There’s not a lot of time to stop and eat healthy meals while on the road. Instead, you’ll likely be snacking while in your vehicle. While this can lead to unhealthy food choices, it is possible to plan a menu of delicious, healthy road trip snacks to enjoy while driving.
Protein Picks for Healthy Road Trip Snacks
High protein snacks are satisfying, keep you alert, and ensure smooth energy levels. There are options for everyone, including meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans.
Meat (and Meatless) Jerkies
Choose “natural” meat jerkies that minimize preservatives and sugars. There are also several meatless jerkies on the market, including soy, seitan, and mushroom-based options.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Many grocery and convenience stores sell already-peeled hard-boiled eggs as quick snacks, or you can prepare the eggs at home before your trip.
Single Serve Dairy
Cottage cheese, yogurt, and string cheese are just a few ideas. Keep in mind that there are also non-dairy versions of these snacks made from plant-based sources.
Nut Butters
Cashew, peanut, and almond butter offer the one-two punch of healthy fat and protein. There are many natural, sugar-free options in single-serving pouches. Nut butter can be enjoyed on its own, or as a dip or spread for fresh and dried fruit slices, celery sticks, and whole-grain crackers.
Fruit Options for Healthy Road Trip Snacks
Do you have a sweet tooth? Opt for fresh and dried fruit snacks instead of candy bars. Fruit has nutrients, complex carbohydrates, and fiber to keep you satisfied
Whole Fruits
Apples and pears are ready to eat and don’t require peeling or preparation. Bananas are another option, with a peel that makes the fruit easy to eat and keeps your hands clean.
Frozen Fruits
Summertime road trip? Consider portioning fresh fruits, such as grapes, berries, and peach slices into separate containers and freezing them. Pack the treats into a cooler with ice and enjoy when you need a quick pick-me-up.
Dried Fruits, Jerkies, and Snacks
Dried fruit snacks are tasty, convenient, and are shelf-stable, so you don’t have to worry about them going bad. Watermelon jerky has become popular in recent years: It is sweet, chewy, and incredibly satisfying.
Vegetables for Easily Packed Healthy Road Trip Snacks
Veggies are nutritional powerhouses: Low in calories and sugar, while high in vitamins and minerals. The fiber in vegetables will also keep you feeling full.
Fresh and Dried Veggies
Get your cooler or thermal lunch box out, add some ice packs, and begin cutting up some fresh veggies. Celery and carrot sticks are standard, but you could also slice up some daikon radish and portabella mushroom caps as well. Dried vegetables are another option: Just pay attention to ingredient labels and watch out for sodium, sugar, and added fats.
Drinks to Stay Hydrated During Long Road Trips
Staying hydrated is essential while on the road: Dehydration can contribute to headaches and, and tiredness, which could interfere with safe driving.
Meal Replacement Drinks
Meal replacement drinks provide hydration along with nutrition and calories, allowing you to avoid having to stop for meals.
Juices
Cold juices are delicious and provide both energy and nutrients. Some juices do have a lot of added sugar, so watch those labels.
Flavored and Functional Waters
If hydration is your goal, still and sparkling water reign supreme. Natural flavors make water more interesting without adding calories. Functional waters may include vitamins, amino acids, caffeine, and herbal extracts for additional health benefits.
Coffee and Tea
Caffeine in moderation can keep you alert while on the road, though it is no substitute for regular breaks and healthy sleep habits. Whether hot or cold, homemade or store-bought, coffee and tea are virtually calorie-free, affordable, and easily available.
Hopefully, these healthy refreshments ideas provide inspiration for your next journey. Check out our blog for more road trip ideas!
