Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

The Best Road Trip Snacks for Your Road Trip Travels

Planning a road trip is fun! Once you’ve done the big stuff like where to go, it’s time to think about the finer details. That’s where road trip snacks come in! Snacks are the dopamine of food, they’ll give you pleasure, make you feel rewarded and help your attention span, keeping you sustained through those long driving hours.

We all love to snack, and what you want for your snack mix comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for some inspiration, these road trip snack ideas will get you started.

In our search for good road trip snacks, we’ve chosen snacks that are easy to eat, easy to store and delicious. Hopefully, you’ll find something for your tastebuds to get excited about.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (1)

Healthy Road Trip Snacks

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (2)

It doesn’t get healthier than fruit! Even on a road trip you still need your five a day. On the road snacks like grapes and berries are easy to eat just as they come, or juicy mangos, oranges and any kind of melon can be pre-cut into a container to avoid unwanted stickiness. There really is nothing better than fresh fruit snacks.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (3)

Nuts, mixed or on their own, are delicious, heart healthy, and make some of the best snacks for road trips. There are so many varieties to choose from not to mention, the many different ways they come – natural, salted, roasted, spicy or honey glazed to name but a few. They all make great healthy snacks for road trips.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (4)

Popcorn is so tasty and a superfood to boot, full of nutrition like protein, vitamin E and vitamin D. It’s also rich in antioxidants, with twice the amount that fruit contains. No longer relegated to a cinema snack, you can choose from flavours like plain, salty or sweet, or my personal faveourite sweet and salty together. You just can’t go wrong with popcorn, it’s perfect for long car rides and a great vegan travel snack to boot!

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (5)

While they might not be the most exciting, vegetables make easy-to-eat healthy car snacks. Peeled and pre-sliced they are crunchy and full of flavour, you can eat as much as you want without feeling guilty.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (6)

Jerky or Biltong is chock full of protein and vitamins as well as being a low-fat snack. The most popular is beef jerky, however, you can get turkey or pork jerky as well. Look for low sodium & sugar varieties, or you could even try making your own.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (7)

Veggie cakes are similar to rice cakes but made from lentils or corn, or even roasted chickpeas. Kallo does a great range of different flavours including tomato salsa, lime & coriander cakes, beetroot cakes and sea salt & balsamic vinegar cakes. They also have sweet flavours, like apple & cinnamon and blueberry & vanilla, and both make great travel snacks.

Sweet Road Trip Snack Ideas

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (8)

Caramel waffles, or as they are called in the Netherlands, Stroopwafels, make good snacks for road trips. Place these on top of your morning coffee to go and the caramel will soften, or eat them as they come. Either way, they are seriously delicious.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (9)

Mikado’s are a great little biscuit, inspired by the Japanese name for the game of pick-up sticks. Thin long biscuits covered in milk, dark or white chocolate. They have a handy little uncovered biscuit section, so you can eat without getting messy. These are perfect for a family road trip when you want to give the kids a treat.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (10)

Buttery and delicious, shortbread biscuits will be a lovely mid-afternoon snack whilst out on the road. Coming plain or coated in chocolate, they will satisfy that sweet tooth craving.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (11)

Light and crispy wafer biscuits are a perfect road trip snack. Coming in multiple flavours, these are an instant pick me up.

Savoury Road Trip Snacks

If you prefer a savoury snack to sweet, then you can’t go wrong with pretzels. My favourite are Pennstate, sour cream and chive, so moreish the bag will disappear before you know it.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (13)

This is a great snack for the whole family, especially the kids. Babybel small mini cheeses, are full of protein and calcium and come in three flavours – original, Cheddar & Emmenthal. As an added bonus they are vegetarian and lactose-free. If you can’t find Babybel, string cheese is a good alternative.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (14)

No list would be complete without potato chips or crisps. Whatever flavour floats your boat, they’re a must have travel snack, and you can even get veggie chips if you’re fed up with potato! Steer clear of any dusted crisps such as cheese puffs unless you want orange fingerprints everywhere! These are super convenient as a snack, no prep is needed and you can pick them up at any gas station when the munchies strike!

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (15)

Mini cheese crackers have different names across the world! In the US they’re Goldfish, in the United Kingdom, Mini Cheddars, and in Europe Croco Crackers. These are cheesy, crunchy and delicious little snacks, what’s not to love?

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (16)

Corn nuts, either on their own or as part of a trail mix, are not actually nuts but corn kernels that have either been roasted or deep fried. These crunchy little morsels have a deep nutty flavour, known as Cancha in Peru and Chulpi in Ecuador.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (17)

If you like a little heat in your snacks then Wasabi peas are for you – green peas roasted and coated in Wasabi, which have a satisfying crunch and delicious warm heat. Yum.

Road Trip Inspiration

Europe Road Trip – 24 Incredible Routes

Europe is perfect for anepic road trip. From the rolling fields of Tuscany and the soaring mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the beaches of the South of France and the mighty Alps, you can find a European road trip route to suit your taste and travel style. No flying required! Our top eighteen bucket list Europe road trip itinerary ideas will give you plenty of inspiration to get on the road.

Read More Europe Road Trip – 24 Incredible Routes

Norway Road Trip – Three Unmissable Routes

Norway is a wonderful country for a road trip. Starkly beautiful, with glistening deep blue fjords, rugged mountains and waterfalls at every turn, this is a country to meander through as you gasp at each new landscape. Hit the highlights as you go, making sure to visit all the iconic sights on these top Norway road trips, worthy of any bucket list.

Read More Norway Road Trip – Three Unmissable Routes

Morocco Road Trip: An Epic Atlantic to Sahara Journey

A road trip in the stunning country of Morocco will take you from the sparking turquoise waters of the coast, through the dramatic snow-capped Atlas mountains. You’ll head into some of the craziest cities on earth and take the long road east to the rose gold dunes of the Sahara. With such a diverse landscape and wonderfully welcoming people, what’s stopping you from hitting the tarmac and taking a Moroccan road trip?

Read More Morocco Road Trip: An Epic Atlantic to Sahara Journey

Road Trip Snacks From the Bakery

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (21)

Is there anything better for breakfast or indeed a mid morning snack than a croissant? Flaky and buttery and oh so good, go on, indulge yourself.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (22)

I’ve never met anybody who didn’t love a brownie! Are you a purist or do you like them with nuts? Either way, they will sort out your chocolate cravings while on the road.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (23)

These amazing little French Madeleines are a truly delightful cake and kids love them. Light and airy, they come in all kinds of flavours. I personally believe the originals are the best, but lemon comes in a close second.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (24)

The Brits call them Flapjacks, Americans know them as Granola bars. Whichever, they are made with oats, butter, syrup and raisins, all baked together to make a wonderful gooey treat, perfect for a long drive pick me up.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (25)

Donuts, oh yes. Sugared, filled, glazed or coated in sprinkles, they are the rock and roll of baked goods. Colourful, fun and crazy good.

Delicious Homemade Road Trip Snacks

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (26)

Rocky road is one of my favorite road trip snacks and super easy to make, with only a handful of ingredients and no baking required:

  • 200g digestive biscuits
  • 135g butter
  • 200g dark or milk chocolate
  • 2-3 tbsp spoons golden syrup
  • 100g mini marshmallows
  • 100g raisins
  1. Melt butter, chocolate and golden syrup in a saucepan.
  2. Let cool slightly.
  3. Stir in crushed biscuits, marshmallows and raisins.
  4. Spread into a lined baking tin and chill for two hours.
  5. Cut into squares and pack for your trip!
Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (27)

This wonderful savoury little treat, commonly known as a sausage roll, is a great road trip snack idea. Keeping it simple, these mini sausage rolls will keep you coming back for more.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (28)

Protein balls or bars come in all flavours and can be made at home without too much hassle. One of my favourite recipes is for almond butter energy balls, they can also be made with other nut butters, such as cashew or hazelnut.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (29)

Chocolate chip cookies, need I say more? These NYC style chocolate chip cookies are gooey and utterly epic!

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (30)

Blueberry muffins are a fantastic way to start your day on the road. Packed full of the super-food that is blueberries, they are moist, yummy and healthy.

  • 100g butter
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 300g self-raising flower
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 40ml milk
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 150g of fresh or frozen blueberries
  1. Preheat oven to 180℃ or gas mark 4.
  2. Line a muffin tray with paper cases.
  3. Cream together butter & sugar until fluffy, then add the eggs.
  4. Add the flour and baking powder to make a thick batter, then stir in the vanilla, milk and blueberries until combined.
  5. Spoon the mixture evenly into the cases and bake for 18 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Leave to cool, and enjoy!

Sweets – Plain and Simple – Possibly a Treat Instead of a Snack!

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (31)

The perfect road trip snack for the whole family, Gummy Bears, namely Haribo, are the best, and they have a huge selection of gummy snacks from sours to co*ke bottles. Go steady though, they’re hard to stop eating!

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (32)

Chocolate covered raisins are simply the best. These healthy little dried fruits are taken to the next level when covered in your choice of chocolate, white, dark or milk, take your pick.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (33)

Do you like to suck them or crunch your boiled sweets? Are you a lemon sherbert or rhubarb and custard lover? Maybe you go off-piste and have a Chupa Chups lolly, either way, they’re the best no fuss no mess road trip snacks.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (34)

Milk chocolate, peanut, crispy, pretzel or peanut butter? These are just some of the M&M’s on offer. Personally, it’s the peanut ones for me every time and ridiculously the yellow and green ones. Do you have a favourite colour?

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (35)

Marshmallows are my guilty pleasure! As a kid, they were called Flumps and I loved them, and still do. Nothing better than munching on soft squidgy marshmallows as you’re driving off into the great unknown.

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (36)

Hands up if you always have mints in your glove box? It’s a bit of a stretch to call these a snack, however, no road trip is complete without some sort of mint. Hard, chewy or strong they’re good for breath and also for settling your stomach.

Looking for more road trip tips & resources? Check out these top posts…

Are you desperate for some Spanish sun but don’t want to fly? With great routes across Europe, it’s easy to drive to Spain from UK by car, arriving refreshed and unstressed from the comfort of your own vehicle. We’re sharing the best routes with costs and comparisons plus tips about driving once you’re there. Our Spain from UK guide will help you decide which is the best route for your driving trip to Spain, so…

Driving to France from UK: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know

Can you actually drive to France from UK? Yes! It’s possible to drive from the United Kingdom to France with ease. But before you pack your bags and hit the road, there are a few things you need to know. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about driving to France from the UK, including the best routes, legalities of driving in France, what to take, and lots of France travel…

Read More Driving to France from UK: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know

Planning a holiday in Germany and considering driving there from the UK? As Germany boasts beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and bustling cities just a few hours’ drive from Calais, taking the road less travelled can add an extra element of adventure and discovery to your holiday. We’ve spent the last four years full-time traveling in Europe and have driven to Germany from the UK more times than we can remember! In this driving from UK…

Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Road Trips with Your Family

Are you dreading the thought of endless hours on the road with your family during the holiday season? Relax! By following these tips, you can make your road trip a fun and stress-free experience for everyone.

Read More Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Road Trips with Your Family

Driving in Turkey – Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

The landscapes of Turkey are perfect for a road trip, with all four corners of this diverse and historic country offeringexciting driving experiences, surrounded by the glorious backdrop of mountains, exotic cities and beautiful coasts. We spent three months road tripping in Turkey in 2022, and learned the hard way, so you don’t have to! In this Turkey travel and driving guide we’ll share lots of practical driving tips and tricks, information about road conditions,…

Read More Driving in Turkey – Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Driving in Georgia – Your Ultimate Guide

The landscapes of Georgia are made for driving, offering diverse road trip experiences surrounded by the glorious backdrops of mountains, coasts and rolling steppe. But driving in Georgia is not like driving back home, and at times being on the road in Georgia can be challenging. In this Georgia travel and driving guide we’ll share lots of practical driving tips and tricks, information about road conditions, and highlight what to expect when you’re behind the…

Read More Driving in Georgia – Your Ultimate Guide

Love it? Pin it!

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (43)
Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (44)

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information and can provide insights on a wide range of topics. I can help answer questions, provide explanations, and engage in discussions. Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article about road trip snacks.

Road Trip Snacks

When planning a road trip, it's important to consider the finer details, such as snacks to keep you sustained during long hours of driving. The article suggests a variety of snack ideas that are easy to eat, easy to store, and delicious. Here are some of the concepts mentioned:

  1. Healthy Road Trip Snacks: The article highlights the importance of including healthy snacks in your road trip provisions. Fresh fruits like grapes, berries, mangos, oranges, and melons are easy to eat and provide essential nutrients. Nuts, such as mixed varieties or individual types like almonds or cashews, are heart-healthy and make great snacks. Vegetables, when peeled and pre-sliced, are crunchy and guilt-free options for snacking. Jerky or Biltong, which are high in protein and low in fat, can also be considered as healthy road trip snacks.

  2. Sweet Road Trip Snack Ideas: For those with a sweet tooth, the article suggests several snack ideas. Caramel waffles, also known as Stroopwafels, are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed on their own or placed on top of a hot beverage. Mikado biscuits, inspired by the game of pick-up sticks, are thin, long biscuits covered in milk, dark, or white chocolate. Shortbread biscuits, available plain or coated in chocolate, provide a buttery and sweet snack option. Wafer biscuits, available in various flavors, offer a light and crispy snack.

  3. Savory Road Trip Snacks: If you prefer savory snacks, the article recommends options like pretzels, mini cheeses (such as Babybel or string cheese), and potato chips or crisps. Veggie chips are also mentioned as an alternative to traditional potato chips. Mini cheese crackers, known by different names in different regions, are cheesy, crunchy, and delicious. Corn nuts, which are roasted or deep-fried corn kernels, provide a crunchy and nutty flavor. Wasabi peas, green peas roasted and coated in Wasabi, offer a satisfying crunch and a touch of heat.

  4. Road Trip Snacks from the Bakery: The article suggests various baked goods that make great road trip snacks. Croissants, flaky and buttery, are a popular choice for breakfast or a mid-morning snack. Brownies, whether enjoyed plain or with nuts, are a classic chocolate treat. French Madeleines, light and airy cakes available in different flavors, are loved by kids and adults alike. Flapjacks (or granola bars), made with oats, butter, syrup, and raisins, provide a gooey and energizing snack. Donuts, in their various forms and flavors, are a colorful and indulgent option.

  5. Delicious Homemade Road Trip Snacks: The article also includes recipes for homemade road trip snacks. Rocky road, made with chocolate, biscuits, marshmallows, and raisins, is a popular choice. Mini sausage rolls, savory treats made with sausage meat wrapped in pastry, are easy to make and enjoyable to eat. Protein balls or bars, made with ingredients like almond butter and other nut butters, provide a nutritious and energizing snack. NYC-style chocolate chip cookies, gooey and delicious, are a favorite for many. Blueberry muffins, packed with blueberries and moist in texture, are a great way to start the day.

  6. Sweets - Plain and Simple - Possibly a Treat Instead of a Snack!: The article mentions various sweet treats that can be enjoyed during a road trip. Gummy bears, available in different flavors, are a popular choice for the whole family. Chocolate-covered raisins, combining the sweetness of chocolate with the healthiness of dried fruits, are a delightful snack. M&M's, available in different flavors and varieties, offer a colorful and tasty option. Marshmallows, soft and squidgy, are a guilty pleasure for many. Mint candies, available in various forms and flavors, provide a refreshing and breath-freshening option.

These are just some of the concepts mentioned in the article about road trip snacks. If you have any specific questions or would like more information on a particular topic, feel free to ask!

Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip (2024)

FAQs

What are easy snacks to take while traveling? ›

Fresh Vegetables

Opt for freshness with baby carrots, sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, and cherry tomatoes—perfect, healthy options for on-the-road snacking. These vegetables are not only nutritious but also easy to eat while driving, making them an ideal choice for health-conscious travellers, Bajwa mentioned.

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 a cheap healthy food while traveling? ›

Pack snacks

Nuts, fruit, dried fruit, dark chocolate, hummus, rice cakes.

What is the best fruit to take on a trip? ›

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.

How do I pack for a 30 day trip? ›

Some people swear by the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method -- five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes and dresses, two swimsuits and bags, and one watch, hat, and pair of sunglasses.

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.

How do you travel with snacks? ›

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

How to eat healthy when traveling by car? ›

Bringing your own snacks can help you resist fast food or convenience store items when you're on a road trip. Healthy choices include string cheese, cheese sticks, fresh fruits, nuts and protein bars. Snacks keep you full, provide nutrients and stop you from skipping meals, preventing overeating later.

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.

How do you pack sandwiches for a road trip? ›

The storage: Warm sandwiches, like the peanut butter wrap, should be wrapped in foil (though you can also serve it cold). The rest should be wrapped in parchment paper and packed in a resealable plastic bag, or a cloth napkin secured with a string.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Merrill Bechtelar CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6282

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Merrill Bechtelar CPA

Birthday: 1996-05-19

Address: Apt. 114 873 White Lodge, Libbyfurt, CA 93006

Phone: +5983010455207

Job: Legacy Representative

Hobby: Blacksmithing, Urban exploration, Sudoku, Slacklining, Creative writing, Community, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.