21 Best Road Trip Snacks (2024)

From granola bars and cookies to chips of all kinds, here are some of the best road trip snacks to take with you on your next road trip.

Road trips aren’t complete without snacks. Be sure you’ve packed enough nourishment for the long drive!

21 Best Road Trip Snacks (1)

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Whether you’re in the mood to indulge or want something clean to nibble on, I have you covered.

This last has everything from healthy roasted chickpeas to sinful caramel corn.

Fill up the tank and get your itineraries ready. This list will take care of the snacks.

21 Healthy Snacks for Your Next Road Trip

1. Trail Mix

Let’s start things off with a snack that’s loved both by kids and adults. This trail mix isn’t just about nuts and dried fruit.

Also loaded with pretzels, Cheerios, mini-marshmallows, and M&M’s, it gets a 12/10 for color, flavor, and texture.

It’s so good, it’s almost impossible to stop snacking on it.

So instead of packing it in one big bag, I suggest you place it in smaller bags so everyone gets their own.

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2. Puppy Chow

Puppy chow, also called muddy buddies, doggy bag, and reindeer chow is a snack made of rice cereal squats (such as Chex) coated in peanut butter and chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar for good measure.

While its sounds like something a dog would it, it is nothing of the sort.

In fact, no matter how your pup begs for it, you mustn’t give in. Remember, it contains chocolate.

3. Beer Nuts

Personally, I don’t find peanuts a fun and exciting snack. Beer nuts, however, is an entirely different story. These nuts I can eat all day!

co*cktail peanuts are cooked in sugar syrup. Once it sets, the sugar crystallizes, forming a sweet and crunchy coating covering the nuts.

Finishing it off is a sprinkling of sea salt, adding a nice salty contrast to the sweet sugar coating.

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21 Best Road Trip Snacks (3)

4. Popcorn

If you’re a sucker for caramel corn, you’ll love this recipe.

If you think there’s no way to make your very own without making a huge mess, think again.

This recipe for caramel popcorn takes place in the microwave. This is not a drill, people!

Yes, you can achieve that sweet, crunchy, beautiful golden brown caramel popcorn by only using this nifty kitchen appliance.

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5. Texas Trash

The name may be disgusting, but Texas Trash is a treasure.

It’s a sweet, salty, and savory mix of Cheerios, pretzel crisps, peanuts, and a variety of Chex cereals.

It doesn’t end there, though. The medley of crunchy munchies is coated in a garlic-y, buttery, and umami-rich sauce to tie all the flavors together.

Finally, they’re popped in the oven to give them that extra crunch.

6. Granola Bars

Granola bars are awesome at keeping you energized throughout the day. The only thing is, they cost a lot.

Don’t spend all your money on granola bars. Save it for pocket money and souvenirs. With this easy, budget-friendly recipe, your problem is solved.

A mix of almonds, oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and dates, these homemade granola bars are just as delicious, if not more, than any you can find in stores.

The best part? You’ll get to enjoy as many granola bars as you can at a fraction of the cost.

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7. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing adds more joy to a road trip than chocolate chip cookies do. These classic treats are iconic for a reason – they’re seriously delicious.

These aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies, though.

This recipe is a copycat of the famous Doubletree cookies – gigantic cookies that are outrageously buttery and chewy.

They’re not just packed with chocolate chips, but walnuts as well – a wonderful combination of gooey and crunchy.

8. Fire Crackers

Let’s be honest – saltines are no fun. If there’s any way to put a damper on your road trip, it’ll probably be saltine crackers.

That’s not to say you can’t turn the boring crackers into something exciting, though.

This recipe for fire crackers will revamp those squares from bland to banging.

Saltin crackers are drizzled with spiced melted butter and baked until golden. The difference it makes is simply astonishing.

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9. Apple Chips

Excursions with friends and family are generally fun, but the long drive can get boring.

What better way is there to pass the time than with a bag of chips?

Sure, potato chips are king, but if you’re looking for a cleaner option, these apple chips have you covered.

They’re just as crispy and crunchy as potato chips, but they won’t make you feel guilty.

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10. Fantasy Fudge

These fantasy fudge squares are truly a dream come true.

They’re chewy, ooey-gooey, and oh so chocolatey. They’re loaded with walnuts, too, giving you a crunchy surprise in every bite.

Here’s a bonus: fudge is so easy to make. It’s impossible to fudge up!

The hardest part is waiting for it to set. It takes 4 hours, but the wait is worth it.

11. Bagel Chips

Got some stale, leftover bagels? Put it to good use and turn it into bagel chips. You’ll be snacking on these crispy-crunchy delights all day and night!

It couldn’t be easier to make. You can use seasoned bagels for a flavorful snack, or use unseasoned and flavor them yourself.

You can make them smokey and savory with BBQ seasoning, or sweet and spicy with cinnamon sugar. Either way, these chips will be a road trip hit.

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12. Apple Fritters

Got a hankering for fall flavors? Scratch that itch with these glorious apple fritters.

Pillowy cakes are bursting with sweet apple chunks and bathed in a sweet cinnamon-sugar glaze.

These fritters are extra special, too, because, for this recipe, we’re using donut batter.

That’s why they’re so plump and pillowy. Move over, Krispy Kreme!

13. Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas aren’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to road trip snacks.

But trust me, you’ll definitely want to take this treat with you wherever you go.

Canned chickpeas are soft, sometimes mushy. But when you pop them in the oven, a magical transformation occurs.

They become wonderfully crispy and addictive. Seasoned with a slew of herbs and spices, they’re so tasty they’ll blow your taste buds away.

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14. Banana Muffins

Muffins are always a good idea for road trips. These grab-and-go snacks aren’t only mess-free, but insanely delicious as well.

These banana muffins are dense and moist at the same time.

Flavored with sweet, overripe bananas, their delicious banana flavor can’t be denied.

The recipe calls for Bisquick for the batter, so you know it’s an easy one.

15. Peanut Butter Pretzels

Pretzels are already a fun snack, but you can always take it up a notch.

Coat those crunchy treats with a mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, and they become a thousand times better.

Drizzled with even more melted chocolate garnish, these pretzels are as tasty as they are pretty.

16. Coconut Chips

I love all things coconut. Whether it’s in cake or cookie form, I’ll eat it all. So when I saw this recipe for coconut chips, I just had to give it a try.

These coconut chips are mind-blowingly amazing! They’re sweet, nutty, and unbelievably crunchy.

They’re sprinkled with a bit of salt, so they also have that sweet and salty contrast going on.

Best of all, these chips are healthy.

17. Baked Veggie Chips

Just because you have diet restrictions doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an addictive snack.

These veggie chips are oil-free, vegan, gluten-free, and definitely guilt-free.

Most importantly, they’re delicious. With this recipe, you get a mixed bag of crispy beetroot, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and rutabaga.

How fun is that? The colors alone will make your mouth water.

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18. Blueberry Muffins

Need some last-minute road trip snacks? These blueberry muffins are here to save the day.

They’re soft, moist, and bursting with fresh blueberries. Also, they’ll only take you 15 minutes to make – and that’s not a typo!

Thanks to Bisquick, these muffins come together in no time, without sacrificing flavor.

19. Green Bean Chips

If you have a dehydrator, I know exactly what you should make.

These green bean chips are a billion times tastier and healthier than store-bought veggie sticks, and they’ll cost you a lot less.

Flavored with just a bit of salt and nutritional yeast and dehydrated overnight, these green bean chips are surprisingly crispy and delicious.

Believe me, even the kids will love them.

20. Chocolate Covered Almonds

Almonds and chocolates are great. Put them together and you’ll get a snack that’s even better.

I can never say no to chocolate-covered almonds.

They have the perfect combination of smooth and crunchy, sweet and nutty. They’re absolutely addictive.

Instead of buying them, I prefer making them myself. It’s more affordable and tastes just as good, if not better.

If you want to stay within budget, this recipe is a must-try.

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21. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

How about some thirst quencher? If you’re looking for a sweet, hearty, and refreshing drink to bring on your next road trip, this smoothie perfectly fits the bill.

Bananas and peanut butter are an age-old combination that never disappoints.

Turn them into a smoothie, and you’ll have an outrageously tasty refreshment that’ll keep you full throughout the long drive.

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21 Best Road Trip Snacks For Long Car Rides

These road trip snacks are a must for your next car trip! From roasted chickpeas to caramel corn to trail mix, don’t hit the road before packing these tasty snacks.

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21 Best Road Trip Snacks (13)

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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or preferences, but I can provide information on the concepts used in this article. Here are some details about the concepts mentioned in the article:

Road Trip Snacks

The article discusses various snacks that are suitable for road trips. These snacks are easy to prepare, portable, and can be enjoyed while traveling.

Trail Mix

Trail mix is a popular snack that typically consists of a mixture of nuts, dried fruits, pretzels, and sometimes chocolate or candies. It provides a combination of flavors, textures, and nutrients, making it a versatile and enjoyable snack option for road trips.

Puppy Chow

Puppy chow, also known as muddy buddies, is a sweet snack made with rice cereal squares coated in a mixture of peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar. It is a crunchy and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Beer Nuts

Beer nuts are co*cktail peanuts that are cooked in sugar syrup and then coated with a sweet and crunchy layer of crystallized sugar. They are typically sprinkled with sea salt, adding a savory contrast to the sweetness. Beer nuts are a popular snack that can be enjoyed on road trips.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a classic snack that can be made in various flavors. The article mentions a recipe for caramel popcorn that can be easily prepared in the microwave. This sweet and crunchy treat is a favorite for those who enjoy caramel flavors.

Granola Bars

Granola bars are a convenient and satisfying snack option for road trips. They are typically made with a mixture of oats, nuts, dried fruits, and sweeteners such as peanut butter or maple syrup. Homemade granola bars can be a cost-effective alternative to store-bought options.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a beloved treat that can bring joy to any road trip. The article mentions a recipe for Doubletree cookies, known for their large size and chewy texture. These cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and walnuts, providing a combination of gooey and crunchy elements.

Other Snacks

The article also mentions various other snacks such as fire crackers (revamped saltine crackers), apple chips, fantasy fudge (chewy chocolate squares with walnuts), bagel chips, apple fritters, roasted chickpeas, peanut butter pretzels, coconut chips, baked veggie chips, blueberry muffins, green bean chips, chocolate-covered almonds, and peanut butter banana smoothie. These snacks offer a range of flavors and textures to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Overall, the article provides a diverse selection of snacks that can be enjoyed during road trips. These snacks offer a mix of sweet and savory options, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy while traveling.

21 Best Road Trip Snacks (2024)

FAQs

What is the best food to take on a road trip? ›

Snacks are just as important as all other meals. Therefore, when on a road trip, you should load up the car with some tasty items that will travel well and please everyone. Some great road trip snack ideas include popcorn, protein bars, carrots, grapes, and beef jerky.

What is the best car snack? ›

Here are our top healthy snacks to take on a car trip.
  • Beef jerky. This long-lasting travel snack is packed full of protein, which is one of the best ways to satisfy your hunger. ...
  • Popcorn. ...
  • Hard-boiled eggs. ...
  • Protein bars. ...
  • String cheese. ...
  • Carrots. ...
  • Grapes. ...
  • Hummus and celery.

What fruit is good for road trips? ›

Fresh fruit

Less messy fresh fruit is a great option to pack and go. Think blueberries, clementines, bananas, small apples, strawberries, and grapes. Many fruits don't have to be kept in a cooler and can be eaten without utensils or plates.

What are easy snacks to take while traveling? ›

Also, dry fruits are long-lasting food options for travelling. Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a low-calorie snack that is high in fiber. Pack some in a small container for a satisfying and crunchy snack. Fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes are easy to pack and provide a natural source of energy and vitamins.

What is the easiest food to eat while driving? ›

While driving, food needs to be single bite, not greasy and able to be easily picked out of a cup or bag. So, cheese cubes, cut up fruit, small pieces of beef jerky, candy, etc.

What is the most successful snack? ›

The customer and data-centric platform HubScore recently released its Favorite Snack By State Report, showcasing the most sought-after munchies nationwide. The winner? Rice Krispies Treats.

How can I save money on food on a road trip? ›

Pack the snacks and cooler

Get your road trip snacks at the grocery store, instead of the gas station, so you can buy cheaper and more economical bags of chips, pretzels, candy and maybe even some fresh fruit. For lunch, pack sandwich ingredients like peanut butter and jelly or cold cuts and cheese.

What is the best cheese for a road trip? ›

5: Have a Gouda Trip

Low-fat cheese, including string cheese snacks, single-serving cottage cheese containers, or cubes of your favorite low-fat medium-hard cheese such as Colby or cheddar are perfect car-friendly finger foods.

What is a cheap healthy food while traveling? ›

Pack snacks

Nuts, fruit, dried fruit, dark chocolate, hummus, rice cakes. These are all great healthy snack options that you can buy in a grocery store/market and can carry with you on your adventures. You'll thank yourself by having these on hand when the hangry-ness strikes.

What foods to avoid when traveling? ›

Avoid fresh salsas, condiments, and other sauces made from raw fruits or vegetables. Avoid eating raw meat or seafood, including items “cooked” with citrus juice, vinegar, or other acidic liquid (such as ceviche).

What are the best vegetables for a road trip? ›

Veggie sticks.

Carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, jicama sticks, red pepper strips, celery sticks, or baby tomatoes with hummus. You can buy little individual hummus cups at Costco (although they have added oil) or make your own and put them in these little containers that have lids.

What are the best vegetables to eat on a trip? ›

Choose vegetables, like celery, cherry tomato, cauliflower, blanched broccoli and carrots, because they are important sources of many nutrients. It's a good thing, too, that most supermarkets now have packaged, pre-cut fruits and vegetables that you can buy and take with you if needed.

What food travels well in a cooler? ›

Pack It Up and Go: Great Food for the Cooler
  • Fried Chicken with Spicy Raspberry Honey. Kate Mathis. ...
  • Caesar Pasta Salad. Anna Williams. ...
  • Cold Avocado Soup. ...
  • Antipasto Pasta Salad. ...
  • Blue-Ribbon Potato Salad. ...
  • Corned Beef and Pumpernickel Sandwiches with Pickled Mustard. ...
  • Herbed Chicken and Hot-Pepper Sandwiches. ...
  • Strawberry Hand Pies.
Feb 3, 2015

How do you pack food for a car trip? ›

General Tips for Good Road Trip Foods:

Be sure to use a cooler for foods that need to be kept cool. For short trips or only a few refrigerated items, try using an insulated cooler bag or lunch box. Bring along a box of large re-sealable plastic freezer bags for ice to keep the food in the cooler cold.

How do you keep food fresh on a road trip? ›

Pack logically

Store foods that will be consumed last on the bottom and often-used food on top of the cooler. Cold air travels down so ice should always be on top with pre-chilled cans and bottles on the bottom. Perishable foods like meat and dairy should be stored on top of ice.

What should I pack for a 5 day road trip? ›

Now, let's look into the essential things to carry on a road trip..
  • Emergency kit. An emergency kit includes a variety of things you might need during a bad situation on the road. ...
  • Phone chargers and USB cables. ...
  • Some cash. ...
  • Snacks and water. ...
  • Toiletries. ...
  • Tissues and wipes. ...
  • Hand sanitiser. ...
  • Garbage bags.
Jan 1, 2023

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