling and for how long. Bacteria 

grows quickly between 40 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and perishable foods should 

not be left out for more than 2 hours or else the risk of contracting a food-borne illness dramatically 

increases. If you’re able to pack a cooler, great! If not, stick with non-perishable options.

 

Mess

Let’s be honest, my car is enough of a mess as it is, and no one wants to be covered in crumbs. 

The less chance of mishap that can occur, the better.

 

Need some ideas?  Here are a few of my travel-friendly staples:

 

Fruit

Fruits are great sources of complex carbohydrates and can be a sweet but healthier alternative to candy. 

They also pair well with protein sources, like cheese and yogurt. If temperature is a concern, apples, 

bananas, and clementines are great options that don’t need to be kept cold.

 

Cheese

Cheese is my favorite road trip protein. It’s high in protein, minimal mess, and certain kinds

(like Babybels and string cheese) usually come individually wrapped. However, this is one 

where perishability is something to consider!

 

Jerky

Jerky is another great source of protein, and most kinds don’t need to be refrigerated, so this is a 

great non-perishable option. This is my go-to protein source if temperature control is not an option.

 

Yogurt

Yogurt, specifically Greek yogurt, is one of my all-time favorite snacks. It’s high in protein 

and many brands make drinkable versions, which makes it a mess-free option that fits right in your 

cupholder!

 

Trail Mix

Trail mix is great because it can be personalized based on your preferences. The main components can

Include nuts for protein and healthy fats, dried fruits for complex carbohydrates, and a little candy 

for sweetness.


Safe travels and happy snacking!


-BH

 

 

Marmonier, C., Chapelot, D., & Louis-Sylvestre, J. (2000). Effects of macronutrient content and energy density of snacks consumed in a satiety state on the onset of the next meal. Appetite, 34(2), 161–168. https://doi.org/10.1006/appe.1999.0302

https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/prevention/index.html

Comments

  1. Kendra SmartnickNovember 5, 2024 at 3:39 PM

    This is a great blog post as sometimes gas stations or fast food places do not offer great options!

    ReplyDelete

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