Snacks are an indispensable part of traveling. Besides adding an element of fun, they maintain one’s energy levels, keep hunger in check, and prevent tiredness. People generally associate snacks with junk food and dishes that do nothing but compromise wellness. Fortunately, there are a host of snacks that are not only delicious but also strictly out of the “junk food” category. Such snacks are easy to make or pack and provide nutrition for the journey.
Granola Bars
Homemade, organic granola bars are baked snacks that consist of rolled oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners such as honey or jaggery. These bars have a lesser percentage of refined sugar and other harmful preservatives. At the same time, they contain large amounts of protein and fiber, making them excellent foods to have while traveling as well as after intense workouts. On average, a 57-gram portion or piece of a granola bar contains around 5 grams of protein.
To make granola bars, one must bake oats, nuts, and seeds and add dollops of protein powder for an extra boost of nutrition. The bars can be enjoyed on their own or with a cup of yogurt or a handful of berries. Their versatility makes them among the most popular non-junk travel snacks.
Whole Veggies and Fruits
Fresh fruits are arguably the easiest snacks to buy and carry when traveling. One can get them from many places (including gas stations and near charging portals). People traveling by plane can pack dehydrated fruits or dried/baked fruit snacks. When packing fruits, one should look for brands that do not add refined sugars, artificial colorings, flavorings, or preservatives.
Vegetables are just as nutritious as fruits, if not more. Fresh veggies do not have the excessive amounts of sugar that certain fruits occasionally come with. Certain options, such as carrots, snap peas, broccoli, sliced peppers, and fenugreek, pack a host of useful nutrients. They are energy-boosting travel snacks one cannot miss when planning a trip.
Beef Jerky
This delicious snack comprises beef that has been trimmed of fat, cut into strips, and dried before serving. The creation process retains nutrition while eliminating anything that’s harmful to the body. Arguably, the biggest benefit of beef jerky is its rich protein content—it contains an impressive 9 grams of protein per ounce (28 grams).
Chicken, turkey, and salmon are also often made into jerky. While one can easily find these meats at most grocery stores, store-bought versions are typically high in added sugar and artificial ingredients. A better alternative is to make this snack by purchasing fresh meat and using homemade seasonings.
Dark or Natural Chocolate
Organic chocolate contains less refined sugar than regular chocolate. It has a good amount of carbohydrates, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which is why it stays clear of being labeled a junk food. It is also often dairy-free, making it suitable for those repulsed by dairy-based foods.
Dark chocolate is the perfect dessert after a heavy meal and is easy to make at home using ingredients like cocoa powder that are easily available. It is a must-try travel snack for kids who often feel hungry during long-distance journeys.
Rice Cakes
An underrated travel snack, rice cakes are generally fermented and not fried, making them wholesome and beneficial for the body. Arguably, the biggest positive of rice cakes is that they are incredibly filling. A few big pieces can make anyone feel full and nourished.
Rice cakes come with several sweet and salty flavors to suit whatever mood a traveler is in at any moment during a journey. These portable snacks can be packed into small bags (in the form of mini rice cakes) and shared with everyone in the car.
Pumpkin Seeds
Travel snacks need to be munchy and light, and nothing ticks these boxes as efficiently as pumpkin seeds. These seeds are incredibly delicious and contain protein as well as other valuable nutrients. One ounce (28 grams) of pumpkin seeds contains an incredible 8.5 grams of protein, along with significant amounts of magnesium, zinc, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and fiber. These seeds also have a host of beneficial antioxidants, including carotenoids and vitamin E.
The high protein and fiber content of pumpkin seeds makes them a great snack to binge on and keep hunger at bay until travelers can dig into a full meal. The seeds can be eaten raw, included in a homemade trail mix, served alongside granola bars, or consumed after being roasted with spices.
Tuna, Salmon, or Chicken Packets
Tuna, salmon, or chicken packets can be cooked and seasoned to relish during travel breaks and sumptuous lunches. These snacks can be consumed alongside main dishes or on their own when travelers are hungry and in need of fresh energy and protein. They are rich in protein and several other vitamins and minerals, making for nutritious road trip snacks.