road trip snacks and food

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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Road Trip Food List: Easy to Pack Meals & Snacks

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Are you looking for a road trip food list that includes the best road trip snacks and other food to bring on a road trip?

Road trips can range from being budget-friendly to out-of-this-world expensive if you do not plan ahead, especially when it comes to eating food.

The temptation to grab a snack at every gas station, as well as to eat out at restaurants or gorge on fast food, can really start to add up in terms of money and wasted time.

One way to save money and time while road tripping, however, is to bring your own food!

By making a road trip food list and packing fun road trip snacks, you’ll avoid having to stop and spend as much.

Our road trip food list includes easy road trip snacks, as well as portable breakfast, lunch, and dinner options – plus, a FREE Road Trip Food List printable to take with you to the grocery store.

The links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Road Trip Food List: Breakfast

One of our absolute best family road trip tips is to leave bright and early in the morning when starting a long road trip.

As the most important meal of the day, luckily, having breakfast on the road is the easiest meal to eat cold and on the go.

If you decide to hit the road early, or if your hotel en route doesn’t offer a free breakfast, plan ahead by bringing along these simple road trip breakfast foods.

Our tried-and-true road trip food list awaits!

Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

• Yogurt tubes and granola bars
• Muffins, donuts, and scones
• Bagels and cream cheese
• Squeezable applesauce
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Peanut butter, banana, and granola wrapped up in a tortilla
• Make-Ahead Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits

Additional planning tip: For added morning fun, use the category “breakfast foods”, “brands or cereal”, or “types of fruit” while you play a road trip word game .

Road Trip Food List: Lunch

When it comes to planning for lunch and beyond, your road trip packing list should always include a reliable portable cooler .

Whether you chill made-ahead sandwiches, salami & cheese, fruits, or veggies, there are so many awesome road trip food ideas when it comes to having lunch on the go.

What we love about these road tip lunch ideas is that they keep us out of congested cities and fast-food drive-thrus during the busy noon hour.

Road Trip Lunch Ideas

• Premade sandwiches with deli meat and cheese (make them extra fun by using shaped sandwich cutters !)
• Peanut butter sandwiches (skip the jelly to avoid sogginess)
• Pita pocket with mozzarella, tomato, basil, turkey, cheese, hummus, cucumber, and/or tuna salad
• Home-ade Lunchables with summer sausage, cheese, and crackers
• Tortilla with cream cheese, sliced olives, and pepperoni
• Veggies and single-serve packs of ranch dressing, hummus, or guacamole
• Pre-assembled Salad In A Jar

Road Trip Food List: Dinner

If there is one meal that you choose to splurge on, I recommend stopping to have dinner at a roadside restaurant or cafe.

Though this may not be your final destination, experiencing another city in this way will help you check more places off of your family travel bucket list !

If you’re not keen on stopping, however, here are the road trip foods we enjoy that are tasty and hearty enough to serve as dinner.

Road Trip Dinner Ideas

• Cold rotisserie chicken, chunked and served with a garden salad (package in a disposable salad container )
• Pre-made pasta salad, such as Pizza Pasta Salad
• StarKist ready-to-eat tuna salad in an avocado half or on a bun
• Chicken and pickled veggies in pitas
• Hummus veggie wrap

Additional planning tip: If you’re road tripping in the winter when driving conditions are much more unpredictable, packing extra road trip food is an essential component of your winter road trip packing list .

Road Trip Food List: Snacks

In my opinion, snacks   are the No. 1 way to keep everyone (including you!) happy on a family road trip.

Homemade snack mixes and individual pre-purchased snacks are also a great way to help cut costs associated with buying food on the road.

For this reason, I suggest assembling an entire tub filled with fun and appetizing snacks and surprises that you know your kids will love.

We use these  16-quart storage tubs from Sterilite  that are the perfect size, price, and durability!

Road Trip Snacks Ideas

• Chips and pretzels
• Animal crackers (Suprise them with Barnum’s Originals !)
• Filled crackers (peanut butter, cheese)
• Nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts)
• String cheese, Babybel, Laughing Cow cheese wedges
• Fresh or dried fruit
• Healthy no-bake cookies
• Candy and gummy candy

Be extra organized for your family road trip by clicking the following image to get your FREE family vacation packing list that is both customizable and printable!

Travel Snacks for Toddlers

Road tripping with toddlers presents its own set of challenges and requires additional thought when it comes to toddler-friendly road trip activities and food.

(It’s much harder to keep a close eye on them when they’re in the backseat, and you’re in the front.)

When considering toddler road trip foods, the most important thing is to avoid giving them anything to eat that could be deemed a choking hazard.

In addition, opt for healthy versus overly sweet options that may give them a tummy ache.

Our favorite healthy toddler car snacks and road trip foods include:

• Graham crackers
• Snap pea crisps
• Applesauce and/or yogurt pouches
• Cheese sticks
• Soft mini muffins
• Whole-grain crackers
• Bananas and/or this apple slices

9 Essential Tips For Traveling With Food

As seasoned travelers, we’ve assembled a list of tips for traveling with road trip foods and make-ahead hotel room meals.

• Use up your most delicate fruit first when on long-haul road trips.

In other words, start by eating bananas and berries, then move on to more sturdy produce such as apples and oranges that don’t spoil as easily.

2. Every family needs an organized packing strategy !

When it comes to road trip food, tortillas, pitas, or other sturdy flatbreads work better to bring along than do loaves of bread. They take up a lot less room and do not risk getting smashed.

3. When packing a cooler with items that need to stay chilled, be sure to lay the ice on the top, versus the bottom of the cooler.

This is because cold air sinks and will, therefore, disperse itself more evenly if laid on top of the food.

4. Aim to open the cooler only 1 or 2 times a day in order to maintain its refrigeration and keep the ice from thawing.

5. Also, make all food, including snacks, easily accessible throughout the duration of your family road trip.

This prevents someone (likely mom or dad!) from having to constantly bend over the back seat or stop to open the trunk every time hunger or boredom hits.

6. Avoid bringing anything made of glass on your road trip, including glass food containers. Glass is heavy, bulky, and very dangerous when broken within the confines of your family vehicle.

7. Assemble and bring along a road trip kit with the following road trip essentials for spills, clean-ups, and car sickness:

• Anti-bacterial wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Garbage bags
• Ziplock bags
• Napkins/paper towels
• Saltine crackers and motion sickness medicine

8. Each time you stop while on a road trip, don’t forget to pitch any garbage that has accumulated.

This prevents build-up and smelliness.

9. Head to the grocery store with our FREE printable checklist and purchase all of your road trip food in one shopping trip!

If you enjoyed reading our best Road Trip Food List , click here to check out our Related Posts:

• Top 10 Tips for Planning a Family Road Trip (And Enjoying it Too!)
• 7 Road Trip Word Games to Play in the Car With Kids
• 18 Amazing “Are We There Yet” Road Trip Activity Bags
• Top 16 Tips for Flying With Kids & Ways to Keep them Calm
• The Ultimate Guide for International Travel with Kids
• 8 (Unexpected) Benefits of Traveling With Kids

*Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find our exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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Thank you for the road trip food list and travel tips.

You’re welcome! Was there something you saw that you hadn’t thought of before? Happy travels!!

This is a great list as we also big in road trip. Snacks is so important especially to keep them from asking are we there yet. Haha… I myself like peanuts to keep me awake when it’s my turn to drive.

Thanks for reading and for sharing your favorite road trip snack!!

This is such a comprehensive list and it is so helpful as I predict a lot of us will be going on more road trips once we can. Prepping these meals will definitely save some money and help the kids feel less bored. I know that my kids are usually pleased munching stuffs during road trips. I also like that it is more likely for the road trip snack to be more healthier than what you’ll buy elsewhere.

Thank you! Yes, the health factor of pre-packing is a big one, as is the enormous cost savings 🙂

I like to have a good mix of healthy (kids like apples, those are easy to eat) and snacky/salty. I am also very particular. about road trip drinks. Big coffees, la croix, iced tea!

I like your ideas! We’d be good road trip buddies!

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25 Best Road Trip Snacks That’ll Fuel the Family

They're sweet, salty, healthy, and everything in between!

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

It's been years since the entire Drummond clan took a proper family road trip, but Ree took the kids on lots of by-car adventures when they were younger, especially as part of homeschooling lessons. Ree got the kids in the car bright and early to avoid traffic, and would always make sure to pack a Thermos of hot coffee. "Mornings are my favorite part of the day to be on the road," she says. "Most people are just waking up, the roads are significantly less populated…coffee tastes better."

No matter where you're traveling this year, these road trip snacks will fuel you and your family through even the longest drives. Have a safe trip!

Country Archer Beef and Turkey Jerky Variety Pack

Ditch the carby snacks and opt for beef or turkey jerky when you're craving some protein. This variety pack comes with six different flavors and is big enough to share!

That's it. Fruit Bars Variety Pack

For a satisfying chew without the added sugars, try fruit bars. They're healthier than candies and gummies but still bursting with fruit flavor for when you want something sweet.

Combos Pizzeria Baked Pretzel Snacks

You'll find these filled snacks in the chip aisle at most gas stations. They're low-crumb and delicious.

YumEarth Organic Gummy Bears

Who said gummy bears are just for kids? These gluten-free gummies are great for the whole family—and they taste delicious, too!

Kar's Sweet 'n Salty Trail Mix

Is the highway kind of like a trail for cars? Either way, this sweet and salty trail mix will satisfy your hunger on long trips.

Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn

For the ultimate sweet and salty snack, try this kettle corn. It's made with 100% whole grains and is gluten free and non-GMO, so it's a snack you can feel good about!

JUSTIN'S Classic Gluten-Free Almond Butter Squeeze Packs

Whether you're spreading it onto another snack like an apple (without any mess!) or enjoying it on its own, an almond butter squeeze pack is a great on-the-go snack.

CLIF BARS - Mini Energy Bar Variety Pack

These miniature energy bars are perfect for giving you a little boost when you're on the last leg of your trip. Buy this variety pack to find your favorite flavor.

Newtons Soft & Chewy Cookies Variety Pack

Satisfy your sweet tooth and skip the crumbs with a few Fig Newtons. This variety pack comes with fig and strawberry cookies.

Goldfish Crackers Big Smiles Variety Pack

Goldfish are always a crowd-pleaser. Get the variety pack so everyone in the crew can enjoy their favorite flavor!

Happy Bites 3 Flavor Covered Coffee Beans

When you need a little caffeine but can't stop for coffee, reach for these chocolate-covered coffee beans. Just be sure to keep them away from the kids. 😂

Garden Veggie Straws

The whole family can enjoy this snack, from toddlers to teens to adults. Try a fun flavor like Zesty Ranch to mix things up.

Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets

Get your greens on the go with these roasted seaweed snacks. They're kid and parent-approved!

Dried Mango Slices

Traveling with fresh fruit can be tricky—it's so frustrating to reach for a banana, only to find it smushed at the bottom of a bag. Plus, what do you do with that pesky peel when you're on the road? We recommend packing dried fruit for no-fuss snacking.

Fritos Scoops! Corn Snacks

Satisfy a salty craving with some simple corn chips. There's a reason they've stayed popular for more than 80 years. And if you're looking to dip, Scoops! will help you avoid a mess.

Honey Nut Cheerios

Cereal is delicious even without milk. Fill a baggie with your favorite kind for a great on-the-go snack.

CraveBox Care Package

If you're heading on a cross-country road trip, one or two kinds of snacks might not cut it. So buy a wide variety instead! This CraveBox comes with a mix of 45 different salty and sweet snacks.

Snyder's of Hanover Pretzels

Skip the plain salty pretzels that just leave you feeling parched. These twists are seasoned with a buttery blend of spices including onion, garlic, and pepper.

Glico Chocolate Pocky Sticks

Why choose between sweet and savory when you can have both in the form of chocolate Pocky sticks? They're easy to eat with one hand, too!

Harvest Snaps Green Pea Snack Crisps

These dried snap peas are a healthier alternative to potato chips. We promise they're just as addictive!

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101 Road Trip Food Ideas: Best Fun and Healthy Snacks You’ll Love

Posted on Published: November 18, 2020  - Last updated: June 21, 2023

Who doesn’t love a good road trip? Better question: who doesn’t love a good road trip snack? Well here’s a mega list of road trip food ideas that you’ll want to pack along.

One of the worst things that can happen on a road trip is running out of food and dealing with a hangry family member. Don’t let that happen! Keep your ride peaceful with these road trip snack ideas!

This list of road trip snacks goes beyond gas station junk food and difficult-to-eat-on-the-go meals. The best road trip foods are convenient, satisfying and healthy (but also sometimes not!)

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

On this mega list of 101 road trip food ideas, you’ll find:

Healthy road trip snacks, homemade road trip snacks.

• High energy foods on the go

Road trip snacks for kids

Vegan road trip snacks, ideas for your sweet tooth, meals for road trips, packing tips and food containers.

• Essential supplies you’ll need

Best road trip food

As someone who checks off bucket list locations and takes many road trips every year, I know my road trip food. 🙂 It’s important for food to be portable, easy to eat in the car and it needs to be able to travel well.

Some of the food ideas below you’ll want to prepare and package up at home before you hit the road. Be sure to pack a cooler to keep foods fresh as needed.

Note: stick around to the end of the list for the best packaging solutions and containers . Because it matters when packing food for a road trip!

You want something convenient and healthy, right? Well it’s just as easy to grab an apple for a long car ride as a bag of Doritos!

Now, before you head to the store to buy a bunch of fruit, make sure to think through them all. Like bananas…

Bananas are not a good option for road trips, as they get mushy. On my road trip to Moab, Utah, the bananas I packed split open and made a mess of my reusable grocery bag. So skip the bananas, okay?

Here’s the list of healthy road trip snacks

• Sugar snap peas and ranch
• Healthy granola (think savory seasoning, not sweet ingredients)
• Popcorn (my favorite budget-friendly snack using this air popper )
• Homemade trail mix
• Carrots and ranch
• Strawberries
• Sugar-free, gluten free muffins
• Veggie chips (store bought or homemade)
• Blueberries
• Basil, tomato and mozzarella salad
• Rice cakes with nut butter
• Cottage cheese and almonds
• Pita chips and hummus
• Healthy zucchini muffins
• Yogurt with mix-ins (just watch the sugar content)

Next let’s dive into the things you can make – or bake – from home. My kiddos always ask for a few of these on every road trip. Their favorite on our way to Glacier National Park was # 20 below!

• Rice crispy bars
• Or their yummy cousin, fruity pebble bars
• Other cereal bars – think Cheerios, Lucky Charms…the possibilities are endless!
• Paleo, keto and Whole 30-friendly nut bars
• Cheese quesadilla
• Pretzel hugs (just don’t pack a bunch – they’re addicting!)
• Ditch the flour with these black bean brownies
• Sweet trail mix (DIY – just throw pantry staples together!)
• ‘Cookie’ protein balls
• Almond bark with mix-ins
• Spicy roasted cashews
• Peach oatmeal muffins

High energy foods on-the-go

Sitting in the car can be B-O-R-I-N-G and an energetic snack can help to pick you up. Or if you’re driving an all-nighter like I did from Omaha, NE to Gulf Shores, AL , you’ll need some energy to get you through the long drive.

Here are some of my favorite high-energy snacks for the car:

• Greek yogurt
• Ham, chive and cream cheese pinwheels
• String cheese
• Cinnamon apple energy bites  
• Hard boiled eggs
• Energy bars ( RX bars are my favorite for road trips and hiking snacks)
• Salmon in a pouch
• Favorite energy drink (as needed) for driving over night

Let’s focus for a minute on food for little ones. While most road trip food on this list can be given to kids, there’s just some foods that are naturally designed for kids.

Pro tip: make sure to give the kids healthy road trip snacks first. It’s way harder to get them to eat an orange after having a bunch of chocolate. Don’t ask me how I know. 😉

Just a quick note: many of these food are pre-packaged which isn’t the most eco-friendly way of traveling. However if you balance it with homemade and reusable packaging when possible , it lessens the environmental impact.

Kid-friendly road trip snacks:

• On-the-go yogurt
• Homemade double chocolate zucchini muffins (my kids go crazy over these!)
• Kid-friendly trail mix
• Suckers (or any long-lasting sucking candy)
• Applesauce pouches
• Pirate’s Booty
• Fruit snacks (save money by buying them at a bulk bin grocery store)
• Pepperoni slices and cheese cubes
• Baby carrots
• Juice boxes or pouches
• Kid-friendly pinwheels
• Fun cheeses, like Baby Bell or Laughing Cow
• Raisins or cranberries
• Healthy toddler mini muffins

Also make sure out check out the 15 Things to Pack on a Road Trip with Kids

If you’re more comfortable with the vegetarian or vegan diet, here are some great options for your next road trip. Many of these will need to be prepared or portioned out ahead of time. (See recommended containers below.)

• Veggie chips (sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips, etc.)
• Bell pepper slices and hummus
• Celery and nut butter
• Pumpkin cake pops
• Cherry tomatoes with vegan ranch
• Cinnamon apple chips
• Cajun roasted chickpeas
• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Vegan lemon blueberry muffins (homemade)
• Chocolate-drizzled caramel popcorn

Okay there comes a point in the road trip where cravings take over. Some of my favorite food to take on a road trip are the special sweet treats. I just try not to pack too many!

• Yogurt dipped pretzels
• Puppy chow / muddy buddies
• Chocolate covered almonds
• Medjool dates
• Scotcharoos
• ‘Crack’ popcorn (candy covered popcorn with sprinkles)
• Homemade cookies
• Candied almonds (make them in the crock pot before you leave to save money)
• Gummy bears, or chocolate covered gummy bears
• Your favorite candy bar (mini size bags are perfect for sharing)

It’s sometimes nice to plan stops for gas or stretching around mealtime. And eating out is nice and convenient when on the road!

But it can also really add up! If you’re on a budget trip , then eating out every meal isn’t always a great option.

Pro tip: make sure to pack items that you won’t mind eating cold or room temperature. I sometimes freeze snacks and to keep them longer and prolong ice in the cooler from melting.

One strategy my family uses for road trips is to pack food for the first meal in a cooler. We’ll stick other road trip snacks in there too, and if it’s a long road trip we’ll pack multiple meals.

Anyways, back to best meals for road trips:

• Egg salad sandwich
• Cranberry almond chicken salad wrap
• Pre-portioned salads (homemade or store bought)
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
• Packaged tuna (not canned) and crackers
• Fruit salad (misc. fruit with a splash of honey and lime)
• Deli meat and cheese sandwiches
• Chips and guacamole (buy the small portion guac so it doesn’t go bad)
• Banana bread muffins for breakfast
• Gluten free strawberry oatmeal bars
• Milk, orange juice or iced coffee

More snacks to pack on-the-go

We’re almost there! Here are a few more ideas to add to your road trip food list:

• Water (of course this needs to go with!)
• Peanut butter filled pretzels
• Store-bought breakfast bars
• Mints or tic-tac’s (helps to pass the time)
• Traditional chips
• Sweet Tarts
• Hot Tamales (my husband’s favorite!)
• Yogurt covered raisins
• Dried fruit
• Jelly on rice crackers (use jelly packets for this)
• Mini cheese and cracker sandwiches
• Almond butter packets
• Sunflower seeds (what gets me through overnight driving)

So now that you have a ton of ideas, let’s move onto packaging. Breaking foods up into convenient portion sizes ahead of time saves a lot of headache – not to mention mess – in a moving vehicle.

Here are my favorite packaging solutions that are convenient, eco-friendly and ultimately will save you money.

Coolers – my family usually travels with a small, collapsible cooler in an easy-to-reach spot in the car that’s filled with drinks and snacks. Then we put meals and back-up drinks in the large cooler in the back.

Collapsible containers – great for making meals ahead of time and takes up less space in your car.

Mini containers – perfect for dips, trail mix, salad dressings and kid portions. I love these mini containers for road trips! I’ll even use them for snacks that I buy while on the road.

Reusable water bottles – my whole family has reusable bottles that we use for water on road trips. We usually put filtered water in old milk jugs (that have been cleaned) to refill water bottles throughout the trip. These water bottles are perfect for hiking or beaches, too!

Portable silverware set – perfect for meals, yogurt and to eliminate the need for plastic utensils during drive-through’s.

More supplies for your car

Alright now that you have your food list and packaging solutions, it’s time for the extra supplies that may help on the road . These are items I pack that help with snacks and meal times.

• Paper towels/napkins
• Gallons of filtered water for refills
• Wet wipes for sticky fingers
• Anti-bacterial gel
• Sharp knife for food prep (as needed)
• Plastic bag for trash

Road trip food – that’s a wrap!

Well there you have it! 101 ideas for road trip food! With a huge variety of options, you’re bound to find some you can buy or make ahead for your upcoming trip.

Hope you have a great trip, stay safe and satisfied!

Check out these fun road trip destinations you’ll love: Perfect Colorado Itinerary: 22 Road Trip Stops You Need to See 16 Midwest Road Trips: Scenic Routes You Can’t Miss Miami to Key West Road Trip: 22 Awesome Activities You Need to Do Denver to Moab: 16 Gorgeous Stops Along the Way

Find this article helpful? Save it now or share it on social media!

Wednesday 12th of May 2021

These are great ideas, thanks! We are just doing a big road trip in a few weeks, so this is perfect timing! Thanks!

Welcome, Erin! Have a great time on your road trip!!

Tuesday 11th of May 2021

Wow great ideas! Love this list and so many options!

Thanks... it was a fun one to create!

Awesome list! I definitely saved on Pinterest for later 😊

Glad you got some inspiration from this list! :)

Sunday 22nd of November 2020

Wow! This is one epic list of the best road trip snacks! Love it!

Monday 23rd of November 2020

Thanks - glad you found it helpful!

These are such wonderful and creative suggestions! :) Need to bring some peach oatmeal muffins for my next road trip :)

Oh yes Jiayi! They're so good!!

30 Healthy(ish) Road Trip Snacks To Bring on Your Next Adventure

This post may contain affiliate links.

We share our favorite road trip snacks (and which types of snacks you should definitely avoid!) 

We lived on the road for over two years, and we also run a camp cooking blog. So we feel uniquely qualified to share our thoughts on what foods make great road trip snacks. We have given this topic A LOT of thought. 

We’ve learned a lot over the thousands of miles we’ve travelled and countless hangry meltdowns we’ve had, and we’re excited to share our best road trip snack recommendations with you. 

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We feel snacks are an essential part of any long distance road trip . And we never leave home without them! 

Sometimes you need a little energy boost, sometimes you need to stabilize your blood sugar, and sometimes you need to munch on something just to stay alert and keep blood flowing to your brain.

Snacks can also dramatically improve the overall road trip experience. They turn an otherwise monotonous process into a moveable feast. 

Below we share our thoughts on what snacks you should bring on your next road trip (and which snacks you shouldn’t). 

What snacks should you bring on a road trip?

This will largely depend on your personal taste, but the general rule is that road trip food should be easy to access and easy to consume. They should keep your body fueled, your blood sugar stable, and your mind alert. Keep reading for some of our favorite suggestions!

While there are lots of foods that are great for long road trips, there are few food categories you will absolutely want to avoid. 

Here are some of the worst foods for a long road trip: 

• Food that creates lots of crumbs or waste (e.x. crackers, pistachios) 
• Powdery foods (e.x. Cheetos)  
• Greasy or oily foods (e.x. olives) 
• Foods with strong smells (e.x. some soft cheeses, bananas) 
• Foods that can spoil on a dime (e.x. avocados) 
• Food in excessive packaging

Eating While Driving 

Snacking while driving can be done safely if you have taken the time to properly set up your cab area beforehand. Food should be within easy reach and not require you to take your eyes off the road. 

When driving with another person, delegate as much as possible so you can stay focused on the road. For example, asking them to grab a snack, unwrap it (if necessary), and hand it to you.  

While eating on the road is possible, whenever possible, we highly recommend stopping at roadside rest stops. Taking a 10-15 minute break to eat, go to the bathroom, stretch, and readjust your setup is sooo worth it. 

We know the urge to press on is strong, but taking a few small breaks can improve everyone’s mood. 

The Best Road Trip Snacks 

These are some of our favorite road-tripping snacks. We’ve personally consumed every item listed below at some point or another and can attest to their roadworthiness and superior snackability. 

Greenbelly Meal Bars

Taking a page from hikers & backpackers, these Greenbelly meal bars contain 650 calories per serving, which is as much as a complete meal. While we don’t recommend skipping meals on the road, if you need to, one of these could be a good option.

Energy Bars

There are a million kinds of energy bars, so our advice is to go for variety. Just stay away from those super crumbly ones like Nature Valley. Here are some of our favorite brands: Bobo , RX Bars , GoMacro , Lara Bar , Dang , Aloha , and 88 Acres Seed Bars .

Energy Cookies 

If you prefer your energy bars in a circular form, then perhaps you would be interested in the growing energy cookie sector. (This is just a way to stand out from the 8 billion energy bar brands!) Nevertheless, we are fans of MunkPack Cookies and Lenny & Larry Cookies

Fig Newtons

Fig Newtons are by far our preferred road trip cookies. They’re soft, don’t generate crumbs, and are absolutely delicious. 

Nut Butter Packets

Yum Butter nut butter packets make them super easy to eat while on the road. Sometimes we eat it straight from the packet, but it would also be good with sliced apples or bread if you’re taking a break at a rest stop. This resealable squeeze packet means you don’t have to dirty a knife or spoon to scoop it out of a jar.

Roasted Rye Chips 

Rye chips are our go-to gas station pick up. They are fairly robust and don’t generate crumbs like other chips. When compared to the other deep-fried options in the chip aisle, this is on the healthy-ish-er* side of the spectrum. 

*Healthy, only by comparison to other very unhealthy options. 

The Good Crisp Co. 

While these potato chips violate our no-crumb rule, these Good Crisp Co. chips are just too good to leave out. These are basically a healthier version of Pringles and feature the same cylinder, which protects the crips from getting crushed. 

Chocolate Covered Espresso beans

These are a great little caffeine and sugar burst all at once. We like to reserve these guys for the end of our trip when we’re likely at our most fatigued. 

Yogurt Covered Raisins

These are a real treat and can easily be picked up at a bulk bin in most grocery stores. If you are able to keep these chilled in a cooler, we highly suggest it! 

Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels 

We love these things. We often pick them up from Trader Joe’s and Quinn’s makes a gluten-free version you can find on on Thrive Market . We find that the bags tend to split down the middle, so we like to repack these into a sealable container or a big ReZip bag . These also make great hiking snacks !

Fresh no-peel fruit 

Grapes are great for road trips because they don’t need to be peeled and don’t have cores. Apples and pears are also good options. Oranges, clementines, and tangerines will hold well in a sealed container if you peel and segment them ahead of time.

*Do not throw fruit cores (or anything else for that matter) out the window. Just because something is biodegradable doesn’t mean it will decompose sitting on the shoulder of the freeway. It just attracts wildlife, which leads to more roadkill and more accidents. 

Fresh Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are one of the healthiest road trip snack options out there. Baby carrots, sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes are all super healthy and easy to eat while driving.

Veggie Chips 

Veggie chips are another snack we often pick up at the bulk bin or from Nuts.com . These are the perfect “bored/hungry” snack and don’t need to be refrigerated.

Plantain Chips

Healthier than potato chips, less pungent than a fresh banana, plantain chips are slightly sweet, salty, and crunchy—which checks a lot of boxes!

Opt for trail mix with large pieces. You don’t want to deal with a handful of finely chopped nuts and tiny seeds. They’re just going to get all over the car. The bigger the pieces, the better. 

We prefer cashews or almonds when driving. They are big enough to easily handle and don’t need to be shucked. Peanuts are just a little too small for us and pistachios and sunflower seeds are the worst.

Cheese 

Hard cheese that doesn’t need refrigeration is a great option. We also LOVE the Trader Joe’s Baked Cheese Bites as well as Parmesan or Cheddar Whisps (the latter are a bit less sturdy though).

Jerky And Meat Bars

Unlike a lot of the carb-heavy options on the list, Jerky and meat bars have some serious sticking power. We are big fans of Epic Provisions, Wild Zora, and other meat products that don’t have a ton of additives (looking at you Slim) 

If you or your road trip buddies tend to feel a little queasy on those winding roads, ginger is a natural way to settle your stomach without causing drowsiness like over-the-counter meds can. We like to keep a bag of Gin Gins ginger chews in our snack bin for this reason.

Need help staying alert while driving? In addition to the usual caffeinated remedies, there has been a lot of scientific evidence that suggests that the act of chewing gum can help focus and alertness.

Masticating (the act of chewing) increases blood flow to your head and helps increase cognitive ability and focus. So if you often get drowsy when driving, consider picking up a pack of gum . 

Best Road Trip Drinks 

This is where having a small soft sided cooler really comes in handy. After a couple of hundred miles, a cold drink can really make a big difference to revive you. 

Sparkling water/seltzer

Take it from us, it’s really easy to get dehydrated on long drives. So be sure to drink water along the way. There’s a world of sparkling water out there, but our favorite brand is Spindrift ! 

Iced coffee

A can of iced coffee or even nitro cold brew coffee can be a great pick-me-up to carry you through that final stretch. 

Another lightly carbonated, non-alcoholic option, kombucha is another one of our favorite drinks on the road.

Best Road Trip Snacks For Kids 

If you’re road tripping with kids, having a strong snack game is an absolute must! Some enticing snacks may not prevent a meltdown entirely, but it can buy you some time. 

However, unlike snack time at home, the kids will be strapped in the backseat. So whatever snacks you choose, they’ll have to be able to deal with themselves.

Sliced vegetables 

Cut slices of bell pepper, carrot, celery, or snap peas are a great snack option for kids since they are healthy and don’t have the potential to become a mess or leave crumbs everywhere.

Fresh fruit

Likewise, fruit that has been pre-sliced makes a great snack for kids. Choose fruit that isn’t overly juicy or soft. Apples, pre-peeled oranges, and grapes (for older kids) are good places to start. 

To keep apples from browning, try soaking them in a water & lemon juice bath for a few minutes before packing them.

String cheese

Kids love these and they’re a great way to add some protein into their diet. Ideally, these should be chilled in a cooler or insulated lunch bag.

Kid-sized energy bars

If the kids see mom or dad partaking in an energy bar, you can bet they’re going to want one too! These “kid-sized” bars are a great way to include them, without having to split your own bar!  Clif Minis and Lara Bar minis are a good place to start.

Annie’s Snack Mix

You’ll probably be cleaning these out from between the car seat cushions, but this is just such a popular snack – particularly if your kids like salty & crunchy things. For toddlers, pair this type of snack with a snack-catching cup, like this one by Munchkin .

Annie’s Bunny Grahams: 

Annie’s Bunny Grahams are usually a crowd favorite! Since they are bite-sized graham crackers, there won’t as many crumbs left behind as there would with full-sized graham crackers.

Mini Peanut Butter Sandwiches

Bite-sized mini peanut butter sandwiches are perfect for little hands. They are a nice balance of carbs, protein, and fats to help satiate your backseat companions.

Organic Fruit Tape

Ok, fruit rolls might not make it to the top of every parent’s “Healthy Road Trip Snacks” list, but they are just so nostalgic for us! 

This version is organic and made from real fruit and not much else, so it’s gotta be healthier than whatever we were eating in the 90’s, right?

These can also be used (leveraged?) as a reward or perhaps as a last resort if things start to really go sideways.

Helpful Snacking Items

You don’t need much, but there are a few pieces of gear that we find to be very useful on long haul trips. 

Soft-Sided Cooler : Generally speaking, you should select road trip snacks that don’t need refrigeration. But having a way to keep some items cold can be very helpful—particularly fresh fruits & veggies. 

Mini Trash Can / Large Sealable Container : We like to keep a mini trash can or sealable container nearby to help us keep the front cab area clean and tidy. Don’t let this be you . A clean, uncluttered car can really improve your overall driving experience. 

Insulated cup with lid : An insulated cup with a lid can keep your morning coffee hot or your afternoon kombucha cold for hours. It can really extend the enjoyability range of your beverage.  It’s also reusable, so your car doesn’t fill up with paper coffee cups.  

ReZip Bags : Ditch the single-use baggie, and consider using these reusable zip bags instead. They are great for sliced fruit and veggies, bulk bin items, or pre-portion out serving for kids. 

Wet Wipes : Sticky, greasy fingers are the worst. Having some easily accessible wet wipes handy is a great idea. 

Megan & Michael are the creators of Fresh Off The Grid, a blog dedicated to helping you fuel your adventures by sharing camp cooking recipes, backpacking meals, and outdoor travel guides. Their recipes and outdoor cooking expertise have been featured in Backpacker Magazine, Outside, REI Co-Op Journal, Food & Wine, and New York Times Cooking.

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I love pistachios. I buy a big, shelled bag at Costco for road trips. And no shells!

Oh, smart! I love pistachios, too, but always find the shells to be a hassle. Good to know you can pick them up pre-shelled!

I really enjoy reading all your tips and tricks from your various trips. They are all SO helpful and well communicated. Keep ‘em coming!!

I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks, Danielle 🙂

I love you guys! Such good ideas and great information. I’ll be looking into an Oregon trip for sure!

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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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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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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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10 tips for surviving and enjoying a road trip with kids

By Tamara Tsaturyan

| Published: May 8, 2024

Planning a road trip with kids? Whether you’re cruising down Route 66 or winding through the mountains, these tips will help you not only survive but also enjoy the time spent in the car with your kids.

Any parent knows that traveling with kids comes with the potential for chaos. From lots of whining and sing-alongs to questionable tunes and backseat bickering, the thought of enduring a long road trip with kids can seem brutal. That being said, with the right preparation and a healthy dose of flexibility, road trips can also be incredible adventures that create lasting memories for the whole family. From snacks to entertainment and everything in between, this is your guide for a successful family road trip with kids.

Plan everything ahead

The planning phase is the most important part of traveling with kids. Gone are the days when you could be spontaneous with minimal prep, stopping wherever and whenever needed. Now, you need to plan what to bring, what to wear, where your stops will be and what time of the day you will start driving. Do your research and be overprepared. 

Timing is everything

When it comes to road trips with kids, timing can make or break the experience. Consider your children’s schedules and try to plan your travel around their nap times or bedtime. A sleeping child means peaceful driving for you. Early morning starts can also be beneficial. Kids are usually in a better mood after a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast .

“Every year, we do a 24-hour drive straight with our three kids to one of our favorite vacation spots. Some of my biggest tips are to leave before dusk so that they sleep a good chunk of it and to have new activities on hand. They make travel-size games of classics like Trouble, which are perfect for siblings sitting side by side.”  — Shelby, Fit As A Mama Bear

Bring personal items

This may come as new information to some, but bringing personal items such as pillows, blankets and your child’s favorite stuffy leads to better sleep in the car. If you’re traveling with a toddler , make sure to bring a travel potty in case your child needs to go when you’re passing through the middle of nowhere. 

Pack plenty of snacks

Hungry kids are not happy passengers. Pack a variety of snacks that are easy to eat in the car — think finger foods like pretzels, cheese sticks, sliced fruits and vegetables. Avoid anything too messy or sugary to prevent sticky situations. Don’t forget to have water bottles handy too. 

If your kids are picky eaters and prefer homemade food, make sure to have more filling options as well. More often than not, kids refuse to eat the food at the fast food stops, so you’ll be glad to have packed sandwiches and other hot food in a travel thermos. 

Kids get bored during road trips. Even if you give them everything, they will eventually become frustrated and start throwing tantrums. So it’s essential to stop often. Plan your stops and make them efficient. While stopping for gas, food and other necessities is important, plan a couple of stops at places where your kids can run around and burn off some energy.

“I have survived a lot of road trips with a 3-1 kid-to-parent ratio. My secrets? I plan plenty of kid-friendly stops that help them move, like a stop at a playground, a visit to a children’s museum or even a nature walk.” — Sage Scott, Everyday Wanderer

Prepare entertainment

For the times when your kids are awake, keep them busy and entertained with fun road trip games . Have some new or forgotten toys and books on rotation too. Coloring books, stickers and travel-size board games are all great options. During particularly long stretches of the trip, electronic devices can be a lifesaver. Make sure your child’s iPad is fully charged and loaded with kid-friendly content before you hit the road. 

Don’t forget the essentials  

There are a few things that are simply must-haves on a road trip with kids. You never know where you might be stuck and for how long, so always expect the unexpected and be prepared. Here are some of the essentials to have in the car: 

• Extra clothes
• First aid kit
• Charging devices
• Extra water

Create a kid-friendly playlist

Music is a great way to keep spirits high during long stretches on the road. Involve your kids in creating a playlist with their favorite tunes. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing along to “Baby Shark” or “Let It Go” more times than you can count — it’s all part of the fun.

Embrace the journey, not just the destination

Road trips are more than just getting from point A to point B. They offer a chance to bond as a family, create lasting memories and experience new things. Enjoy the scenery by discussing with your kids the fun facts about the places you pass through. If you see something interesting along the way, take a detour and explore. You might stumble upon a hidden gem or create an unexpected adventure. 

Be patient and flexible

Road trips with kids rarely go exactly according to the plan. Be ready to adjust your schedule and route if needed. Traffic jams, bad weather and meltdowns can happen. Stay calm and have a backup plan for unexpected situations. 

One last thing

A road trip with kids can be a test of patience, but with the right approach, it can also be incredibly rewarding. By planning ahead, staying flexible and focusing on making the trip enjoyable, you’ll create lasting memories that your family will treasure. So, load up the car, hit the road and enjoy the adventure together. Safe travels!

Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting , a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things parenting.

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Dips and Trips

Best Road Trip Snacks at Buc-ee’s You Have To Try

Posted: March 18, 2024 | Last updated: March 18, 2024

If Costco and Cracker Barrel had a baby on the interstate, it would be Buc-ee’s! It’s a larger than life convenience store / gas station with dozens of gas pumps, clothing, and food items.

The company started in Texas and is now slowly taking over interstate exits across the southeast. Not only is the gas reasonable and the restrooms squeaky clean, but the road trip snacks are first rate.

After multiple road trips and sampling the snacks at various locations across the Southeast, we have a pretty good feel on what the best (or most unique) snacks at Buc-ee’s are. Be sure to give these a try, and let us know what your favorite road trip snacks from Buc-ee’s are.

The wall of Icee

Towards the tea and coffee despensers and along the back wall, you will find several varieties of Icee drinks at an unbeatable price. They have the normal icee flavors like blue raspberry and cherry but the standout flavor is the elusive Dr. Pepper Icee. Don’t forget to put on the clear dome topper before filling your cup, as you don’t want to miss a drop!

The brisket and the pulled pork

The brisket and BBQ pork at Buc-ee’s is iconic and unique to this chain. You will hear the meat choppers (wearing cowboy hats, of course) yell “fresh brisket on the board” over and over as they slice and chop meat all day. You can also order brisket or BBQ by the pound.

The burritos are easy to miss since they are sometimes closer to the bakery than the hot brisket table. They are fajita style meats with peppers and onions in a generous portion size. Sometimes they also have a cheesesteak burrito in addition to beef and chicken!

Cookie Dough Bites

These balls of cookie dough bites are in a clear plastic cup and come in either confetti sugar cookie or chocolate chip varieties. They are sometimes located in the refrigerated islands or in a mini fridge near the fudge counter.

The check-out line snacks

I’m a sucker for the check-out line snacks too. They have assortments of giant rice crispy bars, chocolate beaver heads and their own line of mints (like Altoids but in a Beaver tin).

The Fried Chicken Sandwich

This is one of the best chicken sandwiches while traveling that could easily rival Chick-Fil-A. I adore the chipotle mayo and juicy fried chicken. Simple, hot and easy to grab on the run.

Chocolate Chunk Cookies

I am a self proclaimed cookie connoisseur and I really enjoyed these chocolate chunk cookies from Buc-ee’s. They are available at the bakery by the cookie or in plastic wrapped 6-packs. I hate hard cookies, so I ask the bakery staff which ones are the softest and they sometimes take them straight from the cookie sheets. They also offer white chocolate macadamia and oatmeal raisin.

Kolaches (pronounced Ko-LOTCH-shes) are pillow-soft yeast rolls filled with your choice of sausage, beans and rice, jalopenos, or cheese. They are available 24/7 and sometimes sell out. Be sure to ask for them heated in order to melt the cheese inside.

Nuts and trail mix

On another wall, you will see a variety of nuts, trail mix and sweet and salty bags of snacks. My two favorites are the deep fried cajun pecans (not too spicy but the heat builds after each bite) and the bagel seasoning cashews. If you prefer oven-roasted nuts, check near the fudge counter for warm sugared varieties wrapped in paper. If they aren’t busy, they will sometimes provide samples!

Beaver Nuggets

This snack really sets Buc-ee’s apart and I consider it to be their “signature” snack. It’s puffed corn coated in many different flavors. I think the taste is similar to Honey Smacks cereal. The original beaver nuggets are coated in a thin caramel coating. There are also other varieties like cinnamon sugar and sea salt caramel. I’m always buying extra bags of nuggets for gifts.

Ice Tea and Coffee Wall

The back wall of Buc-ee’s is devoted to drinks and there is no shortage of options. The tea and coffee dispensers are self serve with an island of sugar packets, creamer and flavor pumps nearby.

Beaver Tails

Beaver tails are fried dough in the shape of a “tail” and covered in cinnamon and sugar. You can find these in the bakery section. My mother used to call these pastries elephant ears. They are similar to a churro and melt in your mouth! Be sure to ask for them to be heated!

Healthy snacks and Keto boxes

If you are looking for healthy road trip snacks, the refrigerator “islands” contain fresh veggies and dip, cold cuts of meat, cheese cubes, hard boiled eggs and special Keto snack boxes. These are perfect for grab and go when you are on a diet.

Made to order food at the touch screen kiosk

The brisket and the BBQ sandwiches are located in the center of the store and hard to miss, but if you look carefully, you’ll see touch screens to order fresh sandwiches, wraps, french fries, grilled cheese, and chicken fingers. You will place your order on the screen and pick up at the bakery. They will also call your name when it is ready. The sandwiches can be customized unlike the pre-made sandwiches at the Brisket Bar or the refrigerated islands with plastic wrapped cold sandwiches.

Homemade Fudge and brownies

The fudge is made fresh daily and they offer a dozen different flavors. My favorite is the birthday cake or fun-fetti fudge but I’ve been known to get the sampler box so I can try them all. If you are fan of fudge brownies, they are located near the check out lines and not to be missed.

Jerky is the most plentiful item in the store. You will find not only a wall of jerky but also a pile of jerky at a counter near the bakery to order jerky by the pound. The sheer amount of dehydrated meat and endless flavors is impressive.

Club Melt Sandwich

If you love meaty sandwiches, you’ll love this hot ham, cheese, bacon and turkey sandwich slathered with chipotle mayo and a tomato pesto spread. This is available during lunch and dinner hours at the hot brisket table.

These cake balls give Starbucks a run for their money! They come in three flavors: Chocolate, Red Velvet and Italian and the bakery will package them in a sturdy box to transport.

Beaver Chips

Beaver Chips are just homemade potato chips. They are found at the meat/briskey counter during lunch and dinner times. Beware: if they have been sitting under the heat lamp for some time, they will be hard.

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Here’s Why People on TikTok Are Eating Lemons Whole

This is no ordinary citrus.

Related To:

Photo by: Tanja Ivanova/Getty Images

Tanja Ivanova/Getty Images

If you see someone on TikTok chomping on a lemon, rind and all , don’t worry — it isn’t what it looks like.

Adorable, snackable lemons are a thing now, thanks to an Italian company called Lemon Snack . It grows small, low-acidity citrus with an edible peel rich in antioxidants. Though it resembles a tiny lemon, the fruit has a less intense flavor and is intended to be eaten whole.

“Lemon Snack is a Limequat, a hybrid fruit resulting from the crossbreeding of lime and oval kumquat ,” the company tells Food Network. It has a “ more fruity and floral flavor compared to a regular lemon, which makes it also less sour. ”

While snackable lemons are perfectly fine to eat plain, some people still find them too sour. Enter TikTok’s favorite method for upgrading them: Slice them up, drizzle with honey , then sprinkle on some Tajín . You’ll get sweet, tangy and savory flavors in one perfect bite.

@lalaleluu LEMON SNACK LEMON SNACK LEMON SNACK ♬ original sound - Lala

Lemon Snack also recommends using these lemons as garnishes or in desserts , fruit salads and cocktails.

Unfortunately, Lemon Snack is not yet available in the United States, but the company is working on exporting it. Until then, if you’re in Europe, check your local Coop Sverige or Lidl. Both chains carry it, though it’s becoming increasingly popular, so snag a box if you can.

@stephaniehho lemon shnack by @Lala ♬ original sound - Stephanie Ho

If you can’t find Lemon Snack, then you can technically give the honey-chile treatment to a typical, non-snacking lemon. Just be warned: It’s not for the faint of heart.

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