50 Road Trip Snacks for Your Next Road Trip

girl drinking a mint colored water bottle

Road trips are full of adventure, excitement, and probably a few hunger pangs along the way. To avoid any hangry moments, we've made a list of the best and healthiest snacks to keep energy high and stomachs happy. Just don’t forget the cooler and some ice packs, so the perishable ones can stay cool and fresh. Whether you're craving something sweet, savory, or protein-packed, these road trip snacks have got you covered. 

1. Sour Watermelon Patches

For those with a sweet tooth, sour watermelon patches are a tangy and refreshing choice. Made with real fruit juice and without artificial colors or flavors, they're a sweet you can eat guilt free.

2. Peanut Butter Pretzels

This incredible combo of salty crunch of pretzels mixed with creamy, rich peanut butter gives you the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Not only that, but they’re also high in protein and can give you an extra boost of energy. So chomp away!

3. Fruit

If you’re craving something a bit healthier, you can’t get any better than fruit. Fruit has vitamins and minerals your body needs and they’re also refreshing to eat. Whether you prefer fresh whole fruit like apples, oranges, and bananas that are easy to grab and eat on the go, or dried fruit such as apricots, raisins, and mango slices that offer a convenient and portable option, there's a fruit choice to suit every taste and preference. With their high water content and fiber-rich composition, fruits help keep you hydrated and satisfied during long drives, making them a must-have addition to your snack lineup for the journey ahead.

4. Dried Fruit

Want something a little less messy or sticky (while still healthy)? Dried fruit offers a naturally sweet and satisfying option that's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Whether you prefer apricots, raisins, or mango slices, dried fruit provides a convenient and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth while on the road.

5. Vegetables

Yeah, we said it. While it may not be your first thought while packing road trip snacks, they’re a quick way to up your nutrients and balance your diet. Baby carrots, snap peas, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips are all light and refreshing, which might just wake you up a little on the road too. Don’t like them plain? Pair with dips like hummus for game-changing taste and extra protein.

6. Drinks

While they may not necessarily be road trip snacks, no road trip would be complete without beverages to quench your thirst along the way. Pack your cooler with a variety of drinks such as soda, Gatorade, and water for a much-needed boost of hydration. If you want to feel extra refreshed, bring along a FreeSip 40 oz water bottle or the 40 oz tumbler to keep your drinks super chilly—even after long hours on the road. With just one sip, you’ll see why it’s everyone’s favorite travel buddy.

7. Beef Jerky

Easy to hold and easy to chew, this classic road trip snack is perfect for munching on the go. Beyond its savory flavor and chewy texture that make it ridiculously delicious, it’s also a great source of protein. If you eat the entire bag in one go, we wouldn’t blame you.

8. Trail Mix

A mix of nuts, dried fruits, and sometimes chocolate, trail mix is a versatile and energizing snack. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, it’s a balanced blend that’ll keep you going mile after mile. But if you just want to pick out the chocolate instead, that’s cool too (because honestly, who hasn’t done that).

9. Protein Bars

If you’re feeling hungry and need a quick refuel, protein bars are a great go to. Packed with protein (obviously), fiber, and other healthy goodness, bars can keep your energy up so you don’t lose steam.

10. Oath Clear Whey

A convenient and refreshing protein drink that's perfect for staying fueled during your road trip. Packed with high-quality whey protein and available in a bunch of delicious flavors, Oath clear whey isolate is definitely one of the easiest ways to hit your daily protein goals.

11. Popcorn

Maybe the most addictive one of all. How healthy it is… well, that’s up to you. If you just air-pop it, this light, crunchy snack is low in calories and high in fiber. You can also add seasoning to it, such as parmesan, to really elevate it. If you need your popcorn smothered in butter (movie-theater style), that’s also an option. Just don’t forget to bring some napkins or wipes!

12. Sun Chips

A healthier alternative to your standard chips. Made with whole grains and real ingredients like sunflower oil and sea salt, (as well as a variety of mouthwatering flavors) Sun Chips are bursting with flavor in every bite.

13. Apple Chips

For something even healthier, but just as crunchy as potato chips, apple chips are an amazing alternative. Packed with fiber and vitamins, they’re a naturally sweet treat that everyone in the car will love.

14. Turkey Club

For something more substantial, go full out with a sandwich. All you need is some lean turkey, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and savory bacon. We’re drooling already.

15. Licorice

Looking to indulge yourself a little? Grab some licorice. Its chewy texture and sweet taste make it easy to munch on (honestly, probably too easy) throughout your trip.

16. Poppi Soda

If you’re a soda fanatic but wish it were healthier, your time has finally arrived. Poppi is making soda shame a thing of the past because each can only has 5g of sugar and 25 calories. It almost sounds too good to be true, but we promise you’re not dreaming.

17. Guac and Chips

Avocado dip paired with crispy tortilla chips is a winning combo that everyone in the car will be reaching for. It doesn’t hurt either that avocados are loaded with healthy fats and fiber.

18. No-bake Protein Balls

Easy to make ahead of time and 100% worth the effort. There are so many recipes out there, but they’re most often made with ingredients like oats, nut butter, and protein powder that’ll boost your energy no matter how tired you’re feeling.

19. Cashews

Ahh, nuts. Another one? Absolutely, because cashews are rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and copper. Their softer texture and subtly sweet flavor also make them a top choice for keeping hunger in check.

20. Dark Chocolate

This one’s for all the chocolate fanatics out there. Dark chocolate has tons of antioxidants and flavonoids, making it a sweet treat that you can feel good about. Look for varieties with a high cocoa content for maximum health benefits to really get the most out of it.

21. Hummus

The most dreamy dip around. Hummus is creamy and flavorful, a versatile dip that pairs well with veggies, crackers, or pita chips. Made from chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil, it's a nutritious snack that's high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

22. BLT Sandwich

A classic for a reason. The BLT combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce between two slices of bread. It’s mind-blowingly good. In addition, it’s got a great balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins to keep you going all day long.

23. Pistachios

These bright green nuts are easy to spot anywhere. Beyond looking unique and being crunchy (as all nuts are), their health benefits include protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

24. Dark Chocolate Covered Nuts

The mixture of rich chocolate and crunchy nuts gives you the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, while also offering a dose of heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.

25. Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwiches

Yummm. This simple yet satisfying snack is packed with protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars—making it both nutritious and delicious. Even the pickiest eaters in the car will ask for these.

26. Rice Crisps

Light and crispy, rice crisps are a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips. Made from whole grain rice and baked to perfection, they offer a satisfying crunch without the excess calories or fat.

27. Sunflower Seeds

If you’ve got the munchies, sunflower seeds are your best friend. They’re full of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats—and their crunchy texture and mild flavor makes it easy to eat a lot of them. If you like spitting out the shells, make sure you have a trash bin in your car.

28. Skinny Pop

If popping your own popcorn isn’t your style, Skinny Pop is a perfect on-the-go option. This guilt-free snack is low in calories but high in flavor. Made with simple ingredients like popcorn, sunflower oil, and salt, it’s nice and crunchy without any artificial additives or preservatives.

29. Edamame

Step aside, potato chips—there’s another salty snack in town. Edamame, or steamed soybeans, are filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are a healthy option that actually taste good. Just top with sea salt and enjoy!

30. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Eggs are an amazing source of protein. Plus, they’re easy to prepare ahead of time to keep hunger at bay during your trip.

31. Beef Sticks

One of the best road trip snacks. Beef sticks are savory, protein-rich, perfect for on-the-go munching. Made from lean beef and seasoned with herbs and spices, they offer a blend of flavor and nutrition.

32. Mixed Nuts

Because a combo of flavors and textures, along with a wealth of nutrients including protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. They're a convenient road trip food for staying fueled on the road.

33. Ham and Cheese Wheels

Where savory deli meat meets soft cheese. Rolled together for easy eating, they provide a protein-packed option that you can down in seconds.

34. String Cheese

String cheese is a must-have in the car. Its individually wrapped portions make it easy to enjoy on the go, and it’s rich in protein and calcium. Basically, it’s the GOAT of cheese.

35. Sesame Garlic Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted to perfection and seasoned with savory garlic and sesame, these seasoned pumpkin seeds are not to be missed. Oh yeah, they’re also full of vitamins and minerals, which is cool too.

36. Saltine Crackers

Whether you like them plain or topped with cheese, peanut butter, or hummus, saltine crackers have a salty, neutral flavor that pairs well with tons of toppings.

37. Tuna and Crackers

A convenient and protein-rich option. Pack individual servings of canned tuna along with a sleeve of crackers and they’re ready to eat at any time. Just make sure everyone in your car can handle the smell before you crack that can open.

38. Fruit Leather

These are made from pureed fruit that's been dried into a chewy, candy-like consistency. It’s a favorite for both kids and adults because it’s a sweet treat that doesn’t feel healthy (but is).

39. Spicy Almonds

Can you handle the heat? Spicy almonds add an extra kick to your snack lineup. They can be coated in any blend of spices like chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a little burst of heat. Let’s just say they’ll keep you wide awake on the road.

40. Fruit and Yogurt Dip

This dip brings together the natural sweetness of fresh fruit with the rich goodness of yogurt. It's a great way to sneak in some extra vitamins and calcium while enjoying a tasty treat.

41. Walnuts

A nutrient-dense nut that's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. They’re earthy, crunchy, and pair well with anything from chocolate to fruit.

42. Ants on a Log

A classic childhood snack that will make everyone in the car smile. To make it, just spread peanut butter on celery sticks and top with raisins or other dried fruit—and voila! You have a fun, edible nature scene.

43. Chips and Salsa

The snack that nobody will be able to stop eating—unless they have superhuman self-control. It’s incredibly tasty and easy to pass around the car.

44. Peanuts

If you want something that’s crunchy instead of creamy, peanuts are a great pick. They’re full of protein to fuel your adventures and are good enough to have on their own or mixed with other nuts and dried fruit.

45. Fig Bars

Bars are probably some of the best snacks to have on hand—because they’re easy to eat in moments without too much mess. Fig bars are made with whole wheat flour and real fruit filling that help with digestion and taste great.

46. Veggie Sticks and Dip

Healthy road trip snacks are worth their weight in gold. Veggie sticks paired with a flavorful dip, such as Greek yogurt ranch, take your veggies to the next level. Crunchy carrots, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and celery sticks have vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while the dip adds flavor and protein for a really well-rounded bite.

47. Rice Cakes with Almond Butter

Rice cakes are pretty popular on their own, but have you tried them with almond butter? Your life is about to be changed for the better. Rice cakes are low in calories and provide a crunchy base, while almond butter adds healthy fats, protein, and a delicious nutty flavor. If you’ve got an extra sweet tooth, a drizzle of honey is the ultimate topper.

48. Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese

A popular pick (because cheese is life). Crackers have fiber and complex carbohydrates, while cheese adds protein, calcium, and flavor. To make it as healthy as possible, grab whole grain cracks and some low-fat cheese. Or don’t. We’re not the boss of you.

49. Greek Yogurt Parfait

Whether it’s the name or just how pretty it looks, parfaits feel like a fancy treat. It’s made with Greek yogurt, layered with fresh fruit, and topped with granola. This filling snack is also packed with protein and probiotics, the fruit adds natural sweetness and essential vitamins, and the granola gives that satisfying crunch and added fiber.

50. Almonds

Almonds have so many health benefits. Their crunchy texture and subtly sweet flavor also make them a favorite to eat. What’s also nice is that they pair easily with many other road trip snacks.

More Snack Ideas

  • M&Ms

  • Skittles

  • Cheetos

  • Cheese Puffs

  • Spicy Pickles

  • Potato Chips

  • Air Heads

  • Nerds Gummy Clusters

  • Ruffles

  • Dark Chocolate Covered Pomegranates

  • Chocolate Bars (snickers, Twix, butterfinger, etc)

  • Gummy Bears

  • Pirouline Sticks

  • Goldfish

  • Twizzlers

  • Chex Mix

  • Trolli Sour Worms

  • Pine Nuts

With a little bit of prep work that’ll pay off big, you’ll have a bunch of good road trip snacks packed and ready for your adventure—saving you time wandering gas station aisles or overspending on drive-thrus. Store your snacks and take them anywhere with Whiskware snacking containers! These are perfect for everyone, including the little ones. Now that’s our kind of trip. 

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