Erin Elizabeth
I love going on road trips. There is something about being on the open road that gives you an intense sense of freedom and independence. In addition to the feeling of freedom, I think it is the best way to experience the country around you.
However, the most significant benefit of road trips compared to other forms of travel is the snacks!
You can bring your favorite snacks and eat them whenever you want—no more waiting in line for overpriced food at the airport.
I’ve been on many road trips and created a list of the best road trip snacks.
Road Trip Snack Ideas
Check out this list, and don’t forget to pack these tasty snacks for your next adventure!
Granola Bars
Granola bars are easy and convenient for road trips because they are packed with protein, fiber, and fats.
I like buying granola bars with whole grains and no artificial ingredients.
Like trail mix, there’s a variety of brands and flavors, so everyone can get a granola bar they prefer.
Mixed Nuts
Mixed nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats. I like to buy mixed nuts that are already roasted and seasoned.
I find that they are more flavorful and easier to eat. My favorite flavor is wasabi.
The spiciness of the wasabi is a great way to mix up your snacking.
Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is an excellent protein source and satisfies my craving for something salty.
I like to buy grass-fed beef jerky. I find that it has a better flavor and is more nutritious.
There are many popular brands to choose from if you’d like to bring this salty snack on your road trip.
Coconut Chips
I love coconut chips as a road trip snack because they are delicious and nutritious.
They are a great source of fiber and healthy fats. I like to buy them in bulk from the store, so I have plenty for my trip.
That way, there’s plenty to share when someone inevitably gets snack envy.
These also keep very well and don’t go stale easily if they’re accidentally left open during the drive.
Veggie Chips
Veggie chips are another great option for a health-conscious and delicious road trip snack.
Veggie chips are usually made from potatoes, carrots, or other vegetables and are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
I like to buy veggie chips seasoned with salt, pepper, or other spices.
You can also make your own, but let’s be real: you don’t have time to dice and bake veggies when you’re preparing for a road trip.
Peanut Butter Pretzels
Peanut butter pretzels are the perfect sweet and salty snack.
Peanut butter pretzels are made with peanut butter and pretzels and are the perfect bite-size snack.
My only complaint about peanut butter pretzels is that they are too easy to eat.
I will devour a whole box in no time, so it’s a good idea to bring more than one package on your trip.
Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber.
Chickpeas are high in iron and folate. These essential nutrients and minerals keep me aware and feeling good on long road trips.
I like to buy roasted chickpeas that are already seasoned.
My favorite flavors are sea salt, garlic, and onion. These also keep extremely well and won’t go stale if left unwrapped.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a classic road trip snack. Trail mix is usually a mixture of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate.
It is an incredible source of protein, beneficial fats, and fiber. I like to make my trail mix so I can control the ingredients.
I always include almonds, cashews, pistachios, and dark chocolate.
If you don’t want to make your own, there are plenty of brands and mix options in stores to suit your tastes.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamins and a way to avoid getting bored on a road trip and for that reason, I think they are one of the best road trip snacks & one of my favorite seeds.
I love getting a big mouthful of sunflower seeds and cracking them in my mouth.
It is a great way to entertain yourself on long stretches of highway. My favorite flavor is dill pickle.
Fruit Cups
Fruit cups are an easy and convenient way to get fruits and vegetables on a road trip.
I like buying fruit cups packed in water or 100% juice. I avoid fruit cups packed in syrup because they are high in sugar.
If this snack is in your rotation, make sure you pack extra napkins and some plastic silverware for ease of eating.
Cereal
I love to eat cereal on a road trip. It is a sweet and tasty treat, but don’t be silly and leave the milk at home.
I prefer to eat dry cereal because it doesn’t make a mess.
If I want some milk, I’ll stop and get some and eat a bowl of cereal at a gas station or a rest stop.
Check out our favorite cereal brands!
Muffins
Muffins are a great snack for road trips. They are filling and satisfying.
I like to buy muffins made with whole grains and no artificial ingredients for an added health boost and to get a break from all the other sugar-heavy road trip snacks on this list.
My favorite flavors are blueberry and banana.
Corn Chips
Corn chips are the perfect snack for road trips. They are crunchy and salty.
I like to buy corn chips made with whole grains and no artificial ingredients.
My favorite flavor is chili lime. I find the crunch addicting.
Veggie Sticks
Veggie sticks are a fresh and delicious road trip snack.
I like a variety of veggie sticks, and my favorites are carrots, peppers, and tomatoes.
They are a great way to balance all the salty snacks you are eating. I also like to bring small containers of ranch so I can dip my veggie sticks.
Cookies
Cookies are a classic road trip snack. They are sweet, crunchy, and delicious.
I like buying cookie variety packs from the grocery store before starting my road trip.
The variety pack ensures I don’t get bored of one type of cookie.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is a fun snack that can help you avoid a road trip disaster.
Nothing is worse than discovering a rotten apple that rolled under your seat weeks after a road trip.
Dried fruits help you avoid this problem. Plus, dried fruit is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Applesauce Cups
Applesauce cups are a great source of fiber and vitamins. I like buying organic applesauce cups.
I find that they have a better flavor and are more nutritious.
I think applesauce cups are underrated and deserve to be on this list of the best road trip snacks.
Fruit Snacks
Fruit snacks are an easy and convenient way to get your fruit fix on a road trip.
They remind me of road trips I went on with my family when I was a kid.
I like buying fruit snacks made with natural fruit and no artificial ingredients. My favorite flavors are strawberry and grape.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a wonderful option if you need something more filling on your road trip.
Greek yogurt is packed with protein and calcium. I like to buy plain greek yogurt and add dried fruit or some of the other salty snacks I brought.
Cookie crumbs and peanut butter pretzels are some of my favorite toppings for greek yogurt.
String Cheese
String cheese is an excellent source of protein. It is also a convenient snack because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
I like buying string cheese made with low-fat milk. I find that it is more flavorful and satisfying.
Road Trip Snacks
- Granola Bars
- Mixed Nuts
- Beef Jerky
- Coconut Chips
- Veggie Chips
- Peanut Butter Pretzels
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Trail Mix
- Sunflower Seeds
- Fruit Cups
- Dry Cereal
- Muffins
- Corn Chips
- Veggie Sticks
- Cookies
- Dried Fruit
- Applesauce Cups
- Fruit Snacks
- Greek Yogurt
- String Cheese
Final Thoughts
I hope you find these road trip snacks as delicious and enjoyable as I do. Remember to have fun and enjoy the journey. Snacking is just a part of the experience.
Try new things and find out what your best road trip snacks are.
Check out great gas station snacks you can grab along the way!
