Your car is ready, your bags are packed, and your playlist is ready. All you need now are snacks. Good road trip snacks keep you fueled and alert, while bad choices leave you sluggish and ready for a nap.
Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, nutritionist and co-author of Sugar Shock, says most packaged snacks are highly processed and high in sugar, sodium, and refined grains. “Snacks like these can make you tired and distracted while driving. Instead, focus on snacks that help you maintain focus, concentration, energy, tame hunger, and nourishment. “
That said, eating what you want is fine. Road trips are fun because you can stop at a random bakery or indulge in a childhood treat.
RD, LD Melissa Macher, owner of A Grateful Meal, says road trips shouldn’t be stressful over food. On the road, you can make smart choices. “Gas stations are getting better at providing more food options. Preferably a well-known chain with more options than smaller gas stations. “
Here are ten dietitian-approved snacks, five to make at home and five to buy.
SELF-PACKING SNACKS
DIY TRAIL MIX OR ANTS ON A LOG
Trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit is a favorite of Liz Wyosnick, MS, RD, owner of Equilibriyum in Seattle. Sourdough bread with peanut butter and raisins is another crunchy, satisfying snack that combines fresh produce with protein and healthy fat.
SANDWICH FOLD-OVERS
We like to keep things simple before we go. “Bag a slice of whole-grain bread with peanut butter and take it with you,” says nutritionist Amy Goodson, MS, RD. “Kids and adults alike will enjoy this.” To avoid nut allergies, try sunbutter, which is made from sunflower seeds.
NUT & GRAPE
The brain-protective nutrients in walnuts may help improve concentration and processing speed, according to Cassetty. They straight from the bag or with a portable fruit like bananas or grapes. Grapes are high in water and will keep you hydrated on the road. This also combats fatigue. “
STRAWBERRY-WALNUT TRAIL MIX
A quick trail mix of popcorn with walnuts and freeze-dried strawberries is also recommended by Cassetty. Popcorn has carbs and fiber, walnuts have more fiber and nutrients to help you focus, and strawberries have antioxidants and natural sugar for sustained energy.
SNACK BENTO BOX
“Make some snack-size bento boxes with cheese, fruit, nuts, and veggies,” advises Goodson. “Fiber and protein help you feel full faster and longer.”
TRAVEL SNACKS
NUT AND FRUIT
“Choose something fresh and protein-rich,” advises Wyosnick. “I usually recommend nuts and fruit. Most convenience stores stock packaged nuts (avoid sugared nuts) and fresh fruit. I also remind people that a grocery store or a fresh food market is usually close by. Going to a grocery store instead of a gas station will give you many more fresh options. Minimally processed bars like RX or KIND are fine. “
SOUR DOUGH
Yogurt parfaits with fruit and granola or nuts are popular in convenience stores and coffee shops. “A great option for a sweet treat with protein and fiber.”
PEANUT PROTEIN BARS
The all-in-one protein, carbohydrate, and fat content of protein bars with nuts is typical, says Goodson. “This trio will help you feel fuller faster.”
DEHYDRATED CHEESE JERKY
“I like to pack shelf-stable snacks for longer road trips,” Macher says. „Crackers, fruit, and raw vegetables are great non-perishable items, but non-perishable protein options are rare. Jerky (beef, turkey, etc.) and dehydrated cheese are great road trip proteins. They keep well and taste great. There aren’t many dehydrated cheeses, but Moon Cheese is good. Dehydrated cheese is sometimes sold as ‘cheese crisps.’ To be considered a protein source, they must contain 6–7 grams of protein.
BOXES OF FRESH FRUIT
Snack boxes are a great alternative to fresh fruit, according to Macher. There are a wide variety of foods in these boxes that will satisfy your appetite and provide a wide variety of nutrients.
VERDICT
Snacking can be an essential part of long-distance driving. Healthy eating keeps you satiated and alert while traveling, but do you really need a roadside snack?
Sometimes, I like to question the need for snacks on a road trip, says Wyosnick. Snacks are optional and rarely required if you prepare balanced and sustaining meals for yourself. In between-meal snacks are appropriate if you are going four hours or more between meals.” By prioritizing meals and hydration, you may find that you don’t need those gas station snacks after all.