Smart snacks to fuel your adventure—without the gas station regret.
(Updated May 2025)
Summer means road trip season, and honestly? It’s one of my favorite things ever. Every year, my family piles into the car and sets off on an epic journey—exploring National Parks, stopping in quirky little towns, and seeing just how many snacks my kids can eat in one day. (Answer: a lot.)
But let’s be real: road trips are equal parts magical and monotonous. There are plenty of scenic moments… and plenty of long, flat, boring stretches that make everyone a little snacky. That’s why I always pack a stash of healthy, energizing snacks to keep us feeling good—no sugar crashes, fast food regret, or backseat meltdowns.
Below are my favorite road trip snacks that are dietitian-approved, family-tested, and totally delicious. Some need a cooler, some don’t, and all of them are better than gas station gummy worms (sorry, Haribo).
🥕 The Best Healthy Road Trip Snacks
1. Fresh Fruit + Nut Butter Packs
You can’t go wrong with easy, portable fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, or clementines. Pair them with single-serve nut butters (like these travel almond butter packets) for a perfect combo of fiber, healthy fat, and natural sweetness.
👉 Try: multi-pack of Justin’s, or Artisana. Love this container for fruit (especially helpful with kids)
2. DIY Trail Mix
Customize your own mix with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, coconut flakes, and a little dark chocolate. It’s shelf-stable, nutrient-dense, and super satisfying. Just watch portions—this stuff is deceptively easy to overdo.
👉 Try: reusable snack bags and a pre-made mix with clean ingredients.
3. Greek Yogurt Cups
Great for a cooler! Look for low-sugar varieties with at least 12g of protein per serving. Pair with some berries or chia seeds for bonus fiber.
👉 Make sure you have a good insulated cooler bag or freezer packs
4. Veggies + Hummus
Chop up carrots, celery, bell peppers, or snap peas and pair them with single-serve hummus cups. It’s hydrating, crunchy, and provides fiber and plant protein.
👉 Get portable containers for pre-packed veggie + hummus snack packs.
5. Edamame + Seasoning
Edamame (especially the dry-roasted kind) is full of protein and fiber. I like mine sprinkled with Tajín, sea salt, or even Everything Bagel seasoning. Frozen edamame is a great option too, put it in your bag frozen and once it thaws you will be ready to eat it!
👉 Try: roasted edamame snacks, try To-Go Tajin or Everything Bagel Seasoning.
6. Hard-Boiled Eggs
They’re not glamorous, but they’re a protein-packed powerhouse. Add a dash of sea salt, hot sauce, or Tajín for a little flair.
👉 Try: compact egg carrier, travel-friendly seasoning packets and keep it cool with Cooler bags and freezer packs.
7. Veggie Chips
Crunchy, salty, and a big upgrade from regular chips. Look for baked or air-fried varieties made from sweet potatoes, beets, or kale.
👉Try veggie chips, Bean chips, and freeze dried vegetables with clean ingredients.
8. Jerky
A road trip classic. Choose jerky made without a ton of sugar or preservatives—beef, turkey, bison, even vegan options like mushroom jerky are great.
👉 Try: Chomps, EPIC bars, Primal Vegan Jerky, or your fav local craft jerky.
9. Roasted Bean Snacks
Beans get a glow-up in this crunchy, savory snack. Chickpeas, fava beans, and lentils are full of fiber and protein—and ridiculously addictive.
👉 Try: The Good Bean, Biena Chickpea snacks, or making your own with this roasted chickpea recipe.
🚙 Bonus Tip: Download My Road Trip Snacking Guide
Want the full checklist and a few snack-packing hacks? Click here to grab my free Road Trip Snack Guide!
⚠️ Quick Note on Mindless Munching
Even healthy snacks can add up fast when you’re bored or eating just to stay awake. Keep water bottles handy, plan meal stops, and bring activities (podcasts, games, playlists) to help distract from the snack spiral.
Safe Travels and Happy Snacking
Road trips are meant to be fun—not fueled by gas station regret. With a little prep (and a cooler full of deliciousness), you can keep your energy up and your belly happy from mile one to mile 1,000.
Have fun out there!
xo,
Sally
Want more like this? – Check out my How to Support Gut Health on Vacation Post!
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