The Best Travel Snacks to Bring on the Road

It’s summertime, and for many people that means packing up the car with beach or camping equipment. Your mind may be focused on ensuring all the essentials for fun in the sun are in your suitcases, but what about what should be readily available to your passengers on the ride down?

At Canteen, we know how important it is to stay fueled for your big adventure. After all, food is a key part of almost every occasion. We’ve compiled a list of all the best travel snacks to keep the mouths in your backseats full. Hopefully too full to ask, “Are we there yet?”

Pack all the right snacks for your vacation by following this helpful guide.

Trail Mix

When you’re on the trail, there’s nothing better than this high-protein sweet and salty snack. Whether you pick up a bag from the store or make your own at home, this snack is perfect to enjoy by yourself or share with a group.

Trail mix comes in plenty of varieties too. If sweet and salty isn’t your favorite combination, consider bolder flavors or even a cheesy mix instead.

Jerky

A truck driver’s healthy favorite, jerky gives travelers the strength to endure the trek. With this snack that’s high in protein and low in fat, jerky can keep travelers full and satisfied before the next pit stop. Jerky also comes in many varieties of meats and flavors to suit any taste.

Looking for alternatives that fit a vegetarian or vegan diet? Mushroom jerky has become a popular plant-based alternative for those who don’t eat meat. Many come in an assortment of flavors from traditional to teriyaki.

Nuts

Another high-protein snack that’s easy to take on the road is nuts. Whether you prefer peanuts, almonds, or cashews, there are plenty of varieties to enjoy. Can’t settle on just one? Enjoy a nut mix that offers a variety of all of your favorites.

Chips, Crackers, and Pretzels

It’s okay to indulge! If you’re craving something salty, a bag of chips or pretzels may be exactly what you need. Just bring a napkin to wipe any excess oil off of your fingertips.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try plant-based snacks like pea chips or veggie straws. Crackers are another less oily way to enjoy a crunchy snack.

Protein and Granola Bars

Protein and granola bars make for great travel snacks. A less messy option, bars will likely keep everyone full while reducing the amount of crumbs left behind. All you’ll have to worry about is the wrapper that can be quickly discarded at a gas station or rest stop.

Apple Sauce

These days, you don’t even have to pack a spoon. You can enjoy a squeeze tube of applesauce while you’re on the go.

Nut Butter Packs

Along those same lines, peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butter packets come in convenient packaging so you can enjoy just by squeezing the packaging.

Candy

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, chances are you aren’t leaving a travel stop without something chocolatey, fruity, or tangy. 

Enjoying these treats in moderation is a great way to keep you energized throughout your trip. You might need a sugar rush to get you through the last leg of your trip.

Cooler Snacks

If you bring a cooler with you, you open up more opportunities for yourself and your travelers. So long as you remember to pack it before your trip, you can have full meals in the comfort of your car.

Veggies

Whether you’re enjoying them with a dipping cup of dressing or on their own, plenty of veggies make for excellent finger foods. Baby carrots, celery sticks, and snap peas are a few options that you can keep on hand.

Fruit

Less messy fruits like apples, peaches, bananas, grapes, and oranges are a great way to stay hydrated and full on your summer travels. They’re also a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Sandwiches

Without a cooler, you can likely enjoy a good peanut butter sandwich, maybe even a peanut butter sandwich with honey. With a cooler, you can add jelly for a classic PB&J. If you’re looking for something a little more hearty, you can pile up whatever deli meats your heart desires and add condiments like mayonnaise and mustard.

String Cheese

Another great option that won’t leave a mess is string cheese. Keeping it cool is the ideal scenario, so pack it in your cooler for the best results.

Yogurt

You’ll likely want to stick to yogurt in tubes or pouches to minimize mess. You can even freeze them beforehand to reduce mess and create a portable smoothie.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

You’re going to want to peel them beforehand and likely roll the windows down when you’re eating them, but hard-boiled eggs are a great way to get a high-protein snack.

Keep your travels as smooth as possible this summer by minimizing the chance you’ll have to cater to hungry travelers. Having the right snacks on hand will make a long day’s drive that much easier to tolerate.

Need to replenish? You might just be able to find a Canteen machine at the rest stops along the way. But just in case you don’t, it never hurts to grab a few bites to eat from your nearest Canteen market or pantry.

No matter where you are in your journey, Canteen is here to remind you to stay replenished throughout your travels. And don’t forget to take breaks!