Packing the right snacks for a road trip is crucial to ensure that everyone stays energized and satisfied throughout the journey. Road trips aren’t complete without snacks, after all, and having plenty on hand can make all the difference in preventing hunger pangs and maintaining focus behind the wheel. Whether you’re in the mood to indulge in something sweet or savory, or want something clean and healthy to munch on, this comprehensive list has got you covered from head to toe.
This carefully curated selection includes everything from crunchy roasted chickpeas to decadent caramel corn, giving you the flexibility to choose what suits your taste buds best. Once you’ve filled up the tank and finalized your itineraries, this list will take care of the snacks, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenic views and quality time with your travel companions.
21 Healthy Snacks for Your Next Road Trip
Trail Mix
Understanding the perfect snack is crucial when it comes to pleasing both kids and adults alike. This trail mix recipe stands out from the rest by incorporating a variety of ingredients beyond just nuts and dried fruits. Along with pretzels, Cheerios, mini-marshmallows, and M&M’s, it boasts an impressive 12/10 rating for color, flavor, and texture. Its irresistible combination makes it nearly impossible to stop snacking on once you start.
To avoid overindulgence, consider dividing the mix into smaller bags, allowing each person to enjoy their own portion.
Puppy Chow
Although puppy chow has several names, including muddy buddies, doggy bag, and reindeer chow, its true identity is as a popular snack rather than a canine treat. Made from rice cereal squares (such as Chex), this sweet indulgence is coated in a rich mixture of peanut butter and chocolate, before being finished off with a light dusting of powdered sugar for added texture.
Despite its tantalizing taste, it’s essential to remember that puppy chow contains chocolate, making it an absolute no-go for our furry friends.
Beer Nuts
Love at first bite isn’t always guaranteed when it comes to certain types of peanuts, but for me, beer nuts are an exception. While regular peanuts may be bland and unexciting, beer nuts offer a delightful twist that I just can’t get enough of. The secret lies in their unique preparation process, which involves coating the nuts with sugar syrup. Once this sweet liquid sets, it crystallizes into a crunchy and sugary layer that not only adds texture but also bursts with flavor.
To balance out the sweetness, a light sprinkling of sea salt is added on top, creating a harmonious contrast between salty and sweet. This delightful combination makes cocktail peanuts a snack I can happily munch on all day!
Texas Trash
Surprisingly, Texas Trash may not sound like an appetizing snack at first glance, but it’s actually a culinary gem. This addictive treat consists of a delightful combination of textures and flavors, featuring Cheerios, crunchy pretzel crisps, peanuts, and various Chex cereals. What elevates Texas Trash to new heights is the rich, savory sauce that coats each ingredient, infusing them with a deep, umami flavor and a hint of garlic and butter.
To finish it off, these flavorful morsels are popped in the oven, emerging with an irresistible crunch that adds depth to each bite.
Granola Bars
With so many commercial granola bars available on the market, it’s no wonder they can be quite pricey. However, this shouldn’t hold you back from enjoying your favorite snack. Instead, consider making your own homemade granola bars using simple and affordable ingredients. For instance, a combination of almonds, oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and dates provides a delicious and satisfying mix that rivals any store-bought version.
The benefits don’t stop there – not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to enjoy as many granola bars as you want without breaking the bank.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Just like a warm welcome, nothing adds more joy to a road trip than freshly baked chocolate chip cookies do. These classic treats are iconic for a reason – they’re seriously delicious, evoking memories of home and comfort in every bite. But what sets these cookies apart from the rest is their unique flavor profile. Unlike your average chocolate chip cookie, this recipe takes inspiration from the famous Doubletree cookies, renowned for their gigantic size and outrageous butteriness.
The combination of gooey chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful texture that’s hard to resist. The addition of nuts adds depth and complexity to an otherwise classic treat, making these cookies truly unforgettable.
Fire Crackers
But let’s be real, saltines often get a bad rap. People tend to view them as the ultimate road trip downer – something that can put a damper on even the most exciting of adventures. However, this perception doesn’t have to be set in stone. With a little creativity and some clever experimentation, it’s possible to transform those mundane crackers into something truly special.
This recipe for fire crackers is a perfect example of just how much flavor and excitement you can add to an otherwise bland snack. Saltine crackers are elevated to new heights when drizzled with spiced melted butter and baked until golden brown – the result is nothing short of astonishing, making it easy to see why this treat has gained so much popularity among foodies and travelers alike.
Fantasy Fudge
Yearning for something sweet and indulgent? Look no further than these fantasy fudge squares that are sure to become your new obsession. They boast a delightful chewy texture, a rich ooey-gooey center, and an abundance of chocolate goodness in every bite. The added crunch from the walnuts provides a pleasant surprise that will keep you coming back for more. One of the best things about these fudge squares is just how easy they are to make.
Unlike other desserts that can be finicky or require a lot of effort, making fudge is relatively straightforward and requires minimal fuss. The hardest part of the process is actually waiting for it to set – a mere 4 hours seems like an eternity when you’re craving something sweet! But trust us, the wait is well worth it as the end result is truly divine.
Bagel Chips
Apple Fritters
Journey through the flavors of fall with these mouthwatering apple fritters that will satisfy your cravings. Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet apple chunks enveloped by a rich cinnamon-sugar glaze, carefully crafted to balance both crunch and sweetness. This recipe stands out from the rest due to its clever use of donut batter, which not only adds an extra layer of tenderness but also makes them incredibly plump and pillowy.
As you take your first bite, get ready to bid farewell to Krispy Kreme’s dominance, for these fritters are about to steal the show!
Roasted Chickpeas
Creating the perfect road trip snack can be a challenge, but I’d like to propose an unconventional option: chickpeas. They may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a snack for a long drive, but trust me, they’re worth considering. While canned chickpeas are often soft and mushy, baking them in the oven brings about a remarkable transformation. The result is crispy, addictive, and full of flavor when seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices.
Whether you’re embarking on a short weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip, these tasty morsels will surely be a hit with your fellow travelers.
Banana Muffins
Having a stash of freshly baked muffins on hand is always a great idea when embarking on a road trip. These convenient treats are not only mess-free but also incredibly delicious, making them the perfect snack to keep your energy levels up on-the-go. The banana muffin recipe boasts an impressive texture, being both dense and moist at the same time. The sweet, overripe bananas used in the recipe infuse the muffins with a rich, undeniable banana flavor that is sure to satisfy any craving.
What’s more, the use of Bisquick simplifies the baking process, ensuring that these tasty treats can be easily prepared ahead of time.
Peanut Butter Pretzels
Generally speaking, pretzels are already a delightful snack on their own. However, by taking them to the next level, you can experience an even greater sense of satisfaction. To do this, try coating those crunchy treats with a mixture of melted chocolate and peanut butter, which instantly elevates their flavor profile. The addition of an extra drizzle of melted chocolate garnish not only adds to their taste but also makes them visually appealing.
Coconut Chips
Keenly aware of my love for coconut-based treats, I was excited to dive into this recipe for homemade coconut chips. These crunchy morsels exceeded my expectations in every way – their sweetness was perfectly balanced by a hint of nuttiness and an addictive crunch that left me wanting more. A light sprinkle of salt added a delightful contrast to the flavor profile, making each bite a symphony of sweet and salty notes.
What I loved most about these coconut chips, however, was their surprisingly healthy composition, making them a guilt-free indulgence for anyone looking to satisfy their snack cravings.
Baked Veggie Chips
Taking diet restrictions into consideration doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or indulgence. These oil-free veggie chips are not only vegan and gluten-free but also guilt-free, making them a great option for those with dietary limitations. What’s more, the combination of crispy beetroot, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and rutabaga in this recipe is not only a delight to look at but also a treat to taste.
The vibrant colors alone are sure to tantalize your senses and leave you craving for more.
Blueberry Muffins
Getting ready for a last-minute road trip? Look no further than these delicious blueberry muffins. Not only are they soft, moist, and packed with fresh blueberries, but they can be whipped up in just 15 minutes – yes, you read that right! The secret to their speedy preparation lies in the use of Bisquick mix, which streamlines the process without compromising on flavor.
Green Bean Chips
Little wonder why people with dehydrators always look for creative ways to use their appliance, and green bean chips fit the bill perfectly. Not only do they offer a flavor profile that’s unparalleled in store-bought veggie sticks, but they’re also significantly healthier and more affordable options. Made with just a pinch of salt and nutritional yeast, these crispy snacks are surprisingly delightful, especially when dehydrated to perfection overnight.
It’s no surprise that even the pickiest eaters, including kids, can’t get enough of them.
Chocolate Covered Almonds
Elevating the humble snack game, almonds and chocolates are a match made in heaven. Combine the two, and you’ll get a treat that’s even more divine. For me, chocolate-covered almonds are irresistible – they offer the perfect harmony of smooth and crunchy textures, sweet and nutty flavors. Their addictive nature is undeniable, which is why I often find myself indulging in them. However, buying them from stores can be expensive.
That’s why I prefer making my own at home – it’s not only more budget-friendly but also yields a taste that’s just as good, if not better. If you’re looking to save money without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is an absolute must-try.
21 Best Road Trip Snacks For Long Car Rides
Generally speaking, when it comes to planning a road trip, the right snacks can make all the difference. Gone are the days of stale granola bars and lukewarm sandwiches. From classic trail mix to creative twists like roasted chickpeas and caramel corn, there’s something for every palate on this list of must-have road trip snacks. Don’t hit the road without them!
Instructions
Reach for a delicious and easy-to-make road trip snack that’s ready in under 30 minutes, using just a few simple ingredients from your favorite recipe.
