3 top snack categories plus a bonus category for healthier options.
Many people will argue that summer is the best time of the year. School is out, the skies are blue, the days are longer, and outdoor sports are in full swing. Summer is also the perfect time for traveling.
Traveling for you might include a road trip, camping, a picnic at the park, a day trip to the lake, or just a trip down memory lane. No matter your destination, one thing is for sure, you need to have snacks. And plenty of them!
(tekhnika / pixabay)
It may be difficult to know what to pack for your adventure with so many snack options. But, no worries, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the three top categories to choose from for delicious travel snack options. We’ve also included a bonus category for those who wish to keep things a little healthier.
1. A little bit salty
We all know people who get a little bit “salty” when hungry. Having a snack on hand when traveling can help relieve those hungry emotions, making the trip more pleasant for everyone. Salty snacks are far more welcome than salty attitudes.
Many people experience motion sickness while traveling. Salty snacks will not only help ease hunger, but they may even help with nausea that can often arise during travel.
Some deliciously salty snacks include:
● Popcorn– This addictive salty snack is most often enjoyed by the handfuls as we watch a movie. But, popcorn is great to enjoy during travel as well. By the handful is still perfectly acceptable.
● Chips– With hundreds of flavor and texture options, chips will please any traveler.
● Crackers– Crackers are a good travel snack because they pair well with cheese or dips but can also stand alone. Spray cheese can double as a topping and entertainment as you try out your cheese art with your cracker as the canvas.
● Pretzels- These are the ultimate salty snack with a satisfying crunch. Pretzels can also be covered in chocolate or peanut butter for a salty-sweet treat.
2. Pack in The Protein
By nature, high-protein foods are the most filling. So, when choosing snack options, high-protein snacks are the way to go if you want to buy (and eat) less food. And there are some delicious, protein-packed snacks out there.
● Beef Jerky- A classic travel snack that is both filling and delicious. Whether you choose a bag of teriyaki beef jerky pieces, a mild-flavored jerky stick, or any other variation, beef jerky is sure to satisfy your hunger.
● Cheese- Sliced, cubed, or in stick form, these are a great snack to help keep travelers full.
● Protein bars- These quick, easy snacks can also count as a meal replacement if needed.
● Nuts- Salted, roasted, seasoned, or covered in chocolate, these tasty little treats could be in any of these categories. This makes them the perfect snack to add to your list.
3. Little Sweetie
While vacationing, we often consume more sweets than we normally would at home. But that’s one of the best parts of traveling. Let’s face it, who’s mood doesn’t brighten when they take a bite of their favorite sweet? Having a sweet treat may just result in a happier trip.
● Fruit Snacks- Although they have fruit in their name, they aren’t technically healthy. But they are sweet and yummy. Fruit snacks commonly come in individual little packs, possibly helping with portion control and stickiness management (if you are traveling with kids).
● Candy- One fun part about traveling is stopping into a convenience store and picking out your favorite candy. Adults and children alike enjoy this. Candy options are also seemingly endless, so there is easily one that can satisfy any sweet tooth.
● Gum- While some may argue whether gum is actually a snack or not, it is a good choice while traveling. The sweet or minty flavor is enjoyable, plus the chewing action can possibly help with alertness. This may be beneficial during a long road trip.
● Cookies- Cookies are great for virtually any occasion, including traveling. They’re the perfect size for a take-along treat, they have a decent shelf life, and they are just plain delicious. A well-planned cookie assortment can make any type of travel even better.
4. Good For You
Life is about balance. If you decide to indulge in any of the delicious options already mentioned, it may be good to incorporate some healthy snacks into your travel cuisine. The good news is that these healthy options are also delicious. Win-Win.
● Trail Mix- There are various types of trail mix, but most include nuts, dried fruit, and possibly some chocolate. Trail mix is a good, well-rounded snack option. Buy ready-made or get the perfect, customized mix by making your own.
● Granola Bars- While some granola bars have more sugar than others, they are still a reasonably healthy snack choice.
● Fruit- Fresh fruit makes for great traveling snacks. Try apples, grapes, and bananas. There are also many delicious dried or leathered fruit options that pack really well.
● Veggies- You can have raw veggies with dip or by themselves. You could also opt for dried veggies with veggie chips.
When deciding on which snacks to pack or pick up along the way, you will want to consider how you will pack them in the car. If you have fruit, cookies, chips, or crackers, you will want to pack those into the car last so they don’t get smashed.
If you have dips, cheese, or other items that need to be kept cool, plan on a cooler with ice. You’ll probably want to keep any chocolatey snacks cool as well, so they don’t melt all over.
Whether you are driving across the country or across town, having good snacks will elevate your adventure. Once you’ve made your snack choices, you’re ready for whatever lies ahead. Well, maybe you should pack clean underwear and toothpaste, too, but we’ll leave that up to you.