Road trips aren’t just for the summer months. The average long-distance winter road trip is 262 miles, which means you need to be prepared and bring along plenty of snacks for the drive. Since it’s a road trip, spice things up a little and bring along a variety of snacks. These ideas include some snacks for sweetness, some for nutrition, and some for crunch. There are even some that cover all three bases!
Before we proceed further, here is a helpful guide on how to pack your snacks, so that you enjoy your trip rather than worrying up about the mess.
1. Mixed Nuts and Seeds
When you’re seeking comforting snacks on a winter road trip, it is normal to gravitate toward sweet treats and carbohydrates. While there is nothing wrong with some tasty indulgences, it is also important to enjoy some protein and healthy fats on the go. A great option with minimal preparation time is a bag of mixed nuts and seeds. Dry roasted versions won’t leave you with oily fingers, which is a plus if you’re traveling with children.
2. Pretzels
One of the top snacks for traveling in the car is a bag of pretzels. This is a snack that is incredibly affordable and requires no preparation whatsoever. Plus, it isn’t messy and it is loved by just about anyone. If you’re traveling with a gluten-sensitive person, there are plenty of gluten-free pretzels available as well.
3. Protein Bars
The most neglected macronutrient on a winter road trip is protein. It is easy to grab snacks with plenty of carbohydrates from any gas station, but you might have to do a little more planning to get in enough protein. A great option is gluten free protein bars. There are options that are soy-free and vegan, too, so you can get enough protein whatever your dietary restrictions happen to be.
4. Berries
During the summer months, the fruit is a staple road trip snack. During the winter, however, it might seem like a less obvious choice. Berries can be a great snack that packs a slightly sweet flavor without a lot of sugar.
5. PB&J Sandwiches
Among favorite road trip snacks is a perennial favorite: PB&J. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich takes just seconds to prepare and it is universally appealing. Plus, it’s a filling alternative to other snacks. Just grab half a sandwich if you’re not ready for a full meal.
6. Yogurt
Yes, yogurts can be a good snack during a road trip. The secret is to bring along yogurt tubes so there is no mess as you enjoy.
7. Healthy Homemade Muffins
The holidays are a great time to bake, but not everything has to be unhealthy. Try baking some healthy homemade muffins for your next road trip. You might try replacing butter with applesauce or swapping traditional flour for low-carb almond flour if you want to upgrade the nutritional profile a little.
8. DIY Popcorn Mix
Plain popcorn is low in calories and has some fiber, so it can be a healthy road trip snack. To make it even tastier and healthier, add in some other ingredients for a DIY popcorn mix. Dried fruit, seeds or cereal can make popcorn an even better snack for the road.
9. Sparkling Waters and Seltzers
Over the holidays, plenty of drinks are packed with calories. So when you’re trying to stay hydrated on a road trip, be sure to pack some low or no-calorie beverages for hydration. If plain water doesn’t excite you, sip on sparkling waters or flavored seltzers for some added flavor and fun.
10. Roasted Edamame
Edamame is the Japanese name for whole soybeans. In their natural state, they come in an inedible shell. As a road trip snack, try the roasted version without any shells. Roasted edamame is crunchy and salty, making it the ideal snack for a winter road trip.
11. Beef or Turkey Jerky
Protein bars are perhaps the ultimate way to boost protein on a road trip, but jerky can be an alternative. Whether you choose beef or turkey jerky, you’ll appreciate that this snack doesn’t need to be refrigerated and tastes good at any time of day. Watch the flavorings, because some varieties are loaded with sugar or sodium.
12. Pancake Sandwiches
Eager to hit the road as early as possible, but don’t want to skip a holiday breakfast? A fun option is to make pancake sandwiches. Just make pancakes the night before and let them cool. Then, on the morning of your trip, spread peanut butter between two pancakes and form a sandwich. You can also add cheese or even bacon for a sweet and savory combo.
If you’re eager to expand your road trip snack list, these suggestions are a wonderful place to start. Fill up on gas and then keep your stomachs full as you venture home for the holidays or head to an in-law’s home for a big family celebration.
David Johnson is a versatile content writer known for his ability to breathe life into words and create engaging narratives on diverse subjects. With a passion for effective storytelling and a keen eye for detail, David crafts content that resonates with readers and sparks their curiosity. He is dedicated to delivering high-quality, informative, and enjoyable content, making him a respected voice in the digital landscape. Beyond the keyboard, David enjoys exploring the outdoors, immersing himself in literature, and finding inspiration in everyday experiences.
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