As you prepare for an exciting road trip adventure, you better make sure you don’t forget the snacks! Let’s face it, going for a long drive just isn’t the same without delicious munchies that will keep your stomach happy and your mind focused. And when it comes to going on the ultimate road trip, it only makes sense that you pack delicious snacks worthy of being brought along. Forget the basics like chips or candy bars, we’ve got a whole list of tasty, easily portable snacks that will completely elevate your road trip experience. Here are five snack ideas that you absolutely need to have in your food stash.
1. Homemade Trail Mix
There’s nothing that says road trip like a hearty bag of homemade trail mix. Packed with so many different goodies like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, pretzels, and maybe even a dash of dark chocolate, trail mix isn’t just easily portable, it’s also super customizable.
The options are endless! If you feel like sprucing up your mix, try going tropical by adding in some dried mangoes, coconut flakes, and macadamia nuts. Feeling more traditional? Stick to the good ol’ mix of almonds, raisins, and M&Ms. With so many different ways to customize your ideal mix, you can never go wrong. Plus, with trail mix being such a great energy booster, these healthy fats, proteins, and sugars can be a real pick-me-up when you’re starting to feel tired on the road.
Image by Cianna Woods from Pixabay
2. Fresh Fruits and Veggies
It never hurts to bring along a healthy snack, and after enjoying that sweet trail mix of yours, it’s a good idea to balance it out with some natural vitamins and nutrients. While fresh fruits and veggies are often overlooked as a road trip snack, they’re perfect when you need something refreshing. From baby carrots to cucumber slices to cherry tomatoes, just pack them up with your favourite dipping sauce and you’ve got an easy snack ready to enjoy. Besides, what’s easier than cutting up some apples and oranges for a sweet and refreshing bite?
The added benefit of snacking on fruits and veggies is that these crisp, hydrating snacks will help you stay alert and refreshed while on the road.
Not to mention these are mess-free snacks where you won’t have to worry about leaving behind any crumbs!
3. Wraps and Sandwiches
Sometimes when it comes to snacking, you’re going to need a lot more than just a couple of crackers. When hunger strikes you in the middle of nowhere and the next rest stop seems a hundred miles away, keeping a substantial sandwich or wrap on board can be a real lifesaver. Because let’s be honest - it can be really hard focusing on an empty stomach!
Just make the sandwiches ahead of time and load them with filling ingredients like chicken, turkey, hummus, and veggies. Roll them up tightly (we don’t want any spills)! and pack them away in foil or reusable containers. It’s always better to be prepared so keep these on hand!
Image by Robert Owen-Wahl from Pixabay
4. Cheese and Crackers
Wanting something a bit more fancy? If you’re craving something a little more sophisticated on the road, you can always count on some delicious cheese and crackers. Charcuterie on the go anyone? Variety is key here, so bring along a variety of different cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or even some fancy brie. Pair it with whole-grain crackers for a snack that’s rich in both protein and fiber.
If you’re worried about refrigeration, don’t be! Hard cheeses and vacuum-sealed options can handle at least a few hours in a cool bag.
So go on ahead, enjoy your mini gourmet moment without any fear.
Image by Devon Breen from Pixabay
5. Popcorn
Instead of munching on oily and heavy potato chips, try switching it up and bring along a bag of popcorn. When you’re getting settled in for the long stretch and need something light and easy to munch on, popcorn is a great go-to snack. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any intriguing audiobook or podcast you’re listening to.
With its satisfying crunch and wide range of different flavours, this much healthier snack will feel so enjoyable to munch on. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even sprinkle on some nutritional yeast or cinnamon for an added touch of flavour. Just remember to keep a napkin handy so you can have clean hands afterward.
Image by Szabolcs Molnar from Pixabay
Just pack these five amazing road trip snacks and you’ll surely be living your best life on the road. Remember, keeping your stomach happy is key to feeling happy! Make sure you’ve got your cooler bag packed, all your snacks ready to go, and just go on and enjoy the ride.