Road trips and road trip snacks are symbols of travel. The kids need something to look forward to at different points in the trip. The adults need to stay awake, energized, and have options that let them keep eyes on the road. I’ve collected some great recipes that are sure to keep everyone in the car happy.

We knew there had to be a way to pack your car full of healthy road trip alternatives, filled with protein, fiber, respected ingredients, and limited trash.

You’ll avoid unwanted calories. You’ll avoid greasy highway stops. And you’ll be happier with yourself when you get to the final destination, still feeling bikini ready.

Healthy Road Trip Snack Ideas

1.Fruit With Nut Butter

Many types of fruit travel well: Think apples, pears, strawberries and bananas. They are great on their own, providing vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. To make your fruit snack more filling, add creamy nut butter. A squeezable pack of almond butter – perfect for travel – provides 6 grams of hunger-quashing protein and 3 grams of fiber.

2.No-Bake Energy Bites

Energy bites, also called energy balls, are bite-sized morsels made from healthy ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Though small, they pack a punch of nutrition and calories.

You can easily make them at home and pack them in a cooler to take on the road. Check out this recipe Peanut Butter Chocolate Barfi that includes dates, nuts, cocoa powder, and almond butter.

3.Trail Mix

Trail mix is a go-to snack for road trips ⁠— and good reason. It doesn’t require refrigeration, is easy to eat, and provides ample protein, healthy fats, and fiber to fuel you on those extra-long road trips.

What’s more, You can make your own at home.

That said, trail mix also works as a meal replacement when other food choices are limited.

Tip: Pairing trail mix with lower-calorie fresh fruits or vegetables is one way to balance its calorie density.

4.Roasted Chickpeas

It’s easy to make your own using this recipe.

Alternatively, you can purchase dried chickpeas in various flavours at your local health food store, as well as online.

5.Vegetables and Healthy Dip

Pre-wash and prep raw vegetables for snacking. Or find pre-packaged snack size veggies. To boost the protein content and flavour of this snack option, pair fresh vegetables with nutrient-dense dips like hummus or Greek yoghurt dip.

6.PB Sandwich (Skip The J)

Sandwiches can be a quick and easy way to control your hunger and snacking urges while also adding some good protein and hearty grains to your daily nutrition.

Slather that peanut butter on some whole wheat bread, and you’ve got your complex carbs, protein, and fat all covered. If you’re feeling particularly peckish, slice up a banana and sandwich it between the bread for a PB&B. Recipes for Easy Homemade Sandwich Spread

And Don’t Forget

Whether you’re driving cross-country or just across town, keep a bag in the car with non-perishable, on-the-go snacks to reduce stops and unnecessary exposure, as well as to ensure healthier options than the convenience store, rest stop, or gas station may offer. Individual portions of hard-boiled eggs, mixed nuts, and dried fruit such as prunes and raisins are all good options.

Keep hand sanitizer and wipes in the car no matter how far you’re travelling. Also, make sure to use them prior to eating. If the trip is longer, use a small, insulated container or cooler to keep your items cool and fresh.