23 of the Best Road Trip Snacks For Your Next Adventure
This post may contain affiliate links which means I make a commission if you shop through my links.
Disclosure Policy
When it comes to traveling by car, planning is key. Of course, the first thing you do is take care of all the major details like hotels, directions, what to pack, and what to see.
But the one thing we often leave until the last minute is packing some good road trip snacks.
For some reason, long drives make both adults and kids pretty hungry. And if you don’t have some healthy options packed – then you are at the mercy of fast food options at rest stops and junk food at convenience stores.
You end up making bad food choices and spending a whole lot more money (especially if you have a large family) than you would have if you packed snacks from home.
HOT WEATHER TIP
If you are traveling a long distance, don’t let the hot weather deter you. I have a car fridge similar to this one – and there is also a smaller size car refrigerator here – that you can use to keep your snacks cool while on the road.
Personally, on road trips, I mix things up. I like to pack lots of healthy snacks and also some candy and sweet treat options.
Here is a list of 23 road trip snacks – from healthy choices to beverages to sweet treats that you can pack for your next adventure.
Easy to Pack Road Trip Snacks
Here is massive list of 23 Road Trip Snacks that both adults and kids love. Eat healthy and save money when you travel with these great options for your family.
88 Acres Granola Bars | Gluten Free, Nut-Free Oat and Seed Snack Bar (Dark Chocolate Sea Salt))
I am giving these 88 Acres Dark Chocolate Oat and Seed Snack Bars their own line item in my Road Trip Snacks list because they are just THAT good!
I first had these served to me on a flight and ever since then I cannot get enough! I had to track them down.
They taste great and are packed with healthy ingredients. A bonus is that they are nut-free, which is good for people with food allergies (although be sure to read the full label of all ingredients and reach out to customer service with any questions).
Bear Naked Granola Cereal
I have always thought of granola as a wholesome and delicious snack. Taking a bag on a road trip serves a few different purposes.
You can snack on it in the car. But when you get to your destination, you can also serve it up with milk for breakfast, or sprinkle on top of yogurt for a light lunch.
Another option is to make your own granola a day or two ahead of your travel date. It is surprisingly easy to do - here is a recipe for pumpkin granola from Pinch of Yum that looks amazing.
MadeGood Healthy Snacks Variety Pack
If loose granola seems a bit messy for the car - a granola bar is a neater option.
This assortment of organic granola bars and minis from Made Good has a healthy option for everyone.
Rice Cakes
Rice cakes are a healthier alternative to potato chips and this set of single serve savory Quaker Rice Crisps has a flavor for everyone.
The bit sized rice crisps won't make as many crumbs as full sized rice cakes so your car has a chance of staying cleaner for longer.
Or you could try these Crunchy Rollers for a change of pace.
Chobani® Less Sugar Low-Fat Greek Yogurt Monterey Strawberry
Yogurt always makes for a healthy and satisfying snack. I love the Chobani Less Sugar varieties because they are smooth and simple.
You can top the yogurt with a little granola or some nuts to make it even more filling.
Make sure you have a cooler and ice packs or a car fridge to keep the yogurt cold.
Carrot Sticks, Celery Sticks, and Hidden Valley Original Ranch In To Go Cups
Carrot sticks and celery sticks are nature's snacks. Add some ranch dip in to go cups and you are set to hit the road.
Snack Pack Chocolate & Vanilla Pudding Cups
Pudding is one of my favorite snack items but I can't justify getting it too often. A road trip is the perfect excuse!
These Snack Pack pudding cups are made with real milk and you don't need to refrigerate the unopened containers - so they are an easy road trip snack.
Nut Harvest Nut & Fruit Trail Mix
Trail mix is a great way to satisfy both your sweet and salty cravings.
The combination of nuts, fruits, and candy covered chocolate pieces will tide you over until your next meal and is easy to eat on the go.
Emerald Nuts, 100 Calorie Variety Pack,
If you prefer to munch on something with fewer calories, the Emerald Variety Pack has 100 calorie packs of assorted nuts.
Sahale Snacks Glazed Nut Mix Variety Pack, 1.5 Ounces (Pack of 12)
Or you could go in the sweet direction with this variety pack of Glazed Nuts from Sahale.
Organic Mandarin Oranges
Whenever I go on a road trip, I like to pack lots of fruits and vegetables for snacks.
One of my go-to options are mandarin oranges or clementines.
These tiny oranges come in their own wrappers provided by nature. They are easy to peel and often have no or very few seeds.
It's a healthy choice and at a certain age, kids can take care of peeling their own so they are also no fuss.
Mott's Organic Applesauce
If taking fresh fruit on your road trip is too complicated, you can opt for unsweetened apple sauce.
You still get the fiber without the hassle of refrigeration or the mess and logistics of slicing up the fruit.
Jif Squeeze Creamy Peanut Butter
This squeeze pack of Jif Creamy Peanut Butter is perfect for on the go snacking.
Bring along a loaf of sliced bread and make a quick sandwich or use it as a dip for your carrot and celery sticks.
Goldfish Crackers
Don't forget the Goldfish! These crackers are the perfect bite sized snack.
Or, if you prefer, you can get the Annie's Bunnies Organic crackers here.
String Cheese Sticks
Sticks of string cheese are also a good snack for road trips. Kids love them and most adults too. There are many varieties of to choose from - like this bag of Colby Jack cheese sticks.
Again, be sure to travel with a cooler or car fridge to keep these from spoiling.
Healthy Snacks Variety Pack
If you are planning a road trip - you will probably be pretty busy in the days leading up to your departure.
So, instead of worrying about which snacks to get, it might be easier to just order a care package with all sorts of different items.
This Healthy Snacks Variety pack has everything from granola bars to popcorn to nuts to fruit snacks.
There are lots of different sets to choose from - like this Snack Box Bar Care Package - you just need to have an idea of the types of snacks you like.
Candy
It's always fun to have a little treat on a road trip - but those huge boxes of movie size candy that you buy at rest areas can be a bit much. The last thing you want to do is get the kids wired with sugar.
So, a nice compromise is to take a long an assortment of snack sized candy.
Everyone can choose the one they like and the package size is perfect for a sweet treat.
If the weather is warm stay away from chocolates because they can melt and make a big mess.
Jerky Variety Pack by Think Jerky
If your family likes beef jerky then why not take along a variety pack like this one from Think Jerky on your next road trip? It has both beef and turkey jerky and is a low calorie snack with lots of protein.
And if you are vegan you can try this mushroom jerky instead.
Dried Mango Slices
Dried fruit like these dried mango slices in a resealable pouch are great for snacking.
Veggicopia Creamy Dip & Hummus Variety Pack
Hummus is a healthy snack that is great for dipping. Eat with pretzels, rice cakes, crackers. or bagels.
This variety pack from Veggicopia is shelf stable - which means that the unopened units do not need refrigeration - and that makes them perfect for a car trip.
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew, Vanilla Sweet Cream
My daughter loves her cold brew. But the cost of fancy coffee drinks can really add up.
Pop a few cans of this Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew into the cooler before you head out and you will always have a little caffeine in house (or car) in case you need a jolt for the drive.
Coca-Cola Mini Can Variety Pack
I also like to pack mini soda cans on long road trips. The drinks that come with meals or those you buy at gas stations are huge!
The smaller cans give you a taste of soda to quench your thirst but you don't get all the sugar as you would with a larger size.
Also, if you have a long drive, you don't want to stop a million times so people can use the bathroom.
FIJI Natural Artesian Water
Bottled water is essential on long car trips. Not only is it important for you, your family, and your pets to stay hydrated, but having extra bottles of water can save you money in the long run.
Often times, hotels do not supply water bottles for guests and for some weird reason I don't always trust drinking hotel water right from the tap.
So, the water bottles are great for snacks but are also super useful at your destination.
What Types of Snacks Do You Travel With?
Some of my best summer memories were created on family road trips.
When you plan a long drive what types of snacks for adults and kids do your shop for?
Do you look for healthy snacks or consider it a time to let go of rules and go with unhealthy options?
Are non-refrigerated options more important to you?
Finally is budget a big factor?
Let me know in the comments below.