15 Wholesome Snacks for Your Next Road Trip

When it comes to road trips, it’s as much about the journey as it is the destination – and nothing makes the journey more enjoyable than all your favorite road trip snacks!

Prepping some better-for-you road trip snacks is a smart and delicious way to keep the good vibes flowing through every mile, missed turn, and memory. Crank up your favorite road trip playlist, grab a travel buddy, and let’s get rolling...

What are Good, Wholesome Snacks to Take on a Road Trip?

Almost any of your favorite snacks can become road trip snacks with a little creativity, but there are special considerations depending on the weather, how far you’re going, and whether you’ll have a way to heat up and keep food chilled. Generally speaking, the best road trip snacks are:

• Snacks that don’t spoil easily
• Foods that don’t have strong smells
• Snacks with a low likelihood of spilling
• Prepared foods that don’t require slicing, cooking, etc.
• Snacks that generate minimal waste

If you’re going on a day trip, you may be able to pack some perishable items as long as you eat them earlier in the trip or keep them at safe temperatures. For short trips, a freezable insulated lunch bag is a convenient option. For longer trips – or if you’re feeding a larger group – pack anything that could spoil in a high-quality cooler with plenty of reusable ice packs. If you stop at hotels along the way, many rooms have refrigerators where you can stash your snacks overnight and refreeze your ice packs. If you’re camping or driving straight through, you can pick up ice at gas stations along the way to refill your cooler and keep your cargo safe.

To reduce waste, pack your own reusable utensils and straws, as well as a couple of empty paper bags to gather any trash for disposal when you arrive.

Wholesome Snack Ideas for a Road Trip

When it’s time for your next road trip, no need to rely on gas stations and vending machines. Instead, pack some of these better-for-you snacks to keep you feeling your best:

1. Fruit & Nut Butter

Any fruit makes for a delicious road trip snack, but heartier fruits like apples or those with thick skin, like oranges and bananas, are less likely to get squished and bruised, meaning you can throw them in your bag as-is. Alternatively, softer or pre-cut fruits can be packed in jars or reusable containers. Adding nut butter with healthy fats and protein is a yummy way to turn fruit into a more satisfying snack. Some brands even sell squeezable nut butters for a travel-friendlier option.

2. Veggies & Dip

Baby carrots, sliced cucumber, mini bell peppers, and any other raw veggies you love are great when you’re craving something crunchy. Packing a nutritious dip such as hummus, guacamole, or vegan ranch in a resealable container will take your veggies up a notch. For a non-perishable option, try a sprinkle of Trader Joe’s famous “Everything but the Bagel” seasoning!

3. Dry-Roasted Chickpeas & Edamame

If you’re a salty snack lover looking for something a little more nutrient-dense, crunchy roasted chickpeas and edamame are delicious alternatives. Many stores carry these items in an abundance of tasty flavors, but you can also easily make your own at home and add all your favorite spices.

4. Greek Yogurt

If you have a cooler, plant-based Greek yogurt is a high-protein option that's perfect for powering long days on the road. It’s also full of probiotics that can help support a healthy and happy digestive system while traveling. Consider packing toppings like berries, granola, or chia seeds for extra nutrients, texture, and variety.

5. Protein Bites

If you’re looking for a little something sweet, homemade protein bites are a delicious and mess-free addition to your road trip snack lineup. Make your own with oats, nut butter, protein powder, and your favorite mix-ins, or use MacroBars® to make a super simple version. Tip: freeze them ahead of time so they stay fresh for longer!

6. Nuts & Seeds

From walnuts and cashews to pumpkin and sunflower seeds, nuts and seeds of all kinds make a nutritious and filling travel snack! Depending on your preferences and cravings, there are tons of flavor options – both sweet and savory! Stock up on your favorites and make your own mix; you can even add dried fruit or chocolate chips for a sweet homemade trail mix.

7. Lupini Beans

Popular in Mediterranean countries, lupini beans are filled with fiber, protein, and antioxidants that make for a simple but satisfying savory snack. It may sound strange to pack beans on the go, but brands such as Brami sell pickled versions in a variety of flavors that are easily enjoyed straight from convenient single-serving pouches.

8. Dark Chocolate

Of course, it’s not a road trip without some sweets, and dark chocolate is a decadent but health-conscious classic. Whether you add chocolate chips to a snack mix or pack a few flavors of dark chocolate bars, there’s something to satisfy everyone in the car. Keep in mind that the higher the cacao content, the higher the melting point – so if you’re expecting hot days, go for at least 70% dark chocolate...Did you know that 85% dark chocolate won’t melt until 114 degrees Fahrenheit?!

9. Dried Fruit

While dried fruits are great in trail mixes, they’re also great all on their own! Dried fruits make another dependable sweet snack for road trips thanks to their long shelf life and relative accessibility. Look for options like dried mango, apples, and bananas, or check out fruit leathers and bars. For the healthiest option, choose dried fruits with no added sugars.

10. Popcorn

Popcorn is a great source of fiber and the perfect snack for satisfying that salty, crunchy craving on long drives. Make sure to skip most microwavable and packaged popcorn with long lists of artificial flavors and inflammatory oils. Instead, opt for homemade air-popped popcorn or a minimally processed version with clean ingredients from a brand we love, such as Lesser Evil.

11. Avocado

It might be difficult to snack on an avocado while behind the wheel, but for passengers and rest stops, avocados make an ideal road trip snack! Because they’re self-contained, avos are convenient to halve and eat straight from the skin for satiating healthy fats and fiber. Enjoy them solo, sprinkle with hemp seeds for an extra boost of omega-3s, or slice them up to top crackers and veggies.

12. Chia Pudding

Chock-full of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, chia pudding is a delicious road trip snack to pack into the cooler. Prep it ahead of time in jars or small containers using chia seeds and your favorite plant-based milk. Have fun with the limitless topping and flavor options, including cinnamon, honey, vanilla, cocoa, protein powder, granola, and more!

13. Better-For-You Crackers & Chips

If you feel like it’s not truly a road trip without chips, there’s no reason you can’t keep them on your list! Just look for an option with real, simple ingredients. Fortunately, there are tons of options on the market from brands such as Siete, Terra, and Barnana. Rice or seed crackers are also great crunchy snacks that are perfect for dipping or topping with your other snacks.

14. Hydrating Beverages

With all those salty snacks, you’ll need something to quench your thirst. Staying hydrated is key to feeling your best while traveling, so be sure to bring plenty of water. You can also mix things up with coconut water, electrolyte powders, fruit-infused water, functional sodas, or even green tea. Don’t forget a reusable tumbler or water bottle to cut down on plastic waste!

15. MacroBars®

Want to be everyone’s favorite road trip buddy? Bring delicious, protein-packed MacroBars! Full-size bars are a filling treat when you’re miles from the next stop and feel the hanger arising, while Kids MacroBars® and MacroBar® Minis are great for a wholesome bite that passengers of all ages can enjoy. With over 22 different flavors, they’re the perfect, easy snack that’s sure to please.

Wherever your travels take you, don’t get stranded on a long stretch of interstate with food that isn’t going to leave you feeling great. Prepping wholesome road trip snacks can save you money and give you the energy needed for all your adventures. Best of all, with snacks this delicious, you just might enjoy the journey more than the destination!