Healthy Road Trip Snacks

We love traveling and exploring new places and visiting with friends and family. From drives down to Florida to visit my mom, aunt and uncle (I know… it’s tough having to visit family at the beach!), to long weekends in my favorite city, Charleston, SC, to trips to random festivals in Alabama, I LOVE road trips. I make playlists that are destination-specific, plan out fun stops and detours along the way, and pack snacks.

Regardless of where you’re heading, when you’re traveling you’ll be spending more time away from your home (and your kitchen full of food) than in it. You’re on the go and suddenly the growling of your stomach becomes louder than the roar of the engine… you’re getting HANGRY! 😠 If you haven’t planned ahead, it can be hard to find nourishing options. Although many convenience stores are now stocking healthier items, like whole fruits, string cheese, and nuts, the not-so-healthy options far outnumber the good choices. That’s why I always take along an assortment of nutritious and filling snacks to keep us on route and happy (no hunger meltdowns here!).

Here are some of our personal favorites, curated  by my summer intern, Savannah Potts:

Mixed Nuts

Why we like these:

Nuts are filled with healthy fats that keep you full and satisfied. This mixed blend gives you the benefits of several different types including pistachios, almonds, pecans, walnuts, and more. I like the convenience of individual packs, which also helps with portion control.

Apples

Why we like these:

Apples are full of fiber, which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, and antioxidants, which protect against the development of chronic diseases. They’re also easy to take on the go, so what’s not to love? Be sure to wash the apples before leaving the house.

Berries (blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries)

Why we like these:

Like apples, berries are high in filling fiber and antioxidant content. Research shows that eating eight strawberries each day may protect against heart disease, inflammation, diabetes, and even cognitive decline. Best of all, berries are naturally sweet and easy to pack in a container or zip-top plastic bag.

Roasted Chickpeas

Why we like these:

Chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, vitamin K, folate, and more. Roasted chickpeas are a guilt-free crunchy snack that give you a punch of nutrients that potato chips will never offer.

Triscuit or Wheat Thin Crackers

Why we like these:

Unlike many brands of crackers, Triscuits and Wheat Thins are both made with 100% whole wheat. The fiber found in whole grains helps keep you full and helps keep your digestive tract healthy. Pair with a stick of low-fat string cheese for a complete and balanced snack.

Popcorn

Why we like these:

Many popcorn options are doused in salt and butter, filling you with empty calories and causing you to feel bloated. In and of itself, popcorn is a whole grain, and these 100-calorie bags allow you to enjoy a favorite snack with just 45 mg of sodium.

Pistachios

Why we like these:

Pistachios are a lower calorie, higher protein nut packed with vitamin B6- also known as the vitamin that promotes a good mood. You can enjoy about 30 in-shell pistachios for just 100 calories. And, nearly 90-percent of the fats found in pistachios are the healthy unsaturated fats. Plus taking the time to crack the pistachios out of the shell helps you eat slower and more mindfully (just make sure the passenger is the one cracking!).

So where are you heading this summer? I don’t know what our next trip will be, but I’m sure I’ll be packing some of these snacks for the car. What are you go-to road trip foods? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to try some of your ideas!