Planning a summer road trip? Then you need some perfect snacks. No matter if you are driving across the country or just to another town, car snacks are a must. They make the trip feel faster and taste better! I wanted to share a few of my favorite go-to road trip snacks that you need to pack. I promise they will make your car ride so much more enjoyable.
Beef Jerky (and Its Trendy Cousins)
Jerky is the ultimate protein-packed travel snack. It is savory, satisfying, and nicely packaged, so you can easily stash it in the glovebox. Not into beef? No worries! There are actually tons of different types of trendy jerky on the market, like turkey, chicken, salmon, mushroom, and even vegan jerky. Jerky doesn’t need refrigeration, it is pretty mess-free, and it is a great hunger-slayer for when you have miles and miles to go before your next stop.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are such a classic road trip snack. They are sweet, chewy, and crunchy. Most of them are individually packed, making them the perfect snack for a road trip. Granola bars are also super easy to eat with one hand, making them perfect for drivers. Yes, granola bars are always a must for any car ride!
Peanut Butter Packs
Portable peanut butter? Yes, please! Single-serve peanut butter or almond butter packets are essential for road trips. You can squeeze them straight from the pouch into your mouth or pair them with pretzels, apple slices, or crackers. Since it is pure peanut butter, it is protein-packed, filling, and surprisingly tidy for something that could potentially be sticky chaos. You can store them in a cooler if you like them chilled, but they are also totally fine at room temperature.
Dried Fruit
Do you want something sweet for your trip, but also want to feel semi-responsible and health-conscious? Dried fruit is the answer. Mango strips, apricots, banana chips, or chewy apple rings bring the sweet, fruity flavor you love. Dried fruit also takes up way less space than a bunch of real fruit and won’t get bruised from bouncing around in your backseat.
Chex Mix
Salty, crunchy, and dangerously addictive, Chex Mix is a road trip classic. When you grab a bag of Chex Mix, you get a variety of textures and flavors in one easy-to-share bag. You can pour it into little baggies or cups for less mess, or pass the bag around and let everyone enjoy the snack free-for-all. Create your own Chex mix for a custom snack, or purchase a bag from the store. Either way, it is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Energy Balls
Homemade or store-bought energy balls are like little bites of car ride magic. Usually made from oats, nut butter, honey, and mix-ins like chocolate chips or coconut, they are nice and compact, mess-free, and also easy to store in an airtight container. These little snack balls don’t require a cooler, but they do best when kept out of direct sunlight, unless you prefer a super soft, peanut buttery mess. Energy balls are definitely perfect for a quick boost of energy on the road without a harsh sugar crash.
Roasted Chickpeas
Crunchy, salty, and surprisingly filling, roasted chickpeas are a sneaky-good snack. They come in a variety of flavors like smoky BBQ or tangy salt & vinegar. Chickpeas pack an awesome plant-based protein punch, so you can get a little nutrition on your car ride. Best of all, they don’t need to be chilled, and they also won’t leave your hands greasy. Now that is a car ride win!
Trail Mix
Trail mix was literally made for adventuring. Whether you like your trail mix classic (nuts, raisins, chocolate) or fancy (dried pineapple, coconut flakes, espresso beans), trail mix is endlessly customizable and super satisfying. You can easily make your own or grab a store-bought mix. Portion it out into small bags for a super simple grab-and-enjoy car snack.
Egg Bites
If you have a cooler or even a lunch box with an ice pack, egg bites are a great choice for protein-rich snacks. These little rounds of eggy goodness are often loaded with cheese, veggies, or bacon and come pre-cooked and ready to eat. You can easily prepare a batch before your road trip and pack them up for a perfect breakfast on the go or a mid-morning snack. They are also way less messy compared to trying to eat a sandwich while driving.
Chips
Sometimes you need chips. From classic potato to pita to tortilla or veggie-based varieties, chips are salty, crunchy, and perfect for snacking. They are best in individual bags or portioned into containers to avoid greasy hands. Alternatively, you can buy an oversized party-sized package and portion it into smaller food containers for the road trip.
Veggie Sticks
Now, back to the healthy snacks! Grab a bag of pre-cut carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices. Store them in a cooler with a container of hummus or ranch, and you have got a crunchy, cool snack that makes you feel like a road trip master. Kids will love them, too, especially if there is a dip involved.
Fresh Fruit
Simple, healthy, and refreshing, fresh fruit always hits the spot. It is also nice and easy to pack, as most fruits can be enjoyed whole. Apples, grapes, clementines, and berries are all solid picks. Just be sure to wash them before you hit the road. Pop them in a cooler to keep them fresh and juicy, and ready to enjoy!
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