16 Aug 8 Must-Have Travel Snacks for Cross-Country Trips
Cross-country trips are a fun way to explore diverse cultures, landscapes and experiences. While the journey is rewarding, long hours on the road can be draining. Smart snacking keeps your energy up and your spirits high (side note: that’s Chanel and Stevo’s trick for keeping Elodie bright-eyed and bushy tailed at all times). So! Pack your cooler, cue your favorite playlist, and fuel your cross-country trip with these eight must-have snacks for a memorable ride.
Must-Have Travel Snacks for Cross-Country Trips
Trail Mix
Standard trail mix typically contains nuts, seeds, dried fruits and granola. Some also have popcorn, chocolate chips, cereal and candy. It fuels your body with good energy, keeping you full and satisfied for hours. Plus, it’s compact and easy to share with friends and family.
Buy a prepackaged mix or create your own before you leave. Fill small containers with a mix of your favorite ingredients to prevent overeating straight from a big bag.
Dried Fruits
A snack like dried fruits can be a lifesaver. It provides a healthy way to satisfy your sweet cravings. Because it’s derived from fresh fruits, it contains nutrients you need to feel revitalized. The drying process may lessen its heat-sensitive vitamins (such as vitamin C) but most vitamins and minerals are retained.
You can also cut fruits like apples, grapes, peaches and mangoes at home and use a dehydrator to make your own dried fruit. Dip them in nut butter or hummus to elevate your snacking experience. Dried mango with peanut butter are almost standard practice with the How Far From Home crew.
Whole Grain Crackers
Some might say that a fun cross-country trip isn’t complete without whole-grain crackers. They are the ultimate comfort snack, providing nutrients that can help lower bad cholesterol, insulin and blood pressure. Instead of buying highly processed crackers, choose those with oatmeal, barley or quinoa.
Pack single-serving cheese sticks or peanut butter pouches to turn simple cracker snacks into a more filling mini-meal.
Dark Chocolate
Ok now we’re talking about Chanel’s secret weapon to avoiding hanger. Dark chocolate is a decadent mood-boosting snack. It contains polyphenols, compounds that help boost your blood flow and antioxidant properties. It’s ideal when you need an energy lift without the sugar rush. Store it in a small cooler or an insulated bag with a cold pack to prevent it from melting.
If you’re driving, cut the bars into bite-sized pieces for a hassle-free snacking experience. When you can opt for a bar with a high cacao content and low sugar level.
Protein Bars
Protein bars provide much-needed energy, especially when you’re stuck in traffic or between meal stops. However, not all bars are created equal. Some products are filled with sugar and extra calories.
Look for an item made of natural ingredients like nuts, seeds and oats. Prioritize fiber and protein content and avoid high levels of fat and sugar. A bar with less than 2 grams of added sugar or saturated fat is ideal.
Beef Jerky (a.k.a. Biltong)
Beef jerky (or biltong for our South African readers) is perfect when you’ve been driving for hours, your energy stores are depleting, and you’re craving something savory. It’s a fantastic source of nutrients, preventing those hangry moments that can dampen your mood.
Choose varieties with low sugar and sodium. Be wary of sweeteners (like maple syrup and high fructose corn syrup) and preservatives, such as sodium nitrate. If possible, opt for keto jerky, which contains less than 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a healthy snack, especially when it’s air-popped and lightly seasoned. It’s a whole-grain food high in fiber. A single serving of air-popped popcorn has 15% of the recommended daily fiber intake. It’s light, airy and satisfying.
Your biggest challenge is the potential mess. Transfer the popcorn to a container with a tight-fitting lid, or a reusable bag to keep your vehicle clean. This prevents those pesky kernels from ending up in your car’s crevices.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
If you can deal with the smell, hard-boiled eggs add substance to your travel snack spread. They are easy to prepare, store and eat on the road. Plus, they’re packed with protein that will satisfy you for hours. You can eat them alone or with whole wheat crackers.
Pack them in a cooler with ice. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises consuming hard-boiled eggs within a week of cooking, but it is best to eat them sooner rather than later when on the road.
What Not to Eat During Your Cross-Country Trip
Avoiding the following foods can save you from physical discomfort (and unnecessary mess).
Unfamiliar Foods
Trying new foods is one of the most exciting parts of traveling, yes. However, it’s best to skip them while on the road to avoid tummy troubles like diarrhea and stomach cramps. Save the adventurous food trips for when you’ve settled into your destination.
Anything Greasy
Fast food may be delicious, but it often leaves you feeling bloated and can even trigger constipation. The last thing any traveler wants is a sudden bathroom emergency when the next rest stop is miles away.
Soggy Sandwiches
Skip ingredients like mayo, tomatoes, lettuce, and melted cheese. They can make your sandwich soggy and messy, especially during long drives. Sandwiches are a great travel snack when prepared right. Cut them into quarters before packing for easier eating.
Anything That Requires Utensils
Needless to say, soups, stews, yogurt, and ice cream can cause a serious mess inside the car. An unexpected stop or bump in the road can send a spoonful of food flying. Utensil-required foods are ideal for a planned break at a rest stop or a picnic lunch at a viewpoint. Pull over, get out of the car and enjoy your food without worrying about the mess.
Tips for Successful Snacking
Here are some strategies for a successful and delicious snacking experience on your cross-country trip:
- Plan and prep: Before you leave, make a list of your snack categories. Prepare and portion proteins, sweets and fresh foods. This will save you time and money and prevent you from making poor eating choices on the road.
- Stay hydrated: Carrying a refillable water bottle helps you save money on drinks, prevents dehydration and reduces single-use plastic waste. Refill it at rest stops, public fountains or restaurants along your route.
- Pack a cooler: Use your cooler for perishable food like pre-cut veggies and hard-boiled eggs. This helps keep your food fresh and enjoyable.
Snack Smart
Smart snacking means you’re always ready for the next adventure, no matter how long the road ahead. Prioritize a balanced snack collection and mess-free options for a fun, flavorful trip, whether you’re traveling solo or with your entourage in tow.
Author bio: Jack Shaw is a freelance lifestyle writer and dedicated traveler. His writing focuses on exploring the food, culture and beautiful views of wherever life decides to throw him. Stories of his travel can be seen in Modded, Trekaroo, The Travel Magazine and more. Jack has a love of all things outdoors, and spends much of his free time taking on local hiking trails and state parks.
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