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Herbs and Spices of India

Vegan & Plant-based Meal Tours

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  • Vegan & Plant-based Meal Tours

Help maintain the health of our planet one bite at a time on your next Real Food Adventure.

We know that plant-based foods are one of the biggest opportunities to limit climate change (according to the IPCC ), so we've included at least one plant-based meal in every Intrepid Real Food Adventure.  While we don't offer tours that are completely vegan or plant-based, taking this small but delicious step is an easy way for you to help maintain the health of our planet while you're out exploring.

Plant-based foods generally have a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based foods and showcase regional produce at its best. Enjoying a tasty plant-based meal that highlights local fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds is just one way you can make your travel greener.

Our Real Food Adventures

Morocco real food adventure, 12 days from 1518.

Lift the lid on local cuisine on a 12-day food adventure through Morocco, taking in...

Thailand Real Food Adventure

8 days from 1589.

Take an 8-day Intrepid tour to Thailand, full of adventure, fun and flavour. Explore...

India Real Food Adventure

15 days from 1995.

Relish the sights and flavours of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai and Goa on this...

Mexico Real Food Adventure

9 days from 2066.

Take a 9-day culinary journey through Mexico, tasting the flavours of Oaxaca, Puebla,...

Georgia Real Food Adventure

8 days from 2100.

Taste your way across Georgia on an unforgettable food adventure from Tbilisi to Telavi...

vegan food trip

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Vietnam Real Food Adventure

12 days from 2211.

Travel the breadth of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing Halong Bay,...

Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure

12 days from 2290.

Take a food-filled journey through Sri Lanka, spending 12 days cooking and eating in...

South Korea Real Food Adventure

8 days from 2888.

Slurp, crunch and spoon your way into the heart of South Korean cuisine, snacking at...

China Real Food Adventure

11 days from 2990.

Visit energetic China, where culture, history and cuisine come together to create a...

Italy Real Food Adventure

8 days from 3211.

From Venice to Rome, you’ll indulge in the best things to eat in Italy, with stops in...

Greece Real Food Adventure

9 days from 3221.

Meet passionate cooks and producers on a food adventure in Greece, via amazing ancient...

Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia

8 days from 3497.

Feast on Portugal and Galicia on this food-focussed journey through Santiago de...

Northern Spain Real Food Adventure

10 days from 4228.

Taste your way from Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela, through Logrono, San Sebastian...

Japan Real Food Adventure

11 days from 4444.

Take a foodie’s adventure to Japan, starting in Tokyo and hitting the streets of...

Our vegan & plant-based meal highlights

South Korea monastery people praying

South Korea

Immerse yourself in monastic life during a temple stay in Gyeongju, including a plant-based dinner with chanting meditation and, if you’d like, a martial arts class on a Real Food Adventure in Korea .

Plant based meal in Israel

Israel & the Palestinian Territories

In Nazareth, visit a restaurant that has been owned by the same family for over 40 years. Try their hummus with falafel, pita, pickles and cabbage salad on a Real Food Adventure in Israel & the Palestinian Territories .

Traditional Macedonian dish

The Balkans

Get hands on with local village women in Janche, North Macedonia, for a cooking class focused on making local flaky porcini mushroom pastries on a Real Food Adventure in The Balkans .

Plant based meal in Morocco

Take a walk in the countryside of the M'Goun Valley, where your leader will point out local crops of tomatoes, apples, walnuts and figs. On a Real Food Adventure in Morocco , these will be showcased in a plant-based dinner of soups, tagines and couscous.

Enjoy plant based meals in India

Jaipur, India

Be welcomed into a local home in Jaipur and learn how to make ker sangri, a Rajashtani vegetable dish. Tuck into this and other plant-based dishes in a peaceful garden on a Real Food Adventure in India .

Plant based meal in Mexico

Dine on a plant-based spread at a local restaurant concentrating on dishes from the Isthmus region of Oaxaca – gorditas, tamales with huitlacoche, tlayudas and local fruits – on a Real Food Adventure in Mexico .

Travellers enjoying vegan street food in India

Dehli, India

Feast on vegan delights as you wander the streets of Dehli - think samosas and paratha (Indian flatbread) - or sample some delicious offerings at the local Langar (community kitchen). 

A paper plate full of delicious organic vegan food

Head to the Tuscan hills in search of a delicious organic farm-to-table vegan feast your tastebuds are sure to thank you for and stay at a charming villa in the countryside. 

Why choose Intrepid

Local expertise.

We've teamed up with our expert local leaders to find the best plant-based meals in each destination. Whether it’s tracking down the most delicious hummus in Israel or the tastiest tamales in Mexico, they know just the place to find your next foodie hit.

Real life experiences

We love the highlights, but for us the real magic is found off the beaten path. We’re talking authentic cooking classes with local chefs, shopping at markets and other hidden gems you’ll only discover with Intrepid.

Small groups

Big coach buses and flag-toting tour guides just aren’t for us. With a maximum group size of 12, our groups are able to travel under the radar and visit spots many big tour groups can’t. It also means we can accommodate dietary requirements, and offer plant-based meals in the first place.

Responsible travel

You don’t have to eat vegan or vegetarian food at home to enjoy the plant-based meals on our Real Food Adventures. As long as you enjoy eating delicious, authentic food when you travel, you should relish every flavor-packed bite. On these trips you’ll be traveling responsibly: eating, sleeping and getting around locally and respecting animal welfare. We’ll also carbon offset your trip on your behalf.

What's the difference between following a vegan or plant-based diet?

A plant-based diet refers to a diet that's solely based on eating plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains while avoiding processed/pre-packaged foods and oils. Whereas a vegan diet means avoiding all animal-based products such as meats and dairy products, as well as leather products and other animal-made items. 

What is a plant-based meal?

A plant-based meal is entirely made from plant sources – fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, seeds, nuts, legumes, beans and oils.

What if I want to eat more vegan or plant-based meals on my trip?

You’ll be with a local leader for the entire duration of your Real Food Adventure . So even when you’re enjoying your free time or a plant-based meal is not included, they’ll be able to provide you with suggestions and advise you on where to find more delicious plant-based meals.

Are all the places you eat and cook at fully vegan or plant-based?

Animal product-free options will be available for all included meals and we will make efforts to accommodate other dietary requirements. When it comes to everyone's personal definition of veganism (e.g. only eating plant-based, not eating honey), we will do our best to accommodate these requirements as well.

You might be visiting countries where veganism may be new to the local people, and efforts to prevent cross-contamination may not be as diligent as in your home country. We make best efforts to ensure that meals are prepared in an environment free from cross-contamination, and your local leader will be there to translate when needed.

What about meals not included?

You’ll be with a local leader for the entire duration of your trip. So even when you’re enjoying your free time or a meal is not included, they’ll be able to provide you with suggestions and advise you on what to know.

Will my local leader also be vegan or plant-based?

We understand it’s important to have the expertise of someone who not only knows the destination but also what it means to eat a vegan or plant-based diet. That’s why we aim to provide you with a local leader who is vegan or plant-based – or at least a practicing vegetarian – who really gets and appreciates the nuances of these diets. Regardless, your local leader will be eating vegan or plant-based along with you during the trip.

Can I join if I’m not vegan or plant-based?

Of course! Anyone who has an interest in local vegan or plant-based cuisine is welcome on our Real Food Adventures. 

Read more about vegan & plant-based travel 

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Home » Vegan Lifestyle » Family » 20 Vegan Travel Destinations with Incredible Plant-Based Food

20 Vegan Travel Destinations with Incredible Plant-Based Food

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Let’s face it: one of the most exciting aspects of traveling is exploring with our palates, engaging with unique and flavorful dishes from all around the globe. The same still applies for vegans and vegetarians!

While some places still have scant plant-based offerings, there are many vegan-friendly travel destinations that will excite your taste buds with all the flavors of the region, completely cruelty-free.

We’re delighted to share with you a vibrant collection of vegan travel destinations around the world. From east to west, north to south, there’s no shortage of vegan-friendly cities to explore on your next vacation. Here’s just a brief taste to whet your appetite for adventure.

Travelling vegetarian artwork.

Portland, Oregon

Some call this little slice of the Pacific Northwest a vegan paradise, and for good reason. Where else can you hope to find a fully vegan strip mall, complete with plant-based cheese shop, tattoo parlor, bakery, and so much more?

Portland is a place where individuals and startups are celebrated, which has given rise to a thriving food cart scene, countless micro-breweries, small batch roasted coffee beans, and a dozen different plant-based pop-ups on any given day. Work up an appetite hiking, rafting, and enjoying the art scene to maximize your eating opportunities. Trust me, you’ll want a least one bite of everything.

homegrown smoker vegan mac cheese crunch wrap in portland

Seattle, Washington

Beyond the pioneering coffee scene, Seattle is a dynamic seaport city that takes their abundance of fresh, local produce seriously. Vegetables are often at the center of the plate at any given eatery, high-end and low-brow, vegan or not.

No establishment is off limits, but even greater culinary treasures can be found in any of the dozens of dedicated plant-based businesses at your disposal. Take comfort in classic American fare or spice up your life with a bountiful bowl of pho; it’s easy to get your fill of nature, music, and great food all in one place.

Seattle Washington city photo with tower and vegan restaurants.

Oakland, California

Showcasing the diversity of California cuisine through the lens of many different cultures, you can get a bite of just about anything in this Bay Area hot spot. That means authentic Ethiopian and Burmese staples, found right alongside compact tacos shops and plenty of homegrown pop-ups.

Given the dense layout of shops, stemming from critical BART and bus stops, it’s easy to start a food crawl that will take you through a dozen cuisines or more. The spirit of innovation is alive and well throughout the Bay Area, with plant-based alternatives leading the way.

epic vegan fried chicken sandwich stacked with bbq tofu and more from souley vegan oakland

Atlanta, Georgia

When homestyle southern cooking and soul food meet, an unforgettable fusion of comfort food occurs. It’s just like mama used to make, but better, because these upgraded classics are now meatless, eggless, and dairy-free!

That means crispy fried chicken, boudin balls, po’ boys, and BBQ is back on the menu. Try to leave room for dessert, difficult as it may be, for your pick of sweet treats galore. Pack your stretchy pants and come hungry; you’ll only regret not going back for seconds.

Planted soul vegan restaurant food in Atlanta, Georgia.

New York City, New York

Get into a New York state of mind and clear your calendar. You’ll need every minute possible to pack in the dizzying array of plant-based eats lining every street and alleyway.

We’re talking about gourmet, Michelin-starred fine dining, late night thin crust pizza sold by the slice, and absolutely everything in between. We’re talking over 150 vegan and vegetarian establishments, before we even begin looking at omnivorous restaurants with full vegan menus or robust plant-based options.

Try to take a bite out of the Big Apple but know when to admit defeat and plan another trip back for more!

Vegan New York City Guide NYC

Chicago, Illinois

Be prepared to get blown away by the vegan options in the Windy City. Get all dressed up to explore the mind-boggling world of molecular gastronomy or get down and dirty with your favorite greasy spoon gut bombs. Even the raw food movement is alive and well here, offering a healthy balance to any irresistible over-indulgences.

No matter your mood or cravings, the “birthplace of modern architecture” is building an unshakable foundation for the vegan community, and all those who wish to share.

chicago vegan restaurants guide photo of the city with text on top

Orlando, FL

Soak up the warm weather in the center of the Sunshine State, decked out with an unrivaled collection of theme parks and family-friendly attractions.  Of course, you don’t need a season pass to have full access to the equally thrilling array of dining options beyond the Magic Kingdom.

Chill out or get fired up on everything from dairy-free ice cream to fiery Caribbean seasonings. Even if you only manage to eat your way through a few square miles, you’ll still agree it’s the happiest place on earth.

dharma southern kitchen vegan soul food orlando

Asheville, North Carolina

Frequently voted the number one food destination by Yelp diners, Asheville is a bit of a sleeper hit that’s more inclusive of plant-based eaters than you may imagine. Blending the best elements of the American south and Appalachian cuisine, Asheville boasts an inspiring mountain-to-urban food scene that includes eaters of all stripes.

There’s even an annual VeganFest event every June, making meat alternatives the first choice for those seeking more compassionate eats. No matter when you go, you can expect an unforgettable array of dining options year-round in the “Paris of the South.”

asheville nc vegetarian and vegan restaurants guide

Charlotte, North Carolina

A hidden gem in the American culinary landscape if there ever was one, Charlotte serves up all the convenience and diversity of a big city, packed into one cozy gathering point with small-town vibes. Like friendly neighbors, everyone is welcome at the table here, especially vegans, vegetarians, those with food allergies, and any other dietary restrictions.

For all cravings healthy or hearty, sweet or savory, fancy or no-frills, a visit to the Queen City will make anyone feel like genuine royalty.

oh my soul south african vegan soul food restaurant in charlotte north carolina

Houston, Texas

There’s more than meat and potatoes sustaining modern cowboys in this bustling Texas city. Houston is home to an incredibly array of world cuisines, which cater to a mind-boggling number of eaters every day.

Don’t limit yourself to just chips and salsa when there’s a dazzling selection of authentic Asian, Indian, Mexican, and much more just steps away. Believe it or not, this is a great destination for those dining on a budget or sticking to strictly whole foods, too. Don’t judge a book by its cover, or a city by its past.

A table full of vegan Mexican food.

Cleveland, Ohio

Get ready to rock and roll with the music greats of Ohio! You’re sure to work up an appetite after a jam session, and you’re in the right spot to make every meal count. Since there are a limited number of dedicated vegan eateries, look beyond labels and your diligence will be rewarded. There are well over 100 spots with brilliant plant based options, so everyone can eat well no matter where hunger strikes.

Cleveland vegan restaurants guide

Sacramento, California

There’s gold in these hills, and I’m not talking about the gilded metal. Now the California capitol city is rich with wineries and restaurants making the most of the lush local produce.

You’re in for a cruelty-free treat no matter what you’re craving, since good food is an affordable luxury that everyone can appreciate. Whether you splurge on a full tasting menu or go for fast food convenience, you’ll feel like a million bucks for making the compassionate, and delicious, choice!

Spread of food on a table at Plant Power Fast Food in Sacramento

Berkeley, California

As the birthplace of the free speech movement and hippie counterculture of the 1960s, Berkeley , California maintains a diverse population with equally unique dining attractions.

The farm-to-table cuisine originated here and is still going strong through a never-ending push for more eco-friendly, local, and sustainable options. That puts veganism at the forefront of this modern food revolution. You’d be hard pressed to find an establishment without at least a veggie burger or vegan cheese pizza, but that’s just the start.

Join the revolution by checking out an all-vegan butcher shop, high-end sushi joint, coffee roastery and bakery, and so much more.

Austin, Texas

Don’t go it alone in the Lonestar State; you’ll want someone there to help you tackle the staggering number of vegan Tex-Mex specialties and more.

Keep Austin weird by celebrating the eclectic collection of art galleries, live music shows, and food truck culture, catering to all tastes. The summers are blazing hot, but the plant-based food scene is even hotter, with new restaurants being added to the roster every year. No matter when you visit, there will be something fresh and flavorful to try.

Boston, Massachusetts

Beantown has so much more than just molasses-soaked legumes to offer. As a thriving New England college town, you can expect plenty of cheap eats, walkable streets, and outrageous treats.

Italian food still rules, with pizza and pasta leading the way, but now there’s room at the table for steaming bowls of pho, ramen, and curry, too. As the home of the very first Thanksgiving meal, Boston maintains the spirit of generosity, even if it puts up a tough front at first. Eat vegan fearlessly and your leap of faith will be rewarded.

FoMu dairy free vegan ice cream in boston

San Francisco, California

Tech innovations put San Francisco on the map, but culinary creativity is at the same lofty level. Famed for its distinctly tangy sour dough bread, giant “Mission-style” burritos stuffed with French fries, and unrivaled dim sum brunches, there’s never a dull meal in store for those who venture off the beaten path.

Skip tourist traps at Pier 39 or near Lombard Street; hop on BART and live like the locals do, going wherever those metal tracks take them. If you see a line, you’ll know something delicious waits at the end.

Best Vegan San Francisco Restaurants Guide

Hawaii feels like a world away, while having all the same comforts of home. Ease into island time, unwind by the ocean, and pop a straw into a whole, ice-cold coconut to set the mood right. Acai bowls, juices, and shave ice will be your new best friends, alongside more tropical treats unique to Kauai. It’s the perfect place to slow down and relax, with tons of ripe fruits and Hawaiian staples to refuel along the way.

London, England

Wake up to a spot of tea and a full English breakfast but make it plant based! No problem at all in London, the origin of Greenpeace, the anarchist environmentalist activist collective that was one of the first groups pushing a vegan agenda. That spirit has encouraged many more organic, locally grown, and seasonal foods to spring up across the often foggy-covered city, lifting spirits even on the greyest days.

In the UK, you’ll find hundreds of vegan-friendly restaurants, bakeries, cafes, markets, and so much more. You could live here your whole life and still never get a taste of them all, which is a wonderful problem to have.

london city landscape photo

Santiago, Chile

Though once dominated by meat-heavy dishes and barbecue in particular, Chile’s capital city is becoming a genuine rainforest retreat for compassionate eaters, too. As one of Latin America’s fastest-growing economies in recent decades, global influences are rapidly reshaping all facets of daily life.

Even the smaller, surrounding towns have a lot to offer, with many “accidentally” vegan or easily veganizable essential dishes. Learn the lingo and soak in the sun to experience everything this Spanish-speaking metropolis has to offer.

vegan in chile best restauurants in beyond cover photo featuring beautiful torres del paine

Disneyland & California Adventure

Calling all Disney lovers! Disneyland and it’s associated theme parks have become extraordinarily vegan-friendly. There is now a vegan option on nearly all the menus at Disneyland, including vegan pizza, vegan meat, vegan cheesy foods, and more. Mickey Mouse pretzels and Dole Whip, here you come!

Please DON’T Visit Pig Beach

If you’ve been dreaming of swimming with the pigs you’ve seen galavanting in crystal clear waters in the Caribbean, please read this article about the famous swimming pigs at Pig Beach first. While it this popular tourist hotspot seems like a pig’s paradise in the photos, in reality it’s a tourist attraction that many of the pigs and piglets won’t survive. Please think twice before booking a ticket.

When something sounds too good to be true it usually is photo of pig at Pig Island.

Vegan Travel Destinations By The Numbers

This list, based on an analysis of TripAdvisor data for over 250 cities, has us scrambling to fill up our piggy banks so we can one day enjoy all of this awesomeness. 

Top Vegan Travel Destinations

The most exciting part is that almost every major city in the world is seeing an explosion of plant based options. It’s no longer a passing trend but a legitimate movement.

Even Barcelona, Spain —a notoriously meat-centric travel destination—is hopping with more than a dozen vegan and vegetarian restaurants and shops. The world is evolving, and fast! If you want another fabulous and interesting way to travel, check out this guide on Vegan Cruises !

Vegan travelers will no longer have to pack their suitcase with granola bars or subsist on dry bread. Hallelujah and bon voyage!

What are your favorite vegan travel destinations? Let us know over on Facebook , Twitter , or  Instagram using the hashtag #WorldofVegan.  

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This article is so helpful for travel! So many options and suggestions to make planning less stressful

Very enticed to travel now and try out all the delicious vegan places! Thanks for this!

What a comprehensive guide. Now I want to go everywhere and eat everything! 🙂

This is AMAZING! Wow…it’s such an inspiring and helpful guide for vegan traveling. Can’t wait to travel more so I can use this awesome information 😀

I want to go to all of these places!! I was in San Francisco a few years ago and the vegan scene was awesome then! A place not on the list but Mexico City has a lot of amazing vegan options too! So glad to see the world changing!

I want to go to all of these places!

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Miss out on local specialties no longer!  Our trips feature all 100% plant-based meals without the usual hassle and uncertainty.

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On many of our trips, get to know a renowned chef, author, activist, lecturer or life coach as part of a close-knit group.

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We offer all-inclusive deluxe group trips to exciting destinations around the world, specifically designed for vegans and the vegan-curious, with a focus on abundant regional plant-based cuisine , exciting cruelty-free activities , vetted animal sanctuary & shelter visits , unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experiences and, on many trips, the chance to travel with a v egan influencer and celeb !

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Tuscan Tranquility: A Week of WFPB living, Wellness and Wonder

11-18 May, 2024 8 Days, 7 Nights Group size: 14-20 100% WFOB SOS free meals! Private 100% vegan villa Climb the tower of Pisa

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NORTHERN ITALY: MOUNTAINS, LAKES & CANALS with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

16-25 June, 2024 10 Days, 9 Nights Group size: 16-25 Hike in Italy’s beautiful mountains Walking tours of Verona & Venice Explore beautiful Lake Garda

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Kilimanjaro Full Moon Summit: Vegan Trekking & Wildlife Safari Adventure

12-23 August 2024 100% vegan meals on the mountain! Trek the 8-day Lenosho route Comfortable tents & mattress Deluxe accommodation before & after the trek a safari day before the trek!

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Vegan North & Central Vietnam: A Culinary & Cultural Adventure

21-30 September, 2024 10 Days, 9 Nights Group size: max 24 100% vegan Vietnamese cuisine Visit a Moon Bear sanctuary Overnight sailing on our private boat in magical Halong Bay

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BOTSWANA SAFARI ADVENTURE with acclaimed wildlife photographer Jennifer Hadley

29 Oct – 6 Nov, 2024 9 Days, 8 Nights Group size: max 21 Remote luxurious safari lodges Our very own wildlife photographer! Safari activities on land & water

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BOTSWANA & CAPE TOWN: EXPLORING AFRICA’S WILDLIFE THE VEGAN WAY

6-14 Nov, 2024 9 Days, 8 Nights Group size: max 22 Luxurious safari lodges & hotels Visit penguins in Cape Town Safari activities on land & water

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MOUNTAIN GORILLAS & CHIMPANZEES IN RWANDA with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

24 Nov – 3 Dec, 2024 9 Days, 8 Nights Group size: 14-24 The absolute trip of a lifetime! Stay in incredible 5-star resorts Track chimpanzees and Dian Fossey’s mountain gorillas!

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LUXURY VOYAGE TO CROATIA I: Sailing the Adriatic with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

20-27 September, 2025 8 Days, 7 Nights Group max size: 24 sail on your own private yacht! Visit cute coastal towns & villages all-inclusive, no extra packages!

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LUXURY VOYAGE TO CROATIA II: Sailing the Adriatic with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

27 September – 4 October, 2025 8 Days, 7 Nights Group max size: 24 sail on your own private yacht! Visit cute coastal towns & villages all-inclusive, no extra packages!

SOS Botswana 2025 New Trip

WFPB SOS-FREE BOTSWANA (I) 2025

31 Oct – 8 Nov, 2025 9 Days, 8 Nights Group size: 20 Private luxurious safari lodges 100% WFOB SOS free meals! Safari activities on land & water

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WFPB SOS-FREE BOTSWANA (II) 2025

11-19 Nov, 2025 9 Days, 8 Nights Group size: 20 Private luxurious safari lodges 100% WFOB SOS free meals! Safari activities on land & water

Coming Soon

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COMING SOON: THE BEST OF THAILAND: Cities, Mountains, Jungle & Beaches

TBD: Jan/Feb 2025 11 Days, 10 Nights 100% vegan Thai cuisine Visit elephants, gibbons and rescued street dogs Spend a day at sea on our own catamaran 5-star hotels and beach resort

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COMING SOON: Joyful Vegan Japan with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

Scheduled for May 2025 10 Days, 9 Nights 100% vegan Japanese cuisine Visit peaceful temples and the countryside Visit Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima Experience a Geisha performance

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I wanted to share what an incredible trip we had. I am describing our adventure to others as magical. The sites, the food and especially the people were all amazing. Considering neither of us had been outside of the US, there was some anxiety at the start, but with your excellent directions and experience it was clear immediately that we were in good hands. Being in a group with folks that live and eat with the same beliefs was so comforting. As a bonus, it was very fun to talk about vegan recipes and foods that others enjoy.

Meals were generally great. Really the entire experience was fantastic and well-organized. I enjoyed the whole time, learned a lot, ate well, enjoyed the company, especially thanks to Kim. It is difficult to think of what could be improved. I have already told a vegan about it.

This is the one of the best trips I’ve had. The guide was great – extremely knowledgeable, flexible and helpful. The food was taken care of – even when it was not included, they were mostly arranged and I didn’t have to wonder where to eat. The sights were beautiful – in all 4 locations – Lisbon, Porto, Obidos and Sintra – the itinerary was very well constructed. Of course, be prepared to walk a lot and eat a lot 🙂

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I took my first trip to Europe with Kim’s tour to Scotland and it was amazing! Our group members were great and we became a family along the way. For me this was the best way to travel – some place new with a small, intimate group and a tour guide who is the bomb! 🙌😎 Thanks so much Kim!!!

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Vegan travel food ideas for self-catering.

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Guest article by Joey Bruno.

Vegan Travel Food Ideas for Meals on the Go

Table of Contents

Vegan Travel Food Ideas

So, you’ve just touched down at your destination and walked into your Airbnb.

As any savvy traveler in search of vegan food would, you’ll obviously want to check HappyCow to find the best vegan restaurant fare in the area.

There’s nothing like tasting the local cuisine after you’ve arrived at a new place.

But if you’re going to be staying for a long period of time, you might want to consider doing some actual grocery shopping and taking advantage of the kitchen and fridge space at the home you’re staying in.

Here are a few reasons why…

  • Cost : Going out to eat for every meal can be the most expensive part of any trip, especially if you’re traveling in a developed country. It might not be reasonable for you to spend $20 or more on every meal if you can avoid it.
  • Time : If you’re traveling for business or an event, you might not want to burden yourself with having to stop for breakfast before your day gets started. It might just be easier to prep some vegan travel food quickly in your apartment and head out.
  • Well-Being : Not all vegan food is healthy. This is especially true when eating out in restaurants, where most dishes are full of excess oil, sugar and salt. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with splurging while traveling, but I’ve found that it gets to be a bit much when doing it at every single meal.

Now that you’ve seen the reasons, here’s a plant based diet grocery list of things that I like to pick up at the store when I’m staying in an Airbnb…

They’re quite simple, but I’ve found that if you're traveling while vegan it pays to have them on hand to avoid getting hangry and spending tons of money eating out.

Plant Based Diet Grocery List for Travelers

Uma publicação partilhada por LÄRABAR (@larabar) a 9 de Jun, 2018 às 8:34 PDT

If I had to pick one essential vegan food for travel, it’s going to have to be Larabars . And no, I’m not sponsored by them or anything.

The reason I like them so much is because they’re all vegan and around 95% whole foods. They’re also widely available and very affordable. Each bar has around 200 calories, so it’s right in between a snack and a small-sized meal.

When traveling to the Midwest United States for business, Larabars have gotten me through some tough times! With Walmart being the only store in the area, I used these bars as my main source of calories over some extended business trips.

So, when I go to the grocery store, I’ll usually buy around 12 of these vegan travel snacks to keep for the trip. If I don’t finish them, they’re easy to take onto a plane, so they never go to waste.

Small Oatmeal Packets or Cups

Oatmeal - vegan travel food ideas

Oatmeal is a quick and easy vegan meal that you can take anywhere.

Oatmeal is extremely satisfying and can be made in the microwave. This makes it the perfect vegan travel food for an Airbnb.

Since many hosts will keep spices on hand, you’ll often find cinnamon and a pinch of sugar you can sprinkle on.

I’d stay away from buying a big cannister, because it’s going to be difficult to take back with you, and you probably won’t finish it.

Instead, I prefer to get the plain packets or travel cups which I can quickly add hot water to and be on my way.

There’s also plenty of vegan oatmeal cup brands like Modern Oats if you’re inclined to get something fancy!

Fresh or Frozen Fruit

Berries - vegan travel food ideas

Save money by making your own smoothies with fruit from the local market.

I’m a fruit lover and avid smoothie drinker.

Especially if I’ve had a late night, I really like having a morning blast of the vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that come from fruits and veggies.

If there’s one thing that bugs me when I travel, it's having to pay $8 for a juice-bar smoothie.

On my recent trip to Amsterdam, I paid even more for a smoothie from Juice Brothers (a chain smoothie joint there) when you take the conversion rate into account.

Granted, it tasted pretty good, but a frugal guy like me just cannot justify that on a daily basis – even when I’m traveling!

Luckily, almost all Airbnbs I’ve stayed in have had a blender that can make smoothies , so I didn’t have to go to an overpriced juice bar.

And because I always pick up the packets of oatmeal, I can use that to make a smoothie bowl (like this one ) for a fraction of what I’d pay at a café or juice bar.

If you don’t want to make a smoothie, the fruit is also great for a refreshing snack . I love knowing that I have it in the fridge or freezer after coming home from a salty meal or indulging in a few alcoholic beverages.

Hummus - vegan travel food ideas

Embrace the vegan stereotype. Be the one who brought hummus .

While I normally prefer to make my own hummus, that’s out of the question when I’m traveling.

I just need something that I can keep in the fridge for a snack or to hold me over if I’m skipping lunch one day.

Most countries that I’ve been to (I’ve mainly traveled in the US, Canada and Europe) have had at least one brand of hummus in the grocery store.

In the Netherlands, I’ve actually been pleasantly surprised at the different flavors I’ve found, since Sabra doesn’t dominate the shelves.

As you can see here , Albert Heijn (a popular Dutch supermarket) has a wide selection, including red beet and sweet pumpkin hummus!

Carrots, Celery Sticks or Bread

Bread - vegan travel food ideas

Freshly baked bread is one of the great joys of traveling in Europe.

Not much to explain here, but I need something that I can dip into the hummus or something to spread it onto!

Also, bakeries seem to be far more prevalent outside the US, so you can get fresh-baked bread on the daily.

Picking up a loaf of bread can sometimes be a great way to experience what it would be like to be a local in certain cities.

Sometimes I prefer the local bread to a full-course restaurant meal!

Final Thoughts

If you’re a new vegan traveler, please don’t take this article out of context.

There are an endless number of restaurants and local vegan foods that you can and should explore. For inspiration, check out the many vegan city and country guides on this site, such as this vegan guide to Chicago , or this list of vegan Indian dishes .

Having been vegan for over 4 years, these explorations of the local vegan food scene are half the fun of visiting a new destination for me.

But if you’re on a budget or just want some simpler and healthier food options for your trip, I hope these vegan travel food ideas come in handy!

Have any other vegan travel tips to share? Leave them in the comments below!

Vegan Travel Food Ideas for Meals on the Go

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About the Author

joey burns - vegan travel food ideas

Joey Bruno is a vegan food enthusiast. He's the head blogger on ThriveCuisine.com  and also has a small and humble YouTube channel -  Kitchen Tips by Joe . When he's not doing something that involves plant-based cuisine or nerdy kitchen stuff, he enjoys practicing Jiu Jitsu and running with his dog.

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About Wendy Werneth

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Joey, thanks very much for your thoughtful blog on vegan travel ideas, I appreciate it. I am sad to see that many of the vegan ideas contain oil – our diet is plant-based whole foods, and oil is out, it is not a whole food. I will need to make my own hummus since those yummy flavored ones all contain oil. Luckily I will be in a home-stay while in The Hague, so will have kitchen priveleges. This will be our first time traveling over 30 days out of country since converting to the new diet so I’m researching ways to make it successful. Cheers!

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Yes, sticking to a no-oil, whole foods plant-based diet while traveling will almost certainly require a lot of self-catering. My husband and I also eat that way when we’re at home, but when we’re traveling we just make sure that everything we eat is vegan and try to keep it as healthy as we can. Booking accommodations with kitchen facilities (AirBnBs, hostels, etc.) is definitely a good idea if you’re going to stick to no oil.

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I like to rent apartments in India while there but don’t want to buy all kinds of kitchen gadgets like a blender or percolator. That would be a bit much luggage while going to the next state or country. Any suggestions besides AirBnB or Hostels?

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I agree that buying or carrying blenders and other kitchen gadgets is not very practical when travelling. There are plenty of easy vegan meals that can be made without these gadgets, but if it’s important for you to have them then I suggest asking the person you’re renting from which gadgets are provided. As mentioned in the article, AirBnB apartments do often come with blenders. You can also try VegVisits , which is an AirBnB alternative specifically for vegan and vegetarian travelers, and one of their selling points is that the listings specify amenities such as juicers, blenders and dehydrators.

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Who is the Nomadic Vegan?

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Hi, I'm Wendy. I'm an intrepid traveler, vegan foodie and animal lover. I travel all over the world (117 countries and counting!) uncovering vegan treasures to show you how you can be vegan anywhere. Read more on my About page .

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Veggie Vagabonds

Ultimate Guide to Vegan Backpacking Food, Trip Planning + Recipe Ideas

Girl eating vegan backpacking food

All the info and recipe inspiration you need to have the best vegan backpacking food for your next adventure

Lightweight, nutritious, tasty, affordable and easy vegan backpacking food…  sounds pretty niche, right? Well, it’s simpler than you think!

As the vegan community blossoms, plant-based foods are going through the roof and the possibilities for vegan adventure trips constantly grows.

This is amazing for backpacking because, though it’s awesome, it’s also damn HARD work physically. You need to be fuelled with the best vegan food possible to make the most of your trip.

And, you don’t need to be a pro chef with heaps of vegan nutritional knowledge to make it work either. Just a love for backpacking and perhaps an appetite for taste testing!

We put together this vegan backpacking guide to share all our knowledge and help you hit the trail with complete confidence, in true adventure-herbivore mode

Keep reading this backpacking guide to find:

  • Things to consider when choosing food for a backpacking trip
  • What types of vegan foods to take on your trip and nutrition information
  • How many calories and nutrients do you need?
  • Backpacking meal planning
  • Different backpacking foods and how to take them
  • Good vegan backpacking staples to buy from shops
  • Things you need for backpacking food and eating
  • Tips for pimping your meals
  • Breakfast recipe inspiratio n
  • Snacks and homemade vegan recipes for the trail 
  • Lunch ideas
  • Dinner ideas and recipes

Your questions answered – FAQ

This article may contain affiliate links, they will never cost you more money but helps Veggie Vagabonds keep making content like this – thank you!

Man making vegan backpacking recipes

Before we get into backpacking talk, if you’re a vegan adventure lover we think you’ll love our mailing list. Sign up for outdoor guides, tasty plant-based recipes and ethical gear!

1. things to consider when picking food for a vegan backpacking trip.

There are several equally important elements to think about when choosing food for your trip. Ticking all the boxes can seem like a bit of a conundrum but once you know what you’re looking for, finding the right foods comes naturally (and boy you’ll be glad once you’re on the trail!).

1.1 Nutrition

The nutrients you put into your body will keep you feeling strong and full of energy. You don’t want to feel sluggish when climbing mountains. Instead, you want to be full of beans (both figuratively and literally).

For backpacking, focus on high-energy foods with plenty of calories, carbohydrates and protein, salts to replenish your electrolytes, fats, minerals and enough fibre to keep everything… flowing . Believe me, on a multiday hiking trip, you’ll regret just taking 20 packets of instant noodles.

There’s a reason people shorten toothbrush handles and ditch heavy food packaging: a lightweight rucksack is a happy rucksack!

Perhaps you won’t need to be chopping toothbrushes, but you don’t want to be packing in everything from the health food aisle either.

The key is choosing foods which are nutrient-rich but lightweight. You’ll find plenty of examples below .

Girl eating vegan camping breakfast

1.3 Convenience

Consider how convenient your grub is to carry, store and eat. It needs to be capable of handling a little bashing too.

Think about easy-to-eat foods that can be gobbled down one-handed whilst on the move or quickly once you’ve made camp. You want to chow down and replenish with as little effort as possible!

1.4 Weather

Depending on the conditions, sitting down for a midday picnic may not be an option. Think about having some lighter vegan hiking foods to eat on-the-go for a quick energy boost (we’ve listed ideas further down).

The climate you’re hiking in will also affect the foods you bring.

In the summer, you don’t want to consume too much salt whilst on the move as it’ll dehydrate you, but then you’ll need to replace those lost electrolytes at the end of the day.

Planning out your vegan camping dinners will mean you can get back lost nutrients with a bigger meal later, potentially in your tent if the conditions are pants.

1.5 Location

If you know you’ll be able to pick up some fresh fruit or veggies along the way, you can add these to your evening camping meals.

This will give added nutrients and you won’t have to carry as much. If, on the other hand, you won’t be passing civilisation for some miles or days then you need to make sure you’re prepared, bringing enough food to keep you going.

In summary : the best vegan backpacking foods will be nutritious, lightweight, easily stored and easily eaten!

If you’re just going to be camping or weight isn’t an issue, you might also want to check out our guide to Vegan Camping Food .

Man camping on a backpacking trip

2. What are the best foods to take vegan backpacking? Think NUTRITION!

Your next step is to start thinking about nutrients and getting them from a variety of different foods.

The best backpacking grub will tick many of the boxes below. If they don’t on their own, you should aim to get them across your meals throughout the day.

You’ll notice some food are recommended more than once – they’re particularly good for the trail!

2.1 Calories

This is the time for seriously high-calorie foods. It’s best to stick with healthy options but it would still be better to get bad calories than no calories at all.

These are some healthier high-calorie vegan foods that work a treat backpacking:

  • The carbs in the section below
  • Any nuts or seeds
  • Peanut butter
  • Dried fruit
  • Meal replacement shakes
  • Oil (you can add extra to meals)
Take a look at our list of the best vegan energy foods for other high-calorie ideas to keep your feeling energized in the outdoors.

2.2 Carbohydrates

The best source of backpacking fuel will come from carbohydrates. Not just any old carbs though, specifically complex carbohydrates as these release energy slowly and will keep you powering on for hours.

Opt for quick-cooking carbs which are well suite to vegan backpacking dishes:

  • Oats (can be used sweet or savoury)
  • Wholemeal bread/wraps
  • Wholewheat pasta
  • Multigrain cereals
  • Wholewheat couscous
  • Rice noodles
  • Banana chips
  • Instant mash

2.3 Protein

Protein helps your body to recover, which you’re going to need after a day backpacking. It helps build new tissue, antibodies, enzymes, hormones and other compounds.

Despite what the memes say, it’s not difficult to get protein for vegans. The average active man needs 60 grams and active women 50 grams per day, and these plant-based protein sources will help you get your daily dose:

  • Bulgur Wheat
  • Hemp hearts
  • Nuts and nut butters
  • Protein powder
  • Protein bars

We’ve got a whole post on the best protein sources for vegans if you want extra info.

Oh, and a lot of people overlook the potential of plant-based protein powders . Gram-for-gram they can be one of the most nutrient-packed food options and perfect for the trail. Stir it into your porridge or just have a shake at the end of the day, it’s a great way to recover!

Vegan backpacking food energy balls

Fat gets a bit of a bad press but many are really important for your body. You want to be focusing on unsaturated fats as these give you energy and lower cholesterol . Things such as:

  • Plant milk powders

Carrying a bottle of avocado oil on the trail might not be recommended but if you can make some homemade backpacking recipes before you leave, you can add some of the ingredients.

2.5 Vitamins and minerals

Some foods are more nutritious than others. You want to be carrying as little as possible so plan some recipes with foods that are particularly nutrient-dense , lightweight and won’t matter if they get a good bashing in your bag, such as:

There are also a number of pastes and powders that are packed full of goodness and ideal for camping meals as they’re so convenient to carry.

If you’re making homemade vegan backpacking recipes you can add these in, or sprinkle some on your camp stove cook-up in the wild.

  • Nutritional yeast
  • Superfood blends
  • Many prepared dehydrated vegan meals may also contain added nutrients

Not sure where to buy these awesome health-boosters? You can easily find them at health food shops and they’re not too expensive

Don’t forget your daily dose of vitamin B12. It doesn’t naturally occur in many plant-based wholefoods so opt for these vegan foods with B12 .

2.6 Salts and electrolytes

When you’re working your butt off trudging up a mountain, you’ll be losing more salts and electrolytes than you realise. You gotta replace them and these can help:

  • Salted nuts
  • Isotonic powders and rehydration tablets (we like Tailwind !)
  • Himalayan salt to add to dishes

Vegan camping breakfast of tofu scramble

3. How many calories and nutrients do you need backpacking?

Depending on your physical build and the intensity of your backpacking trip, you should aim for 3,000 to 4,500 calories a day. Listen to your body and keep yourself fuelled.

An active person is also recommended to consume:

  • 300 grams of carbs a day
  • 50 grams of protein a day
  • 60 grams of fat a day

But for an active backpacker , this will likely be more.

Aim to spread the calories across these food types and then you can add additional nutrients with fruits, vegetables and supplements.

Trying to work out the nutritional content of your daily backpacking food on the trail would be a nightmare. This is when meal planning comes in!

4. Backpacking meal planning

If you’re working hard, ideally you want to be taking on calories every few hours. We find the best method for long backpacking days is roughly like this:

  • 7.30 am – a hearty warm breakfast at the beginning of the day
  • Midday and 4 pm – two smaller cold food breaks spread throughout the day (better than a single, longer break when you can get stiff or feel the need to eat too much)
  • 6 pm – a hearty warm camping dinner to replenish nutrients and electrolytes
  • Throughout the day – high-energy backpacking snacks for on-the-move

Across these meals, you can plan foods so you know you’re getting the right stuff.

The next steps will guide you through actually bringing all the food with you!

Explore more…

The best 2-person tents compared, check out more vegan adventure recipes, find all our vegan adventure content.

Girl hiking The Cumbria Way

5. Different food options & how to take it

To fit enough food in a backpack, you’ve got to be crafty, and the best method will depend on your trip. First think:

  • How long are you backpacking for?
  • Will you be able to resupply along the trail?
  • Would you prefer to prep more before hiking or spend longer prepping food on the trail?

You’ll likely find a combination of the methods below will work best, then you can pick the right food options for your trip.

A. Bringing whole goods to use on the trail

Bringing things like oats to make porridge or rice and ingredients to make dinner.

For most, it’s inevitable you’ll bring whole goods. They’re cheaper, healthier and easily resupplied along the trail. But, they can be heavier and are more time-consuming to prepare.

B. Bringing ready-to-eat or pre-packaged foods

Anything from packets of biscuits to specific dehydrated backpacking meal sachets or sauce packets.

It’s good for making food quickly and it can be lighter. On the downside, it’s typically more expensive, less healthy and dehydrated meals or specific backpacking foods can be harder to resupply. 

C. Preparing meals or foods before the trail 

Preparing snacks or energy foods before the trail, like trail mix and energy balls, or dehydrating foods/ingredients to bring.

This is awesome for meal planning and can be cheaper, healthier and lighter if dehydrated. Resupplying along the trail is unlikely and it takes prep time before backpacking.

Need some vegan outdoor gear for your trip? We’ve got you covered!

Picking the best vegan hiking boots, finding vegan-friendly sleeping bags, vegan insulated jacket buyer’s guide, 6. good vegan backpacking foods available in shops (and potentially along the trail).

These are ace things to stock up on before your trip and you’ll likely find them in trail-side shops too. 

Opt for things with a long shelf-life, that can get thrown around and come in light packaging. Don’t go for canned or glass goods, see if you can find them in sachets instead. 

  • Dried fruit or fruit leathers
  • Baby food (it’s high in calories, cheap and nutritious)
  • Noodles/ramen/supernoodles
  • Pasta/rice/cous cous
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Sweet treats for energy
  • Sauce sachets
  • Bean or pulse sachets
  • Sachets of ready meals
  • TVP – texture vegetable protein
  • Dried soya chunks
  • Herbs, seasoning and condiments (more info below)

PRO TIP: It’s a good idea to take lightweight ziplock bags so you can decant shop-bought food from heavy packaging. You can also do this to ration supplies each for each day.

Oh, and if you’re not sure about the camping aspects of your backpacking trip, our First-Timers’ Camping Guide and this Camping Checklist will be handy resources!

Girl with a headtorch eating a camping meal in tent

7. Foodie things you’ll need on a vegan backpacking trip

We won’t go into a full backpacking packing list, but there are some crucial things you’ll need to eat your vegan grub!

  • A plate or bowl
  • A mug for brews!
  • Cutlery, chopping knife and potentially something to serve/stir food
  • Cooking pots and pans
  • A stove, gas and lighter
  • Ziplock bags to decant resupplied food
  • Tupperware can be useful for storing leftover food
  • Herbs (more below)
  • A dehydrator to use at home, removing moisture from foods, making it small, light and easily stored (we like our VonShef dehydrator! )

Need some of these backpacking items? Find them here

8. Pimping your backpacking food

Just because you’re in the middle of nowhere and living in a tent doesn’t mean your food has to be anything short of delicious. These are things you can take to liven up your dishes:

  • Dried seaweed
  • Tomato puree
  • Stock cubes
  • Salt and pepper
  • Onion and garlic powder
  • Chilli flakes
  • A selection of your favourite dried herbs and spices

Foodie tip: why not create spice mixes before you go? It’s an easy way to make Mexican, Indian, Italian etc. inspired dishes super quickly. Just mix the needed herbs and keep it in a zip lock bag. You’ll find some of our favourite spice mixes in our Vegan Camping Food Tips .

It’s really not hard to make epic meals when you’re on the trail – check out the next section for recipe inspiration!

Girl making vegan backpacking meals

Recipe and Meal Inspiration

We’ve listed some of our favourite plant-based backpacking dishes for when you’re out on the trail and also some tasty ideas you can make before. Enjoy!

9. Vegan backpacking breakfast ideas

Tuck into some slow-release carbohydrates to give you energy through the day, plus plenty of protein to repair your muscles and increase the oxygen in your blood.

You want something quick and easy to digest. This is also a good point to hydrate, so make the most of teas, coffees and nearby water sources.

  • Dried Fruit – raisins, goji berries, figs, dates, apricots, cranberries etc. all great for added fibre and nutrients.
  • Nut butter – for added protein and fats.
  • Seeds – ideal to get an extra dose of protein, fats and energy
  • Fresh Fruit – tougher choices like apples, oranges, pears etc.
  • Jam – cheap and good for quick energy blasts
  • Savoury – you can also have it savoury and for other meals

Porridge (oatmeal ) – The ultimate box-ticking and customisable backpacking food. Use oats and water as your base with a few teaspoons of sugar, cooked and thickened to your desired consistency, then mix in toppings of your choice:

Banana, jam and peanut butter wrap – A great quick backpacking breakfast. Smear peanut butter, jam, vegan chocolate spread, chestnut spread or any other spread of choice on your wrap, add the banana, sprinkle with seeds and you have your ultimate breakfast wrap.

Simple vegan breakfast pancakes – Nowadays, you can get complete vegan pancake mix, you just need to add water, mix and fry in a pan. These mixes are packed full of protein and carbohydrates, plus you can top them with lots of extra goodies too.

Tofu Scramble – You can buy cartons of tofu which are easily stored in a backpack and are one of the few complete vegan protein sources. It’s not the lightest, so it’s good soon after a resupply.

We love it with nutritional yeast, garlic and onion powder, paprika, chili, salt and pepper, then thrown into a wrap for a banging breakfast burrito!

HEALTH KICK : the morning can be a good time to get extra nutrients from powders or supplements. Superfood powders can easily be added to porridge, pancakes or in drinks.

Backpacking vegan drinking coffee

10. Snacks and homemade food to make before you leave

It’s always a good idea to have a steady supply of easy-to-eat snacks, both sweet and savoury, for when your energy levels are lagging.

These are a few go-to recipes we prepare at home before hitting the trail, crammed with energy, protein and darn tasty!

Energy balls   – our homemade recipe is easy to whip up and contains a good balance of slow-release energy, sugars and proteins, perfect to gobble down on the move.

Flapjacks   – having tried and tested a few ingredient combinations, we’ve perfected this recipe and it’s now a staple for hiking and backpacking trips. Combining banana, oats, almonds and raisins makes them insanely good and the ideal fuel for the outdoors.

Banana bread – a vegan staple and with good reason. Top with nut butter or jam for the ultimate adventure snack.

Raw cacao bars – crammed with slow-release energy and easy to fling into your bag ready for munching on the go.

Vegan backpacking recipes - hiking flapjacks

Cookies – at the top of our vegan day hike food list has recently been homemade ginger cookies. They’re ideal for when you need a quick insertion of energy, can take a backpack battering and taste bloody fantastic.

Curry roasted chickpeas  – simply toss chickpeas in oil, curry powder, cumin seeds and garlic powder then roast until crispy then presto you have the perfect savoury snack mixing it up from all the sweet stuff. These are also great sprinkled on your evening meal for an extra dose of protein.

Lentil patties – a delicious way to add some protein to your hike and an easy one to make in advance. Either cook the lentils or buy tinned, then saute onion and garlic in oil before adding the lentils, parsley, lemon, salt and pepper to taste (you can also add stock as this will amp up the flavour and salt level). Blend the mixture to form a paste, leaving some chunky bits, before transferring to a baking paper-lined baking tray and baking at 180°C for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Trail mix – simple and easy way to get a good dose of energy and vitamins in every handful.

Check out our list of the ultimate vegan hiking snacks for some more inspiration of grub for the trail.

Man eating vegan day hike food

11. Vegan backpacking lunches

Unless you’re going at a casual pace, backpacking lunches are best cold, quick-eaten and easily digested. You’re going to be muddy and sweaty, wanting nom as quickly as possible, without getting more mucky and frustrated.

We find it best to avoid food that’s too salty and focus on rehydrating too.

Tortillas & wraps  – these are great as it doesn’t matter if they get bashed about in your bag. Add sweet or savour fillings to satisfy your lunchtime hunger:

  • Banana and peanut butter, for optimum muscle recovery and fuel
  • Tahini with optional hot sauce (you can also add a sprinkling of seeds for added nutrients and protein)
  • If we’re feeling lazy, we’ll throw in some biscuits or sweet treats with peanut butter (pretty rich but gives you calories, carbs, protein, fats and sugars)

You can always use bread, rolls or bagels as the vehicle for your filling but these don’t travel quite as well as wraps.

Bigger quantities of backpacking snacks – vegan or not, sometimes it’s easiest just to tuck into more of your hiking snacks or things like:

  • Crackers and jam
  • Dehydrated hummus
  • Vegan granola or breakfast bars
  • Dried fruits and trail
  • Vegan jerky
  • Nut butters
  • Energy/protein bars

OUR SECRET FAVOURITE – We love preparing a big load of breakfast porridge (oatmeal) and keeping leftovers in Tupperware. Come lunch it’s like overnight oats, is easy to eat and jam-packed with nutrients!

Couple eating homemade vegan backpacking food

12. Vegan backpacking dinners

Out of all the meals of the day, dinner can be the hardest to tick the backpacking boxes. But, this is the meal where you want to replenish, replace salts and recover from a wild day – so it’s important.

There are a number of shop-brought dehydrated meal options available which are ideal for your hiking expedition and are lightweight, fuss-free and nutritional.

If you want to make your own vegan backpacking meals then this guide on how to dehydrate your food is great for beginners too.

Buying dehydrated meals or dehydrating food yourselves might not be an option, so these can help.

Easy steps for building a backpacking meal:

  • Think of the carbohydrate you can use e.g. rice, noodles, cous cous, bread etc.
  • Think of your protein e.g. TVP, soya chunks, sachets or beans or pulses
  • Craft your sauce – can be from sauce sachets, your herbs and seasonings, or you can easily make a tomato base by combining tomato puree and water or chopped tomatoes .

These are some other backpacking dinner ideas we love

Instant noodles a.k.a Ramen  – they’re a backpacker staple and with good reason: super lightweight, convenient and tasty. The only downside is they’re often full of salt and chemicals which is fine for short trips but doesn’t make them a great option long-term.

Miso soup  – a healthier alternative to the above, made by mixing a dollop of miso paste with seaweed, noodles plus veggies if you can pack or dehydrate them. The miso and seaweed are crammed with nutrients making this a super nutritious vegan camping recipe.

Seitan  – You can make a seitan loaf at home as it travels well, then mix it into sauces as a protein and nutrient source. These are good flavour combos to make at home:

  • Miso, seaweed and mushroom
  • Nutritional yeast, turmeric, garlic, onion
  • Ground flax seeds or chia seeds
  • Veggies of your choice
  • Nuts and nut oils

TIME TO RECOVER : It’s not always possible to get a perfectly balanced meal but your body will appreciate it. Times like these can be good for an evening vegan protein shake or meal replacement shake.

Where can you buy vegan backpacking food?

You’ll be able to buy lots of wholefood supplies from your average supermarkets and shops. These are good to stock up on before you leave. You can also make your own backpacking recipes and dehydrate them before you leave, or make things like energy balls. Nowadays, you can buy dehydrated or freeze-fried vegan backpacking foods from outdoor stores, like REI in America and Cotswolds in the UK.

Are there any no-cook vegan foods for backpacking?

Looks of backpacking lunches are easily done without cooking. You can have trail mixes, energy bars and snacks, make sandwiches or wraps with things like jam and peanut butter.

How can you plan backpacking meals?

It’s best to work out exactly how many days you will be backpacking for, then plan out your meals, nutrients and calories into these days. Always plan to take on more calories than you would normally, as you’ll be exerting yourself. With a rough meal plan, you can see how much supplies you can comfortably bring and work out when/if you’ll need to resupply.

How can you store backpacking food?

It’s best to go with lots of reusable zip-lock bags. They can be used to ration out daily foods and also hold food leftovers. It’s also good to take at least one lightweight Tupperware box as a sturdier food container. Avoid glass or heavy container options.

Vegan Backpacking Food Pin

The Complete Guide to Vegan Backpacking Food

The natural world is best appreciated by getting out there and exploring, we believe this is how people feel most compelled to protect it. This guide is aimed to help you do just that, with practical, healthy, affordable and delicious vegan-friendly backpacking foods to fuel your trip!

12 Comments

Packing healthy food while going for a backpacking trip is really important. I really like all the healthy vegan food that you have suggested in this article. I will definitely pack a vegan healthy meal based on your article the nest time that I go backpacking. Thank you.

Hi Supriya, healthy food is so important to us too! I think when your exerting yourself in the outdoors is key to fuel your body with goodness. So glad you like the list 🙂 What’s your favourite vegan backpacking meal?

Thanks for share informative article <3

Hey, thanks for a lot of vegan foody tips. I live very low/ezro waste since 4 years now and planning a multiple day hike this year. So I am wondering if you have any thoughts on low waste backpacking and food? Not gonna buy sachets and small packaging stuff because they are just not getting recycled in curbside recycling, so I guess I will need to prepare and maybe also carry a little more. Or resupply in glass/cans and then refill into reusable ligthweight container and bags.

Hey Jule. Interestingly, we’re actually about to publish some content which properly looks at that. Without a doubt, the best way is to dehydrate your own meals, which you can ration into different days. If you bulk-buy whole goods for the foods then you can dramatically cut down on waste. Also, if you know you’ll be stopping near towns, you can pick up fresh supplies which will have less packaging. It’s not going to be the most practical to carry, but if you’re camping near towns it’s pretty straight forward 🙂

Awesome vegan recipes you provided here. I really love the lentils patties but I can’t really make them stay together (maybe too much moisture in it!). Do you have a trick to make them look like burgers and stay in one piece. I was thinking of adding some chickpea flour but they become a little dry.

Any advice is welcome.

Your vegan mate, Lara.

Hey Lara, glad you like the post 🙂

With the patties, I recommend a few things: – Blend the mixture enough to form a paste, as in no too chunky as this will help them hold. – Cook the lentils a little longer, even overcook them a little as this will give them a little more mushy to hold together better. – You could make 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp of ground flax seeds/chia seeds & 5 tbsp of warm water, stir, then leave to sit for 10 mins before adding to the mixture) – Add a little oil to the mixture also as this can help it stick.

Hope this helps on your quest to make the perfect lentil patties!

All the best, Sarah

Thank you Sarah. Nice tips, I will try them soon.

Cheers, Lara

Hopefully they’ll help 🙂 let me know the results. I would think if they’re not sticking then they’re too dry rather than wet. Flax eggs are always a good binder and add a does of further nutrition to the recipe which is always a plus!

Great tips! You have certainly given me enough information too ease my mind about what I am going to eat on an upcoming first time backpacking trip. Can you tell me more about packing in seitan? I make my own in a variety of shapes and flavors. I’ve always assumed it required refrigeration. How do you store it in your pack and any preference on crumbles, patties, links etc? Do you dehydrate it?

Hey Shelly, glad it’s given you some inspiration. So, if it’s not going to be too warm I’ll just pack it in and eat within two days. For longer trips though, I’ll dehydrate it either on its own or in dishes. Hope you enjoy your upcoming trip. Where will you be going backpacking?

Great info thanks

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34+ Vegetarian (and Vegan) Snack Ideas for Travel and Road Trips

Written by Becca

Updated on March 4th, 2024

A lunch box filled with vegetables and a fork.

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Table of contents

  • Whole fruits
  • Cut-up fruits
  • Whole veggies
  • Cut-up veggies
  • Dried Fruits
  • Nuts (Vegan)
  • Vegetarian & vegan alternative protein snacks
  • Beyond Meat Plant-Based Jerky (Vegan)
  • Wahoo Ono Fish Jerky (Vegetarian)

EPIC Smoked Salmon Strips, Wild Caught (Paleo-Friendly, Vegetarian)

  • Primal Spirit Vegan Jerky (made from wheat gluten, Vegan)
  • Kool Ranch Kale Chips (Vegan)
  • The Only Bean Crunchy Dry Roasted Edamame Snacks, Sea Salt (Vegan)
  • Dang Toasted Coconut Chips, Original (Vegan)
  • The Daily Crave Veggie Chips (Vegan, Kosher)
  • Crispy Cauli Sea Salted Bites (Keto Cauliflower Chips, Vegan)
  • HIPPEAS Organic Chickpea Puffs + “Cheeze” Variety Pack (Vegan)
  • Organic Hummus (Vegan)
  • Tostitos Medium Chunky Salsa To Go, 3.8 Ounce (Travel Size, Vegan)
  • Every Body Eat Snack Thins, Cheese-less Flavor (Vegan)
  • Just the Cheese, Low Carb Snack (Vegetarian)

Plant Snacks VEGAN Cheddar Mix Cassava Root Chips (Allergen-free)

  • HA! - The Healthier Alternative Snacks - Cheddar Cheese Crunchers (Vegan, Gluten-free)
  • ParmCrisps Plant-Based Sea Salt Crisps (Vegan)
  • Outstanding Foods Outstanding Cheese Balls “Chedda” (Vegan)
  • Magic Spoon Cereal (Grain-free, Vegetarian, Kosher)
  • Vegan Espresso Bites by Big Island Coffee Roasters
  • Partake Foods Crunchy Chocolate Chip Mini Cookie Snack Packs
  • Love + Chew, Banana Bread Minis
  • Vegan Organic Gummy Bears
  • Organic Chocolate by Hu
  • OWYN Vegan Bottled Protein Shakes
  • Pirq Vegan Protein Shakes
  • EVOLVE Plant-Powered Protein Shakes
  • No Cow Plant-Based Protein Bars

With our extensive experience traveling, and taking many different types of trips, we’ve picked up a few tricks for snacking.

Dan and I love snacks and between the two of us, with my allergy to gluten and intolerance to dairy, and Dan keeping a vegetarian diet, we find that the best travel snacks and road trip foods are vegan and/or plant-based.

We like keeping vegetarian and vegan because it simplifies things. With a health mindset, we seek out snacks and foods that are friendly for the environment, natural, organic and free of harmful chemicals.

We’ve organized this guide into categories that have made sense for us throughout our travels as we’ve perfected the art of vegan and vegetarian snacks for on the go. In the list that follows, you can expect to find ideas for healthy vegan snacks to take on your trip, along with vegan and vegetarian foods that travel well.

Fruits and Veggies for on the go

The downright healthiest way to get healthy vegetarian and vegan snacks on the go is to look no further than the produce section at your grocery store, corner market or farmer’s market.

Whether you are looking for vegetarian road trip food or vegan travel snacks, fruits and veggies can be filling, full of fiber, nutrient-rich and more. If you eat enough of them, they can even constitute a full meal if you need to pack in a quick and healthy lunch during a car trip.

Here are our best ideas for vegetarian and vegan road trip and travel snacks that you’ll be glad you packed!

A woman is preparing food in a lunch box.

Whole fruits

Whole fruits are an easy go-to and easy to pack snack. Plus, they don’t require any additional packaging. An apple or a banana go a long way in a variety of different vessels.

A bunch of oranges in a basket.

We’ve found the most luck with apples, bananas, oranges (or clementines and tangerines). And, don’t forget that some fruits come in handy snack-size dimensions already, like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries! These make a great berry medley in a travel-sized sustainable container like EcoLunchBox travel containers .

A woman is putting food into a lunch box.

Please keep in mind, though, if you are hiking or in nature somewhere, throw away your peels and various fruit droppings.

While peels biodegrade, they might not be good for the environment in which you leave them (for example, if the seeds are not native to the surroundings).

Cut-up fruits

We like the convenience of cut-up fruits. They are a nice treat on a hot day or staying balanced with a diet. Cut-up fruit like cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon and strawberries make great snacks for on the go.

Put your cut-up fruits into sustainable plastic-free travel containers like ECOlunchbox Seal Cups , and you’ll have leak-free storage for food while you’re on a trip.

Whole veggies

Some vegetables can be eaten whole, which makes the convenient to take right from a grocery store or market, to your plane, train, trip or hike! Among these are grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, mini sweet peppers and small (or large!) Persian cucumbers.

During road trips in Portugal and Spain, we munched on grape and cherry tomatoes right from the carton, and it was a great way to add in healthy vegetables during the day.

Cut-up veggies

Cut-up veggies require a little big of prep, but the rewards are, of course, nice and yummy. Among the snack-able veggies you can buy either same-day or a few days in advance are celery stalks, zucchini (sliced), large carrots and bell peppers.

We tend to slice these to the size of the container we put them in, like the ECOlunchbox stainless steel travel cups .

Pickling your vegetables for snacks

If you haven’t left home yet, one thing you can do before you leave for a trip is to pickle your veggies. With a few days of pickling or kraut-ing, you can have travel-ready snacks that either do, or do not, require silverware to eat.

Among our favorite vegetables to pickle for snacks are Kirby cucumbers, string beans, red onion slices and baby carrots. These snacks pack quite a zesty punch (and just remember to maybe consume them outside instead of in a cramped environment like an airplane).

A lunch box filled with vegetables and a fork.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits are great for vitamins, nutrients and fiber, and one of our favorite vegetarian and vegan hacks is having some figs, dates, prunes or Craisins on hand when we leave for a day trip or a longer-haul vacation.

Some tips for these handy and healthy travel snacks are to a) buy in bulk and pack them, and b) buy a whole package of these, rather than a single serving, which won’t be priced as competitively.

As for buying in bulk, the good news is that it takes months for them to go bad! Try getting these types of snack items at your Costco.

The last time we had flights to Mexico, we made homemade trail mix with dates, prunes and walnuts with sunflower seeds, getting in all those fiber elements before not being sure what our diet would look like in the next few days.

Vegan and Vegetarian Protein-Heavy Travel Snacks

As people who tend to avoid meat while traveling, sometimes, our protein sources can be a bit low!

We typically seek out protein sources like nuts (vegan), eggs (vegetarian), fish (vegetarian) and vegan “meat,” depending on where we are. If you sense you may have trouble at your destination, pack along some of these road trip and on-the-go plant-based protein snacks.

Nuts (Vegan)

  • Brazil nuts
  • Peanuts (not actually a nut because they’re legumes)
  • Sunflower seeds (technically a seed)

What’s your favorite? I tend to love cashews and walnuts, mixing them with dried fruit for snacking on a trip.

Vegetarian & vegan alternative protein snacks

Getting enough protein is a challenge when you are vegetarian or vegan, but when you put your mind to diversifying your protein sources through a little additional snacking, you can be surprised!

Beyond Meat Plant-Based Jerky (Vegan)

Beyond Meat is one of our favorite plant-based meat alternative brands, and their new jerky is made of pea protein!

You can use their store locator or pick up some jerky on Amazon .

Wahoo Ono Fish Jerky (Vegetarian)

Forget that jerky was originally for meat: vegetarians can enjoy fish jerky with all the flavors.

I got introduced to EPIC products before leaning into a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. Their new paleo-friendly fish-based snacks are convenient and healthy.

You can find EPIC products on Amazon and also use their store locator to find their products near you.

Primal Spirit Vegan Jerky (made from wheat gluten, Vegan)

This vegan jerky is for plant-based snackers and travels very well.

Chips & Crackers for Road Trips

If you know us, you know we can’t stop ourselves when it comes to chips and travel snacks that have a crunch to them. In fact, we try to avoid buying large bags of chips because we’ll eat the whole thing in one sitting. Yikes!

Chips don’t have to be potato chips, nor corn chips, and this is something I’ve found out in my gluten-free diet. Chips these days come in an array of amazing varieties, from black bean chips to sweet potato chips to cassava and coconut chips. Let’s look at some great on-the-go vegan and plant-based snack ideas that fall into the ‘chips and crackers’ category.

Kool Ranch Kale Chips (Vegan)

Remember cool ranch Doritos from elementary school? If you’re now a vegan, you can still enjoy the flavor with this plant-based chip snack.

Learn more about Rhythm Superfoods on their website (you can shop there too). Their products are typically shipped and sold by Amazon , which is nice!

The Only Bean Crunchy Dry Roasted Edamame Snacks , Sea Salt (Vegan)

Crunchy and salty, these edamame snacks really do the trick on a long car trip. How cute are they! When we took them out of the package, they looked delectably munch-able and satisfying.

With only 100 calories per travel-size mini bag of roasted edamame beans, they’re gluten-free, keto-friendly, vegan and high in protein. They check all our boxes for ideal snacks to bring on road trips.

A bag of edamame beans with sea salt.

Dang Toasted Coconut Chips, Original (Vegan)

I can’t get enough of Dang products. They’re delicious, crunch, and pretty guilt-free for vegan snacking.

Dang products aren’t sold on their website anymore. You can usually find them at Whole Foods and Amazon ).

The Daily Crave Veggie Chips (Vegan, Kosher)

Veggie chips are a simple snack that you can take on a hike, train or plane, and these are vegan and kosher.

Crispy Cauli Sea Salted Bites (Keto Cauliflower Chips, Vegan)

Cauliflower products are all the rage now! These keto chips are vegan and perfectly salted.

HIPPEAS Organic Chickpea Puffs + “Cheeze” Variety Pack (Vegan)

Hippeas have found a way to make yummy snacks from chickpeas. This vegan snack is cheese-flavored, and great for travelers who gave up dairy ages ago. Dan really enjoys these!

HIPPEAS are found at most grocery stores. We always see them at our local Whole Foods. Use their store locator to find them near you.

You can also find them on Amazon through a variety of different sellers.

Vegan and Vegetarian Dips

In this day and age of convenience, it’s easy to come by packable and travel-size vegan and vegetarian plant-based dips for chips and snacks. So many of these foods are the best things to take on road trips for everyone in the car!

Take for example, Sabra hummus cups: they’re so cute, and the perfect size for having in the car, or on a plane!

Organic Hummus (Vegan)

So convenient, and great for dipping veggies or chips. Hummus is one of Dan’s favorite snacks because it levels up fresh cut veggies.

You can find hummus at almost every grocery store. It’s sometimes harder to find snack-sized cups. Depending on your travel situation, you can pick up a few, portion some out into a container and go on your way! You should try to keep them chilled but look on the packaging to see if that is necessary.

Tostitos Medium Chunky Salsa To Go , 3.8 Ounce (Travel Size, Vegan)

Personally, I like salsa with mostly anything, from carrots (try it!) to tortilla chips. What will you dip in your travel-sized salsa?

Similar to hummus, it’s harder to find individual cups of salsa. You can find jars at pretty much every grocery store, small market and gas station. You almost never need to refrigerate (even after opening) so it’s great to have it around — even if you don’t find the smaller cups.

Dairy & Vegan Dairy Alternative Snacks

I personally don’t eat dairy products or cheese, so I’m open to cheesy alternative snacks that don’t contain lactose or animal products and are therefore vegan. Keep in mind that a lot of vegan cheeses may contain nutritional yeast, so if you have an intolerance to histamine, be sure to read the ingredients.

Check out these cheese-flavored plant-based snacks below for a surprise, the next time you’re on the go.

Every Body Eat Snack Thins, Cheese-less Flavor (Vegan)

Holy smokes, these are delicious and absolutely addictive. These brown rice crisps pack in the flavor, without the dairy products, and they are free of common allergens.

They’re crispy, crunchy and make great little dippers if you have some dip on hand. We can’t wait to take them on a trip.

A bag of crackers sitting on a marble table.

Note that the cheese flavored varieties have nutritional yeast in the ingredients, in case you have an intolerance to histamines (good to mention, for those who do). Otherwise, the EBE facility is free of wheat/gluten, milk/dairy, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, corn, sesame, eggs, mustard, celery, lupins, sulfites, fish, shellfish, and mollusks (according to their website).

Check out this store locator to find out where to get them.

A hand is holding a bag of crackers.

And, they turned out to be a pretty snazzy flight snack.

A person holding a bag of crackers on an airplane.

Just the Cheese, Low Carb Snack (Vegetarian)

These vegetarian cheesy snacks are mini and cute!

I like the taste of cassava, and these vegan cheese-themed snacks are free of common allergens.

HA! - The Healthier Alternative Snacks - Cheddar Cheese Crunchers (Vegan, Gluten-free)

Are you on a gluten-free diet and going vegan? Even if you’re not, try these cheddar-flavored crunchy snacks for a trip.

ParmCrisps Plant-Based Sea Salt Crisps (Vegan)

Could you believe that these cheese-ish oven-baked crispy snacks are gluten-free, dairy-free, keto and vegan? Incredible.

Outstanding Foods Outstanding Cheese Balls “Chedda” (Vegan)

Plant-based cheese balls? Count us in! These are nutritious and low-calorie, with no dairy.

“Guiltless” Snacking

Sticking to a vegetarian or vegan diet may make your friends think you’re a health nut, but we all know that everyone deserves a treat every now and then! Check out these delectable vegan and vegetarian snacks that are super close to the “real thing.”

Magic Spoon Cereal (Grain-free, Vegetarian, Kosher)

Magic Spoon was created to be a guilt-free cereal that fits a keto diet. It is gluten-free, with 13-14g of protein per serving, great for a veggie diet. Dan has had their cereal as a snack and thinks it’s a great way to keep your diet on track.

Because the cereal has a decent amount of protein, it truly is a guilt free snack that fits into most diets.

With flavors like Cinnamon Roll, Cocoa, Peanut Butter and Maple Waffle, we’re excited to try them all, and bring them on vacation for breakfast (or really, any time of day).

Try the Magic Spoon Variety Pack or their new bars combo pack , which make an even better vegetarian snack on the go.

You can also browser some of their products on Amazon .

Vegan Espresso Bites by Big Island Coffee Roasters

We love the flavor in these smooth and creamy espresso bites . They are totally vegan (as per these selections below), and made with 100% Hawaiian island coffee. As a bonus, you can also melt them in hot water for a coffee drink on the go when you’re traveling.

If you live in a hot climate or if the weather has been hot recently, keep in mind that these could melt a little while being shipped. We put ours directly into the freezer when we unpacked the package.

We also recommend the “edible espresso” sea salt espresso bites , which are also completely vegan and pack a flavorful punch, with a kick of caffeine. If we could, we would eat these all the time, especially with our morning coffee.

A package of chocolate bars sitting on a marble countertop.

And, if you love coffee…

Big Island Coffee Roasters makes travel-friendly Hawaiian Coffee Singles, which are compostable steeped coffee sachets for making coffee on the go, like on a road trip. All you need is hot water, so there’s no need for a grinder, coffee maker, filter or anything like that.

Big island hawaiian hawaiian hawaiian hawaiian hawai.

We tried this at home, to practice for making coffee while traveling on our next trip. We thought this coffee tasted great, in only minutes of this quick brewing technique.

We put a bit too much water in the mug and the coffee was a bit light. Next time, we will use less water or let the coffee steep for longer.

A person pouring coffee into a cup.

Partake Foods Crunchy Chocolate Chip Mini Cookie Snack Packs

I discovered Partake Cookies at my local store a few years ago and I’ve made them my birthday treat year after year.

They’re vegan, gluten-free and free of common allergens, which makes them very easy to bring to gatherings and parties where someone might have a random allergy to eggs or soy, not to mention road trips, when you may be sharing snacks!

Love + Chew, Banana Bread Minis

These soft-baked paleo and vegan mini treats come individually wrapped and are great for taking on the go.

Vegan Organic Gummy Bears

Gummy bears are my true guilty pleasure, but the original kind is full of junk, sugar and gelatin. Good thing there are vegan and organic ones on the market now! Check out the Project 7 Low Sugar Variety Pack (8 pack) !

Organic Chocolate by Hu

I’m a HU ge fan of the Hu products, since my days trying the paleo diet. Hu Chocolate is a winner because it’s vegan, free of soy (and soy lecithin) and gluten and it tastes amazing .

Vegan & Plant-Based Smoothies & Shakes

There are plant-based smoothies that come pre-bottled, so you can take them on the go! Just keep in mind that for going through airport security, these will not be able to come with you.

However, they’re totally fine for going on road trips, train rides, bus trips or day trips from your home. You can also pick up these types of bottled protein drinks when you arrive in your destination and you head to a grocery store.

OWYN Vegan Bottled Protein Shakes

These bottled protein drinks have vegan protein sources from pea protein, pumpkin seed protein and flax, with added Omega-3s and a green blend. They’re gluten, dairy and soy-free, so they check all my boxes for vegan protein on the go.

Pirq Vegan Protein Shakes

Pirq makes vegan protein shakes that are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, non-GMO, kosher and keto-friendly, featuring (in this flavor) strawberry golden milk with turmeric tumeric, maca, plus plant protein. They’re perfect for taking in your bag when you’re heading out for some travel.

EVOLVE Plant-Powered Protein Shakes

These vegan shakes are a source of calcium, iron, vitamin B12 and zinc, which are essential nutrients for anyone whose diet does not contain meat! The EVOLVE protein (20g per bottle) is sourced from pea protein, so it’s 100% vegan.

Vegan & Vegetarian Protein Bars

No cow plant-based protein bars.

We became recently introduced to the No Cow products and personally, we’re glad that they’re all of the following, for both our dietary preferences: vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free low sugar, high protein AND Kosher.

There are a variety of flavors to choose from, like Birthday Cake, Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Mint Cookie and S’mores. Somehow, they’ve packed 20-21 grams of protein into these vegan snack bars.

A box full of different kinds of snack bars.

Regarding the flavor, we felt there was slightly something to be desired, as these bars are a little dry. With the sweetness coming from a sweetener blend of stevia and monk fruit, you may find the flavor reminiscent of other nonperishable snack foods that use the same idea.

A person holding a chocolate bar in front of a box.

Nevertheless, these will satisfy a dessert craving if you’re on the road, a hike or in flight.

Check them out !

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The Ultimate Vegan California Road Trip&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Ultimate Vegan California Road Trip  

From san francisco to san diego, don’t pass up these tasty vegan exits as you cruise up and down california.  .

by Brianne Nemiroff

March 23, 2021

If wanderlust flows through your vegan veins, the ultimate California road trip is likely at the top of your bucket list. This itinerary takes you from San Diego to San Francisco, crunching on purple taquitos in Costa Mesa, digging into a popcorn-topped mac and cheese in Santa Barbara, and holding on tightly to a barbecue fried shrimp Po’Boy on Dutch crunch bread in Oakland. Don’t be so surprised—the Golden State does much more than $16 avocado toast. Buckle up and set your Google Maps to cruise down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. California is calling. 

San Diego’s restaurant scene has a lot of variety⁠ including sushi, vegan versions of fast-food classics, rustic comfort food, and more to start off right on this indulgent road trip.

VegNews.DonnaJean

With a rich menu of risotto, pizzas, breakfast calzones, and handmade pasta, it’s no surprise that Donna Jean is one of the top vegan restaurants in San Diego. Carbs rule this kitchen—from the cast-iron mac and cheese to the impossible-to-resist house bread and butter—but it’s highly advised to save room for the crispy Hot Shrooms (Nashville-style fried oyster mushrooms). Pro tip: don’t skip dessert. 

VegNews.Kindred

If you like your vegan brunch with a side of punk metal, then Kindred is the place for you. The ambiance is a hardcore juxtaposition of unapologetically hot pink walls accented with a four-eyed wolf sculpture and skull decor. Savory bánh mì French toast sticks (Crusties) and a country-fried breakfast sausage sandwich (The Forenoon) are two local favorites that pair tantalizingly well with one of the restaurant’s many brunchy cocktail options.

Other exceptional eats in San Diego County include The Plot in Oceanside, Civico 1845 (multiple locations), Trilogoy Sanctuary in La Jolla, Tribute Pizza in North Park, Split Bakehouse in La Mesa, Maya’s Cookies in San Diego, and The Yesai (multiple locations).

Orange County

Orange County is dotted with exceptional vegan restaurants and hidden gems. If you need to keep your visit short, The Camp and The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa is where you will find a cluster of vegan restaurants and cool shops to keep you entertained between meals.

VegNews.Goodtowndonuts

Good Town Doughnuts

Neighboring Seabirds Kitchen, Good Town Doughnuts features brioche-style doughnuts (about half are vegan). Tantalizing flavors include Mango Coconut, Lemon Poppyseed, Matcha, Chocolate Strawberry, and more. When struck with indecision, opt for the pre-packed vegan assortment box that comes with six adorably miniature doughnuts in the shop’s best-selling flavors. 

VegNews.Seabirds

Seabirds Kitchen

Seabirds Kitchen is a great stop for those craving a taste of cool California cuisine. Grab a spot on the patio for brunch and indulge in the sweet-meets-savory Porque Maria—Seabird’s take on a Monte Cristo sandwich—enjoyed between sips and nibbles of a fried pickle-topped Birdy Mary (the restaurant’s take on a Bloody Mary). At night, that patio turns on the twinkle lights as guests munch on crispy Purple Taquitos, Beer Battered Avo Tacos, and a controversial yet mouthwatering Beets Me Burger topped with almond butter. Local tip: if you’re dining with two or more, split the Chaffle for dessert—this churro waffle sundae is the perfect food. 

Other noteworthy stops in Orange County include Kenshō Vegan Sushi (various locations), Munchie’s Diner, Naughty Vegan, and Soy Concha in Santa Ana, Vegan by El Zamorano in Costa Mesa, Freesoulcaffe in Tustin, Gracias Madre in Newport Beach, and The Stand in Laguna Beach.  

Los Angeles

With a city as sprawling and progressive as Los Angeles, there are curated vegan restaurant guides for every neighborhood. When LA is just a detour on a long list of California’s coastal cities, stick to the established spots in Venice and Santa Monica to avoid the inevitable traffic across the city. 

VegNews.ErinMckennas

Erin McKenna’s Bakery

Erin McKenna ’s pioneering bi-coastal bakery makes something sweet and savory for everyone regardless of dietary preference or food sensitivities. Everything on the menu is gluten-, dairy-, egg-, and soy-free. Locals have been visiting this vibrantly pink storefront for years and still have a hard time deciding what to get—it’s all enchantingly good. High on the list is a slice of Cinnamon Crumb Cake, Coffee Crunch Doughnut, savory Veggie Bombs, and the Bakery Sink dessert cup—a 16-ounce tumbler packed with pieces of cake and various flavored doughnuts. 

VegNews.PFW

Plant Food + Wine

Three words: cacio e pepe. Celebrity chef Matthew Kenney produces a fabulous vegan reinvention of this classic Italian dish with soft kelp noodles dressed in an umami-rich cashew cheese sauce infused with black pepper and brought to life with fresh spring peas. Each menu item at Plant Food + Wine is precisely plated and expertly prepared—you’ll want to budget for a handful of dishes to sample the culinary talents of this haute cuisine. It’s certainly high-end but well worth the spend. 

Other stellar stops in Los Angeles include Magpies Soft Serve (various locations), Pura Vita Pizzeria in West Hollywood, Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, Flore in Silver Lake, Ladurée in Beverly Hills, Rahel’s in Little Ethiopia, El Cocinero in Van Nuys, and Monty’s Good Burger (various locations).

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara’s food scene relies heavily on tourism which means there are more bistros and fine dining than there are fast-casual restaurants. There are only a handful of completely vegan restaurants in Santa Barbara, but the few that exist are quite memorable.

VegNews.MesaVerde

This completely vegan restaurant nails California cool cuisine. The menu favors vegetables in lieu of alternative vegan meat options, highlighting seasonal produce and transforming mushrooms and jackfruit into meaty chorizo and hearty handholds. Favorites at Mesa Verde include the Squash Blossom Quesadillas, Picadillo Empanadas, and loaded Polenta Fries. 

VegNews.Satilite

Satellite ’s menu is vegetarian and changes regularly, but you can always find plenty of clearly-labeled vegan options. Dig into the Yoga Pants Salad or tear apart the garlicky Cast Iron Focaccia while sipping one of the fabulous wines on offer. Note: the restaurant doubles as a wine shop, so purchase a few bottles for the road (when you arrive at your next destination, obviously). 

Other great stops would be Oliver’s, The Natural Cafe, Fala Bar in Santa Barbara, Bliss Cafe and Ziggy’s in San Luis Obispo, and Shine Cafe in Morro Bay.

While small in population and size, Monterey is not to be missed on a coastal tour of the Golden State. It’s not a massive vegan hub like Los Angeles or Orange County, but there are plenty of vegan-friendly spots to sustain your beachside and hiking activities. Check these two out the next time you’re up North. 

VegNews.ElCantaro

El Cantaro delivers quality vegan food for a great value. For the same price as two burritos from Chipotle, you can feed two people with a large combination plate and a couple of sides. This works to the budget-conscious traveler’s favor, because you will want to try every vegan option on the menu. Start with the vegan taquitos, try the mushroom quesadilla, and polish off the meal with fried plantains served with non-dairy ice cream. 

VegNews.Julias

Julia’s

For an evening of live music and great vegan food, Julia’s is the place to be. The menu is vegetarian, but most items are vegan or can be made vegan (more often with substitutions than omission). Pro tip: happy hour starts at 8pm and lasts all night long. Take advantage of late-night specials.

Other stops in Monterey and on the way to the Bay Area include Saffron Cafe, Central Coast Juicery in Pacific Grove, Pretty Good Advice in Soquel, and Zachary’s and Veg on the Edge in Santa Cruz.

You could spend a month in the Bay Area and still have more to see and eat. However, if you only have a few days, stick to the vegan highlights in San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley for a plant-based taste of the Bay. 

VegNews.Shizen

Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar 

Shizen is a wildly popular vegan sushi and izakaya bar featuring the fusion of veggie-forward Japanese and California cuisine. Expect immaculate vegan nigiri, intricate sushi rolls, and a wide array of grilled, braised, and fried vegetable dishes. 

VegNews.TimelessCoffee

Timeless Coffee Roasters and Bakery

Timeless Coffee is a vegan bakery and coffee roastery that has all of the essentials to start your day. Whether you’re craving a sweet powdered sugar-dusted blueberry scone or a savory egg-free frittata, Timeless Coffee will serve it up with an excellent cup of coffee or dairy-free latte. 

VegNews.Thebutcherson

The Butcher’s Son

The brother-and-sister duo that own this vegan deli wanted to provide nostalgic comfort food without any animal ingredients for their community. The wide range of options at The Butcher’s Son include monstrous meat-and-cheese sandwiches, deli sides á la carte, and housemade sweets. Be sure to arrive early as this spot closes at 3pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends. 

Other great stops in San Francisco include Wildseed, BAIA, Vegan Picnic, Gracias Madre, and Nourish Cafe. In Oakland, try out Souley Vegan, Eternal, Bare Knuckle Pizza, Malibu’s Burgers, and Millennium. In Berkeley, visit Cha-Ya, Kaffa Ethiopian Cuisine, and Stand-Up Burgers. Outside of these cities, check out Retrograde Coffee Roasters in Sebastopol and Blossom Vegan in Pleasanton.

We hope this ultimate California road trip inspires you to try new dishes, support small businesses, and explore new horizons. Happy vegan traveling! 

For more vegan options in California, read: A Vegan Guide to Napa and California’s Wine Country How to Eat Vegan In Oakland VegNews Best of LA Awards

Brianne Nemiroff is the co-founder of a vegan travel website, It’s Bree and Ben , as well as the Product Sourcing Specialist for Kinder Beauty .

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Best Vegan Road Trip Snacks: Delicious Travel Food & Nibbles

Disclaimer:  This post may contain affiliate links, which could result in us receiving a small commission if you make a purchase. This will not affect the price you pay, but it does help us maintain the site and keep the information you’re reading free  of charge ( learn more ).  Any quoted   prices, features, specifications etc. are correct at the time of writing, but please do check for yourself before buying .  Thank you so much for supporting Happy Happy Vegan!

What is a road trip without the wind playing with your hair, nostalgic music blaring from the stereo, and… snacks? Now, you could buy delicious vegan snacks on the go, but it can be hard to find good vegan road trip snacks. Trust me, you do not want to take that risk. 

So, with this in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best plant based road trip snacks for your next adventure. You can either stock up on them before you go, buy them at stores, or even cook them yourself! 

Don’t worry, this article will guide you through everything. 

Let’s dig in!

The Best Vegan Road Trip Snacks To Pack on Your Next Trip

Here is a selection of our absolute favorites. The best vegan travel snacks, if you will:

Trail Mix, Chips, Nuts, and Legumes

Vegan snacks that are healthy and yummy? Yes, please! These are some of the best road trip snacks for any journey, because they are light, easy to store, and packed with nutrition .

They contain proteins, vitamins, and minerals , and give you a much needed energy boost so you don’t miss a single second of your trip. Here are some of the best vegan snacks that I personally recommend:

Bada Bean Bada Boom

A crunchy and healthy plant based road trip snack with low sugar and low fat. High in protein and dietary fibers, and they come in 13 delicious flavors…BOOM!

Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs

Gluten-free vegan snacks that are good for your taste buds and the Earth! Light and crunchy, they are a great alternative to potato chips.

Wonderful Pistachios

Roasted and lightly salted, these pistachios are an easy snack to pack. They’re also nutritious and come in resealable airtight bags. Perfect vegan road trip food!

Power Up Trail Mix

This keto and paleo-friendly trail mix is packed with protein and made from the best dried fruits, whole nuts, and seeds.

Vegan Rob’s Brussel Sprout Puffs

Crunchy and delicious brussels sprouts. Healthy road trip snacks that you kids will love eating. No, really!

Navitas Organics’ Cacao Goji

This is a power snack that combines the antioxidant properties of goji berries with mineral-rich cacao. A great addition to your arsenal of vegan travel snacks.

Popcorners’ Kettle Corn

A crunchy and wholesome snack that lets you eat better and feel better. If you are someone who loves tortilla chips, you are going to love these salty snacks!

Granola, Fruit, and Protein Bars

I consider energy bars (whether they’re granola bars or protein bars ) to be vegan road trip essentials.

These healthy vegan snacks are filled with ingredients that, unsurprisingly, give you an instant energy boost. They’re also delicious and versatile, and can be eaten as an alternative to other vegan food that may not be quite as convenient to take with you on the road.

Sometimes, when on the go, vegan road trip restaurants may be few and far between. On journeys where this is the case, these energy bars will definitely come in handy! 

Below are some of my personal recommendations:

Papa Steve’s Protein Bars

Made with freshly ground raw peanut butter and fresh fruit, these bars are dairy free and do not contain artificial sugars. They do, however, contain dark chocolate…and peanut butter. 

I did mention peanut butter, didn’t I? Dig in!

Nature’s Bakery Whole Wheat Fig Bars

These soft-baked fig bars are delicious and come in 10 different flavors for you to tuck in to! I mean, who doesn’t like to eat simple whole foods as delicious snacks?

Nutruit Healthy Snack Variety Box

Available in 10 flavors, these gluten-free snacks are made using fresh ingredients from Mediterranean fields. They’ve got carrot sticks, dried fruit, and even their very own trail mix! These beauties make for very healthy snacks.

Snack Boxes

vegan road trip snack box

If you want some variety, another option is to buy yourself some pre packaged snack boxes. 

These uber convenient packages contain an assortment of healthy vegan snacks for you to munch on. We love ‘em so much, we even compiled a list of the best vegan snack boxes currently on the market. 

Go check it out!

Deluxe Vegan Snacks Care Package

This box of 30 great vegan snacks will take care of all your snacking needs on your road trips! It contains a mix of sweet as well as salty snacks, perfect for everyone’s palate.

Bunny James Vegan Snack Box

Treat your taste buds with these easy vegan snacks. All of them are gluten and dairy free, and are low in artificial sugar.

Nutruit Gourmet Snack Packs

This vegan road trip snack box contains 2 packets of each variety of high-fiber snacks, and there are 10 flavors for you to enjoy! You get healthy food such as dried fruit, mixed nuts, and healthy vegetables to snack on.

Vegan Gas Station Snacks

Maybe you are someone who doesn’t like the hassle of packing snacks before heading out for your road trip. Or maybe you did pack some healthy vegan snacks, but they… um… went missing (don’t worry, nobody here’s judging you for being a snack monster).

Now you are stuck in your car, snackless and hungry. You see a gas station in the distance, and you heave a sigh of relief. 

Or wait.. do you? 

Do gas stations even have vegan snacks? Yes, they do! 

Here are some you can find easily!

Sour Patch Kids

Surprised to find that this is actually vegan? Perfect candy to munch on while you drive. Or relax in the passenger seat. You can easily pick them up at almost any gas station or grocery store.

SkinnyPop Popcorn

Turn your road trip into a real-life movie with this popcorn. But keep in mind that only the Original and White Cheddar varieties are vegan.

Tasty, nutritious, vegan, and gives you an energy boost. What more could you ask for?

Ritz Crackers

That’s right. These gas station staples are vegan, too. Well, except for the Honey Wheat flavor. Enjoy!

Hot Vegan Food On The Go: Cooking On The Road

If your road trip is anything more than a couple of days long, then sustaining yourself on store-bought snacks and dinners alone simply isn’t going to cut it.

What if you want to create your own homemade trail mix? Or some healthy food with fresh fruits and fresh vegetables?

In such cases, not only is cooking on the road possible, it’s way better for you. You can even make your own veggie burgers! That being said, you will need to take some kit with you.

Check out the following list to see what you need to create healthy, tasty vegan road trip meals whilst away from your kitchen.

Portable Camping and Backpacking Gas Stove Burner by Gas One

vegan food trip

Made of alloy steel and metal, this portable dual fuel stove gives you the choice to use either butane or propane fuel. However, you must note that fuel will not be included when you purchase this product, so make sure you sort out your fuel source before you leave home.

It comes with an automatic piezo electric ignition, which means you don’t need to carry around lighters or matches to ignite this stove, and its adjustable heat dial also makes it incredibly easy to use. 

It has a built-in cartridge ejection system , and will automatically eject the butane fuel cartridge if it detects any abnormalities in pressure. Its automatic safety shut off device also switches off the gas if the pressure is irregular. 

Finally, it comes with a carrying case , making it easy for you to take it on your trip! An essential device to make plant based food on road trips.

  • Easy to carry
  • Dual fuel compatible
  • Doesn’t need a lighter or matches to ignite
  • Safety mechanisms
  • Space-saving
  • You will need to bring your own fuel canisters 
  • Butane doesn’t work very well when it’s cold

Portable Cookware by Stanley

vegan food trip

This cooking set comes with 21 stainless steel utensils including pots, pans, plates, spatula, a cutting board, and even a dish drying rack! Everything you need to make a healthy meal for you and your road trip buddies. 

They are strong and scratch-proof , so you don’t have to worry too much about damaging them while you’re on the go. All the utensils in the kit nest together, too, so it’s great for space-saving ! 

The kit is also easy to clean , making it the perfect companion on your road trip. 

  • Durable and scratch-proof
  • Easy to use
  • Doesn’t take up a lot of space
  • Easy to clean
  • Can be used over a wood fire
  • Plates and bowls are a bit small
  • Very noisy if you don’t pack everything up properly

Portable Cooking Utensil Set

vegan food trip

This 11 piece kitchen utensil set contains all the cutlery you need. Made from high quality stainless steel , the cutlery set is durable and dishwasher safe. 

The set comes in a portable backpack with separate pouches for each utensil . This makes them easy to carry, and also makes sure that they won’t get damaged while travelling.

The backpack comes with a secure zip seal and is made using tough woven cotton, so your utensils will be protected if you happen to drop it. 

  • Durable cutlery made from stainless steel
  • Comes in a portable backpack, making it easy to carry
  • Easy to clean, dishwasher safe
  • Tongs are very short
  • Some plastic items (such as the spatula) seem to be cheap

After cooking comes the serving! While some cooking kits like the Portable Cookware from Stanley come with plates, most do not.

And what if you wanted to enjoy some wine with your delicious vegan food? You’re going to need something to drink it out of, right? (Okay, maybe not you, Steve!)

I have a great recommendation below for all your serving needs. All you have to do is find a nice spot, sit back, and enjoy. Well, after you cook, of course.

Sunflora Picnic Backpack

vegan food trip

Perfect for an entire family, this all-in-one backpack comes with everything you might need- a set of plates, stainless steel flatware, cutting board, a knife, and even wine glasses ! 

It also has napkins and a blanket that you can simply spread out to dine on. 

The backpack comes with an insulated food compartment and an insulated wine holder. Its best feature is a detachable waterproof cooler pouch which you can use to keep your white wine nice and chilled. 

  • Easy to carry and use
  • Dishwasher safe utensils
  • Detachable wine cooler
  • Insulated compartment for food and wine
  • Lightweight
  • The plates are made of melamine, which isn’t ideal

Cooking while on a road trip is all well and good, but where do you store your ingredients? And your food (if you prefer cooking once for the entire day and storing the rest)? 

These items come to your rescue!

Bentgo Prep Containers

vegan food trip

These are a set of 1-compartment containers that allow you to store your food, ingredients, or even your road trip snacks. You get a set of 10 trays and 10 lids , and all of them nest together to make the entire set compact and easy to carry.

These meal prep sets are reusable, durable, and BPA-free . They are spacious enough to hold a decent portion of vegan food. 

Overall, this set could be considered one of your road trip essentials if you’re going to be away for long periods of time. 

  • Reusable and durable
  • Trays and lids nest together, so they are easy to carry
  • Hold plenty of food
  • The material could be thicker

Thermos Stainless Steel Food Jar

vegan food trip

Made from matte steel , this is a whopping 47 ounce vacuum insulated food jar . 

It comes with two inserts, and will keep your food hot or cold, according to what you need. Perfect for when you want to prepare food beforehand and store it for later. 

Even after hours have passed, it’ll keep your food fresh.

The container is durable and holds a decent amount of food, and the wide mouth makes filling it up or taking it out easier. Built to be leak-proof , the container remains cool to the touch while storing hot food inside, and is sweat-free when storing cold foods. 

  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Holds temperate very well
  • The cups are made of plastic
  • Despite being leak-proof, it’s still best kept vertical

Car Refrigerator by Autoommo

vegan food trip

This portable fridge is large enough to store around 60 bottles of beer , so you can refrigerate pretty much all your food in one go. You can even prepare food beforehand and store it all in this fridge! 

It has a dedicated freezer container, so you can compartmentalize your food and drinks. It is fast-cooling and lets you control the temperature settings via an LCD screen. 

Thankfully, it makes minimal noise, so you won’t be disturbed by it on the road, and its anti-slip mat makes sure it can handle even rugged terrains. The adapter comes with a built-in ceramic fuse to prevent short-circuits.

  • Large enough to take care of all your storage needs
  • Has a fridge + freezer
  • Anti-slip mat design
  • Makes minimal noise
  • Fast cooling
  • Adapter has a built-in fuse
  • Sturdy handle
  • Lid latch is a bit loose

Tourit Cooler Bag

vegan food trip

This large cooler bag has a capacity of nearly 8.4 gallons, which makes it an ideal travel companion. It’s insulated , and the inner lining is made of a waterproof, high-density material. However, despite being labelled as leak-proof , some have found it to be anything but.

The exterior is made from a thick cloth which is resistant to wear and tear . It has a long-term cooling capacity , which means your food and drinks will stay cold for up to 12 hours.

It comes with a shoulder strap as well as a padded handle, giving you multiple ways to carry it easily. When not in use, it can be collapsed into a tiny package. 

  • Keeps food and drinks cool for a long time
  • Collapsible
  •  Not as leak-proof as advertized

With this, we reach the end of my recommendations for vegan roadtrip snacks and all the essentials you need to cook vegan meals on the go.

Remember, though, always choose the products best suited to your needs. 

If you enjoyed this article about vegan travel food ideas, don’t forget to share it with your road trip travel buddies! 

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About the author: rupali jeganathan.

Rupali Jeganathan, a passionate environmentalist, has over 5 years of writing experience under her belt. Being an enthusiastic and happy vegan herself, she is always looking for ways to share tips and information with others who share the same lifestyle.

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Vegan on the Road: How I’ve Eaten Healthier than Ever While Driving Across the Country

It took three weeks and 5500 miles, but yesterday, I hit the unofficial halfway point of my book tour — Seattle, Washington.

Fun place, by the way, with tons of vegan-friendly restaurants. And as I head down the west coast and back across the southern half of the country, I’m looking forward to more food options than I’ve had so far.

And believe me, when you’ve spent most of the past week driving long, barren stretches through states like Wyoming, Idaho, and Nebraska, you appreciate options.

To be honest, I’ve never found eating vegan while traveling all that difficult. But the constraints of the past three weeks — owing to the fact that I’m in a car — have made it more challenging. The three big ones:

  • I’m in a new hotel every single night, always without a kitchen and often with no fridge or microwave.
  • The car is packed so tightly that there’s no room for a cooler.
  • I’m without my beloved Blendtec — I left it for my wife and kids — or any blender, for that matter.

Finally, this is all on a budget — I’d go broke if I ate out at restaurants for all or even most of my meals. Selling books has helped to offset some costs of hotels, gas, and food, but this tour is a labor of love, not something that’s financially profitable by any means. So I’ve really got to keep an eye on my food cost.

Yet at the same time as I’m trying to keep costs down, it’s extremely important that I eat well. The book tour has been far more exhausting than I had prepared for, and if I weren’t eating better than ever, I think I’d have crashed long ago.

Yes, you read that right — even under all these constraints (in fact, because of all these constraints), I’m eating as healthily as I ever have, perhaps even more so.

Here’s how.

The Real Way to Eat Vegan While Traveling

Traditionally, the advice about eating plant-based on the road has taken only two words to dispense:

“ Happy Cow .”

And it really is all you need — assuming you’re on a short trip, and you don’t mind paying restaurant prices in exchange for getting a taste of the local vegetarian and vegan scene.

But that’s not my situation. In most places I’ve driven through, there is no local vegetarian and vegan scene. So instead my focus has been on practicality, value, and health, rather than on fun or fancy or exciting food — and that has made all the difference. (See what I did there? Robert Frost, road,  less traveled , etc. :))

The Key: Foods Over Meals

Recently I’ve started learning from Dr. Joel Fuhrman, who advocates a plant-based diet entirely for health reasons.

A big idea I’ve learned from Dr. Fuhrman is that “the salad is the meal.” Interpret salad loosely here … the idea is that instead of worrying about eating a traditional “square” meal and getting your vegetables on the side or in a salad, you do far better by basing your entire diet on the foods in that salad. 

And that’s the trick that has helped me not just survive on the road, but thrive, by eating fresher, more whole, and more raw.

Forget the square meal. Forget about identifying the protein, the carbohydrate, and the fat. Fill up on the handful of foods that you consider to be the healthiest on Earth. And redefine “meal” to mean exactly that.

For Dr. Fuhrman (at least, in my interpretation), these foods are:

  • Cruciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Fruits, especially berries

Fuhrman uses the mnemonic acronym GBOMBS (greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries, seeds) to remember these foods.

This is how I’ve eaten over the past three weeks. Combine whole, fresh foods, focusing on the GBOMBS. Do it in a way that fills you up and that you don’t get sick of, and you win.

What this means, for me at least, is that I end up eating a nearly raw diet until noon each day, and many days even longer than that.

Specifically?

Here’s the procedure I’ve fallen into, and it works.

a) Stock up on raw trail mix (raw nuts and seeds and raisins) and fresh fruit, especially oranges, bananas, apples, strawberries, and raspberries — foods that can last a few days without refrigeration. Eat this stuff for breakfast in the mornings, and snack on it throughout the day. (And really, what else are you going to find for breakfast that’s plant-based and not just a bunch of wheat? Certainly nothing in the hotel spread.)

b) Whenever you’re near a  Whole Foods , stop at it. Head to the salad bar and make a gigantic salad that includes dark leafy greens (usually kale), chickpeas or black beans, whatever seeds they have (usually sunflower and pumpkin seeds), and whatever other veggies you’re in the mood for — for me it’s usually cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, and roasted mushrooms. I’ve stuck mainly to Whole Foods’s oil-free dressings, though I’m not anti-oil by any means.

If it’s meal time (even breakfast), I eat about half of this salad immediately and half for my next meal. If it’s not meal time, I still get the salad and save it until next time I’m hungry.

c) For hot meals, usually just dinner but lunch if I’m lucky, it’s one of three things:

  • A burrito or bowl from Chipotle , with brown rice, black or pinto beans (they’re vegan now!), onions and peppers, guacamole, tomatoes, and medium or hot salsa.
  • Something from the Whole Foods hot bar, or one of their built-in restaurants at larger stores. You’ve got to be careful here, because even though it’s Whole Foods, there are plenty of prepared-food options that are less-than-healthy. Mostly I stick to cooked vegetables and grains.
  • A meal from a local vegetarian- or vegan-friendly restaurant, found either via Happy Cow or recommendation from friends on Twitter or at my book tour events.

That’s it. I can think of almost nothing I’ve eaten that doesn’t fall into one of those three categories, except for the fruit, trail mix, and salad.

I can anticipate a few:

How can you say Whole Foods is cheap?

I can get a huge salad, including beans and seeds, that will last for one or two meals, for 10 bucks. This isn’t cheap, but not that expensive either for a meal (or two meals) on the road. It’s entirely organic and I consider it the healthiest meal I eat each day, so it’s worth it. Sometimes I get the fruit and trail mix from Whole Foods too, but you can also get these (and even the salad, though not often with so many organic veggies) at most regular grocery stores.

In all, breakfast and lunch of fruit, nuts, and this mega-salad cost $12 or so, total. This is less than half of what I’d pay to sit and eat at a restaurant, and these meals are as healthy as they come.

Trail mix, fruit, and salad doesn’t sound like a breakfast.

No, it doesn’t. But it’s almost exactly the same ingredients as what’s in my smoothie when I’m at home. Eating this way took only a few days to get used to, and I love how it feels. So I’ll likely take this “raw until noon” habit home with me.

Do you really think Chipotle is healthy?

I do, if you get a bowl and avoid the white-flour tortilla. It’s beans, rice, and vegetables, which is a lot like a typical dinner I’d eat at home. The vegetables aren’t organic (as far as I know), but on the road, I’ll take it.

As for variety, if I were eating at Chipotle every day, my diet would be lacking. Thankfully, I’ve only eaten at Chipotle two or three times per week. I try to vary the contents of daily Whole Foods salad tremendously, by changing up the vegetables that I get in it each time, as well as buying different fruits and making different trail mixes from the bulk sections of stores to add to the variety in my diet on the road.

The Secret: Inconvenience is a Great Thing

That’s really all there is to eating on the road. It’s affordable, practical, and really not that hard, once you get used to it.

The key, of course, is throwing out your preconceived notion of  a meal, and accepting that combining fresh, whole, and often raw foods in a way that fills you up is just as good as any hot, “square” meal. In fact, I think it’s better: as I alluded to above, I truly believe that being so constrained in my choices is a tremendous blessing in disguise. And I’ve noticed this even when I’m not traveling: having to plan and prepare is the major reason I eat far better as a vegan than I ever did as an omnivore or even a vegetarian.

PS — A Special Fall Deal on any No Meat Athlete Roadmap!

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From now until Wednesday, October 30th, I’ve made each of the three Roadmap programs available at 35% off the regular price . I only do these sorts of deals once or twice a year (last time was for the first day of spring, over seven months ago), so if you’ve had your eye on the Roadmap systems, now’s your chance to grab one on the cheap!

You can find out more about each Roadmap and the special pricing here .

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I recently spent three days at a small town (~3600 people) where I knew I would be away from restaurants or other sources of food for the majority of each day. I ate very similarly to what you’ve described. I brought a quart bag filled with raw nuts and dried fruit, an apple and banana for each day, a loaf of vegan bread (I ended up only eating a few slices), home made hummus and a gallon bag of broccoli florets and baby cut carrots. My hotel room did have a refrigerator, so I was able to chill things overnight, but I just let them sit at room temperature during the day, and nothing went bad. For breakfast, I supplemented my trail mix with an orange from the hotel’s complimentary breakfast. I snacked on my trail mix and hummus and veggies throughout the day, and made hummus toast one day. My dinners were a subway salad and (I was shocked) the hotel restaurant had a veggie burger option, and a salad bar and it was pretty good! Having plenty of stuff to graze on really made it easy to eat while traveling, and I plan to do the same thing next time I’m on the road.

Thanks for the tips! I LOVE eating Chipotle & WF as a vegan. The only downside to Chipotle burrito bowls is the high sodium in the salsas. Thank you for letting me know that the pinto beans are now vegan! They need to update their signage to indicate that.

It may be too late for this, but I always stay in bed and breakfasts rather than hotels. I think they’re quieter, cleaner and I gotta stay in a place where the window open. Good morning meal is included and you get to meet so nice and informative homeowners. Just my 2 cents. Keep enjoying the travel and post some pictures if you can. ps. I love the Cliff Z Bars. They market them to kids but I can get a box of 6 for $3 at Target. They’re organic, 120 calories per bar, made with dates, etc. I also bring raw almonds, pretzels, fruit. Those are my travel foods.

Great point about the Z Bars. We’ve primarily bought them when we have snack duty after our kids’ soccer games, but they’ll also do for us in a pinch!

Great article, Matt! As another person who is also on the road a lot (with Robert), I have another suggestion that I just recently discovered for us. The beauty of the rice cooker. I take it into the hotel room and, even in the most basic of motel rooms, you can cook up some rice and heat up some beans. Also, I use it to cook steel cut oats in the morning. Put everything in the rice cooker before you go to bed at night, set the timer, and in the morning you’ll wake up to the awesome smell of oats (with cinnamon, dried fruit, and whatever else you want to put in it), all done and ready for you to eat. This is all at a cost of about $1. 🙂 Good luck on the rest of your tour! Perhaps I’ll see you in Portland this weekend.

Thanks for this… I’m about to go visit the in-laws and this is always an issue, espeically if it’s a short visit and we’re not planning to do much grocery shopping. The monster salad is often how I manage best.

I’m not going to lie, you make it sound so easy to eat like this. While getting the foods you want isn’t that hard, its not eating the other foods we see on a regular basis like sugars and pumpkin lattes. I like the idea though.

A bit off topic, but why so u favor the blend tec over the vitamix? Trying to decide which to buy

I often get a salad for lunch at a local hospital. They usually have beans, nuts, and seeds and are fairly cheap – $3 to $4 for a meal.

Hi Matt, first time poster but long time fan. I’ve been doing raw (mainly 80/10/10) before 6 and a cooked vegan dinner after 6 for about 3 months (100% cooked vegan for 9 months prior). I figure it’s about 51% raw for the day. I feel unbelievably great, even more alive than 100% cooked vegan. Seems like a good way to get the benefits of raw or 80/10/10 but not have to go all-in on it as I love to cook too much to be fully raw. Just thought I’d share my experience. Thanks for what you’re doing, keep up the great work!

And now we have this to look forward at Chipotle as well… http://www.chipotle.com/en-us/html/sofritas.html

Just tried this yesterday in Seattle! I think I like plain beans better, but it’s nice to be able to switch it up.

I can relate – we just moved to a new house and we have 3 young children (6, 3, and 3 month old) so it’s hard to get proper cooking in during all the preparations, the moving, and the settling in but I noticed I actually ate healthier than ever because I had to keep it simple and I couldn’t afford to feel yucky (ie too much sodium, gluten and dairy really get to me) because there was so much to do. We kept lots of fruit on hand, simple vegetables plus lots of hummus, and some frozen food convenience (pre-cooked rice, potatoes in various forms and precut veggie stir fries, etc.). Thanks for the post Matt and best wishes for the rest of your book tour!

My breakfast trick is to bring oatmeal (I use old-fashioned oats for this) for breakfast. Add hot water from the in-room coffee maker, and even old-fashioned oats soften and cook after a few minutes of soaking. You can add soy milk from one of the shelf-stable packs available from the grocery store, or if you’re desperate, the nondairy creamer in the room. I add craisins and walnuts and a cut-up apple or banana and it’s a good filling breakfast and very inexpensive. Also, if there’s no Chipotle, Moe’s is a good alternative.

Be careful with the pinto beans at Chipotle. They’re not all vegan yet. I was just at a Chipotle a couple days ago, and the pintos definitely still had bacon in them (or at least they told me they did). Maybe they’re rolling the meat-free ones out in certain regions first? I thought the sofritas were kind of gross, though. WAY too much salt in the batch I had!

Thanks for your small comment about being vegan in WY. It’s almost impossible! Luckily, there’s Smith’s (a Kroger branch). It’s not While Foods, but they have a house brand called “Simple Truth”. It’s not 100% vegan or organic. However, it’s free of alot nasty additives like HFCS. They also more healthier options than Wall-Mart. Hope this helps. 🙂

Should we bring healthy vegan food to your book events? Glad you’re making the best of it, but sounds like you could use a change (not that there’s a shortage of good vegan food here in Tucson).

Not all Chipotles serve vegan pinto beans just yet. I live in Columbus, OH and frequent 3 different Chipotles (one by my office and 2 two near my apartment), and only one of them has vegan pintos currently. I asked the manager of one about it and he told me Chipotle would slowly roll out the vegan pintos in all their restaurants.

Chipotle is awesome!!! Especially if you aren’t eating meat, they have great alternatives.

Great post! I’ve been traveling alot lately (between moving and taking a sabbatical). I usually wind up carting a cooler in the trunk of my car with a ton of premade meals, which works great for shorter trips. I’ve found mexican and asian restaurants usually have vegans options (probably not healthy) if you’re desperate, and Panera is actually a decent place as well. Most I’ve been to are more than accommodating to offer me a vegan meal. Its one of the few restaurants in the small town I just moved to where I can eat out without winding up with an iceberg salad. I agree with your defense of Whole Foods salad bars… its expensive sure, but most of the salads I make there last me 2 meals as well, so that’s $6 a meal, which is pretty darn cheap for eating out and not having to make it!

Hi Matt, After driving across eastern Washington, Idaho and Montana with my dad, I totally sympathize with the difficulties of a vegan / veggie diet while on the road. I found that people gave me long, suspicious stares when I asked if there was a meat free version of something on the menu. It definitely makes me appreciate Vancouver as a vegetarian-friendly city. But these are good tips and I’ll put them ‘in the bank’ for the next trip that comes along.

hmmm. i asked at whole foods and not much of their prepared food and salads are organic. i was really disappointed!

Lisa, I found that Whole Foods vary tremendously in their selections, store-to-store. Most of the salad bars were organic, from what I remember, but I’m not surprised that some aren’t.

My husband and I are in the process of planning a cross country trip (60+ days). We are plant based eaters. Here is what I have been doing to try to figure out meals. At each stop I research if there is a whole foods nearby and do a restaurant search and food store search. We also will have a cooler so we can stock up when we find a location with choices. We have already found that not all Whole Foods are alike. Got hooked on one in Salt Lake City and also Wyoming on a recent trip, but was very disappointed in some we found in PA. I will pre-make a bunch of stuff to last the first 3 days on the road of which most will be healthy grain salads. This will definetely be a challenge I’m looking forward to mastering.

[…] No Meat Athlete Matt Frazier has some great tips that add to what we’ve already discussed: he says while on his book tour he’s been eating healthier than at home. How is this possible? Frazier says it’s because he’s eating mostly fresh, raw foods for the bulk of the day, and basing his diet on quick fruit and veggie snacks. He says, “instead of worrying about eating a traditional ‘square’ meal and getting your vegetables on the side or in a salad, you do far better by basing your entire diet on the foods in that salad. And that’s the trick that has helped me not just survive on the road, but thrive, by eating fresher, more whole, and more raw. [Fill up] on the handful of foods that you consider to be the healthiest on Earth. And redefine ‘meal’ to mean exactly that.” […]

Visit a vegan vacation and settlement destination in the USA: Bring it on down to Veganville! https://www.facebook.com/groups/VeganvilleSantaFeNM/

Hi Matt, I realize this post is quite old but I love your advice and attitude. I especially love how you said these limitations can be framed as a blessing. In addition to being vegan, I have recently discovered around 15 foods I now avoid due to allergies and intolerances. Because of this, most vegan websites are not very helpful for me anymore, as they often rely heavily on ingredients I avoid. I’ve learned how to eat well to manage my health at home with a kitchen, but preparing for travel was a new challenge and initially brought on a lot of anxiety. However, I have benefitted so much from reconsidering what I learned through culture to call food or meals, as you described. I eat what I know makes me feel good and does my body good when I feel like it, and my list of travel foods looks much like yours. The approach to food you take in this post is also very applicable to a lifestyle of mindful or intuitive eating, especially helpful for people with a history of a poor or disordered relationship with food. Thank you so much for your tips, and as I travel this weekend (and get brave enough for longer trips away from my kitchen), I will certainly benefit from them! Best, LAJK

Thankyou, you have been extremely helpful. I have been searching for a starting point as we are about to embark on a 3 months Australian adventure road trip. and being new to this whole plant based/vegan diet we have been talking about different food ideas.

That didn’t help me one bit. I don’t eat fruit, it is too sweet and I am trying to clear my candida. I don’t eat grains because of my leaky gut, or gluten. Cant just live on nuts and seeds. Here in England, Uk there aren’t any good wholefood shops, and when you do find one its all dried fruit in everything, or grains. Im soooo sick of humous butties every damn day; and I never want to see another falafel again. My diet is so depressing… all this for the animals. If only they knew the sacrifices I make. Sigh. My life is not worth living since Iwent vegan.

Thank you for this article. My boyfriend and I are tour managers and we’ve been dreading hitting the road again now that we’re plant based. We start work in two weeks, and are trying to plan ahead. This article was posted years ago, but the advice still stands. If you have any new advice or words of wisdom, it’s much appreciated. Excited to check out your books. Thank you!

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Europe family road trip day 4 – Soltau, Germany

Best vegan road trip food ideas (with no fridge)

On our European road trip , we travelled 1700 miles across Europe in our Mazda Bongo. The longest drive was 10 hours! As a family of vegans (2 adults and 2 young kids), we had to come up with lots of vegan road trip snacks, main meal vegan food ideas and packed lunchboxes that didn’t need refrigeration. Our Bongo is not converted and we only had a cool box, which wouldn’t keep food cold for long when we set off from home in the UK. If you’re looking for vegan road trip food ideas that don’t need a fridge, read on as I share a huge list of road trip food ideas based on what we took with us!

Why we needed vegan road trip food ideas with no fridge

We did take a camping stove with us, but we were out on day trips most days when we weren’t on the road for hours travelling to destinations. So we needed plant-based road trip food ideas that needed no fridge, and no stove, for eating on long journeys and also to take on days out as a vegan packed lunch.

We didn’t have a fridge or any way of cooling food, so we needed vegan travel food that would last for a few days or several days for our eight-day trip. Some of the driving was up to 10 hours non-stop and we needed food for us and our two children, as well as vegan travel snacks and drinks that wouldn’t spoil.

I thought it was going to be really tricky to come up with enough snack ideas and vegan travel meals that don’t need refrigeration or cooking, especially healthy ideas. However, we actually surprised ourselves and came up with a pretty massive list of healthy, non-perishable foods to take with us which I’ll share with you in this blog post.

From the below list, we were able to have easy vegan meals while travelling on the road, snacks for when we were peckish, or create healthy packed lunches to take out with us for the day when exploring new cities.

Mazda Bongo Black with Green Poptop family camping in Amsterdam

We explored Amsterdam for a day , visited my husband Ben’s Gran in Germany, took an epic 10-hour drive to see many of the Delta Works in the Netherlands and we stopped in Bruges before heading back home.

For two nights we camped in the Bongo in Amsterdam, we stayed at Ben’s uncles for a couple of nights in Germany and then an AirBnB whilst in Belgium.

We don’t have a fridge in the camper as we haven’t converted it (instead, keeping the 8 seats and having a massive bed), so we had to come up with a whole list of vegan meals and snacks that we could eat on the go and not need to store in a fridge.

vegan food trip

Of course, we had a fridge at the Airbnb and at Ben’s uncle’s, but we decided to take as much food from home as possible to keep eating costs low, so we had to take things that didn’t need a fridge as the first part of our trip was a lot of travelling and camping!

All of our plant-based meal ideas had to be made from as much dry food as possible.  None of it could be refrigerated. 

We’re also all vegan so they’re all suitable for anyone following a plant-based diet. These snacks are all easy to prepare, non-perishable, and perfect for your next road trip!

Between Ben’s uncle’s house and our Airbnb, we had a whopping 10-hour drive, so we needed meals and snacks for this.  We also had two nights camping in Amsterdam, so had to be inventive with vegan road trip food ideas here too.

If you’re wondering what on earth you can eat on a road trip as a vegan or what food to take camping without a fridge, then here’s a stack of ideas!

We came up with as many ideas as we could to create a shopping list before our trip and took loads of food from home.  That was a great benefit to driving across Europe in our own car, as we could really save money on food by visiting a UK supermarket before we left.

Vegan on the go: road trip food ideas with no fridge

Huge list of the best vegan road trip food ideas without a fridge!

  • Celery and peanut butter – take some cutlery with you and spread some cupboard-friendly peanut butter onto the celery for a great energy-boosting snack. Celery should last a couple of days at least in the car, so long as your car isn’t too hot!
  • Rice crackers with peanut butter or marmite, or plain.  Rice crackers are perfect to munch on as a snack or to make peanut butter or marmite cracker sandwiches!  These are perfect for kids’ lunch boxes on the go.  Marmite doesn’t need to go in the fridge so it’s the perfect road trip food to create tasty no refrigeration lunches and snacks. Kallo rice cakes are our fave and we always have a pack or two at home!
  • Crackerbread – great eaten on its own, dipped into hoummous or spread with marmite or peanut butter.
  • Wraps with peanut butter or marmite.  Take an airtight container and you can store bread or wraps for a few days to make vegan sandwiches on the move.

vegan food trip

  • Wholemeal pittas stuffed or with hoummous – Like the wraps, you can also stuff pittas with some of the salad you take that will last a few days, and even take houmous in a cool box which will be good for a day or two and can be eaten with the pitta or salad. You can tear the pittas and dip them in houmous, guacamole, salsa or any other dip for the first day or two (if you buy chilled dips). You can even buy jars of dips from the tortilla crisp/nacho section of supermarkets which don’t need to be refrigerated until open! So buy the smallest jars or share the larger-sized jars with everyone so you use them up in one go.
  • Nachos – A bit like crisps and dip, but you can have nachos and dip, or you can even make cold-topped nachos as unique vegan meals on-the-go idea. Vegan grated cheese will last a couple of days out of the fridge, or you can skip the cheese. Add cold sweetcorn, pickled shredded red cabbage, ready-to-eat refried beans out of a pack or tin, add some guacamole and you’ve got a delicious nacho meal box right there!

vegan food trip

  • Cereal to snack on dry, or with water or long-life plant-based milk.  Cereal is perfect if you take bowls and cutlery with you. It’s so easy to make a bowl of cereal with some long-life milk.  Try and get smaller cartons of the milk, or make sure you all eat cereal at the same time so you don’t waste any milk.  If you’ve milk leftover then the kids may want it as a drink as you venture on. Pack some reusable straws to make drinking on the go easier for kids.
  • Fresh fruit – some fruit will last a few days and doesn’t need refrigerating so take grapes, oranges, pears, bananas and apples to snack on. We’ve always got organic fresh fruit and vegetable deliveries to our home from Riverford or Abel and Cole. Just remember to pause your delivery while you go on your road trip if you’ll be away when the next delivery comes!

riverford new customer offer

  • Salad – the same applies to some salads.  Tomatoes, lettuce, carrots and cucumber can often last a few days out of the fridge, so you can snack on this, or make your wraps and sandwiches more exciting for a couple of days at least.  You can always plan to visit supermarkets whilst travelling to keep fresh salad and fruit topped up.  Take a cool box to store it in, though the coldness will only last the first day unless you buy ice each time too. For no ice road trip food then your salad is really only going to be best for a day or two. If you’re travelling somewhere in heat, then you’ll want to use it on the first day ideally. A cool box with ice packs when you leave your home is best to start, then you could choose to buy ice packs as you travel to cool your food on the go. Most garages and food stores will sell these in their freezer sections.

vegan food trip

  • Dried fruit makes one of the best vegan road trip snacks as there are so many varieties and textures nowadays, and they won’t spoil.  We love apricots, prunes, chewy dried bananas, mango, strawberry and raisins. You can buy so many different varieties of fruit as a dried version and it can be crunchy or chewy. We love to take little pots of dried fruit out with us as part of our lunches too. We use stainless steel containers with silicone lids like these to store them in our backpacks.  Health stores sell big packs of dried fruit for good prices if you buy in bulk, or you can always stock up on some dried snacks from Graze before you head off.
  • Bliss balls also known as energy balls are mostly made from dried fruit, nuts and seeds so they last ages too and don’t need refrigerating.  You can buy these from the shops, but it’s so easy to make your own too before you leave.

Here are some vegan no-bake energy ball recipes:

  • Cacao nibs energy balls
  • Coconut + green matcha energy balls recipe
  • Peanut butter balls
  • White mulberry, cocoa and chia energy balls recipe

vegan food trip

  • Bars, bars, bars !  We love dried fruit, nut and seed bars of all different kinds.  There are Trek bars, Pulsin bars and Nakd bars to name a few.  These are perfect to pack in bags when exploring to stop hunger in between meals and on long car journeys. For long-lasting energy and to feel satisfying full after a bar, give these superfood bars by Aduna a try! They’re delicious and full of goodness!
  • Crisps – my favourite crisps are the Eat Real crisps and we also get the kids Organix crisps as they are organic and contain no sugar.
  • Tortilla chips and dips – many dips like jars of salsa dips for tortilla chips don’t need to be refrigerated and can be kept in the cupboard, only needing refrigerating once opened. Take small jars, or larger jars to share that you know you’ll polish off in one sitting.

vegan food trip

  • Fruit pouches are great for kids and adults too!  ‘Baby’ fruit pouches aren’t just for babies, but kids and adults too.  The best thing is they don’t need refrigeration at all.  These were great for adding some more fruit snacks into our packed lunches each day.  The kids get really excited about a fruit pouch in their lunchbox. Me and Ben had one every day in ours too!
  • Jelly in pouches exists too! This stuff isn’t solid like jelly, but the kids get excited when they hear the word jelly!
  • Breadsticks – nice and easy snack to hand out in the car when the kids are complaining they’re hungry!
  • Fruit crisps – it’s amazing how many things are made from fruit nowadays!  Dried fruit crisps satisfy that crisp crunch you might be craving, but they also provide a portion of fruit, so are much healthier than regular crisps.

vegan food trip

  • Popcorn is another great dried food snack that doesn’t need a fridge and the kids always love it!
  • Nuts and seeds will keep you going when you get peckish. Make some trail mixes with mixed seeds, nuts and dried fruits like raisins or diced papaya for delicious snacks day and night.
  • Sweetcorn is one of my favourite things to eat out of a tin!  It’s so refreshing and satisfies any sweet cravings.  Most tins have a ring pull so it’s really easy to eat on the go. You just need a spoon.  You can drink the remaining water too.
  • Pineapple – another tinned item that is great vegan road trip food! I love pineapple in tins. So refreshing too, it’s like having a drink as well as a snack.  It’s another portion of fruit and you also get to have the juice!  We love the chunks in juice and the kids use reusable straws to get all the juice out of the tin.

vegan food trip

  • Tinned fruit – think peaches, mandarin and fruit cocktails. Opt for those in juice or water rather than syrup to keep it healthier. Sometimes these come in plastic pots too, but the lids can be tricky to pull off on the move and make a mess everywhere! That’s a good point actually – make sure you choose tinned things with ring pulls so you can easily open them on the road.
  • Jelly – yep, you can now buy readymade vegan-friendly jelly in the store that doesn’t even need refrigeration!
  • Noodles and rice pots are a great idea if you have a way of heating up some water.  We did take a camping stove with us so we could heat up some water for noodle/rice pots and hot drinks.  But of course, this was only good when we were parked up somewhere and could be next to the van itself and not on the move, such as stopping in car parks, to see sights or when we were camping.  We didn’t take the stove into the cities with us, so that had to be cold meals! We enjoyed eating some of these when visiting the Kinderdijk Windmills in the Netherlands before we arrived in Amsterdam.

vegan food trip

  • Vegan jerky – another great non-refrigerated vegan snack! You can buy readymade or learn to make your own before you go. Seasoned and dried, but still chewy, soy strips packed full of protein and tasty non-perishable food that can be kept in packets or Tupperware.
  • Pickled onions – if you like pickled onions then these are a great savoury, tangy and sometimes sweet snack that doesn’t need a fridge. You can get large onions or mini ones already pickled in a jar from most supermarkets and convenience stores. The large ones certainly fill a hunger hole when you’re peckish in between meals!
  • Green tea is packed full of antioxidants and great to sip on each day, in the car and when out if you take a thermal flask with you and can get some hot water.  Otherwise, it’s also a refreshing cold drink. You can get thermal flasks for hot or cold drinks with diffuser attachments so you can brew green tea or other herbal and fruit teas on the go.
  • No-bake cookie bites are also something you can make easily, in advance, for a delicious sweet treat to enjoy after your plant-based road trip meals as a dessert. These are quick and easy to make and don’t require cooking. Simply take them in an air-tight tinned container to keep them fresh for a few days.

vegan food trip

So many vegan road trip food ideas!

It’s actually really easy to come up with fridgeless vegan road trip food ideas once you start thinking about it…!

Hopefully, this list has got you started on thinking outside of the box when it comes to vegan food that doesn’t need refrigeration or no ice road trip meals!

When planning our road trip, we thought we’d really struggle to come up with non-perishable vegan food ideas on the road.  We actually managed to think up so many ideas that we had plenty of plant-based food options in the car for our exceptionally long drives, camping and whilst exploring Europe.

Also, depending on what your budget is and where you are travelling, there are so many more options for vegan food nowadays. Pretty much every major supermarket, service station and fuel station will have prepackaged vegan meals in their chillers so you can grab sandwiches, salads or other chilled meals on the journey.

You can also check out my healthy living blog for loads of vegan meal and snack ideas!

Love healthy living and saving money?

Check out these healthy living discount codes to make some great savings on vegan snacks and more!

Please pin me to your Pinterest boards and share with your friends:

Vegan road trip food ideas with no fridge

Our 8-day Europe road trip travel diary

If you want to see what we got up to for the whole eight days and all the photos then check out all my Europe 2019 road trip travel diary blog posts here:

  • Europe family road trip day 1 – England to Netherlands / UNESCO World Heritage Kinderdijk / Camping Vliegenbos
  • Europe family road trip day 2 – exploring Amsterdam
  • Europe family road trip day 3 – driving from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Munster, Germany
  • Europe family road trip day 4 – Soltau, Germany
  • Europe family road trip day 5 – Munster, Germany
  • Europe family road trip day 6 – coastal scenic drive from Germany to Belgium
  • Europe family road trip day 7 – a few hours in Bruges
  • Europe family road trip day 8 – back to the UK

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2 thoughts on “ Best vegan road trip food ideas (with no fridge) ”

What a great list! I find that generally, plant-based options keep really well, which helps a lot.

Lots of great ideas!

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21 Vegan Road Trip Snacks You Need to Pack This Year

  • January 25, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links (see full disclaimer ). This means if you make a purchase after clicking, I may get a small percentage of the sale, at absolutely no extra cost to you.

Vegan road trip snacks are essential for any road trips you’re taking this summer, whether that’s your summer vacation or a weekend trip to a family reunion.

It can be tricky to find vegan travel snacks on the go, especially if you’re driving through areas where the only food for miles is found at rest areas, and usually consists of greasy burgers.

Here are the best easy vegan snacks you should pack:

  • Vegan snack box
  • Vegan energy bars
  • Chopped up fruits and veggies
  • Almond butter in individual serving sizes
  • Vegan cheesy popcorn
  • Tortilla chips and salsa

Vegan cheese crackers

  • Vegan dark chocolate peanut butter cups

Why You Should Pack Vegan Road Trip Snacks

Are you going on any road trips this summer? Then pack your car full of the best vegan snacks so even if you’re driving through the desert or the prairies, with no plant-based food in sight, you’ll have some healthy road trip snacks on hand!

Finding vegan snacks to go can be tricky, particularly if you’re driving through rural areas. Don’t waste your time trying to scrounge up vegan store bought snacks at a gas station. Instead, here’s how to stock your car with the best road trip snacks, vegan style. Just toss these store bought vegan snacks (most can be bought online) in your car, your well-packed suitcase plus some vegan sunscreen , and you’re ready to go on your road trip! Wondering where to go on your trip? Check out my guide to the best vegan hotels!

Vegan Snacks to Buy Before Your Trip

So, you’re ready for your vegan holidays…but what are you going to eat? Here are a few of the best vegan on the go snacks to stock your car with this summer.

Most of these also make great vegan plane snacks too! If you’re flying, don’t forget to pack vegan airplane snacks because in-flight meals can often leave something to be desired (not to mention sometimes airlines forget to pack your requested vegan meal). Wherever you’re going on your trip, and whether you’re driving or flying, I’ve put together this vegan snacks list to make sure you eat well on your travels.

If you’re bringing your dog on your road trip, don’t forget to bring some snacks for Fido too ! 

P.S. Mercy for Animals put together this vegan road trip playlist so you can play it and sing along in your car !

The best vegan road trips snack box: Vegan Cuts Snack Box

What are the best vegan snacks for traveling? I love the vegan boxes put together by the vegan company Vegan Cuts, because they always provide vegan friendly snacks I’ve never tried (or sometimes even seen) before! You can buy a snack box subscription or you can buy a single box , perfect for your vegan roadtrip snacks (if you can resist eating it all before the trip, that is).

If you’re looking for easy vegan snacks on the go for your trip, grabbing one of these boxes (or any of the vegan boxes I reviewed here ) is the easiest. Just order online, and a box of vegan packaged snacks will be delivered to your door, which you can put in your car and eat on your trip. 

Click here for more information about the Vegan Cuts snack box.

Pack of dried fruit and nut bars

Energy bars or dried fruit and nut bars are convenient and healthy vegan snacks for traveling. My favourite vegan easy snacks are  these bars. Before your trip, you can purchase a pack of a variety of different flavours from Amazon and put that in your car! They’re also great vegan snacks to bring on the plane, since they’re compact and easy to put in your carry-on bag. I never leave home (whether a road trip, a flight or just a day trip) without a few fruit and nut bars in my bag; they’re one of the best vegan store bought snacks because they last so long, are so portable and convenient for travel and are easy to find.

Best healthy vegan snacks on the go: Fruits & Veggies

Two sets of hands pass a bowl of tomatoes between them.

In terms of packing vegan food for travel, be sure to bring fruit and veggies that are easy to eat (e.g. carrot sticks, apples, grapes) — bonus points if you store them in reusable glass tupperware containers like these — and refill them with other vegan food on the go you buy at supermarkets on your trip.

Here are a few that are easy to transport:

  • Carrot sticks
  • Celery sticks
  • Baby tomatoes

vegan food trip

Reusable glass containers

These are the perfect BPA-free storage solution for your fruits and veggies and other vegan travel food. Click here to check the latest prices .

vegan food trip

Dips for Your Veggies (or Bread)

Hummus, nut butters and vegan pate are all make good vegan road trip food. You can find hummus and nut butters at most supermarkets, so you can just pick up a tub of hummus or a jar of nut butter from any supermarket you find on the road. If you’re lucky, you might even find vegan gas station snacks in the form of hummus and nut butters. (Also, you might be able to get away with not refrigerating the nut butter …just don’t leave it in your hot car over night!)

Vegan pates are an even better option for your vegan trips since it doesn’t require refrigeration until opened. 

Almond Butter Packets

vegan food trip

Ok, so you  might be able to get away without refrigerating your nut butters but if you’re worried, the best solution are these mini packets of Jason’s almond butter , which my mom always takes when she travels. Unfortunately they generate more waste than a bigger tub, but you don’t have to worry about finding a fridge once you’ve opened your jar of nut butter. And the maple almond butter flavour is  amazing . 

Click here to check the latest prices .

Dried Fruit and Nuts

vegan food trip

Dried fruit and nuts are also easy-to-transport on the go vegan snacks. Plus, if you’re looking for vegan gas station food, you’re likely to find some kind of nuts in many (just double check the ingredients–some nuts include gelatin, believe it or not!). They’re the ultimate healthy vegan packaged snacks if they contain no extra ingredients, and perfect for the vegan on the road.

Avoid nuts in the shell like pistachios, which will make a huge mess in your car — unless you don’t mind vacuuming peanut shells out of your car for the next month!

You can make your own trail mix (one of the best vegan travel snacks) by mixing a few different kinds of nuts, seeds and dried fruits together! Or, you can buy a raw, GMO-free nut mix like this one for your vegan trip.

Sandwiches or Wraps

Eating vegan while traveling doesn’t need to be hard, especially if you take some vegan road trip meals pre-made with you. When I was a kid (I was brought up vegetarian), we did a lot of family road trips, and my mom always packed a few veggie burgers and sandwiches in the cooler so we had lunch and dinner for the first day of the trip! Read on for some vegan travel food ideas so you can prepare do some vegan road trip meal prep in advance so you’ll be assured of healthy road trip meals, too.

When it comes to sandwiches, you probably don’t need recipes! Vegan newbies, though, sometimes get stuck with thinking of sandwich ideas, so here are a few suggestions. Make yourself a sandwich or wrap with hummus, dairy-free pesto, veggies, falafel, tofu ( Taifun’s marinated tofu is my favourite for making sandwiches) and/or your favourite vegan meat… You can even bring leftover pasta, pre-made sushi or veggie burgers, as long as you have a cooler.

Collapsible Cooler

If you’re bringing sandwiches or other vegan food for travel, you’ll want to make sure you have a cooler. I like the look of this collapsible cooler  — perfect if you’re flying to a destination and then renting a car, and also great for the beach or a picnic. You can refill your cooler with ice from the hotel’s ice machine each night to keep your vegan grab and go snacks cool. That way, you may even be able to keep food fresh for several days (my family always managed to on road trips, thanks to ice machines)!

Tortilla Chips and Salsa

vegan food trip

Chips as salsa are easy vegan snacks for road trips. As portable vegan snacks go, tortilla chips and salsa can be a little messy — I recommend pulling over and eating these at a rest stop! I love these blue corn chips . Pair with your favourite salsa (or if you’ve got time before your trip, make your own; this fresh salsa comes together really quickly). But if you’re like me and never leave yourself enough time to prepare and pack before your trip…just pick up a jar of your favourite salsa! You can find tortilla chips in most places if you need vegan convenience store snacks on the raod!

Crackers make a great portable vegan food eaten on their own, or you can dip them in hummus or pate. They make great vegan snacks for travel!

Click here to find the latest prices .

vegan food trip

If you love cheesy crackers, then these vegan cheese crackers are perfect for you! Earth Balance makese vegan butter, mac & cheese…and cheese crackers! They’re also GMO free and Kosher.

Chocolate and Sweet Treats

If you like your vegan prepackaged snacks on the sweeter side, then this section’s for you. Vegan dark chocolate (or rice milk/oat milk chocolate, if you prefer) is great for when a sugar craving hits. Just make sure to put it in the cooler if your car is hot so it doesn’t melt!

vegan food trip

If you like baking and have time before your trip, you could also make muffins (the recipe I’ve linked is for raspberry lemon muffins but you can substitute whatever you want and make blueberry or chocolate chip muffins!) and bring them along. Eat vegan on the road is easier than most people think, but one thing I often miss while travelling is vegan baked goods. So bringing your own muffins is the perfect solution!

Be sure to bring a water bottle with you so you stay hydrated. ( This one keeps water cold up to 24 hours and also keeps hot beverage hot too). You can also bring a few of your favourite drinks (whether that’s coconut water or kombucha) in your cooler.

Equipment you might need

Don’t forget to bring a cooler, storage containers and cutlery, so you can keep your vegan prepackaged snacks cool and eat with ease! Here’s some equipment that will make eating on your road trip easier:

Storage containers

Bring some tupperware (I really love my glass containers like these — so easy to clean!) so you can store chopped fruits, veggies, sandwiches and more. 

vegan food trip

Don’t forget the cooler! You’ll need it to keep your drinks, hummus, sandwiches, salsa and other vegan car snacks fresh!  You can easily refill your cooler with ice from the motel’s ice machine every evening and morning to keep your food from spoiling (be sure to keep your cooler in the motel with you, rather than in the car overnight, where it will get hot). If you’re bringing raw vegan snacks on the go like chopped up fruits and veggies this will be essential.

This collapsible cooler is great for saving space — if you’re planning on going to the beach, you can pack it full of food and collapse it once you’re done eating. It’s also perfect for packing in your luggage if you’re flying somewhere and then renting a car.

Travel cutlery

Sometimes the best healthy road trip snacks require a little prep, such as chopping veggies. Be sure to bring some cutlery with you; you can either just grab some flatware from your house or get a set for road trips, picnics and camping like this travel cutlery, which is lightweight comes with a carrying case .

Storage box

You’ll need a box to store your non-refrigerated food items in. You can use a plastic storage box if you have one, or you can just use a cardboard box you’ve recently received a package in!

Finding healthy meals on the road

Apart from vegan snacks to go, here’s how to find vegan road trip restaurants on the go.

Happycow is my favourite site and app for travel. It lists vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants around the world; the app will show you what’s nearby.

If you want to eat only organic or local foods, Vanilla Bean (free on iOS) shows restaurants with vegan, local and organic options.

You can find out which chain restaurants have plant-based options; many do now! For a US list, see here .

For a UK list of chain restaurants offering plant-based fare, see a very comprehensive list of vegan restaurants options from Veganuary here.

More healthy road trip ideas

Looking for more tips on planning a healthy, meat-free road trip? Check out my book, The Essential Vegan Travel Guide ! Now in its third edition, I’ve got sections on finding plant-based fare, choosing where to stay, eco-friendly and vegan toiletries, plus retreats, cruises, camping and more. It’s available in paperback or Kindle format.

Buy a copy on Amazon here .

Pin this for later

21 Healthy Road Trip Snacks

Looking for more travel tips? Check out my guide to vegan luggage , and my vegan city guides such as my guides to Amsterdam , Barcelona and Athens.

Find more vegan travel tips and product guides here , and learn all about vegan travel here .

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Caitlin Galer-Unti

Caitlin Galer-Unti

7 thoughts on “21 vegan road trip snacks you need to pack this year”.

This is such a great post! Thanks for all of the ideas! Would you mind if I share your post on my blog?

Thank you Laura! Sorry, I’ve only just seen this (wasn’t getting alerts for new comments) — of course I wouldn’t mind, please feel free to share a link!

Snacks are definitely the best part of road trips (I mean travelling is great, but come on, snacks!) I can’t go anywhere without a flask of tea and some biscuits or a slice of cake for the journey too!

Absolutely the best part! :D

Hi Caitlin, So I’m planning a 2 week road trip next year and will be flying to my starting point. Because of this reason I needed to think outside the box and what I did was purchase a few portable kitchen kits, one contains 2 plates and 2 sets of silverware in a nice zippered case, the other set contains a few knives, cutting board, peeler, can opener, large spoon, shears, and spatula in a zippered case. I am planning to pack these in my suitcase to use for my road trip. This way I can stop by any grocery store and get the supplies I need to prepare meals in my hotel room. I am learning some techniques with the microwave so I can use it to assist for things I need to heat. I plan to purchase a small storage bowl set and cooler once I start my drive. This way I can have prepared meals wherever I am and they will be healthy!

Hi Susan, This sounds like a very smart idea! A portable kitchen kit sounds really handy — I haven’t come across one like that but it sounds very useful. Hope your road trip goes well!

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Hi, I’m Caitlin and I’ve been vegan since 2008 and vegetarian my whole life. Since going vegan, I’ve lived in 4 countries and travelled to over 30! I’ve also published two bestselling vegan books (The Essential Vegan Travel Guide and The Barcelona Vegan Guide ) and had my work featured in The New York Times, Vegetarian Food & Living and Vegan Life magazine. I’ve veganised my life and I’m here to help you design your life around your vegan values. 

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The Best Foods to Pack When Traveling as a Vegan

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With veganism on the rise globally, food vendors everywhere are starting to find that they have to adapt their businesses to support the different demands that veganism brings. However, the pace of veganism's growth varies considerably from country to country, and it is still far from a mainstream lifestyle. As a result, there are many destinations where it can still be challenging to find places that will easily cater to a vegan diet.

Often, traveling as a vegan can take more planning than you may have initially anticipated. Depending on where you are traveling to, and with which airline, you may be lucky enough to receive a good in-flight meal, but what are some key items that you could pack in your case to ensure that you enjoy healthy, balanced and tasty vegan food experiences throughout your trip?

Before you start packing, you'll need to make sure that you have checked the customs regulations for the country you will be visiting, as some places, such as Australia, have very strict rules about what food items can be brought into the country. Typically, these rules most commonly apply to animal products such as eggs, dairy and meat, so they may not impact your packing as a vegan. But, the regulations can extend to seeds, nuts and fresh fruit and vegetables. No one wants to have taken the time and effort to plan and buy food for your trip, only to arrive at customs and have to throw most of it away.

Also, it is worth researching the local cuisine where you will be visiting. Some places, such as Bali or Los Angeles, are great for vegans whereas others can be a little more complicated, particularly when it comes to 'hidden' ingredients in food such as tofu in East Asia often being cooked in fish broth, or ghee being used in most vegetable dishes in India. Knowing what to expect where you are visiting will help you know how much (and what) food to bring with you in your case.

Wherever you go, you are pretty much guaranteed to be able to find carbohydrate sources. Frequently, the only options available to vegans are chips or salad. So, when it comes to deciding what to pack in your luggage, focusing on protein sources is very important. The easiest way to cover this is by packing protein powder (as well as a shaker cup, too). Some good options that taste great with only water added are the Bulk Powders vegan powder, which has the added bonus of being in a compostable package, or, alternatively, a more high-end protein like Form Nutrition . These shakes make great snacks throughout the day.

Some more great options to help you cover your protein requirements whilst you are away are precooked lentils, tofu, tempeh or protein bars. It is always worth checking if your room will have a fridge.

Nutritional yeast can also be a great option. Not only is it very light weight, but it's also packed with vitamin B12, which is important for vegans. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty taste to any meal — from soups to salads. If you want to go all out with flavorings, you can even pack your own spices or favorite sauces to bring with you to accompany any meals you may be eating during your trip.

Even if it might not sound like it, baby food is a good choice for vegan travelers. You can buy pouches of baby food, which make a great healthy snack. If you are not keen to try it but still want to ensure that you get in your daily dose of greens, there are plenty of drinkable veggie powders that can be mixed with water in a shaker. Other great snacks that keep well in a suitcase are dried fruits, nuts, granola, trail mix, rice cakes and your favorite vegan chocolate.

The best way to approach traveling as a vegan is to go with an open mind, realizing that things may not be as easy as they are at home. But, preparing for your travels in advance can make it a better experience.

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Moscow Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Moscow

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Trans Mongolian Express

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Moscow is the capital of Russia and there are few cities in the world that have played such a significant part in history.

Home to the Kremlin, the Red Square, the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, and many more famous landmarks, Moscow is a city like no other.

This Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Moscow. From the best places to see in Moscow to how to get around, this post has got you covered.

Moscow itinerary

View of the Kremlin Moscow

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Moscow 3 day itinerary: map with highlights

Moscow itinerary map

Click here for the interactive map .

What to do in Moscow in 3 days

  • Day 1: The Red Square, GUM Department Store, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
  • Day 2: The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Gorky Park, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
  • Day 3: Izmailovsky Market, Bunker 42, and Zaryadye Park.

The famous pedestrian street Nikolskaya Street (Никольская улица) located in Kitay-Gorod Moscow with thousands of fairy lights.

Important things to know when planning a trip to Moscow

The best time to plan a trip to Moscow is April-May and September-October . During these months temperatures are (generally) quite comfortable, though even in April there can be a bit of snow! The summer months are hot, both in regard to temperature as well as activities in the city. While it's a nice time to visit, it's also the busiest time of the year to visit Moscow. Hotel prices reflect this as well and summer definitely isn't a great time for budget travelers to visit Moscow. Winter in Moscow is cold, and I mean seriously cold (-15°C isn't rare). However, if you can withstand the subzero temperatures and freezing winds, it can be a magical time to visit. A snow-covered St. Basil’s Cathedral is a sight you will never forget. Keep in mind that days are short in winter and be sure to bring plenty of warm winter clothes!

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble (₽ or RUB). Here you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 70RUB and $1 is around 62RUB.

Yes, you probably do. Getting a visa for Russia requires a bit of time and effort. You need to fill out several forms and provide a detailed travel itinerary and information about your accommodation. Also, you will need a Visa Support Letter which can be provided by your travel agency or your hotel. Depending on your nationality, there may be additional requirements, please refer to the information provided on the website of your country's Embassy in Russia.

While most of the things to see in Moscow listed in this post are within walking distance of each other, sometimes you will have to travel a bit further afield. The best way to get around in Moscow is by metro. It's cheap and efficient and a sightseeing activity in itself, because Moscow has the most beautiful metro stations in the world ! Among the most exquisitely decorated stations are Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Taganskaya, and Prospect Mira Station, but there are many more worthwhile stations to be found in the Moscow underground. You can purchase a single ticket from one of the ticket machines or get a rechargeable Troika Card when you plan on taking the metro several times. Read more details on how to use the Moscow metro here . If you prefer to get around by taxi, that's possible too. We used the Gett app to order a taxi (similar to Uber) to avoid confusion about our intended destination and having to negotiate in Russian. A convenient extra for families is the Gett Kids option, these cars are outfitted with a car seat.

Moscow metro station

The best things to do in Moscow

While you could easily spend a week in Moscow (or more), most of us, unfortunately, don't have that much time available.

This 3-day Moscow itinerary will guide you to the most popular and important places to visit in Moscow, as well as to some of the more unusual things to do in Moscow.

Below you can find the list of the Moscow sightseeing highlights included in this post.

The Red Square

Gum department store, st. basil's cathedral, lenin's mausoleum, the state historical museum, the kremlin, cathedral of christ the saviour.

  • The Bolshoi Theatre

Izmailovsky Market

Zaryadye park.

Planning a trip to Moscow? Click through to read about the best things to do in Moscow and practical information to plan your Moscow trip. #Moscow #Russia #CityTrip

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Moscow itinerary day 1

The Red Square Moscow Russia

There is no better place to start your first day in Moscow, than at the world-famous Red Square.

This square is considered the central square of Moscow, not just because all the major streets start here, but also because no matter where you look when standing on this square, there are historic buildings all around.

Starting with the impressive GUM store and going clockwise, there is the colorful Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the Kazan Cathedral.

However, before entering any of these Moscow must-see attractions, allow yourself a moment to take in the view and let it sink in that you're standing on historical grounds (and a UNESCO site).

The Red Square was the official address of the Soviet government and played an important part in history. Many military parades have been held (and are still being held) here. It's the place where protests have taken place, as well as high-profile concerts from famous international artists.

All in all, it's one of the places in Moscow you can't miss during your Moscow city trip!

Red Square with GUM department store in Moscow

Yulia from That's What She Had: it might seem like visiting a department store is not something you’d do on the first visit to Russia’s capital.

But GUM is not like any other department store and is well worth your time, if only for its unique architecture.

First of all, it’s located right on Red Square which makes it an easy stop on your Moscow trip itinerary. Second, GUM is not a simple mall, but an institution built in the late XIX century.

The abbreviation stands for  Glavniy Universalniy Magazin or Main Universal Store. Its impressive facade extends for over 240 meters along the eastern side of Red Square.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful glass ceiling supported by a metal framework, not unlike the ones found in the old train stations of Great Britain. 

vegan food trip

While shopping in GUM will cost you an arm and a leg, there’s one reason why tourists and locals come here anyways:  traditional Russian food  at Stolovaya #57. Stolovaya is Russian for canteen and this is where you can get your  pelmeni , borsch , and  pirozhki  fix!

Afterward, don’t forget to get the famous  plombir  ice cream in one of the kiosks on the ground floor.

Saint Basil's Cathedral Moscow

Saint Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes is easily recognizable and one of the most popular Moscow tourist attractions. The building, built on orders from Ivan the Terrible, was completed in 1561 to commemorate the victory over Kazan and Astrakhan.

Until the construction of Ivan the Great Bell Tower (which can be found within the walls of the Kremlin), it was the tallest building in Moscow.

The design of St. Basil's Cathedral is truly unique; it's shaped like the flame of a bonfire and not one building in a similar style can be found in the whole of Russia.

A legend tells the story of how Ivan the Terrible had the architects of the Cathedral blinded so they could never build anything comparable.

This is a myth, however, but the fact remains that Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of a kind and it's not surprising it has become the symbol of Russia.

Lenin Mausoleum Moscow Russia

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan: Lenin Mausoleum is hard to miss. It's a stepped-pyramid construction that sits right at the base of the Kremlin walls on the western side of Red Square.

Entrance is free but note that opening hours are quite limited, with visiting hours lasting only from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If seeing Lenin's embalmed body is important to you, be sure to take this into account when planning your itinerary in Moscow.

One of my  top tips for travelers to Russia  is to arrive early, well before the mausoleum opens, as the queue is usually quite long. However, usually, the queue does move pretty quickly.

This is especially true now that they have lifted the ban on bags and cameras.

It used to be that all cameras, smartphones, and bags of any size had to be checked at a left-luggage office nearby. But now you can bring a small handbag or backpack as well as your camera and phone.

Photography inside the mausoleum is still strictly forbidden, but you are allowed to take photos of the graves of various other important Russian figures that line the path leading to the mausoleum.

Once you finally enter the mausoleum, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and uncrowded. It doesn't feel nearly as rushed as when visiting Mao Ze Dong's tomb in Beijing or Ho Chi Minh's body in Hanoi , for example.

The illumination of the body is very well done and would make for superb photography if it wasn't forbidden. As an added bonus, just after you exit, you'll see the grave of Joseph Stalin outside.

State Historical Museum Moscow

Rai from A Rai Of Light: the imposing crimson building at the northern end of the Red Square is the State Historical Museum.

By decree of Alexander III, the museum was built with the support of Russian historians, philosophers, and artists. The red brick building, dating from 1875, was designed in the Russian revival style by Vladimir Shervud.

The National Museum of Russia houses a collection of over four million items, devoted to the history of the country's ancient and imperial period.

The exhibitions include many items previously owned by members of the Romanov dynasty, such as documents, artwork, personal items, furnishings, and decorations from the palace interiors.

Another exhibit features relics of the prehistoric tribes that once inhabited this region.

Notable items include ancient manuscripts, birch-bark scrolls, a longboat excavated from the banks of the Volga River, and the largest coin collection in Russia, sourced from the museums in St Petersburg .

The State Historical Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 700₽ per adult.

Moscow itinerary day 2

Cathedral Square inside the Kremlin

When listing the best Moscow things to do, one cannot miss the Kremlin! The Kremlin houses the current seat of power in Russia and has done so for several decades.

Within its walls, the offices of the Russian Government can be found. During Soviet rule, the Kremlin was where all the important decisions were made but its history goes back for many centuries.

The first mention of the Kremlin in history books was in 1147, however, the current citadel dates from the 16th century.

The Kremlin is one of the major fortifications found in Europe, with walls that are up to 6.5 meters thick and 19 meters high in particular sections.

Inside the complex, there are many government buildings, however, these aren't accessible to the public.

Around Cathedral Square you'll find (as the name suggests) many churches and cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of the Archangel, Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, and Ivan the Great Bell-Tower.

While Cathedral Square is definitely worth visiting, the highlight of the Kremlin is a visit to the Armoury.

Inside you can find an impressive collection of Faberge eggs, beautiful dresses worn by Catherine the Great, intricately decorated thrones used by the Tsars, and much more. Unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside the Armoury.

Practical information about visiting the Kremlin

In order to visit both Cathedral Square and the Armoury, you will have to buy two separate tickets. A ticket to Cathedral Square costs 700₽ and a ticket to the Armoury is 1000₽. Prices mentioned are for adults, children below 16 years old are free.

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office onsite on the same day, however, there's no guarantee tickets will be available, especially during peak season.

Conveniently, tickets can be bought online as well, which is highly advisable if you want to make sure you'll be able to visit the Kremlin during your city trip to Moscow.

How much time to spend at the Kremlin

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Kremlin, at least half a day but it's easy to spend more time as there is so much to see.

Please note there isn't any food sold inside the Kremlin, so bring a snack and enough water (especially in summer when it can get pretty hot).

Luggage storage

Backpacks aren't allowed inside the Kremlin, they can be stored (for free) in the cloakroom, but you can bring your camera and a small purse.

We could also take our Babyzen Yoyo stroller inside, which was very convenient as our 10-month-old son could take a nap while we explored the sights.

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour Moscow

After the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was demolished by Stalin in 1931, a new version was completed in 2000.

The imposing building is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world (103 meters high), and is beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge and it's open any day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm (except on Mondays when the opening hours are 1 to 5 pm).

When visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour it's important to dress appropriately. For men, this means no shorts or tank tops.

Women can't enter with mini skirts or shorts, strap tops, or anything too revealing. Also, women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect.

Inside the Cathedral photography isn't allowed, but believe me when I say there is plenty to see. There are beautiful frescoes, colorful icons, impressive statues, and other vivid decorations.

For a beautiful view over Moscow, walk up the stairs to the 40-meter high observation deck (entrance fee 400₽).  

Visit Gorky Park

Gorky Park ice skating Moscow Russia

Helen from Holidays from Hels : Gorky Park, named after the Soviet writer Maxim Gorky, has recently undergone extensive regeneration to become Moscow's central leisure hub for young Muscovites.

Every day of the week you can find many Moscow residents strolling along the banks of the river in the summer, hiring bikes, picnicking on the grass, or dining at one of the many restaurants.

Open-air cinemas, petanque, and ping pong are all on offer. Not to be missed is the iconic white stone entranceway and museum, complete with columns carved with Soviet hammers and sickles.

In winter, look out for the ducks waddling across the frozen Moskva River, and watch boats attempting to navigate through the cracked ice. However, the real winter highlight is to try ice skating on one of the biggest rinks in Europe!

Ice skating in Gorky Park

The park’s maze of pedestrian pathways is transformed into one huge skating rink, which can play host to up to four thousand skaters. 

Not surprisingly, Russians are talented ice skaters and there is a good chance you will find yourself next to a pirouetting ballerina.

Handily, you will find you will already be wearing most of what you need – gloves, hat, scarf, and thick socks and you can hire skates on-site. Lockers are included in the price if you don’t fancy skating with your day pack.

Disco tunes fill the air, and the whole arena is backlit in spectacular neon lights. Rest your weary legs and warm up at one of the cafes dotted along the frozen pathways, with the added bonus of not having to take off your skates.

Opening times

The rink is open from 10 am until 11 pm on weekdays and until midnight at weekends but closes between 3 and 5 pm. Like most attractions in Moscow, the rink is closed on Mondays. 

The prices range from 350-650₽ and go up in the evening, which is the best time for the light show. Arriving at 5 pm, just as the rink opens for the evening session will give you time to find your ice legs before it fills up with more confident skaters.

Whilst waiting for the rink to open, try out the nearby tubing track where you can shoot down a snowy hill on an inflatable ring repeatedly for a very enjoyable half an hour!

How to get to Gorky Park by metro

The nearest metro is Park Kultury Station, on the other side of the river. As always, check out in advance what this looks like in the Russian Alphabet so you know when to get off!

Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theater Moscow

James Ian at Travel Collecting : one of the best places to go in Moscow is the famous Bolshoi Theater, located only a short walk from Red square. Bolshoy means big in Russian, and the theatre is not only big but also beautiful.

There are two ways to see the theater: on a guided tour or by watching a performance .

Take a guided tour

  • English tours are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 am. Tickets for these tours can be bought (on the same day) at the ticket office located in the Historic building of the theatre (door #12).
  • A ticket costs 2000₽ per person, tours last one hour, and the number of people on a tour is limited to a maximum of 20. The tour takes you inside the theater and to the historic main stage.

Watch a performance

My favorite way to see the theater, though, is to enjoy a performance and experience the theater as a patron.

The entrance is a little underwhelming when you first arrive, the street lobby is small and quite plain and you will be immediately directed up to your floor.

There are helpful attendants on each floor to guide you to the correct door. Arrive a little early and head up to the Grand Salon on the top floor where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while people-watching (Russians dress up for the theater).

Then head to your seat and take in the stunning theater before enjoying the famous Bolshoi Ballet or another performance.

Be sure to book a show at the historic stage, there is a modern stage as well but that isn't nearly as much fun.

Moscow itinerary day 3

Izmailovsky Market Moscow

Karen from WanderlustingK : one of the most interesting Moscow places to visit is the Izmailovsky Market .

This flea market and tourist attraction a bit outside of the tourist center is a recreation of a Tzar’s Palace, known as a Kremlin, produced in a colorful 16th-century style.

The market is filled with tiny stalls that sell everything from snacks to kitsch to authentic items from Soviet times such as hats, pins, and other pieces of memorabilia.

You'll also find authentic antiques such as vases, paintings, and other religious items if you're looking to splurge within the interior parts of the market.

Negotiating in English is not always possible as many vendors only speak Russian, so be sure to practice your Russian numbers and see how well you can do with haggling.

It's important to carry cash when you visit given that many vendors do not accept cards. We ended up purchasing a series of hats at the market, along with a beautiful hot tea glass with a metal holder with a typical Russian scene.

Elsewhere in the market, you’ll also find a few tourist shops that sell typical Russian products. It takes a few hours to see the market in full, so arrive early as the best items go quickly! 

Hallway in Bunker 42 Moscow

Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel : Bunker-42 was once a top-secret, Soviet military complex. Stalin commissioned its construction after the United States succeeded in creating a nuclear bomb.

An impressive 65 meters (or about 213 feet) underground, was the desired depth to protect Russia’s top officials from a nuclear attack.

Bunker 42 became operational in 1954. Fortunately, it was never needed for its true purpose, and instead it was used as the command center of strategic bombers for nearly 30 years.

Nowadays it's a museum dedicated to the Cold War and visiting is a truly unique experience!

You will need to join a tour in order to see the museum. You can call ahead to book your tour (the number is: +7 499 703-44-55), there are several English tours throughout the day that are held at 13:30, 16:30, and 18:30 (the price is 2200₽).

On Mondays, there is an extra tour at 17:30, which lasts an additional 30 minutes and costs 2800₽ per person. There is also the option to book a private tour. However, I am unsure of the price for this.

You will have to wait until exactly 15 minutes before your tour begins before you'll be admitted inside. After paying for your tickets and a quick restroom stop you will descend 65 meters underground…

Another option for visiting Bunker-42, if you would rather not do the tour, is to visit the restaurant inside Bunker-42. Actually, I highly recommend visiting the restaurant before or after a tour as well!

While the food is not that great, it’s worth visiting for a drink. The restaurant is also located within the bunker and is decorated in the old Soviet style.

From time to time there will be live performances and visiting Bunker 42 is definitely an experience worth having while in Moscow! After all, how many people can say they've had a drink in a top-secret Soviet military bunker?

If you’re visiting Moscow during peak season (June-July-August), it would be worth making a reservation, to avoid having to wait. Otherwise, I would not say you need to worry about a reservation at the restaurant.

Bunker-42 is a short cab ride away from Red Square (10-15 minutes). But I recommend taking the metro to get there. The closest station is Taganskaya, which is a beautiful metro station very much worth visiting.

Pedestrian boardwalk in Park Zaryad'ye (also called Zaryadye Park)

Park Zaryad'ye or Zaryadye Park is a lovely place for a stroll and a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Moscow, especially when exploring Moscow with kids.

There are many things to see and do in this park, but I recommend starting your visit at The River Overlook , a 70-meter-long boardwalk with beautiful views over the river and the Kremlin.

Other interesting places to visit in Zaryadye Park are the Ice Cave, The Museum of Nature, and The Glass Crust. But most importantly, do as the Muscovites do and find yourself a nice place in the park to sit down and relax.

Enjoy the view, do some people-watching, and take a moment to think back about all the Moscow top sights you've seen in the past couple of days.

View from Zaryadye Park Moscow

Where to stay in Moscow

There is a huge amount of hotels in Moscow, ranging from budget hostels to exquisite 5-star hotels. Below you can find three well-reviewed Moscow hotels (rating of 8.5+ on Agoda and  Booking ).

3-star hotel in Moscow: MIRROS Hotel Mokhovaya

vegan food trip

This 3-star hotel is one of the best budget Moscow hotels and is all about location! From the hotel, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Kremlin and only 600 meters to the Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Set in a historic 19th-century mansion, the hotel features classic rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The staff is friendly and there is a metro station nearby (Borovitskaya), making it easy to get to the Moscow attractions a bit further afield.

Click here to book

Modern hotel in Moscow: Barin Residence Myasnitskaya

vegan food trip

The Barin Residence Myasnitskaya is a newly built hotel, located about 1.2km from the Red Square (about a 15-20 minute walk).

The rooms and bathrooms are very modern and clean, the beds are comfortable and room service is available. This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a nice hotel without a hefty price tag.

Luxury hotel in Moscow: Hotel National Moscow

vegan food trip

Hotel National is potentially the best Moscow hotel. It's a gorgeous 5-star hotel located just a stone's throw away from the Bolshoi Theater, the Red Square, and the Kremlin.

The building was designed by architect Alexander Ivanov and completed in 1903 and has been welcoming international travelers ever since.

With its imperial architecture, luxury design, and charming classic rooms (some with a view of the Kremlin!), the Hotel National is a unique property.

Furthermore, you can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center as well as the well-reviewed Beluga restaurant that serves both Russian and European dishes.

While this hotel doesn't come cheap, your stay at the Hotel National will make your trip to Moscow an unforgettable experience.

Moscow itinerary and travel guide: in conclusion

I hope this guide to Moscow will help you plan a trip to this interesting Russian city. Feel free to ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment or  sending me an email !

Below you can find my other posts about the Trans Mongolian Express , and the stops we made along the way:

  • St. Petersburg itinerary
  • Irkutsk and Lake Baikal itinerary
  • Ulaanbaatar itinerary
  • Trans-Mongolian Express travel guide

Planning a trip to Moscow? This detailed Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and discover the best things to do in Moscow. #Moscow #Russia #CityTrip

This post was updated in December 2020.

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