Road trip snacks (especially non-refrigerated ones) are essential for keeping everyone happy and fueled during long car rides.
Snacks that don’t require a cooler are ideal for road trips, but they still need to be filling and delicious. Kids need energy to stay content, and parents need snacks that won’t create a car full of crumbs.
That’s where this list can be helpful! We’ll cover simple, nutritious snack ideas that travel well without refrigeration. These options are easy to pack, fun to eat, and keep you full all road trip long.
What to Look for in Road Trip Snacks
Simplicity
Snacks should be easy to grab and eat on the go, with no complicated prep or utensils required. Look for items that are pre-packaged or easy to portion ahead of time.
Of course, you can do some prep work before you hit the road, but mixing in pre-packaged snacks always makes life easier.
And just because foods are pre-packaged doesn’t always mean you’re sacrificing nutrition!
Portable & Mess-Free
The best road trip snacks are ones that keep your car—and your sanity—intact. Opt for snacks that are sturdy enough to handle being tossed into a bag and don’t leave crumbs, sticky hands, or melted chocolate on the seats.
Some of my favorite on-to-go food containers include:
8-Container Snack Tray with Handle
Long-Lasting Energy
The best snacks include a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep everyone full and energized. Although carbohydrates are never the enemy, if your road trip snacks are ONLY carbohydrates, your kids will be asking for snacks every 20 minutes.
When choosing snacks, check the nutrition label for:
- Minimal added sugar. If there is sugar, look for 5-10 grams of protein to help balance it out!
- Fiber. The more the better!
- Protein. Look for 5+ grams of protein per serving
- Fat
Kid Appeal
The last thing you want is to put a ton of prep work into road trip snacks and no one ends up eating any of it. This is where we have to blend optimal nutrition with the reality of having kids. Their diet doesn’t have to be (and likely won’t) perfect on a road trip.
It might be necessary to pack more “favorite” or “safe” foods than you normally would.
And remember – their diet during a road trip will not negatively affect their long-term health. 🙂
Tips for Eating on the Road
Organize the Food
Whether it means organizing by family member or food type, having some sort of organization is crucial. And while you might think this is an unnecessary step, it helps to make sure all the food actually gets eaten – and not stuck at the bottom of an endless bag.
Snack Schedule
Easier said than done, but it’s okay to set boundaries with snack time! To avoid eating all the packed snacks within the first hour of the trip, make sure you have other activity options for the family.
Setting snack boundaries also helps your children listen to their hunger and fullness cues better, rather than eating out of boredom.
Set Expectations
Like I mentioned previously, a road trip is a completely different eating experience for your children. The mix of excitement and boredom might lead to overeating or undereating.
I also wouldn’t expect any picky eaters to work on expanding their diet during a road trip. Packing more “safe” or “favorite” foods than you think is always a good option.
35 Road Trip Snacks (Non-Refrigerated)
Portable Protein
Protein keeps us fuller for longer! Whether it’s for you or your kids, these protein snacks will keep you full for hours.
Chomps Jerky Sticks
StarKist Tuna Pouches
RxBar
Epic Meat Bars
Crunchy Edamame
Justin’s Nut Butter Packets
Nature’s Garden Trail Mix
Cheese Whisps
Crunchy Chickpeas
Turkey Pepperoni
KIND Chocolate Granola
Protein Smoothie Pouches
Orgain Kids Protein Shake
IQ Snack Bar
Catalina Crunch Snack Mix
Fiber-Packed Carbs
Carbs keep us fuller for longer when they have some added fiber. The more fiber the better!
**This list does not include raw fruits and vegetables, but of course they are a great option! My go-to road trip options are oranges, bananas, carrot sticks, and celery sticks.
Harvest Snap Peas
That’s It Fruit Bars Hippeas White Cheddar Puffs
Flax Crackers
Lara Bars
Dried Mango
Bare Apple Chips
Noka Smoothie Pouches
Veggie Crisps
Roasted Lentil Crisps
Freeze Dried Berries
Mamma Chia Smoothie Pouches
RIND Dried Fruit
Healthy-ish Sweet Treats
Again – sugar is not the enemy! But if your road trip meal plan is ONLY sugar, it won’t keep you full for very long. Opt for these sweet treats that have less sugar and pair them with one of the protein sources above.
Chocolate Almonds
Peanut Butter Dates
Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter
UNREAL Dark Chocolate Nougat Bars
Black Forest Fruit Strips
MadeGood Birthday Cake Bars
Chocolate Trail Mix
BEAR Fruit Rolls
You’re all set for your road trip with the best filling, nutritious, and delicious snacks. For more snacking and mealtime inspo, follow me on Instagram @the.pediatric.dietitian.
If you have more individualized nutrition needs for your family, let’s chat! Schedule your free consultation for a personalized game plan.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I will receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. For more information, please read my Terms of Use and Service.