HEALTHY NON-PERISHABLE SNACKS TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR OR BRING ON YOUR ROAD TRIP
There’s nothing like the adventure of hitting the open road. But going on a road trip can work up an appetite. If eating healthy non-perishable food is important to you, stopping to grab fast food during your trip isn’t an option. So how do you feed your hunger during your travels while still sticking to a healthy diet?
When it comes to healthy road trip snacks, a little planning at your local grocery store can go a long way. By making a list of healthy non-perishable snacks and meals, you’ll find that it is easier to satisfy your hunger and cravings without giving into the temptation of junk food. We’ve created a list of road trip snack ideas and other non-perishable food items that will fuel your body for adventure.
HEALTHY ROAD TRIP SNACKS: FAST, EASY, AND NUTRITIOUS
When it comes to road trip snack ideas, not every food is created equal. When selecting travel-friendly foods, you want to aim for snacks that are high in portability and low in messiness. After all, you’ll find it’s much easier to eat crispy carrots on-the-go than it is to eat a juicy piece of watermelon.
In addition to considering the ease of eating a food on the road, you’ll also need to think about the length of your trip. Do you need food items with a long shelf life like granola bars or can you afford to bring some fresh fruits and vegetables along the way?
QUICK BITES: HEALTHY SNACKS FOR SHORT ROAD TRIPS
If you’ll be in the car for just a few hours, you won’t need to pack a full meal. But you will need some healthy snacks to munch on during your travels.
For the biggest benefit, try packing healthy, non-perishable food items that can satisfy every craving, ranging from sweet to salty. Snacks that combine dried fruit and protein-packed nuts can be an excellent option. Consider making your own trail mix by mixing a dried fruit like raisins with mixed nuts and chocolate chips. This DIY trail mix provides the perfect balance of sweet and salty as well as crunchy and chewy – while giving you the nutrients your body needs to feel full and energized.
Does trail mix sound boring? Try a fun twist on a movie theater treat. You can do so much to spice up traditional popcorn. Looking for something savory? Add fresh herbs, grated cheese, and olive oil to it. If you’re feeling a sweeter option, mix in dark chocolate chips, sea salt, and coconut flakes to create a delicious and healthy treat.
PACK A COOLER: SNACKS AND MEALS FOR LONGER TRIPS
When you’re taking a longer trip, you’ll need a bit more to eat than some trail mix, granola bars, or popcorn. Pack some protein-rich and fiber-filled snacks to fight the hunger pangs that have a long shelf life. You’ll also want to consider packing a cooler to preserve your treats during your drive.
In addition to a cooler, you may also want to utilize mason jars. For example, you can layer peanut butter at the bottom of the jar and fill it with apple slices or celery sticks. Another option is to fill your jar with hummus and veggies for some healthy eating. You can even add in some whole-grain crackers with your fruits and vegetables for a more filling snack. The mix of protein and fiber will keep you feeling full longer.
Packing a filling, satisfying meal is essential if you’re on the road for more than a couple hours. You’ll want a healthy meal to keep your energy up. Before your trip, try prepping whole grain tortilla wraps filled with sliced peppers, spinach, and hummus. Looking to give your wrap a little punch? Pack some avocado and hot sauce to add to it before you chow down. The hot sauce is low-calorie and zesty, and the avocado offers healthy fat and delicious flavor. Keep in mind you’ll have to store this tasty treat in your handy cooler.
FUEL FOR THE LONG-HAUL: SNACKS AND MEALS FOR TRUE ROAD TRIPS
Are you going on an especially long road trip? Foods that require a cooler might not be a good option for trips that last eight hours or longer. Why not bring non-perishable items that are both tasty and nutritious!
We recommend options such as kale chips and roasted chickpeas. Although kale chips are nutritious, they can also satisfy your cravings for something salty and crunchy. As for roasted chickpeas, these tasty treats are packed with protein and you can create a variety of exciting flavors depending on what you season them with. (Our favorite mix: Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder.)
Although a hummus wrap might not be a good option for a long road trip, you can still enjoy a delicious sandwich. A peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole grain bread gives you a portable and filling option to delight in during your travels.
STAYING FULL AND SATISFIED
Eating healthy on-the-go doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these tips and tricks, you can satisfy your cravings and your hunger with healthy road trip snacks.
Our Oatmeal Fruit Squeezes and Protein Cookies are perfect for road trips. Best part? All of our products are certified vegan, certified gluten free, kosher, and Non-GMO Project Verified. This means that no matter who your travel buddies are, you all can stay fueled and feeling good throughout your trip.
