What To Grab And What To Skip
Long road trips can feel like an endless stretch of highway, where the right snacks are your only companions. But not all snacks are created equal! Some keep you fueled and focused, while others leave you with regret and a sugar crash. So let's take a look at the essentials as well as the ones you should skip at your next gas station stop!
1. Trail Mix
Trail mix is a nutritious snack made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. It’s easy to customize and can include a small amount of dark chocolate for sweetness. Thanks to its healthy fats, fiber, and protein, trail mix gives you the endurance needed for the miles ahead.
2. Beef Jerky
For long road trips, beef jerky is the ideal snack, keeping you fueled with protein during the journey. It’s light yet filling, and since it doesn’t need refrigeration, you can toss it in your bag and hit the road without a second thought.
3. Fresh Fruit
Water-rich fruits like grapes and apples help replenish fluids lost during long hours on the road. They’re packed with vitamins and natural sugars that provide steady energy while keeping your digestive system in check. They’re a natural pick-me-up that quenches your thirst and sweet tooth.
4. Granola Bars
Granola bars are a road trip essential. The kind of crunch and chew you look for when bored, driving alone. Plus, it also gives you a quick and convenient energy boost. They keep you satisfied without making you feel too full, so you can keep enjoying the ride.
5. Popcorn
Ah, popcorn. The snack that somehow feels light, but you end up eating the entire bag. It’s the road trip snack you grab without thinking twice, yet it’s the one that’ll have you picking kernels out of your teeth for hours. At least it's the best low-calorie-munching travel companion.
6. Hummus & Veggies
Hummus and veggies are a clean, wholesome snack. No mess, no fuss, just pure nutritional goodness. The creamy texture of hummus pairs perfectly with fresh veggies, creating a satiating snack that’ll keep you going without the bloated feeling.
7. Cheese And Crackers
Remember the old road trips with your family when the snacks were simple but somehow made everything feel just right? Cheese and crackers take us back to those moments. A classic yet combo that is always within reach. It’s the snack that feels like home, no matter where you are.
8. Energy Bars
Energy bars feature a combination of complex carbs and natural sugars, giving you a sustained energy boost. Studies suggest that these bars help reduce fatigue and improve mental focus, making them ideal when you’re miles away from the next rest stop and need to stay sharp.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stephanieasher/ S.C. Asher on Wikimedia
9. Rice Cakes With Peanut Butter
When you're looking for a snack that doesn't feel heavy but still keeps you full, rice cakes with peanut butter are your best bet. The crispy texture and creamy peanut butter create a comforting contrast. Plus, the snack is quick to prepare and convenient to eat on the go.
10. Dark Chocolate Almonds
Dark chocolate almonds are the ideal snack when you need something sweet but also want to feel good about your choice. The richness of the dark chocolate paired with the hearty almonds gives you a flavorful treat, while the antioxidants in the chocolate keep you alert on the road.
But we don’t always get the healthy ones. Do we? While it may be tempting to grab whatever catches your eye during pit stops, let’s take a look at ten snacks that are better left behind.
1. Cheesy Puffs
They're light, crispy, and downright addictive. But after just a few handfuls, you'll find neon orange dust all over your fingers, your steering wheel, gear shift, and even your phone. Unless you’re up for scrubbing off that mess for the rest of your trip, it’s best to skip these.
2. Ice Cream
Ice cream is a treat best enjoyed while sitting comfortably, not trying to juggle the wheel with one hand and a melting cone with the other. Sure, it’s delicious, but let’s face it—it’s a nightmare on the road. It’s messy, it’s cold, and it’s the last thing you want to deal with in a confined space.
3. Spicy Snacks
Spicy snacks on a road trip? Sure, if you enjoy the thrill of your mouth being on fire while simultaneously trying to navigate traffic. Unless you have a bottomless supply of water or are willing to endure the inevitable stomach upset, spicy snacks are a gamble that might ruin your journey.
4. Fried Snacks
Fried snacks are like a bad hangover waiting to happen. They’re heavy and leave you feeling sluggish. It's not exactly the energy boost you want on a long drive. Stick to something light and easy to digest instead of weighing yourself down with deep-fried calories.
5. Nutty Candy Bars
While candy bars with nuts seem like a healthier option, the combination of sugar and fat might make you feel full. However, it doesn’t give you sustained energy; your body will thank you for choosing something cleaner.
6. String Cheese
String cheese seems convenient, but peeling it while driving is impractical. You either wrestle with the wrapper or bite straight into it, ruining the fun. If left in a warm car, it turns into a sweaty, rubbery mess. Opt for cheese cubes or slices for an easier road trip snack!
7. Candy
Candy can be a siren call on a long drive, enticing with its bright wrappers and sugary appeal. Yet, it’s a trap. That initial burst of sweetness quickly fades, leaving you empty and jittery, which is something you surely don’t want when you have longer miles to cover.
8. Crackers
Crackers are a crumb catastrophe waiting to happen. They crumble instantly, leaving tiny shards all over your lap and car seat. Plus, they’re dry, making you desperately thirsty, which means more drink breaks (and bathroom stops). If you’d rather not deal with a crumb-covered car, it's best to skip the crackers.
9. Yogurt Cups
Yogurt is a healthy snack, but it’s not exactly road trip-friendly. The foil lid can pop open unpredictably, and without a spoon, eating it gets messy fast. If it spills, you're left with a sticky seat and a lingering sour smell—probably not the best travel companion.
10. Potato Chips
Potato chips are the quintessential road trip snack that never disappoints. Right? You pop open the bag, hear that satisfying crunch, and for a moment, everything feels right. But soon after, your fingers are greasy, and your thirst rises. Next time, just get the packet of almonds.
