21 Best Road Trip Snacks (2024)

From granola bars and cookies to chips of all kinds, here are some of the best road trip snacks to take with you on your next road trip.

Road trips aren’t complete without snacks. Be sure you’ve packed enough nourishment for the long drive!

21 Best Road Trip Snacks (1)

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Whether you’re in the mood to indulge or want something clean to nibble on, I have you covered.

This last has everything from healthy roasted chickpeas to sinful caramel corn.

Fill up the tank and get your itineraries ready. This list will take care of the snacks.

21 Healthy Snacks for Your Next Road Trip

1. Trail Mix

Let’s start things off with a snack that’s loved both by kids and adults. This trail mix isn’t just about nuts and dried fruit.

Also loaded with pretzels, Cheerios, mini-marshmallows, and M&M’s, it gets a 12/10 for color, flavor, and texture.

It’s so good, it’s almost impossible to stop snacking on it.

So instead of packing it in one big bag, I suggest you place it in smaller bags so everyone gets their own.

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2. Puppy Chow

Puppy chow, also called muddy buddies, doggy bag, and reindeer chow is a snack made of rice cereal squats (such as Chex) coated in peanut butter and chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar for good measure.

While its sounds like something a dog would it, it is nothing of the sort.

In fact, no matter how your pup begs for it, you mustn’t give in. Remember, it contains chocolate.

3. Beer Nuts

Personally, I don’t find peanuts a fun and exciting snack. Beer nuts, however, is an entirely different story. These nuts I can eat all day!

co*cktail peanuts are cooked in sugar syrup. Once it sets, the sugar crystallizes, forming a sweet and crunchy coating covering the nuts.

Finishing it off is a sprinkling of sea salt, adding a nice salty contrast to the sweet sugar coating.

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4. Popcorn

If you’re a sucker for caramel corn, you’ll love this recipe.

If you think there’s no way to make your very own without making a huge mess, think again.

This recipe for caramel popcorn takes place in the microwave. This is not a drill, people!

Yes, you can achieve that sweet, crunchy, beautiful golden brown caramel popcorn by only using this nifty kitchen appliance.

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5. Texas Trash

The name may be disgusting, but Texas Trash is a treasure.

It’s a sweet, salty, and savory mix of Cheerios, pretzel crisps, peanuts, and a variety of Chex cereals.

It doesn’t end there, though. The medley of crunchy munchies is coated in a garlic-y, buttery, and umami-rich sauce to tie all the flavors together.

Finally, they’re popped in the oven to give them that extra crunch.

6. Granola Bars

Granola bars are awesome at keeping you energized throughout the day. The only thing is, they cost a lot.

Don’t spend all your money on granola bars. Save it for pocket money and souvenirs. With this easy, budget-friendly recipe, your problem is solved.

A mix of almonds, oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and dates, these homemade granola bars are just as delicious, if not more, than any you can find in stores.

The best part? You’ll get to enjoy as many granola bars as you can at a fraction of the cost.

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7. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing adds more joy to a road trip than chocolate chip cookies do. These classic treats are iconic for a reason – they’re seriously delicious.

These aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies, though.

This recipe is a copycat of the famous Doubletree cookies – gigantic cookies that are outrageously buttery and chewy.

They’re not just packed with chocolate chips, but walnuts as well – a wonderful combination of gooey and crunchy.

8. Fire Crackers

Let’s be honest – saltines are no fun. If there’s any way to put a damper on your road trip, it’ll probably be saltine crackers.

That’s not to say you can’t turn the boring crackers into something exciting, though.

This recipe for fire crackers will revamp those squares from bland to banging.

Saltin crackers are drizzled with spiced melted butter and baked until golden. The difference it makes is simply astonishing.

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9. Apple Chips

Excursions with friends and family are generally fun, but the long drive can get boring.

What better way is there to pass the time than with a bag of chips?

Sure, potato chips are king, but if you’re looking for a cleaner option, these apple chips have you covered.

They’re just as crispy and crunchy as potato chips, but they won’t make you feel guilty.

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10. Fantasy Fudge

These fantasy fudge squares are truly a dream come true.

They’re chewy, ooey-gooey, and oh so chocolatey. They’re loaded with walnuts, too, giving you a crunchy surprise in every bite.

Here’s a bonus: fudge is so easy to make. It’s impossible to fudge up!

The hardest part is waiting for it to set. It takes 4 hours, but the wait is worth it.

11. Bagel Chips

Got some stale, leftover bagels? Put it to good use and turn it into bagel chips. You’ll be snacking on these crispy-crunchy delights all day and night!

It couldn’t be easier to make. You can use seasoned bagels for a flavorful snack, or use unseasoned and flavor them yourself.

You can make them smokey and savory with BBQ seasoning, or sweet and spicy with cinnamon sugar. Either way, these chips will be a road trip hit.

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12. Apple Fritters

Got a hankering for fall flavors? Scratch that itch with these glorious apple fritters.

Pillowy cakes are bursting with sweet apple chunks and bathed in a sweet cinnamon-sugar glaze.

These fritters are extra special, too, because, for this recipe, we’re using donut batter.

That’s why they’re so plump and pillowy. Move over, Krispy Kreme!

13. Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas aren’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to road trip snacks.

But trust me, you’ll definitely want to take this treat with you wherever you go.

Canned chickpeas are soft, sometimes mushy. But when you pop them in the oven, a magical transformation occurs.

They become wonderfully crispy and addictive. Seasoned with a slew of herbs and spices, they’re so tasty they’ll blow your taste buds away.

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14. Banana Muffins

Muffins are always a good idea for road trips. These grab-and-go snacks aren’t only mess-free, but insanely delicious as well.

These banana muffins are dense and moist at the same time.

Flavored with sweet, overripe bananas, their delicious banana flavor can’t be denied.

The recipe calls for Bisquick for the batter, so you know it’s an easy one.

15. Peanut Butter Pretzels

Pretzels are already a fun snack, but you can always take it up a notch.

Coat those crunchy treats with a mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, and they become a thousand times better.

Drizzled with even more melted chocolate garnish, these pretzels are as tasty as they are pretty.

16. Coconut Chips

I love all things coconut. Whether it’s in cake or cookie form, I’ll eat it all. So when I saw this recipe for coconut chips, I just had to give it a try.

These coconut chips are mind-blowingly amazing! They’re sweet, nutty, and unbelievably crunchy.

They’re sprinkled with a bit of salt, so they also have that sweet and salty contrast going on.

Best of all, these chips are healthy.

17. Baked Veggie Chips

Just because you have diet restrictions doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an addictive snack.

These veggie chips are oil-free, vegan, gluten-free, and definitely guilt-free.

Most importantly, they’re delicious. With this recipe, you get a mixed bag of crispy beetroot, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and rutabaga.

How fun is that? The colors alone will make your mouth water.

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18. Blueberry Muffins

Need some last-minute road trip snacks? These blueberry muffins are here to save the day.

They’re soft, moist, and bursting with fresh blueberries. Also, they’ll only take you 15 minutes to make – and that’s not a typo!

Thanks to Bisquick, these muffins come together in no time, without sacrificing flavor.

19. Green Bean Chips

If you have a dehydrator, I know exactly what you should make.

These green bean chips are a billion times tastier and healthier than store-bought veggie sticks, and they’ll cost you a lot less.

Flavored with just a bit of salt and nutritional yeast and dehydrated overnight, these green bean chips are surprisingly crispy and delicious.

Believe me, even the kids will love them.

20. Chocolate Covered Almonds

Almonds and chocolates are great. Put them together and you’ll get a snack that’s even better.

I can never say no to chocolate-covered almonds.

They have the perfect combination of smooth and crunchy, sweet and nutty. They’re absolutely addictive.

Instead of buying them, I prefer making them myself. It’s more affordable and tastes just as good, if not better.

If you want to stay within budget, this recipe is a must-try.

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21. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

How about some thirst quencher? If you’re looking for a sweet, hearty, and refreshing drink to bring on your next road trip, this smoothie perfectly fits the bill.

Bananas and peanut butter are an age-old combination that never disappoints.

Turn them into a smoothie, and you’ll have an outrageously tasty refreshment that’ll keep you full throughout the long drive.

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21 Best Road Trip Snacks For Long Car Rides

These road trip snacks are a must for your next car trip! From roasted chickpeas to caramel corn to trail mix, don’t hit the road before packing these tasty snacks.

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  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a road trip snack in 30 minutes or less!
21 Best Road Trip Snacks (13)

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21 Best Road Trip Snacks (2024)

FAQs

What is the best food to take on a road trip? ›

Here are our top healthy snacks to take on a car trip.
  • Beef jerky. This long-lasting travel snack is packed full of protein, which is one of the best ways to satisfy your hunger. ...
  • Popcorn. ...
  • Hard-boiled eggs. ...
  • Protein bars. ...
  • String cheese. ...
  • Carrots. ...
  • Grapes. ...
  • Hummus and celery.

What is the best food to eat in the car? ›

16 Easy Dinners You Can Eat in the Car (Because Everyone's Busy)
  • Salad in a Jar. Mariana Medvedeva via Unsplash. ...
  • Cold Pepperoni Pasta Salad. Dear Crissy. ...
  • Air Fryer Lasagna Cups. Wondermom Wannabe. ...
  • Chicken Taco Pinwheels. ...
  • Sausage & Mozzarella Calzone. ...
  • Baked Chicken Taquitos. ...
  • Egg Roll in a Bowl. ...
  • Avocado Turkey Wrap.

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.

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.

What is the easiest food to eat while driving? ›

While driving, food needs to be single bite, not greasy and able to be easily picked out of a cup or bag. So, cheese cubes, cut up fruit, small pieces of beef jerky, candy, etc.

What food travels well in a cooler? ›

Pack It Up and Go: Great Food for the Cooler
  • Fried Chicken with Spicy Raspberry Honey. Kate Mathis. ...
  • Caesar Pasta Salad. Anna Williams. ...
  • Cold Avocado Soup. ...
  • Antipasto Pasta Salad. ...
  • Blue-Ribbon Potato Salad. ...
  • Corned Beef and Pumpernickel Sandwiches with Pickled Mustard. ...
  • Herbed Chicken and Hot-Pepper Sandwiches. ...
  • Strawberry Hand Pies.
Feb 3, 2015

What food won't go bad in the car? ›

Dried Fruit

It's easy to pack into your car without getting squished, and many stores carry packaged varieties. You can also buy them in bulk and make your own favorite mixture. Some dried fruits you can feast on include: Apricots.

How can I save money on food on a road trip? ›

Pack the snacks and cooler

Get your road trip snacks at the grocery store, instead of the gas station, so you can buy cheaper and more economical bags of chips, pretzels, candy and maybe even some fresh fruit. For lunch, pack sandwich ingredients like peanut butter and jelly or cold cuts and cheese.

How do I keep food from going bad in my car? ›

Pack logically

Cold air travels down so ice should always be on top with pre-chilled cans and bottles on the bottom. Perishable foods like meat and dairy should be stored on top of ice. To keep food dry, separate it into sealed plastic containers or zip-lock bags.

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 foods are healthy to eat on the road? ›

Ideas for healthy, portable snacks
  • Celery or sliced apples spread with peanut butter (rub lemon juice on apples to prevent browning).
  • Fresh fruit (bananas, grapes, strawberries and oranges are easy to carry along).
  • Sliced veggies (baby carrots, cauliflower florets, bell peppers and snap peas are easy to eat).
May 27, 2021

What is the best fruit for a snack? ›

Good choices include oranges, blueberries, apples, avocados, and bananas, but there are many more to choose from. Fruits are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, and they are high in fiber. Fruits also provide a wide range of health-boosting antioxidants, including flavonoids.

What is a cheap healthy food while traveling? ›

Pack snacks

Nuts, fruit, dried fruit, dark chocolate, hummus, rice cakes.

What are the dry snacks to carry while traveling? ›

Popular Indian dry snacks include namkeen, such as bhujia, chivda, sev, roasted nuts like almonds, cashews, and dry fruits like raisins, apricots, and dates.

What foods don't travel well? ›

Food Considerations When Traveling
  • Stay away from cut-up fruit or vegetables. ...
  • Avoid eating fresh salads, even if finely cut or shredded. ...
  • Avoid fresh salsas, condiments, and other sauces made from raw fruits or vegetables.

How do you pack food for a car 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.

How to eat healthy when traveling by car? ›

Bringing your own snacks can help you resist fast food or convenience store items when you're on a road trip. Healthy choices include string cheese, cheese sticks, fresh fruits, nuts and protein bars. Snacks keep you full, provide nutrients and stop you from skipping meals, preventing overeating later.

How do you keep food fresh on a road trip? ›

Pack logically

Store foods that will be consumed last on the bottom and often-used food on top of the cooler. Cold air travels down so ice should always be on top with pre-chilled cans and bottles on the bottom. Perishable foods like meat and dairy should be stored on top of ice.

What should I pack for a 5 day road trip? ›

Now, let's look into the essential things to carry on a road trip..
  • Emergency kit. An emergency kit includes a variety of things you might need during a bad situation on the road. ...
  • Phone chargers and USB cables. ...
  • Some cash. ...
  • Snacks and water. ...
  • Toiletries. ...
  • Tissues and wipes. ...
  • Hand sanitiser. ...
  • Garbage bags.
Jan 1, 2023

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