Healthy Road Trip Snacks! We are officially entering the territory of things no-one talks about, although, quite honestly, I'm always talking about food and more specifically, snacks. So why no-one else talks about this is astounding to me.
Snacks. That's right snacks on snacks on snacks and healthy road trip snacks!
Snacks for a road trip are sometimes difficult, depending on the length of your road trip, but they are important and they can be delicious! No one wants to be lacking in snacks on a road trip. Who wants to be in a car full of *hangry people? Not I!
*Hangry: adjective. Someone who is irritable when they are hungry.
I found it especially hard doing a road trip with my folks back and forth to Florida because they LOVE that restaurant chain that allows you to borrow audio books. You know, the restaurant that has mashed potatoes and gravy and bread with every meal? I know, you know!
The only thing I could that order there that didn't put me in a carb coma an hour later was a plain hamburger (no bun) with steamed broccoli and string beans. Ugh.
Even when I vacation at Russ-Tee Bucket Ranch, I try to bring as many healthy snacks with me as possible so that I don't have to make constant runs to the store when I'm hungry. I like to stock up and enjoy my surroundings!
Now, I am going to make an assumption that you mostly eat healthy... No, now I know that to assume anything, makes an ass out of you and me, but you did click a link that included the word "healthy". Or maybe you don't eat healthy but you're trying to make a change!
Alrighty then, back to my assumptions! So, you make your best effort to eat healthy everyday.
If that's the case, or if you're trying to make it the case, the first big step that I recommend is that you don't rely on fast-food restaurants, or fast-food in general for your road trip snacks.
Fast food is mostly made up of carbohydrates... and not the good ones like sweet potatoes. These are the devil carbs!
According to Live Strong, "The rapid spike from eating simple carbs, particularly in excess or without other foods, can cause your blood sugar to plummet back down, leading to the groggy crashing feeling."
Even McDonald's french fries are filled with harmful chemicals and oils that can make you sick, or at least get that bloated, unhappy, "I'm NOT lovin' it" feeling.
Do you want to feel that when you're on a road trip? Surrounded by other people who feel that way? Of course not! You have no reason to feel like poop while you're stuck in a car with several other people who feel like poop for several hours.
But stay calm! If you plan your snacks for the road ahead of time then you can be healthy, sensible and you'll all feel better! A happy road trip? Yes please!
I have done a lot of road trips, long trips, short trips, in RV's, in cars...you name it! I finally associated that crashing feeling - when you're rolling down the window and singing loudly along with the radio just to stay awake - with carbs! Who knew that food affects how your body functions?!
Carbs not only make you sleepy, they can cause; bloating, irritability, diarrhea, gas, sick, hunger, depression, sweating, and weight gain!
We take so much time out of our lives to make sure our family eats healthy and gets the right amount of nutrients each day, not just so our bodies remain healthy, but because we want to feel good too!
For some reason, that notion flies out the window when we're planning vacations and road trips. How come? Is it too much work? Does it require too much planning? Or are we just so excited to go on vacation that it completely slips our mind?
I won't lie, fast food sounds easy... but packing snacks ahead of time is easy too! With just one trip to the grocery store and a little bit of prep time, you can be on the road and snacking healthily and happily!
You have your choice of protein-packed butters, fiber-chocked shakes and bars, flavor-bursting popcorn, and chip alternatives (you won't taste the difference if you're already eating healthy at home)!
If you're on a long, multi-day, road trip then you need healthy snacks that have a long, multi-day, with no refrigeration required lifespan! If your grip is a little shorter, obviously, you can wander into the more refrigerated snacks. My last road trip was during the winter, so I was a little bit braver with my road snack choices. It was cold outside, where some of my choices would have been avoided if it was 90 degrees outside.
Bars
There are tons of great bars to choose from, and some that aren't so great when it comes to feeling full and energized.
1. RSP Whole Bar
RSP Whole Bar's contain 3 more grams of protein than an egg, 10 grams of fiber and 7 grams of fat (the healthy one) and 2 grams of sugar. It tastes good, will make you feel full and will give you plenty of protein and energy without the sugar intake of some other popular bars. *Ketogenic Friendly
2. Kind Bar Minis
Kind is one of my personal favorites. They're chocolate, delicious and full of nuts and dried fruit. The first ingredient listed is nuts instead of sugar! Which is something you have to be aware of when you're eating bars. They're non-perishable, rugged, and you'll feel fulfilled after eating just one! *Gluten-free *contains honey
3. Health Warrior Chia Bar, Banana Nut
This bar is gluten, dairy and GMO-Free and it carries a whopping 100 calories! Being chock full of chia seeds, this delicious bar is packed with protein and the all-heavenly omega-3's! They have mouth watering flavors such as peanut butter chocolate (a classic), açai, and apple cinnamon. *Gluten-free *Kosher Certified *Vegan
Butters
I don't know about you but sticking a spoon into a jar of almond butter, or if you want to go for the sugar then speculoos cookie butter, is one of the best go to snacks. But speculoos is for when you're at home watching movies... these butters are for road trips! Plus they make nifty little to-go packs that fit into a backpack or purse easily!
4. Artisana Organics Non-GMO Raw Almond Butter
This almond butter doesn't have any added oils or salts and is full of healthy fats, protein and vitamin E. You can smoosh it onto a banana, apple, or pear or just smoosh it straight into your mouth! Either way it's quick, clean and easy to pack. Even for those kids in the back seat! Yes, they could still smoosh it onto their hand and smear it all over your car but at least it's not out in the open, covered in dog hair when you drop it... plus making messes is why we have kids... isn't it? *Kosher Certified *Vegan *Gluten-free *Peanut-free
5. Wild Friends Collagen Nut Butter
This nut butter is an excellent source of healthy fat which helps you feel full! It's delicious with fruit, which will easily up your fiber intake. Good fats help you absorb vitamins A, D, E and K so it's needed to get the full benefits of the other food you're eating.
*Kosher Certified *Gluten-free *Palm Oil Free
6. Justin's Squeeze Pack, Classic Peanut Butter
Just like the butters above, this one is a great choice if almond butter isn't your first choice (because it isn't mine)! I love a good spoonful of peanut butter and this makes it clean and easy, (Although, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches are always good on a road trip as well).
You can always throw it on some fruit or just eat it plain! Peanut butter is packed with protein, fiber and Justin's are all natural ingredients. They also have almond butter, hazelnut butter, or any of the above with honey or maple syrup.
*Gluten-free *Kosher Certified *Some Flavors ar
Trail Mix and Nuts
I love nuts. I almost always have a bag of nuts or trail mix on my person because they come in bigger bags, are filling and full of protein. They're great for hikes and being out in the sun, or working on anything strenuous, or being stuck in a car/RV for several hours at a time.
7. Gourmet Nut Power Up Protein Packed Trail Mix
Cashews, pumpkin seeds, almonds, dried cherries, and raisins are all of the ingredients you need for this delicious trail mix. It's packed full of protein, antioxidants and Mega Omega-3's which will curb your appetite with only a few handfuls. What's better than that? It will last you a long time, even if you have a larger group since you don't need to eat as much to stay full and happy--plus it tastes delicious!
*Vegan *Gluten-free
8. Sahale Snacks Classic Fruit and Nut Trail Mix
This trail mix is a perfect mix of protein, fiber and healthy fats. It has minimal sugar and additives and it comes in individual packs so you can just grab one and toss 'em around to everyone without worrying if everyone is getting a full serving. They're filling, easy to stuff in a tiny backpack pocket (whether the backpack is tiny or the pocket is tiny...or both), and they're easy to grab and go!
*Gluten-free *Some Products are Vegan
9. Sahale Pomegranate Vanilla Flavored Cashews
I know, I know. We've covered all of the nuts... granola bars with nuts, nut butters, and now literal nuts but this is the last one! And I'm adding it to the list simply because it's delicious. Sahale Snacks come in individual packs so you don't go overboard and their Pomegranate Vanilla Cashews are a great source of magnesium, calcium and biotin. You can't go wrong!
*Some Products are Vegan *Gluten-free
Enough of the Nuts... Bring on the Chips!
Now, by chips...I don't mean Lays potato chips or Cheetos...as delicious as Cheetos are. We're talking healthy chips! If you've been eating healthy at home, then you won't tell the difference. But if you've been eating nothing but Lays and Cheetos for years then yes, you will taste the difference but you won't feel awful after eating them!
10. Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs
These are one of my favorites, I eat them at home, bring them to work or wherever I need to go. They sell larger bags or small individual packs to control your munching.
It is a bean-based snack and it's a chip that gives you energy instead of sucking you dry!
Chickpeas contain protein, and fiber and Hippeas are dairy and gluten-free! They have White Cheddar, Sriracha, BBQ, and Nacho flavors.
*Vegan *Gluten-free *Peanut-free *Soy-free *Tree Nut-free
11. Bare Baked Fruit and Veggie Chips
These help satisfy that crunchy snack you're looking for without all of the nonsense. They believe that the less added ingredients then the more flavor you actually get.
There are Cinnamon Banana chips, Toasted Coconut, and Apple chips... or you can get their Baked Crunchy Veggie Chips! All of which provide fiber, vitamins and minerals. Plus, the bags are resealable and if you're anything like me then you'll fall for anything in a resealable bag.
*Gluten-free *Dairy-free *Nut-free except for coconut
12. The Good Bean Organic Chickpeas
These chickpeas boost as much protein as almonds and as much fiber as 2, that's right 2, cups of broccoli. They're crunchy, savory and delicious on top of being extremely healthy (and inexpensive)!
*Vegan *Gluten-free *Nut-free *Soy-free
13. Sprout Organic Quinoa Puffs
These puffs are made of whole veggies and grains, are lightweight and easy to pack. They don't have any added sugars or preservatives and they are made with whole fruit and veggies! They also provide 10% of the recommended daily dose of calcium which makes them a great snack for kids!
*Gluten-free *Vegan
14. Biena Chickpea Snacks, Rockin' Ranch
Chickpeas are packed with vitamin B6 which helps your brain produce serotonin and dopamine. So this is a great snack for when those anxious kids start to get on your nerves! We're all anxious. Eat some chickpeas! They're full of fiber and flavor and are great for cramped car rides.
*Gluten-free *Vegan
15. Seapoint Farm’s Dry Roasted Edamame
Since I've listed eighty-thousand nuts and now eighty-thousand chickpea snacks here's a new one for you! These dry roasted Edamame snacks are easy, full of protein and delicious to eat! Edamame is also an excellent source of iron and calcium. You can't beat it.
*Vegan *Gluten-free
16. Harvest Snaps Green Pea Snack Crisps
Another non-chickpea/nut related snack is these delicious green pea snack crisps! They're full of flavor, fiber and a serving of vegetables! They come in a resealable pack and they travel well--a huge plus for road trips. My favorite are the wasabi ranch, but they also have Caesar, tomato basil, habanero, black pepper, white cheddar and a few others.
*Gluten-free
17. Whisps Cheddar Bacon BBQ Cheese Crisps
If you're looking for that cheesy fix but it's summertime and you don't want that cheese to go bad or melt in the car then these are a great alternative! They are jam packed full of flavor, are protein rich and full of 100% natural cheese! Throw them on a salad or in a sandwich or just eat them by the handful.
*Gluten-free
18. Bada Bean Bada Boom Crunchy Broad Beans Sea Salt
Broad beans are another veggie snack that is packed with protein which will leave you feeling full and satisfied on a long day in the car. They come in 100-calorie packs and they have a variety of different flavors from Sweet Cinnamon to Spicy Wasabi.
MMMM... Popcorn!
You don't need a microwave to enjoy a good bag of popcorn...and here's where I'll tell you how! Because we all know, unless you have a fancy RV then there is no microwave available to you and you have to make the best of it. Although in all honesty, I haven't eaten microwave popcorn in years but I sure have eaten popcorn!
19. Angies BOOMCHIKAPOP Popcorn
If you are craving salt, like I always am, then here is your low-calorie, high fiber solution! It can last in the car, since it doesn't need to be kept cold or warm, and Angies is gluten-free which is always a plus! It's simple and delicious and you can all enjoy indulging on this healthy snack while you're on the road.
*Gluten-free
20. SkinnyPop Popcorn Original
Another great popcorn brand, sans microwave, is SkinnyPop. It's low-calorie and high in fiber without the chemicals that most microwave popcorn has. They have a handful of great flavors and they're all delicious and worth a try! Time to have the family vote so no ones fighting or whining in the car about getting the wrong flavor!
*Vegan *Gluten-free *Peanut-free *Tree Nut-free
21. LesserEvil Organic Popcorn
Another great snack choice for those people who want to eat less calories and gain healthy fats and fiber is LesserEvil's Organic Popcorn! All of the gains! LesserEvil has individual sized bags and big bags so you can all dive in and fight over the handfuls as a family or just keep to yourselves and enjoy your popcorn at your own pace. It's your choice.
*Gluten-free *Kosher Certified *Vegan
Now, I want to stray from the "too obvious" choices for fruits and veggies. But before I do, let me remind you that most fruit will last without refrigeration for a short road-trip plus, it comes with its own edible packaging!
Let's start with grapes. Grapes are a great choice for a road trip because they're thirst quenching and filling (and they don't make you have to pee!) as are cucumber and carrots with hummus or ranch dressing. But as I said, those seem obvious to me. So here are some great... less obvious fruit and veggie choices for the road!
22. Joolies Organic Medjool Dates
Dates carry a lot of antioxidants and fiber and more potassium than a banana! They are easy to travel with and make great savory and sweet snacks. One of my favorites from childhood is dates stuffed with peanut butter (okay we rolled them in sugar but we're sticking with healthy snacks here, remember?!), or dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in prosciutto. Delicious... but not for a road trip. It's messy and you need a fridge. I digress... wrap them in a coconut wrap with some nut butter, throw them in a smoothie for your breakfast, or just eat them plain! Dates are a delicious fruit that is filling and extremely healthy.
23. Oloves Olives, Lemon and Rosemary
If you're anything like me...you love olives. I could sit with a fork and eat a jar of olives... I could do the same with pickles. These are a great heart-healthy snack that you can munch on for a change of pace. You can only eat so many nuts and chips guys! They'll compete with your hunger and they have delicious flavors like Lemon & Rosemary, and Chili & Garlic. Yum!
*Gluten-free *Vegan
24. Pure Organic Wildberry AppleFruit and Veggie Strips
Like a fruit roll-up, but not all sugar and nastiness. It has 2/3 servings of veggies in each bar! It's the health version of that childhood favorite and is a delicious "candy" without the cavities! Plus, since it comes in a bar it will have a longer "car-life" then whole fruits.
*Vegan *Gluten-free *Soy-free *Nut-free
25. gimMe Organic Wasabi Roasted Seaweed Snacks
I don't know if you're onto the roasted seaweed snack fad that's going on but it's one of my favorite things. Seaweed is full of vitamins, protein, iron, vitamin C and magnesium. Plus, these are wasabi flavored so they have a fun little kick of flavor! Just bring your toothbrush because it will get stuck in your teeth... and on your lips... and all over the place. But they are well worth it because they are delicious and you can eat the whole bag without feeling an ounce of shame!
*Gluten-free *Vegan *Whole30 *Superfood
Hummuna, Hummuna, Hummuna, HUMMUS.
26. EOS Classic Hummus All-Natural Chickpeas Tahini Dip
I love hummus. I could eat it on...pretty much anything. Sandwich, toast, carrots, tortilla chips, crackers, cucumbers, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower... I could carry on all day. These are great little packs for the road! They jam 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber into these little packs. Bring along any of the aforementioned snacks to dip into it and you're good to go!
*Vegan *Gluten-free *Kosher Certified
27. Veggicopia Original Hummus
Filled to the brim with all of the health benefits of chickpeas these are easy to pack and eat on the go! They have roasted red pepper, edamame hummus, original and even a black bean dip! Just chuck these in with the rest of your snacks and you're on your way to a happy, healthy road trip!
*Gluten-free *Vegan *Kosher Certified
Enough Veggies...Here There be Carnivores!
28. Epic Provisions All-Natural Meat Bar
These bars hold a fabulous 11 grams of protein that will keep you feeling full and happy. There is no refrigeration required so these are great to throw into the car so that you're ready and full of energy when you reach your next adventure. This Beef Apple Bacon meat bar is delicious and fulfilling!
*Gluten-free *Grass fed
29. Turkey Perky Jerky
This jerky is a great staple for long car rides. It's low in sugar, high in protein and the chewiness is a great way to ward off any hunger pangs that come looking for you. This pair is much more low in sodium than some other jerky brands, is gluten-free and they have turkey! Which is a much lighter, and healthier meat than beef or pork. It's packed with protein and flavor!
*Gluten-free
30. Country Archer Beef Stick
Country Archer has a high protein content and clean ingredients. It's grass-fed beef, carries no sugar, MSG's or nitrates. It's one of the most fulfilling beef jerky out there and is great to satiate yourself with on long road trips!
*Gluten-free *Paleo Certified *Keto Certified
31. Epic Bar, Chicken Sesame-BBQ
Another great choice by Epic Bar is the Chicken Sesame-BBQ bar. It's full of protein, spices, and flavor and not full of hormones and chemicals. They have a range of flavors from turkey almond cranberry to chicken sriracha, smoked maple bacon and my personal favorite: chicken sesame-BBQ.
*Paleo *Gluten-Free
Bring on the Dessert Menu!
Now, I know these aren't taking place of your meals, but maybe you stopped somewhere for a picnic and now you're craving dessert. You could head to McDonald's for an ice cream cone but what is even in those? Plus... their machine is always broken. Here are some healthy dessert snacks that are satisfying like dessert, without the guilt!
32. barkTHINS Dark Chocolate Almond with Sea Salt
You've eaten all of the nuts, butters and salts you can and now you're sweet tooth is making its appearance. But don't ruin this healthy streak now! With barkTHINS, you’re only consuming 7 ingredients. Each serving is stuffed with healthy fats from the cocoa butter and almonds.
These bites are the perfect balance of bitter dark chocolate that still leave room for a dose of energizing sweetness. They do require some self-control though because if you eat the whole bag then you just might hit a sugar high!
*Non-GMO *Contains Soy *Contains Tree Nuts *May Contain Eggs, Milk, Peanuts and Wheat.
33. Zollipops
If you're anything like my husband then you hate chocolate (don't worry, more for me!). But just because he doesn't like chocolate doesn't mean he doesn't have a sweet tooth. In all honesty, his is bigger than mine! This is a healthier lollipop alternative that is surgar- free and full of antioxidants. They also have taffy if you want something more chewy for dessert!
*Gluten-free *Vegan *Kosher Certified
Last but Not Least, Stay Hydrated!
Now, I'm all about water. Water, water, water. Sparkling water, flat water, whatever! On road trips I try to stay away from coffee and tea (because it makes you have to pee!) and I try to stick with water! I mean... that makes you pee too but it's okay. But here are some other good drinks for the road that are filling and full of nutrition!
34. Sneakz Organic Veggie Nutrition Milkshake
Sneakz is a great organic milkshake that is a much healthier swap for traditional chocolate or strawberry milk. It has similar nutrient and sugar content to regular milk but Sneakz has packed it with plant-based proteins! So you're drinking chocolate milk but you're getting a half serving of daily vegetables! They also load in zinc, selenium, iodine, magnesium and vitamins A, B1, B6 and B12!
*Certified Organic
35. Medlie Organic Kale Avocado Veggie Drink
One of the hardest things to get on the road is your daily dose of green veggies. Yes, you can eat a salad if you want but fresh greens don't last in the car as well as we want them too! Plus, it's a little tricky to eat! This smoothie contains organic vegetables, carbs, fats and proteins that will fill you up between stops and give you a nice fat serving of veggies! The avocado is great for staving off the high insulin spike.
*Whole30 Approved *Keto Friendly
You've Reached Your Destination!
Now that you've made the trip to your vacation destination (I hope that's North Conway, NH and Russ-Tee Bucket Ranch!), had a fulfilling trip with less stops, less bloated, hangry feelings and more happy memories you've finally reached your vacation spot!
Time to get out, enjoy and not feel guilty that you've indulged on your way there. You've been in control and healthy for the whole road trip so don't let it get away from you now!
Make your trip out to Russ-Tee Bucket Ranch, the best North Conway cabin rental, and we'll meet up and swap recipes and tips for snacks on the road!
Happy Trails!
Teena
603-662-5391