25 Best Road Trip Snacks to Keep You Fueled On Long Drives (2024)

Updated: By Sara

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Are you looking for the best road trip snacks that’ll tide you over for hours on end? These tasty recipes are packed with wholesome ingredients, plenty of protein, and enough fiber to keep your stomach happy on those long journeys.

25 Best Road Trip Snacks to Keep You Fueled On Long Drives (1)

Is there anything worse than opening a travel cooler and realizing that you have nothing tasty to chow down on?

Well, that’s about to be a thing of the past!

Whether you need something reliable for lunchboxes or just love having portable treats on-hand, these snacks are easy to make AND keep well!

From tasty trail mixes to mouthwatering breakfast options, let’s uncover the healthy snacks that’ll get you through the longest of car journeys!

You can thank me later.

Also, check: 25 Camping Snacks for your Next Outdoor Adventure

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25 Road Trip Snack Recipes To Power Through The Miles

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Healthy Trail Mix

This healthy trail mix is loaded with crunch and texture, making it the perfect sweet and salty snack for any road trip.

I love throwing in popcorn, almonds, chocolate, and goji berries for a hit of richness and a burst of fruity flavor!

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Granola Bars

Who doesn’t love a fudgy, chewy, and satisfying granola bar when they’re several hours into a long drive?

Not only are these easy-peasy bars made with just 9 simple ingredients, but they’re bursting with interesting flavors.

Oh, and did I mention they’re packed with protein and fiber but contain no refined sugars?

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Healthy Oatcakes

I’m always down for oatcakes, as you can eat them plain or pile them high with delicious toppings!

These dairy and gluten-free snacks are loaded with healthy ingredients like oats and extra virgin olive oil for a hit of antioxidants.

To top things off (literally!) you can pack a snack box with some fresh fruit, boiled eggs, or cheese for a multi-layered bite!

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No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

No-bake peanut balls have been all the rage for years, and these bite-sized delights have still got it going on.

They’re ready in just minutes, and I love that they’re vegan, gluten-free, and packed with plant power.

And honestly, the fact that these energy bites store beautifully and are ready in just 10 minutes makes them unbeatable!

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Healthy Rocky Road

Photo Credit: wholefoodsoulfoodkitchen.com

When it comes to healthy road trip snacks, you can’t do better than a few slabs of rocky road.

This variation on the classic recipe can be made 100% vegan, and it’s delightfully fudgy and crunchy.

The roasted hazelnuts bring tons of texture, while the candied orange peel and dark chocolate add a touch of tartness and sweetness.

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Fruit Leather

Photo Credit: thebigmansworld.com

Like old-school roll-ups, you can customize these sheets of rubbery goodness with any piece of fruit you like.

Whether you’re craving a spot of strawberry or a mouthful of apricot or mango, it’s good to know this naturally-sweetened treat contains absolutely no nasties!

Plus, you can keep your roll-ups at room temperature or freeze them for months if you’re a regular road tripper.

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Healthy Air-Popped Popcorn

This is one of my favorite road trip snacks if I’m in the mood for grazing, as you can have huge portions without racking up the calories!

You can eat it as-is (with a sprinkle of salt!) or throw in dark chocolate chips and sunflower seeds to create a makeshift trail mix.

Oh, and did I mention that this particular recipe requires absolutely no oil and is super rich in fiber?

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Healthy Blueberry Muffins

Photo Credit: www.loveandlemons.com

There’s no need for an emergency stop at the gas station with these healthy blueberry muffins.

They’re better than anything you’ll find in convenience stores as they’re super-fluffy and bursting with juicy berries!

Pack a few for a grab-and-go breakfast during early starts or pair them with a cup of coffee for a midday boost while you’re filling up the tank.

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Baked Beet Chips

Photo Credit: www.foodiecrush.com

It’s a bold claim, but these baked beet chips might be one of the best road trip snacks of all time.

They get ridiculously crispy from the oven, and they’re way lower in calories and fat than regular potato chips.

So, that means you can stuff twice as many stuffed into a portable Ziploc, right?!

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Bounty Balls

Are you the person that jumps for joy when you pull a Bounty Bar out of a selection box?

If so, you’ll love these addictive balls of goodness!

They’re perfect for prepping and packing as they require just 5 ingredients and won’t go bad if they’re kept out of the fridge.

But I’ve got to warn you – the flavorful desiccated coconut, divine dark chocolate coating, and hit of sweet maple syrup are seriously addictive.

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Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters

Photo Credit: sallysbakingaddiction.com

These dark chocolate almond clusters are the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors.

Not only are they made with just 4 ingredients (hello, easy snack prep!), but toasting the almonds makes each bite gloriously crunchy.

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Roasted Chickpeas

If you don’t feel like snacking on edamame or a few nori chips, these roasted chickpeas are a super crunchy alternative.

They’re salty and slightly spicy thanks to the smoked paprika and cumin!

As these tiny morsels are delicious at room temperature for up to 3 days, you’ll have no trouble keeping them fresh during any trip.

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Chickpea Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo Credit: www.ambitiouskitchen.com

There’s a new sheriff in town for gluten-free snackers with these chickpea flour-based chocolate chip cookies!

The chocolate balances the slight nuttiness of the flour, and you get tons of natural moisture and flavor from the coconut oil.

Throw in the molasses-like sweetness from the brown sugar, and you’ll see why these are my go-to gluten and grain-free treats!

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Fruit and Nut Chocolate Bark

Photo Credit: saltandlavender.com

If you’re driving home for the holidays, then this fruit and nut chocolate bark is a great addition to any travel food bag.

It’s packed with festive flavors and combines sweet milk chocolate with sliced almonds, chopped pecans, dried apricots, and raisins.

Talk about a texture sensation!

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Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Photo Credit: www.ambitiouskitchen.com

Do you want to know a secret?

These pocket-sized peanut butter banana muffins blow traditional, sugar-loaded options out of the water!

They combine rich natural peanut butter with ripe bananas, milk, eggs, and flour to create a light gluten-free base that’s oh-so-tasty.

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Superfood Snack Bites

Photo Credit: choosingchia.com

These superfood snack bites deserve a place on anyone’s road trip food list as they’re healthy, energizing, and super colorful!

I love that they’re gluten-free, vegan, and free of refined sugars.

And they’re compact enough that you won’t make a mess if you’re snacking in the backseat.

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Peanut Butter Cookies

Photo Credit: choosingchia.com

If you want a change from regular chocolate chip cookies, why not dig into these chewy peanut butter gems?

They’re made with just 5 basic ingredients and are ready to rumble in just 20 minutes if you need travel snacks for a last-minute vacay!

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Black Bean Brownies

You’ll usually find me curling up with black bean brownies and a cup of coffee during the cooler months.

But did you know that these super-moist and fiber-rich treats are also ideal for long road trips as they hold up well in cooler bags?

Oh, and the flax seeds and dates will give you a burst of energy if you’re behind the wheel and feeling sluggish!

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Spelt Crackers

Photo Credit: www.lazycatkitchen.com

Tasty spelt crackers that work well with virtually any topping? Where do I sign up?!

I’ve been known to go through an entire trayful of these healthy snacks in the car as they’re light and packed with flavor.

They hold up excellently in a plastic container, and you can always pack a flavored cream cheese or some healthy hummus for more oomph!

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No-Bake Granola Balls

These no-bake granola bars are an easy way to get a quick carb boost when driving long distances.

You won’t get the typical sugar rush you get from other sweet snacks as these balls are well-balanced with oats, dates, and almond butter.

And if the vitamins and minerals in these chewy treats weren’t enough to convince you, prepare to be wowed by the antioxidant-rich goji berries!

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Coconut Date Bars

Attention road trippers who are looking for snack bars that are ready in a flash – this one’s for you!

These coconut date bars are completely no-bake, which means you can involve the kiddos and have an energy-rich snack ready to go in minutes.

I can’t get over the crunch you get from the almonds, cashews, and flaxseeds.

But it’s the sweetness from the dates and almond butter that make these bars the perfect snack!

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Everything Ranch Crackers and Pretzels

Photo Credit: www.halfbakedharvest.com

Who doesn’t love pretzels and crackers?

This heavily seasoned snack mix gets its incredible flavor from herbs and spices, seeds, and smoked paprika (which is crucial!).

Your breath might put off your driving buddies, but these rich ranch bites are worth being shunned for!

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Roasted Spicy Cashews

When I'm in the mood for a hit of spice and a mouthful of crunch, I'll pack a handful of these roasted spicy cashews in my bag!

They contain an incredible balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied on extended road trips.

As they stay fresh in a Ziploc bag for up to 2 weeks, you can snack on them on the return journey too!

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Healthy Peanut Butter Jelly Muffins

Photo Credit: nourishedbynutrition.com

If you’re looking for easy road trip snacks that the whole family will appreciate, then you need to try these grab-and-go muffins.

They’re loaded with 3 grams of fiber and plenty of protein and healthy fats to keep you feeling full.

Oh, and the low sugar content will prevent young kids from getting an unpleasant sugar spike that can lead to tricky tantrums in the back!

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Polenta Fries

You might think that polenta fries need to be piping hot to be delicious.

But with a little planning, these crispy and golden fries can be paired with your favorite dips to create a creamy road trip hunger-buster!

You can store them in simple snack bags for easy access or stuff them in a cooler to enjoy at lunchtime.

ROAD TRIP SNACKS FAQ

How do I keep snacks fresh on a road trip?

So, you’re hitting the road and want your snacks to stay tasty?

Coolers or insulated bags ( I love this backpack!) are your friends for perishables like fruits or dairy goodies. For dry snacks like chips or cookies, zip them up in airtight bags or containers to keep them from going stale.

If you’re traveling in hot weather, stash your snacks somewhere they won’t bake in the sun.

How do I pack snacks for a road trip?

Packaging road trip snacks is all about making it easy on yourself.

Use a cooler for the chilly items and a separate bag or box for things that don’t need cooling. Pre-portion your snacks into single servings for an easy grab-and-go.

Also, a small garbage bag comes in handy to keep the car tidy.

What are some no-mess snacks for a road trip?

No one wants to turn their car into a snack battlefield, right?

Opt for things that won’t crumble, melt, or drip. Think trail mix, granola bars, pre-sliced fruits, veggies, cheese sticks, and sandwiches.

Pass on anything that leaves a lot of crumbs or could melt all over your seats.

What snacks will help keep me alert during a road trip?

Want to keep your energy levels up while driving?

Snacks that pack protein and complex carbs are your allies. Try almonds, apples, bananas, whole grain crackers, or cheese.

Drink plenty of water, too – staying hydrated keeps you alert. But dodge high-sugar snacks – they can lead to a quick energy burst followed by a slump.

How to choose snacks for a road trip that won’t lead to car sickness?

Stick to light, non-greasy foods that go easy on your stomach.

Dry crackers, pretzels, and rice cakes are safe bets. Spicy or fatty foods? Not so much.

Also, ginger candies or tea can help keep nausea at bay, as ginger has some pretty neat anti-nausea properties.

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25 Best Road Trip Snacks to Keep You Fueled On Long Drives (28)

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25 Best Road Trip Snacks

Are you looking for the best road trip snacks that’ll tide you over for hours on end? These tasty recipes are packed with wholesome ingredients, plenty of protein, and enough fiber to keep your stomach happy on those long journeys.

Course: Snack

Author: Sara Trezzi

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  • Select your favorite recipe from the list above.

  • Pick all the ingredients you'll need.

  • Prep the best road trip snacks in no time!

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25 Best Road Trip Snacks to Keep You Fueled On Long Drives (2024)

FAQs

What food is best for traveling long distances? ›

Pastas always store well, and premade burger patties, tacos, and fajitas are great options because they're easy to cook. We often slow-cook chicken breasts in salsa in advance of our trip so we have taco meat ready to reheat once we're on the road.

What foods do you typically pack on long road trips? ›

Our Road Trip Grocery And Food Packing List
  • Bananas.
  • Apples.
  • Grapes.
  • Avocados.
  • Old fashioned oats*
  • Peanut butter*
  • Tortillas.
  • Canned tuna*
Oct 9, 2022

What fruit is good for road trips? ›

Fresh fruit

Less messy fresh fruit is a great option to pack and go. Think blueberries, clementines, bananas, small apples, strawberries, and grapes. Many fruits don't have to be kept in a cooler and can be eaten without utensils or plates.

How do you survive a 10 hour car ride? ›

Road Trip Tips: 9 Ways to Help You Thrive While You Drive
  1. Prepare for your trip.
  2. Bring healthy snacks.
  3. Stay hydrated.
  4. Plan your route.
  5. Plan your rest stops.
  6. Keep yourself alert.
  7. Keep passengers entertained.
  8. Stick to your budget.
Feb 1, 2024

What is a cheap healthy food while traveling? ›

Pack snacks

Nuts, fruit, dried fruit, dark chocolate, hummus, rice cakes. These are all great healthy snack options that you can buy in a grocery store/market and can carry with you on your adventures. You'll thank yourself by having these on hand when the hangry-ness strikes.

What are easy snacks to take while traveling? ›

Also, dry fruits are long-lasting food options for travelling. Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a low-calorie snack that is high in fiber. Pack some in a small container for a satisfying and crunchy snack. Fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes are easy to pack and provide a natural source of energy and vitamins.

How to pack food for a road trip? ›

General Tips for Good Road Trip Foods:

Be sure to use a cooler for foods that need to be kept cool. For short trips or only a few refrigerated items, try using an insulated cooler bag or lunch box. Bring along a box of large re-sealable plastic freezer bags for ice to keep the food in the cooler cold.

What should I pack for a 20 hour road trip? ›

Don't forget any of those necessary cables; Car charger for your phone, auxiliary cable if applicable, USB cables, camera chargers, Go Pro chargers, drone chargers, etc. Bring a plastic funnel to add water or other fluids. Bring a water bucket in case you need to use a river or lake for emergency coolant.

How do I pack for a 5 day road trip? ›

For a 5 day vacation, you will want to bring 2-3 pairs of shorts or pants, 3-4 tops, a light jacket (or a heavy jacket, depending on where you are traveling), and 1 formal outfit if you are planning on attending a nice restaurant or event. If you are going to the beach, pack 2-3 swimsuits/trunks.

What should you always pack on a trip? ›

Essentials
  • Passport.
  • Boarding Passes.
  • Foreign cash.
  • Credit/ATM cards.
  • Maps/directions/itinerary.
  • Guidebook material.
  • First aid kit.
  • Travel insurance documents.

What not to eat while driving? ›

Although every meal consumed behind the wheel poses a risk, some meals cause bigger distractions than others. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, hot coffee, tacos, hamburgers, fried chicken, jelly donuts and chocolate are on the list of top ten most dangerous foods to eat while driving.

How can I eat healthy on a road trip? ›

If you're taking a road trip, Hnatiuk recommends bringing a cooler full of healthy meal options as an alternative to fast food at rest stops. “This way you can bring lunches such as sandwiches or wraps, cheese, yogurt, or fresh fruits and vegetables,” she says.

Should I eat on a road trip? ›

Maintain a regular meal schedule

Avoid the temptation to keep driving instead of stopping to eat. This may seem like a good idea, but you'll likely regret it. Try to keep your meal times as consistent as you would at home. You will enjoy your trip more if your stomach is full.

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