For many folks, road trips are associated with gas station snacks, sugar headaches, and the utter obliteration of our new year’s resolutions to eat healthier. However, that does not need to be the case.
We have compiled a list of our favorite healthy road-trip snacks that will make sure you’re feeling your best self while you make memories.
String Cheese
Packed with carbs, protein, and calcium, these should be a staple for any car ride. We personally choose the ‘light’ string cheese to avoid the additional saturated fat, but either option is fine.
Baby Carrots
Similar to checking the refrigerator due to boredom, expect the urge to munch on something during the not so exciting parts of your road trip. For this reason, you’ll thank yourself later for having a snack like carrots or celery on hand. While they have great nutritional value, you will also avoid filling up on sugar or other junk that will ruin your appetite later.
Hummus and Celery
Similar to string cheese, Hummus is another heavier snack to help you stock up on protein during your road trip. While buying larger containers will be the cheapest option, companies like Sabra sell snack-sized containers perfect for younger children (or particularly messy adults).
Pistachios
A great source of protein, unsaturated fat, and fiber, pistachios are perfect for extended road trips without a cooler of ice. When traveling with children, we recommend buying them pre-shelled to avoid finding bits of pistachio six months later.
Walnuts
Great for their own reasons, walnuts are chalked full of omega-3 fatty acids which help you feel full for a longer period of time. Try pairing these with some dried cranberries to add some additional carbs, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Trail Mix
Coming in many shapes and sizes, it would be truly unamerican to take a road trip without trail mix. Grab your favorite dried fruits, nuts, and anything your heart desires and toss it in a bag together. If your road trip takes place during the summer months, make sure to use m&m’s or another form of coated chocolate so you avoid a gallon-sized protein bar when it inevitably melts.
Peanut Butter Pretzels
We get it, eating nothing but cheese and nuts will have you feeling a little… nutty. Peanut butter pretzels are a great option to add a little bit of crunch to your snacking while getting some beneficial protein and fat. However, we recommend finding an organic or all-natural version to avoid pretzels loaded with sugar and other junk.
Dark Chocolate
A great option for when you’re wanting something sweet, dark chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants, lowers the risk of heart disease, and can even improve brain function to help you stay alert on the road.
Cereal
Great for small children, filling Ziploc bags with cheerios or another healthy cereal will get them the nutrients they need, and (hopefully) a little peace and quiet that you need.
Applesauce Cups
Another great option for kids, these are sweet enough to feel like a treat without loading them up full of sugar. Individual cups provide excellent serving sizes and avoid the mess of a larger container.