• Work With Jen
  • USA Bucket List
  • Follow Us On Instagram

Road Trip Food List: Easy to Pack Meals & Snacks

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Are you looking for a road trip food list that includes the best road trip snacks and other food to bring on a road trip?

Road trips can range from being budget-friendly to out-of-this-world expensive if you do not plan ahead, especially when it comes to eating food.

The temptation to grab a snack at every gas station, as well as to eat out at restaurants or gorge on fast food, can really start to add up in terms of money and wasted time.

One way to save money and time while road tripping, however, is to bring your own food!

By making a road trip food list and packing fun road trip snacks, you’ll avoid having to stop and spend as much.

Our road trip food list includes easy road trip snacks, as well as portable breakfast, lunch, and dinner options – plus, a FREE Road Trip Food List printable to take with you to the grocery store.

The links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Road trip foods, yogurt parfait

Table of Contents

Road Trip Food List: Breakfast

One of our absolute best family road trip tips is to leave bright and early in the morning when starting a long road trip.

As the most important meal of the day, luckily, having breakfast on the road is the easiest meal to eat cold and on the go.

If you decide to hit the road early, or if your hotel en route doesn’t offer a free breakfast, plan ahead by bringing along these simple road trip breakfast foods.

Our tried-and-true road trip food list awaits!

Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

  • Yogurt tubes and granola bars
  • Muffins, donuts, and scones
  • Bagels and cream cheese
  • Squeezable applesauce
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Peanut butter, banana, and granola wrapped up in a tortilla
  • Make-Ahead Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits

Additional planning tip: For added morning fun, use the category “breakfast foods”, “brands or cereal”, or “types of fruit” while you play a road trip word game .

Road trip food, colorful sandwich

Road Trip Food List: Lunch

When it comes to planning for lunch and beyond, your road trip packing list should always include a reliable portable cooler .

Whether you chill made-ahead sandwiches, salami & cheese, fruits, or veggies, there are so many awesome road trip food ideas when it comes to having lunch on the go.

What we love about these road tip lunch ideas is that they keep us out of congested cities and fast-food drive-thrus during the busy noon hour.

Road Trip Lunch Ideas

  • Premade sandwiches with deli meat and cheese (make them extra fun by using shaped sandwich cutters !)
  • Peanut butter sandwiches (skip the jelly to avoid sogginess)
  • Pita pocket with mozzarella, tomato, basil, turkey, cheese, hummus, cucumber, and/or tuna salad
  • Home-ade Lunchables with summer sausage, cheese, and crackers
  • Tortilla with cream cheese, sliced olives, and pepperoni
  • Veggies and single-serve packs of ranch dressing, hummus, or guacamole
  • Pre-assembled Salad In A Jar

Road Trip Food List: Dinner

If there is one meal that you choose to splurge on, I recommend stopping to have dinner at a roadside restaurant or cafe.

Though this may not be your final destination, experiencing another city in this way will help you check more places off of your family travel bucket list !

If you’re not keen on stopping, however, here are the road trip foods we enjoy that are tasty and hearty enough to serve as dinner.

Road trip salad

Road Trip Dinner Ideas

  • Cold rotisserie chicken, chunked and served with a garden salad (package in a disposable salad container )
  • Pre-made pasta salad, such as Pizza Pasta Salad
  • StarKist ready-to-eat tuna salad in an avocado half or on a bun
  • Chicken and pickled veggies in pitas
  • Hummus veggie wrap

Additional planning tip: If you’re road tripping in the winter when driving conditions are much more unpredictable, packing extra road trip food is an essential component of your winter road trip packing list .

The best Road Trip Food List from Top U.S. family travel blog, Travel With A Plan!

Road Trip Food List: Snacks

In my opinion, snacks   are the No. 1 way to keep everyone (including you!) happy on a family road trip.

Homemade snack mixes and individual pre-purchased snacks are also a great way to help cut costs associated with buying food on the road.

For this reason, I suggest assembling an entire tub filled with fun and appetizing snacks and surprises that you know your kids will love.

We use these  16-quart storage tubs from Sterilite  that are the perfect size, price, and durability!

Road Trip Snacks Ideas

  • Chips and pretzels
  • Animal crackers (Suprise them with Barnum’s Originals !)
  • Filled crackers (peanut butter, cheese)
  • Nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts)
  • String cheese, Babybel, Laughing Cow cheese wedges
  • Fresh or dried fruit
  • Healthy no-bake cookies
  • Candy and gummy candy

Be extra organized for your family road trip by clicking the following image to get your FREE family vacation packing list that is both customizable and printable!

Road Trip Food

Travel Snacks for Toddlers

Road tripping with toddlers presents its own set of challenges and requires additional thought when it comes to toddler-friendly road trip activities and food.

(It’s much harder to keep a close eye on them when they’re in the backseat, and you’re in the front.)

When considering toddler road trip foods, the most important thing is to avoid giving them anything to eat that could be deemed a choking hazard.

In addition, opt for healthy versus overly sweet options that may give them a tummy ache.

Our favorite healthy toddler car snacks and road trip foods include:

  • Graham crackers
  • Snap pea crisps
  • Applesauce and/or yogurt pouches
  • Cheese sticks
  • Soft mini muffins
  • Whole-grain crackers
  • Bananas and/or this apple slices

Road trip sick bag essentials

9 Essential Tips For Traveling With Food

As seasoned travelers, we’ve assembled a list of tips for traveling with road trip foods and make-ahead hotel room meals.

  • Use up your most delicate fruit first when on long-haul road trips.

In other words, start by eating bananas and berries, then move on to more sturdy produce such as apples and oranges that don’t spoil as easily.

2. Every family needs an organized packing strategy !

When it comes to road trip food, tortillas, pitas, or other sturdy flatbreads work better to bring along than do loaves of bread. They take up a lot less room and do not risk getting smashed.

3. When packing a cooler with items that need to stay chilled, be sure to lay the ice on the top, versus the bottom of the cooler.

This is because cold air sinks and will, therefore, disperse itself more evenly if laid on top of the food.

4. Aim to open the cooler only 1 or 2 times a day in order to maintain its refrigeration and keep the ice from thawing.

5. Also, make all food, including snacks, easily accessible throughout the duration of your family road trip.

This prevents someone (likely mom or dad!) from having to constantly bend over the back seat or stop to open the trunk every time hunger or boredom hits.

6. Avoid bringing anything made of glass on your road trip, including glass food containers. Glass is heavy, bulky, and very dangerous when broken within the confines of your family vehicle.

7. Assemble and bring along a road trip kit with the following road trip essentials for spills, clean-ups, and car sickness:

  • Anti-bacterial wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Garbage bags
  • Ziplock bags
  • Napkins/paper towels
  • Saltine crackers and motion sickness medicine

8. Each time you stop while on a road trip, don’t forget to pitch any garbage that has accumulated.

This prevents build-up and smelliness.

9. Head to the grocery store with our FREE printable checklist and purchase all of your road trip food in one shopping trip!

Road tripping is one of our favorite family vacations!  Get our awesome road trip food list that includes ideas for meals and snacks on-the-go and a printable checklist to take to the grocery store!  #roadtripfoodlist #bestroadtripfoods #roadtripsnackideas #toddlerroadtripsnacks #healthyroadtripsnacks #roadtripmeals

If you enjoyed reading our best Road Trip Food List , click here to check out our Related Posts:

  • Top 10 Tips for Planning a Family Road Trip (And Enjoying it Too!)
  • 7 Road Trip Word Games to Play in the Car With Kids
  • 18 Amazing “Are We There Yet” Road Trip Activity Bags
  • Top 16 Tips for Flying With Kids & Ways to Keep them Calm
  • The Ultimate Guide for International Travel with Kids
  • 8 (Unexpected) Benefits of Traveling With Kids

*Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find our exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Pin it!

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

Similar Posts

5 Tips to Choose the Best VRBO Rentals for your Next Vacation

5 Tips to Choose the Best VRBO Rentals for your Next Vacation

45 Alaska Cruise Tips You Absolutely Need to Know

45 Alaska Cruise Tips You Absolutely Need to Know

8 Unexpected Benefits of Family Travel (No, Really.)

8 Unexpected Benefits of Family Travel (No, Really.)

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park (18 Exciting Options!)

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park (18 Exciting Options!)

Where’s the Best Place to Go Skiing in Minnesota?

Where’s the Best Place to Go Skiing in Minnesota?

Disney Changes to Know About For Now, 2022, and Beyond

Disney Changes to Know About For Now, 2022, and Beyond

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Thank you for the road trip food list and travel tips.

You’re welcome! Was there something you saw that you hadn’t thought of before? Happy travels!!

This is a great list as we also big in road trip. Snacks is so important especially to keep them from asking are we there yet. Haha… I myself like peanuts to keep me awake when it’s my turn to drive.

Thanks for reading and for sharing your favorite road trip snack!!

This is such a comprehensive list and it is so helpful as I predict a lot of us will be going on more road trips once we can. Prepping these meals will definitely save some money and help the kids feel less bored. I know that my kids are usually pleased munching stuffs during road trips. I also like that it is more likely for the road trip snack to be more healthier than what you’ll buy elsewhere.

Thank you! Yes, the health factor of pre-packing is a big one, as is the enormous cost savings 🙂

I like to have a good mix of healthy (kids like apples, those are easy to eat) and snacky/salty. I am also very particular. about road trip drinks. Big coffees, la croix, iced tea!

I like your ideas! We’d be good road trip buddies!

Find Even More

Find your next vacation destination!

Connect on Instagram

Find out where we’re traveling now!

Jen and family sitting on couch smiling at each other.

Make the memories now

You don’t have to wait until your kids are more grown up or you have a ton of money saved to start traveling.

With a little planning and a lot of love, lifelong family vacation memories can be made at all ages, stages – and places both near and far.

Destinations

  • Attractions
  • Girls’ Trips
  • U.S. Cities
  • All-Inclusive Resorts
  • Universal Orlando

Free Printable

Free packing list printable when you subscribe for the latest travel updates!

Travel With A Plan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Family Vacation Packing List!

Travel With A Plan

  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Let's Roam Explorer

41 No-Cook Meals for Your Next Travel Adventure

We’ve challenged ourselves to come up with the easiest dishes to prepare on a trip. You’ll love these no-cook meals for traveling!

quick travel food

Let’s be real … nobody wants to cook on their vacation. However, it isn’t economical to eat out every meal, and if you are off the grid camping, then you can’t anyway. Luckily, there are lots of great no-cook meals for traveling out there! They might take a bit of preparation beforehand, and you’ll definitely need a cooler or refrigerator of some sort, but it can be done! 

While the options for minimal-cook or prepare-before-hand meals are endless, we are going to challenge ourselves today. For this guide, we will only use only recipes that you need absolutely no heat source for, once you’re on the road.  That’s not to say, you couldn’t modify some of them to make even better meals cooked over a campfire or stove—like s’mores! 

App-Guided Travel Adventures

While you’re traveling, don’t forget to download our app and search for nearby scavenger hunts ! Each adventure is designed to help you get to know new places and learn fun facts. Search through hundreds of tours , pub crawls , art walks, and ghost hunts and find one perfect for you!

No-Cook Breakfast Meals for Traveling

​Breakfast is the most important meal of the day right? It certainly is if you plan on taking a long hike or spending the day in one of the blazing hot national parks of the Western United States. While packaged doughnuts are totally an option, let’s what else we can find!

1. Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a simple and nutritious way to start the day. All you need is something to keep them cold. There are a million ways to make overnight oats.  Most recipes call for milk of some sort, your favorite nut butter, and then embellishments. For a banana bread flavor, try oats, almond butter, milk, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Mix, and allow to sit in the refrigerator or cooler overnight. You want your mixture to be fluid and runny, as the oats will absorb the milk overnight. Add cut bananas in the morning and enjoy! Many people choose to add flax seeds, yogurt, or chia seeds for extra protein. There’s no wrong way to do it, whatever ingredients you have on hand will do!

2. Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Chilled peanut butter balls are not only an amazing-tasting snack but they’re also packed with protein and all the sugar you need for a long hike. You can make them before you leave the house, and just throw them in the cooler. Five easy ingredients of chocolate chips, ground flaxseed, peanut butter or other nut butter, honey, and oats are all it takes for this perfect camping trip power breakfast.

3. British Bean Bites

Sounds weird to Americans, but the brits eat cold beans and bread for breakfast all the time. Open a can of baked beans and served atop crunchy french or focaccia bread! The British version would be more akin to Showboat Pork and Beans than saucy baked beans. They’re usually in a thin, tomato sauce, not a sweet, thick BBQ sauce. 

4. Yogurt Parfaits

Low-sugar yogurt is packed with healthy protein. Add a little granola and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast. We love this one because the ingredients are available at pretty much any grocery store and can be used for other quick meals as well. A large can of rolled oats and a big tub of original Greek yogurt should be on everyone’s packing list for a road trip or camping trip. 

5. Boiled Eggs

This is the one cheater on the list. You’ll have to cook them before you leave, but boiled eggs are valuable to have around. You can at them on their own, or use them in several of the recipes on our list. Boil a batch of 12 before you leave the house, and they will keep for a few days in the cooler. Eggs will keep you full for a while, have healthy protein, and pack easily. Just peel and eat! Plus, you can use them for several of the other recipes on our list.

6. Bagels and Cream Cheese

Don’t know about you, but there’s nothing much better than an “everything bagel.” Pack a brick of cream cheese or goat cheese in your cooler, and you are good to go. You can top with blueberries for some extra anti-oxidants, or sprinkle with un-salted sunflower seeds for a little extra belly-filling protein. 

7. Banana and Peanut Butter

It’s simple, but it’s effective. Just beware with this one if you are sensitive to sugars. Bananas are a high sugar item, so you might consider pairing them with organic nut butter with no extra sugar added. Add a glass of your favorite milk, and you are good to go!

Better yet …

8. Banana Cereal

Nope, we don’t mean put bananas on your cereal, we mean make banana cereal. This was grandma’s specialty. We loved it, and your kids will love it, assuming they like bananas. Cut up the banana in thin slices, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon and douse in milk. Eat up!

9. Avocado toast

There’s nothing you can’t do with the superfood avocado. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it will show up everywhere on this list. It’s easy to pack, easy to find in most stores, and works to eat by itself, as a garnish, or as a spread or dip. It truly is a superfood. Since you likely won’t have a toaster, and it’s not as good on untoasted bread, consider grabbing some English muffins from the store. Mash your avocado a bit, making it soft. Spread over your muffin. Shred some of your boiled egg over the top and add a few diced tomatoes or spicy salsa … breakfast of champs!

10. Muffins

One of our favorite road trip treats is Otis Spunkmeyer Chocolate Chocolate Chip muffins. There is just something about them that screams wreckless vacation abandon! 

11. Chia Pudding

Like overnight oats, chia pudding can be made beforehand and kept in the refrigerator. A good chia pudding base only needs 3 ingredients: Chia seeds, milk, and something sweet. For a little extra flair, combine chia seeds, your favorite milk, pureed strawberries, or another berry, and a bit of yogurt. Let it sit in the fridge overnight, and the chia seeds will suck up all the liquid, expand, and turn into a kind of gelatinous pudding. Top with almonds and coconut shreds or cacao nibs for the perfect treat! Add a bit of honey if you need some sweetness. 

12. Just be gross, you’re on vacation

When all else fails, Poptarts are tasty. It’s not ideal on the health front, but there is no shame in having some easy, premade stuff on your vacation. While you certainly don’t want to eat 5 Little Debbies a day (well, you might want to, but you probably shouldn’t) it never hurts to have one. There’s nothing better to celebrate conquering that beast of a hike than a Cosmic Brownie. You earned it. If you are absolutely against big-brand packaged foods and all their harmful grossness, there are some stellar organic options out there for granola bars, breakfast bars, and even brownies. 

No-Cook Lunchtime Meals for Traveling

Lunch on a trip needs to be quick, easy, and filling. If you are traveling alone, that’s super easy, but if you need to please a whole picky family, we don’t envy you. That job is much harder. Good luck to you! Hopefully, you’ll find something below that your clan will enjoy. 

13. Charcuterie board

You’ll be the fanciest road-trippers at the RV park with this one. Cold cuts, salami, fresh cucumbers, cubed cheese, an assortment of nuts, grapes, and some tomato slices, and you have a lunch that not only fuels your body but looks super pretty! We love charcuterie boards because they’re easy to feed a lot of people with, and littles can come by and pick up a healthy bite as they play. It can be stuck in the fridge and pulled out later too, so it just works great. 

14. Egg Salad Sandwiches

You still have those boiled eggs right? Turn them into yummy egg salad and slap it on a sandwich. Pair with some potato chips, and get back on the trail!

15. Good Old Peanut Butter and Jelly

Hey, don’t knock it. It’s an American classic, and it is tasty whether you are 3 or 93. 

16. Tuna salad

Tuna salad is another protein-packed option that is easy to carry on the road. Buy some packets or cans, or better yet fresh tuna if you live somewhere you can get it. Add your favorite fixings. This tuna salad recipe with red onion, dijon mustard, and celery is super tasty! Serve with crackers or as a sandwich. It doesn’t get much easier. Tuna is handy to have around, as you can also add it to pre-bought pasta salads for a little extra protein or make tuna-stuffed avocados for dinner (later). 

17. Chicken Caesar Wraps

Chicken Caesar wraps are one of the best backpacking recipes. Whether you choose to grab a rotisserie chicken at the store before you leave or go with canned chicken, either way, it makes for a delicious meal. This chicken Caesar recipe with whole wheat tortillas , parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes is simple and yummy! 

18. Crab Salad

The grainy mustard and sharp cheddar in this creamy crab salad recipe make it extra delicious! However, like tuna or chicken salad, you can pretty much throw everything but the kitchen sink in a crab salad or put nothing but mayo, and it will be just fine in a pinch. Plop it in a pita bread pocket, and pair it with some fresh veggies, and you have the perfect lunch.

19. Berry Salad

Add a little extra beauty to your boring salad with some colorful berries.  Romaine lettuce topped with strawberries, blueberries, shaved almonds, and feta cheese or goat cheese is a quick, healthy camper lunch. Throw on your favorite dressing, we love this Brianna’s blueberry balsamic vinaigrette . 

20. Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

Pimento cheese is one of those things that we rarely eat unless we are traveling. Grab a tub at the store and use it on sandwiches, crackers, or as a spread for fresh veggies. It also makes a good addition to veggie tortilla wraps, lettuce wraps, or pinwheels.

21. Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Here’s where those ten cans of shredded chicken you bought are going to come in handy. Chicken salad can be very plain or really fancy. We love this cranberry pecan chicken salad recipe ! For a healthier option, omit the bread and serve as a lettuce wrap!

22. Smoked Salmon Stacks

A few packets of pre-cooked salmon are also nice to have around for fish tacos, to throw on your salad for a little extra filler, or to make this tasty lunch treat. This flatbread salmon stack is an easy option that requires just a bit of meal prep, so you might want to start the night before. If that is too much work, just load up some Ritz crackers with a bit of salmon, a slice of avocado, and a dash of salt and pepper for a quick and easy lunch. 

No-Cook Dinnertime Meals for Traveling

Dinner is probably the hardest category on the list, at least for Americans. We tend to save our largest meal for the end of the day, and we generally want something warm. So, a completely no-cook dinner is out of the normal for many of us (though sandwich or cereal night is certainly not unheard of in our house)! 

23. Greek Salad

A traditional Greek salad is not only healthy and tasty, but goodness it is pretty. While recipes vary all over the Mediterranean and the Balkans, they generally consist of fresh diced tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and sometimes bell peppers, red onions, and cucumbers. You can make it any way you want, with whatever you have. Toss in a little olive oil or vinaigrette and a pinch of salt. Magnifique!

24. Stuffed Avocados

This is one of our favorite no-cook camping meals. Split an avocado, and remove the pit. Fill the center with a plop of your favorite meat salad. Sprinkle with salt and pepper or paprika. You can use any of the meat you have, salmon, chicken, tuna. Use the leftover tuna salad from yesterday’s lunch. Another option is to make taco-stuffed avocados . All you need is a taco-seasoning packet to add to the meat and veg you already have on hand!

25. Crab Ceviche

Ceviche is a cold seafood dish, popular all over Central America. It is traditionally made with fresh fish, lime juice, peppers, red onion, and whatever else you have on hand at the time! You can use any of the packaged or prebought fish you have to create “ camping ceviche .” For a side dish, whip up some 7-layer dip and tortilla chips for a complete no-cook dinner!

26. Veggie Gyros

These vegetable gyros feature our favorite item-avocadoes, plus chickpeas and yummy tzatziki spread. Chickpeas are packed with protein and all these veggies will get you to your daily allotment of vitamins and fiber. For the meat lovers in the group, you can easily add chicken you have on hand! 

27. Mexican 3-bean salad with guacamole

… Oh, sorry! Just dreaming about this Mexican 3-bean salad ! It might be a favorite meal idea on this list. Hiking and exploring make you hungry, and all the beans in this baby give you the fiber you need for a good night’s sleep! Pair it with fresh guacamole for the ultimate easy camping meal.  

28. Layered Taco Salad

Take some of that chicken you brought and mix in some taco seasoning. In a large bowl, layer it with cheese, beans, lettuce, and crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos. Alternate your layers of each until the bowl is full. Let everyone choose their own toppings of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. 

Mexican food is the easiest no-cook dinner to make. Layer nachos with shredded canned meat, beans, and all the veggies and toppings you like! If you can warm your meat and beans, that’s great, but it is just as good cold!

Snack Ideas or Side Dishes

You’ll likely be more active on your vacation than you are in normal daily life. It seems most of us need a vacation from our vacation by the time we get home. So, you are going to need more fuel than usual. Plus, if you have kids in tow, then snacks are a primary food group (maybe the only food group)! Make sure you have some good ones on board!

30. Veggies and Hummus

Nothing super inventive here, but it’s easy and effective. Plus, you might get your picky ones to eat a carrot or bell pepper stick if it is slathered in yummy hummus or guacamole. You could make a big batch of homemade hummus before your trip, or make it easy on yourself and buy some tasty flavors at the store.

31. Trail Mix

No surprise here, trail mix is a great idea to have on hand. It fits easily in the backpack for long hikes. You can throw the bag at a kid in the backseat when needed, and it is filled with tummy-filling protein. Make your own trail mix , or snag a giant premade bag from Amazon before your trip!

32. Fresh-Fruit Salad

Nothing screams summer like a bowl of fresh fruit. This fruit salad with citrus dressing is delightful and is the perfect anecdote for that summer heat! You might even convince your kids to eat something healthy today. 

33. Beef Jerky

Beef jerky just belongs in a backpack. They go hand in hand. 

34. Pesto Pinwheels

Pinwheels are a classic party appetizer, but they also make a great one-bite snack. We love these pinwheels , but there are many great ones out there, so use what you have on hand! It does take a little bit of meal prep time as they need to sit in the refrigerator or cooler for several hours to set up. 

35. Deli Rolls

Don’t know about you, but to us, there isn’t anything better than a slice of your favorite cheese, rolled up inside of a piece of deli meat. Admit it, you have done it. You can make it fancy with a hummus spread or olive-decorated toothpick! It’s quick, easy, filling, and budget-friendly. We love it!

No-Cook Snacks for Traveling

36. s’mores.

Okay, so the best s’mores require a little smoking on a campfire, but technically you can make them with uncooked marshmallows. They’re still super tasty!

37. To-Go Banana Pudding

The banana version is the best, but you can try this treat with any premade pudding cup of your liking. Crush a bag of Vanilla wafers. Add it to your pudding cup. Slice up a banana for garnish and plop a dollop of Cool Whip on top. Yummm.

38. No-Bake Lemon Tarts

Lemon pudding snack packs can easily be turned into a tart. Line a small bowl, or just make a pile of finely crushed Graham crackers. Slather on a healthy slab of cold lemon pudding, and top with your favorite whipped topping. Sprinkle on nuts or coconut shavings to taste!

39. Cottage Cheese and Dried Fruit

This one won’t please everyone, but if you love it, you love it! Cottage cheese has healthy fat and is a good source of protein. It will keep you full, and if you top it with some sweet dried pineapple, it’s pretty tasty!

40. Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Topping

Strawberries topped with a little sugar take on a totally different flavor! If you don’t use granulated sugar, honey works just as well. Slice them up, add your honey or sugar, and allow them to sit in a cold environment for at least 4 hours. If you want a lush dessert, stock up on some pre-made angel food cakes or make one at home before your trip. The decadent strawberry mixture on top of some food cake with whipped topping is a fantastic dessert any day of the week!

41. Fruit Pizza

Pizza! Create this delectable treat with granola, nut butter, cinnamon, and chopped almonds. Combine together to make a delicious crust. You can add honey if you use unsweetened nut butter. Press into a pie pan or dish, or just press flat on parchment paper. Let chill in the refrigerator or ice chest for at least an hour. Cover in yogurt or softened cream cheese, then sprinkle with your favorite fresh fruits, cacao nibs, or drizzle with chocolate syrup!

Other Staples To Keep On Hand

If you tried to make everything on this list, your entire camper would be full of food and ingredients. Instead, try to group your choices by recipes that use and reuse a smaller number of ingredients. Remember you can always repurpose your leftovers from day 1 lunch for day 2 dinner. Get creative. With this sample shopping list, you’ll be able to create several dishes.

  • Canned or packed meats: tuna, salmon, and chicken
  • Canned beans of several varieties
  • Boiled eggs
  • Lots of fresh fruit and veggies
  • A tub of your favorite “crumbled” cheese – Feta or goat.
  • A jar of nut butter
  • A large bag of mixed nuts and seeds
  • Your favorite multi-purpose bread
  • Mayonnaise and brown mustard
  • Granola or oats
  • Olive oil and lemon juice or a vinaigrette dressing
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Closing Thoughts

Just because you don’t want to cook doesn’t mean you can’t eat like a king on your vacation. With a little forethought, some smart shopping, and perhaps a small amount of meal planning before you leave, you can ensure that you have everything you need to whip up fast, easy meals on the go. 

What are your go-to camping or travel meals? Let us know in the comments!

Going on a long hike? Here are a few more “ Healthy Travel Snack Ideas To Keep Your Belly Full. ” 

If you want an epic camping adventure this summer, check out our list of the “ 20 Best National Parks In The USA .”

Frequently Asked Questions

No one wants to cook on vacation. Some of the best no-cook traveling meals are not only filling but healthy too. While camping, try stuffed avocados, crab salad, or camping ceviche.

Travel food should be easy, and the ingredients versatile. Some of the best no-cook traveling meals can be made with bread, nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, and vegetables. And don’t knock canned ingredients!

It’s always best to seek travel advice from experts ! For starters, download travel apps to save on fares and an adventure app for fun. Also, plan some no-cook meals to fuel up between adventures.

Featured Products & Activities

Join our Adventure: Get all my insider tips for motorhoming & road trips

Wandering Bird Motorhome travel vanlife & road trip logo

25 Easy Make-Ahead Road Trip Meal Ideas they’ll love!

Meal planning on a road trip doesn't have to be tough. Here are some easy road trip meal ideas to help you get started and enjoy the journey! #roadtrip #camping #recipes #mealplanning #campervan #motorhome #wanderingbird #foodideas

Planning a road trip? Looking for easy, make-ahead meal ideas, whether for a weekend break or a longer trip? Or maybe you want some easy recipes for meals on the road? Here are 25 great ideas for you!

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

Easy Make-Ahead Road Trip Meals

I’ll be honest- planning meals for a road trip is one of the things I dislike most.

Don’t get me wrong- I like cooking and I DEFINITELY like eating … but I am not good at creating a meal plan.

I also have a daughter who has gone from eating whatever we give her to being more and more particular about what she likes- and she’d rather not eat at all than eat something she doesn’t love. At home, it’s pretty easy to cook separate meals, but in the van, it becomes a whole different issue- and it makes the process of meal planning a lot harder.

Why plan meals on a road trip at all??

Oh, I hear you. In an ideal world, we’d just head off into the unknown and see what we find. One of the things we enjoy most about travelling is sampling local foods and dishes and enjoying discovering new things.

Both Mr WB and myself are fairly easy to please and can make do with all sorts, but anyone with kids knows that it’s just not that easy. I also don’t want to spend my time on the road worrying about whether she’ll eat anything- so it makes MY life easier if I plan it out a little in advance.

Make planning your next road trip EASY (& fun!)

When you’re planning a road trip, keeping track & organising all your ideas is often the hardest part. Fix that TODAY with our printable pdf road trip planner. Grab yours FREE now

quick travel food

This form subscribes you to our mailing list. We share tips, itineraries, stupid mistakes and guides like this for road trippers and motorhomers.

We never spam (yuck) and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Road Trip Meal Planning

So, where do you even start with planning meals for a road trip??

For me, I break it down into 2/3 day intervals. Generally, we like to pop into a shop and buy fresh bread, fruit and other bits every 2/3 days. We don’t do MASSIVE week long shops when we travel- our fridge is nowhere near big enough to deal with that and there’s the worry about what happens if you lose power or gas? All that food will go to waste.

Of course, if you’re only going to a weekend, you can easily make-ahead several dishes and just heat them up- much easier.

TOP TIP for picky eaters- Make them choose some meals

One way I tackle our favourite picky eater is to get her to pick 5-7 dinners she will eat. (Annoyingly, this seems to change every week or so!) I also make her come shopping with me- I find if she chooses it, there’s a higher chance she’ll eat it.

While we’re on the subject of kids, here are some posts you might find useful:

  • 21 EPIC Children’s car games & road trip activities
  • 14 quiet time activities for kids, tweens and teenagers

Our Normal Road Trip Food shopping method

On a ‘normal’ two-week road trip to mainland Europe, this is my tried and trusted routine:

  • Buy stuff in UK which we struggle to get overseas (see below)
  • Make-ahead meals for first night or two
  • Buy things as you travel (at local markets, supermarkets or Lidl)
  • Do this every couple of days so we can buy fresh bread, fruit and croissants! Yum!!
  • Try to ignore jeans not doing up….!! 
  • Remember that people eat EVERYWHERE and try not to overbuy before you leave the UK.

This system has worked fairly well for us. It’s allowed us to discover new things, let Jade choose what she fancies and my stress levels don’t get too high trying to plan out a whole weeks worth of meals.

What about perishable foods?

We have a fridge which works both whilst we’re driving (battery) and when we’re parked up (gas). So we bring a small amount of perishable food with us- milk, cheese, ham, meat, yogurt, fruit, bacon.

We don’t buy too much in case there is a problem and the fridge breaks- it’s always been a little tempermental and is the part of the motorhome I trust the least!!

Meal planning on a road trip doesn't have to be tough. Here are some easy road trip meal ideas to help you get started and enjoy the journey! #roadtrip #camping #recipes #mealplanning #campervan #motorhome #wanderingbird #foodideas

Easy Road Trip Recipes

When I’m on a road trip, especially if it’s a holiday, I don’t want to spend hours of my time in the galley, prepping, washing, chopping, cooking and washing up!

Here are a few easy recipes we use and love. Most only use one pot and many can be made in advance if you prefer.

5 easy road trip Breakfast ideas

  • Greek Yogurt and fresh fruit
  • Muesli/ cereal
  • Scrambled eggs in a wrap or on toast (toast is HARD to cook on a gas hob though!)
  • Bacon/ sausage sandwich (bring your own bacon from the UK. Alternatively, look in European supermarkets- but it won’t look the same. It’s usually much thinner and cooks MUCH faster.)
  • One Pan English Breakfast 

Note how those went from fairly healthy to full-on delicious! I’m making myself hungry!

10 easy Lunch ideas for a road trip

We tend to do lunch as we travel- or if we’re exploring we’ll treat ourselves to a cheeky lunch out. Just don’t do that at Neuschwanstein Castle ! ( Jeez- you thought Norway was expensive!!!! )

  • Fresh crusty bread and… anything. Cheese, ham, tuna, butter, garlic cheese, crisps, chicken, leftover beef, fish fingers…
  • Salad. We try and add some fruit or salad in where possible- we’ll pretend to be healthy every once in a while! If we’re parked up I love to fry up some chicken and pop it onto a quick salad with avocado, tomatoes and peppers. Or try these delicious healthy salad recipes . TOP TIP- WASH your salad. Even the ones in bags. They don’t always wash it in Europe. It also doesn’t seem to last as long (that might be the heat) so don’t over buy.
  • Grilled Cheese (see below for recipe)
  • Couscous (see below)

I have still not found a decent way to make toast in the van. It’s an ongoing process that I will continue to work at! Still, Grilled Cheese sandwiches are a perfect snack:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

  • Sliced Bread
  • Cheese (Cheddar and Mozzarella work well)

Butter bread thinly and put butter side down into hot frying pan (not too hot and use butter, not oil.) Add slices of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Add other slice of bread on top, butter side up. After a couple of minutes (when bottom slice is brown but not burnt), flip sandwich over. Grill for a couple of minutes. For an extra touch, transfer sandwich to oven tray and bake in oven at 170’c for 5-7 minutes until cheese is totally melted.

Burritos are basically large wraps, with beans and/ or rice added into the wrap. One of the easiest ones is the bean and cheese burrito, but you can easily add in meat, sauces and any leftovers you might have.

Ingredients: 

  • 1 whole-grain tortilla wrap
  • 1 medium-sized can of black beans (cook in advance if needed)
  • Cheese- sliced or grated

Simply spread ingredients over wrap, fold in all ends tightly and enjoy!

5 Easy Road Trip Sandwich ideas

Sometimes, simple is best. Here are some easy road trip sandwich ideas:

  • Sausage or Bacon Sandwich – great for breakfast or lunch!
  • Ham/Chicken/ Salami Sandwich – with or without cheese
  • Jam or Peanut Butter Sandwich
  • Egg Mayo Sandwich
  • Tuna sandwich

Couscous is magical. Lighter than rice and so versatile. I make a big helping of this and it lasts for lunch and dinner quite happily.

The trick is to double the amount of liquid to cous cous. One cup couscous= 2 cups stock. I love to use chicken or vegetable stock. Nothing fancy; those little cubes in some boiling water are just fine. Stir until the cube disolves, then pour it over the couscous. Leave to stand for 10 minutes. The beauty of this is you can add whatever you like to it. We like lemon, mint, feta, avocado, red peppers, spring onions, celery… the list is endless. I generally make a bowl of plain couscous and we each add different fillings to it.

Meal planning on a road trip doesn't have to be tough. Here are some easy road trip meal ideas to help you get started and enjoy the journey! #roadtrip #camping #recipes #mealplanning #campervan #motorhome #wanderingbird #foodideas

10 easy or make-ahead road trip meals for dinner

Ahhhh… now this is the fun part. Everyone’s been driving in the exact same motorhome for several hours… and as soon as you arrive somewhere and the van is parked up for the night, they all turn to you and ask ‘what’s for dinner?’…!

All of these recipes take no more than 30 minutes or you can make many of them ahead for the first few days of the trip.

TOP TIP- Be kind to yourself. Many people dislike ‘pre-made’ sauces, feeling that they’re ‘cheating’ if they don’t cook everything from scratch. But it’s your trip too, so don’t be judgemental about sauces from a jar. Yes, there might be a bit more sugar or salt- but it’s a heck of a lot better than a pizza or McDonalds. So be kind to yourself and make things easy.

Some easy or make-ahead meal ideas for dinners on the road:

  • 3-way mince (Bolognaise, Chilli, Savoury)- can be made in the slow cooker

Spanish Omelette

  • Easy make-ahead taco Bowl

Chicken Quinoa

  • Pea/ Pesto Pasta

Cheats Pizza

3-way mince: bolognese, chilli or savoury.

Here’s the recipe for 3 way mince bulk cooking. You can get savoury mince, bolognese and chilli from 1 pack of mince. It’s the perfect ‘make-ahead’ recipe and is very easy to heat up on the road.

1 pack of 500g mince makes 5 meals: 2 x savoury mince 2 x chilli 1 x bolognese

Start with chopped onion, pepper, garlic and grated carrot all in one large pan with a little oil (or butter) until softened.

Split the mix between 3 pans & add the mince. Cut it long ways in the packet before adding so it’s easier to break up in the pan.

You can add any vegetables at this point. Previously I’ve used courgette, mushrooms and aubergine, all finely chopped. You can get 6/7/8 kinds of vegetables in there!

Brown the mince on a low to medium heat so it doesn’t clump together, break it up with a spoon as it cooks.  Add the seasoning to the chilli pan (cumin, turmeric, chilli powder, garlic powder and paprika) and garlic powder to the savoury mince & bolognese pans. 

Once browned, strain peas & sweetcorn (one small can of corn & 1 small can of peas and add to savoury mince pan.

Add one can of chopped tomatoes to the chilli pan & 1 to the bolognese, stir through. Drain and rinse the kidney beans and add to the chilli. I used half a can of beans, I’ll save the rest for a salad.

Rinse the tomato cans out with a little water & add to the savoury mince pan. Stir in Bisto granules (or beef stock & maybe cornflour or thickener as needed). Add a little Worcestershire sauce & pepper to taste.

Taste & adjust seasonings if necessary.

Divide & eat, or store in the fridge until ready.

Many thanks to Phillippa from PhilyaBelly for the recipe – follow her on Instagram

Meal planning on a road trip doesn't have to be tough. Here are some easy road trip meal ideas to help you get started and enjoy the journey! #roadtrip #camping #recipes #mealplanning #campervan #motorhome #wanderingbird #foodideas

Serve with:

  • Spaghetti, rice or potatoes.
  • Garlic or crusty bread
  • Grated cheese
  • Side salad if your family will eat it.

I LOVE this Spanish Omelette. It’s so easy to make and only uses one pan.

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped

Heat the oil in large frying pan. Peel potatoes and slice thinly. Put the slices in the pan with the onion & garlic. Cover the pan and cook until the potatoes are tender, turning them occasionally. Beat the eggs.

When the potato and onion mixture is cooked, add it to the eggs and mix together. Heat another spoon of oil in the pan, and turn the heat down as low as it will go. Pour the egg, onion & potato mixture into the pan.

The essence of this dish is slow cooking and it should take about 20 minutes. When there is no liquid left turn omelette over for 2 minutes. It’s now ready to serve and eat! Delicious- perfect with salad or french loaf.

Lamb Kebabs

Take 500g (4 people) of lean lamb mince and add spices (salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika… whatever you like!) Mould into balls or around a skewer and cook on BBQ or in oven until browned.

If using BBQ and wooden skewers, soak the skewers in water for about 30 minutes first.

Serve with Tzatziki- Greek yogurt, mint, lemon and cucumber

Easy make-ahead Taco bowl

  • 1 can of beef
  • ½ of a small jar of salsa
  • Bag of tortilla chips
  • 1 can of beans
  • 1 avocado/ guacamole

Warm beef and cook beans as directed on label. Mix and add on top of chips (can be warmed in oven) Add Salsa, avocado/ guacamole, sour cream and grated cheese as desired (we pop the whole thing in the oven to melt the cheese.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/4 tsp. herb de Provence (or any herbs)
  • 1 cup. quinoa
  • 1/4 cup. white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup. olive oil
  • 2 green onions
  • 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 4 cup. rocket/ lettuce/ salad
  • 2/3 cup. olives, quartered
  • 12 oz. tomatoes, halved
  • Season chicken breasts with herbs, salt and pepper. Grill 3 minutes per side on medium-high or until cooked through.
  • Cook quinoa as label directs.
  • Mix vinegar, olive oil, green onions, Dijon mustard and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss half of the vinaigrette with cooked quinoa, salad/ rocket, tomatoes and olives. Serve chicken over quinoa with remaining vinaigrette.

Pea / Pesto Pasta

  • Pasta  
  • fresh or frozen peas
  • Chopped chives, for serving
  • Cook pasta. Drain and return pasta to pot. 
  • While pasta is cooking, roughly chop 1 cup peas. Add ricotta and lemon zest and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. 
  • Add ricotta mixture, remaining 1/2 cup peas, and pasta water; toss to combine. Sprinkle with chopped chives, if desired.

Alternatively, cook pasta, add several large spoons of pesto and some grated cheese and mix well.

Salmon with rice and vegetables

We eat salmon a lot- it’s very good for you.

Grill (or use a low-wattage air fryer ) and serve with rice, couscous (see above) and vegetables.

Sure, you can make your own dough and add toppings- and if that works for you, then go for it. However, we cheat.

  • Grab 2 pitta breads per person and pop them under the grill
  • You want them warm, but not ‘crispy’
  • Turn over, and spread with pesto (green or red)
  • Add mozzarella cheese, ham, salami, mushrooms… whatever you like!
  • Grill until bubbling

If you’d like more inspiration, here are a couple of our favourite camping cookbooks:

The Camper Van Cookbook: Life on 4 wheels, Cooking on 2 rings

Healthy Road Trip Snacks

We’ve done an entire post on 15 quick & healthy road trip snacks (many of them Keto friendly) but here are a couple more ideas for you:

  • 1 large can of tuna
  • ½ cup of cranberries
  • A packet of whole-grain crackers

First, take the tuna out from the can and empty it into a bowl. Next, mash a whole avocado and add it with the cranberries into the tuna. Use whole-grain crackers to dip into your tuna.

Apple Cookies

  • 2 green apples
  • Peanut butter
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Almond slices

Cut an apple into slices that resemble a cookie, then layer the rest of the ingredients in between two slices to make the snack look like an apple sandwich. The snack will stay fresh in an ice cooler for two days.

Barabrith – great snack for afternoon tea!

Other things:

Whilst we’re on the subject, don’t forget to bring:

  • Washing up liquid
  • Big scrubbing pad for BBQ if using
  • cleaning supplies
  • Kitchen roll
  • Bottle/ can opener
  • Mugs and glasses
  • Tea/ coffee/ sugar

How else can I help you today??

  • See the BEST Road Trip Journal to record your adventures!
  • Show me essential Road Trip Accessories
  • Get 100+ essential road trip songs (+ playlist)
  • Help me plan my road trip
  • See gift ideas for road trippers

Road Trip meals- quick and easy road trip meal ideas to pack and prep for adults, couples & families.

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Last update on 2024-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

10 ways to stay fit on a road trip

10 ways to stay fit on a road trip

15 Quick and Healthy road trip snacks to buy on the go (Keto approved!)

15 Quick and Healthy road trip snacks to buy on the go (Keto approved!)

3 Easy & Warming Winter Meals to Make in Your Camper

3 Easy & Warming Winter Meals to Make in Your Camper

Hi Kat I’ve not tried these yet but they get a good review on Amazon. As I’ve bought the barbecue you recommended in your blogs I thought I would try to keep my new BBQ clean as I absolutely hate scrubbing it after use. Just bought a pack to try on our trip to France in September BBQ Grill Mat, Set of 5 Beeway® Non Stick Barbecue Baking Mats for Charcoal, Gas or Electric Grill – Heat Resistant, Reusable and Easy to Clean, FDA Aproved – Bonus 12″ Just thought you may also find these useful

They look amazing- let me know how you find them 🙂

The https://wandering-bird.com website is one of the best we have found, and the 15 Easy Road Trip Meal Ideas article is very well written and useful! Thanks and kisses! 🙂

I recommend a ridge monkey for camper van cooking. You can cook chicken breasts, steaks, poach eggs, bake a cake, make an omelette, and it also makes great toast!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Bread & Butter Life

33 Easy Travel Snacks for your Airplane Carry-On Bag

Sharing is caring!

This post may contain affiliate links to products we recommend. You can read our disclosure for more information.

When I travel, the foodie in me always has to bring snacks for the trip. I always plan for easy travel snacks for a few reasons. For starters I’m not always sure what terminal I’ll be in at the airport so the food choices might get dicey once I get past security. Next, depending on the airline I’m flying there might not be great options once I board the plane (we’ve all been there). Lastly, I like to be prepared when I’m traveling even when I arrive at my final destination to have quick portable fuel sources on hand for when *hangry* hits in the form of easy travel snacks.

In this blog post I’ve compiled all of my favorite easy travel snacks into one ultimate packing list for your carry-on bag and I’ll walk you through my process for what to consider when selecting the best snacks to bring on a plane.

easy travel snacks

How to Pack Easy Travel Snacks for your Carry-On Bag

Depending on the length of my trip I usually bring a variety of snacks intended to carry-on a plane. I consider these easy to pack snacks, snacks that travel well, and also snacks that fall into the healthy(ish) convenience food category following these guidelines: 

  • Food I can’t find at my final travel destination

Drink Mixers

  • Airport Snacks (snacks to bring on a plane and at the airport terminal)
  • Emergency snacks (for when I’m super hungry)
  • Perishables
  • Non-Perishables
  • Sweet Treats/Comfort Items

These categories might look a little different for you but it helps to determine what you might need at least a week before your trip so that you have time to shop around. This will also help to keep your trip planning a little less stressful so that you can spend your time concentrating on the last minute things you need to do before you go out of town.

To verify what easy travel snacks you can and cannot carry on flights check out TSA’s security guidelines and the rules of each country for International flights. Keep in mind that TSA considers foods like yogurts and cooked oatmeal as “gels” and they will be confiscated at security (I learned this the hard way). For any other liquids review the guidelines but generally speaking most liquids and gels are allowed if they are less than 3.4oz/100 ml.

How to Transport your Easy Travel Snacks

My last consideration for packing easy travel snacks are the containers the food will travel in. For the most part I lean towards things that are easy to dispose of like foil, wax paper, plastic baggies, and repurposed takeout containers. However, in consideration of the environment I often try to lean to more sustainable options if I can, such as: silicon bags, collapsible cups, collapsible bowls, insulated containers, and beeswax paper. 

The con to these items is you will have to carry them in your luggage throughout your trip. But the pro of these items is being environmentally responsible, having a vessel you can reuse throughout your trip for something else, and some of these containers can keep your snacks from getting crushed, hot, or cold (triple bonus). 

I like Stasher Bags and Zip Top Bags for a reusable bag option. Both of these brands are super durable, always hold up really well for traveling, and are great to repurpose for other easy travel snacks on a trip. 

Silicone Bags

Stasher Reusable Silicone Storage Bag, Food Storage Container, Microwave and Dishwasher Safe, Leak-free, Bundle 4-Pack Small, Clear

Stasher Bags

These are great reusable bags for packing your travel snacks on the go.

Zip Top Reusable Food Storage Bags | Full Set of 8 [Teal] | Silicone Meal Prep Container | Microwave, Dishwasher and Freezer Safe | Made in the USA

Zip Top Bags

We love these bags for items that can’t lay flat! The structure of the bag makes it easy to carry your snacks and keep them from being crushed in your carry-on luggage.

Collapsible bowls have also been one of my favorites for eating things like oatmeal on the go and pre-made meals I might travel with (in an effort to clean out my fridge before I head out of town). I also like these collapsible cups from Stojo to make drinks portable and they don’t take up much room. If you have space for something bigger I like using the Snack Swell thermos containers for some travel foods on my trips since its a small insulated container to keep food hot or cold.

Bowls and Cups

STOJO Collapsible Bowl - Lilac, 36oz - Reusable Silicone Bowl for Hot and Cold Food - Perfect for Travel, Meal Prep, To-Go Lunch, Camping & Hiking - Microwave & Dishwasher Safe

Stojo Collapsible Bowl

We are loving the STOJO Collapsible Bowl. This holds 36oz and is a reusable silicone bowl for hot and cold food which makes it perfect for travel, meal prep, to-go Lunch, camping, and hiking. This is also microwave & dishwasher safe.

S'well S'nack Stainless Steel Food Container - 24 Oz - Azure Forest - Double-Layered Insulated Bowls Keep Food Cold for 8 Hours and Hot for 6 - BPA-Free

S’well S’nack Food Container

We love the S’well S’nack Stainless Steel Food Container. It’s 24 ounces and great for holding food you are traveling with that you want to keep hot or cold. This will keep your food for 8 Hours Hot for 6 Hours Cold.

S'well S'nack Stainless Steel Food Container - 10 Oz - Peppermint Tree - Double-Layered Insulated Bowls Keep Food Cold for 10 Hours and Hot for 4 - BPA-Free

This is a smaller version of the bigger S’nack by S’well Food Container. Its 10oz and has Double-Layered Insulated walls to keep food and drinks cold for 10 hours and hot for 4 hours!

STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup With Straw- Eucalyptus, 16oz / 470ml - Reusable To-Go Pocket Size Silicone Cup for Hot and Cold Drinks - Perfect for Camping and Hiking - Microwave & Dishwasher Safe

Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup

This collapsible travel cup comes with a straw and holds 16oz of liquid. Its reusable and pocket size for hot and cold drinks making it perfect for travel, camping, and hiking. Like the other Stojo products its microwave and dishwasher safe.

If you are traveling with any items that must stay at a colder temperature these PackIt Freezable pouches are a great option to transport your food. The PackIt Freezable pouch has groundbreaking cooling technology that includes freezable gel that is permanently built into the bag so that you don’t need to deal with separate ice packs.

To start collapse the bag flat and freeze in the freezer overnight until you are ready to use it. You can add any of the easy travel snacks that are perishable items in this post to store in this bag. You can also keep this item throughout your trip for other easy to pack snacks.

PackIt Freezable Snack Box, Rainbow Sky, Built with EcoFreeze Technology, Collapsible, Reusable, Zip Closure with Buckle Handle, Great for All Ages and Fresh Snacks on the go

PackIt Freezable Pouch

This is our favorite travel product for traveling with items that are perishable and need to remain cold like yogurt and cheese. Simply pop the pouch in the freezer the night before your trip and it will keep your perishable snacks at the correct temperature for a few hours. This collapsible and folds up and comes in many colors!

My last favorite sustainable travel item is reusable wax paper. I like using the Bee’s Wrap brand. It takes a bit to get used to if you normally use regular wax paper. If you have a few baked goods, sandwiches etc. to carry while traveling it comes in handy to reuse a few times and store it completely flat in your carry on bag.

Bee's Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps Made in the USA, Eco Friendly Beeswax Food Wrap, Sustainable Food Storage Containers, Organic Cotton Food Wraps, Assorted 3 Pack (S, M, L), Honeycomb Pattern

Bee’s Wrap

This Bee’s Wrap is an assorted 3 Pack great sustainable option. It’s plastic and silicone free reusable beeswax in 3 sizes great for traveling with sandwhiches.

PackIt Freezable Snack Box, Black, Built with EcoFreeze Technology, Collapsible, Reusable, Zip Closure with Buckle Handle, Perfect All Ages and Fresh Snacks on the go

Freezable Pouch

PackIt® Freezable Snack Bag, Polka Dots, Built with EcoFreeze® Technology, Foldable, Reusable, Zip Closure, Perfect for Babies, Kids, Adults of all Ages, and Fresh Snacks on the go

Freezable pouch

Small Cooler Bag Freezable Lunch Bag for Work School Travel,Leak-proof Small Lunch Bag,Small Insulated Bag For Kids/Adults,Freezer Lunch Bags,Freezable Snack Bag,Mini Lunch Bag Fit For Yogurt

Order of Operations For Your Easy Travel Snacks

If you are planning to take some snacks to the airport for future travel plans my suggested cheat sheet of how to go about eating your easy travel snacks includes a simple order of consumption:

  • Eat your perishable items first (for obvious reasons)
  • Pack napkins and/or wet wipes (these are not always available as you are on the go)
  • If you are bringing whole fruit wash these items before you get to the airport and use your napkin or paper towel as the vessel to carry the item (it also doubles as a napkin as you eat your fruit)
  • Pack some travel utensils (for any snacks that require some deep diving or for complete meals)

Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes, Fresh Scent Wipes | Travel Wipes Case, Antibacterial Wipes | 20 ct. Travel Size Wipes (10 pack)

Travel utensil set

Reusable Travel Utensils with Case, 4 Sets Wheat Straw Portable Cutlery Set Chopsticks Knives Fork and Spoon for Lunch Box Accessories, Camping Flatware Sets for Daily Use or Outdoor

Portable utensil set

TO GO WARE Repeat Bamboo Utensil Set - Cayenne (Red), 1 EA

Bamboo utensil set

My favorite snacks to bring on a plane.

Below is an easy travel snack list I’ve compiled of my favorite airport (and TSA) friendly snacks. I’ve grouped the items into perishable vs. non-perishable categories since I often will travel with a few perishable items that I strategize to eat first and then work my way through the rest of my snack stash either on the trip or eat other items during a longer flight to tide me over until I reach my destination. 

Perishable Easy Travel Snacks

For perishable easy travel snacks I always tend to pack food that can last a while at room temperature. Regardless of the length of your flight you’ll want items that won’t go bad in case it takes a while to get through security or to the airport (we’ve all been there!). Or even worse if your flight is delayed (done that!). On my list I usually include:

Cured Meats and Deli Meats

This includes salami, pastrami, pepperoni, ham, and turkey. These are great options because they can travel well at room temperature for short periods of time.

I think everyone loves cheese (even us lactose intolerant folks) and it travels well for short periods of time at room temperature. Some of my favorite cheese options are the Babybel Gouda Semisoft Cheeses. I like these because they have their own carrying case with the wax they are packaged in which qualifies the product as easy travel snack in my book.

My next favorite is Trader Joe’s Tapas cheese (it’s amazing! Grab it if you have a TJs near you). This includes several slices of three types of cheese including: Iberico, Cabra Al Vino (a.k.a. “ Drunken Goat “), and Manchengo. I really enjoy how the flavors in this set are so different and it feels very fancy while you are enjoying them.

easy travel snack trader joe's tapas sampler

Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs are one of the best snacks for traveling. I typically boil eggs once a week so I’ll grab 2-4 for a flight or whatever is left over in my fridge for the week (this is also a good way to clean out your fridge before you head out of town). You can also purchase eggs that are already boiled from almost any local grocery store for an easy travel snack on an airplane.

Another fun option for hard boiled eggs is from a brand called Perfectly Peckish which sells hard boiled eggs in packs with a fun crunchy dip. Their selection includes:

  • PECKISH Snackable Eggs & EVERYTHING Dip
  • PECKISH Snackable Eggs & FRIED RICE Dip
  • PECKISH Snackable Eggs & RANCHEROS Dip
  • PECKISH Snackable Eggs & SALT & PEPITAS Dip
  • PECKISH Snackable Eggs & RANCH Dip

Check out their store locator to find a store that sells these near you .

quick travel food

Crackers and/or Bread

I personally can’t have cheese and cured/deli meat without crackers or bread! These are easy to transport and can be stored at various temperatures which make them a great addition to your carry-on bag for an easy snack pairing (and crunch)!

Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, Fine Ground Sea Salt Snack Packs - Gluten Free, Vegan, Healthy Snacks, 4.9 Ounce (Pack of 3)

I love fruit for an easy snack that travels well. The fruit that travels the best are apples, bananas, oranges, kiwi, and grapes. I like these fruits because they have their own “skin” which can serve as its own carrying case so that they don’t get squashed (thanks mother nature!).

For oranges you can even pre-slice these and add them to a travel container or baggie to eat right out of the peel (or peel them later). And for kiwi I like slicing these in half and using a spoon to scoop out the insides for easy eating. If you have never tried Golden Kiwi its a real treat (they taste like a cross between a mango and a strawberry)!

Putting It Together

Combining these items also creates a nice balance for traveling to ensure you have enough protein, fat, and carbohydrates for fuel while on the go. You can also pair the meats, cheese, and crackers or bread and make a makeshift sandwich in a pinch (great easy travel snack idea!). You can also grab some pre-made snack boxes for a perishable option to take through security.

Non-Perishable Travel Snacks

My favorite non-perishable easy travel snack list is a bit longer. I group these by foods I might eat on the plane or at my final destination as I get hungry or peckish.

I eat oatmeal almost daily when I’m home for breakfast so it’s an item I always travel with especially internationally since it’s not something that all countries will provide for breakfast. It’s also a really nice snack on a plane since you just need water to make it. You can use one of the collapsible bowls or cups I mentioned above as the vessel to make these in or any disposable cup at the airport. I typically use the McCann Irish Oatmeal brand because it’s very hearty as a travel snack or the Unsweetened Individual Oatmeal packets from Trader Joe’s .

McCann’s Regular Instant Irish Oatmeal, 11.85 ounce, 12 Packets

Bringing nuts on a flight can be controversial so be sure to read your airline’s individual rules regarding what is allowed. I like going for the individually portioned nuts that are completely sealed in case I can’t eat them on a particular flight due to restrictions or nut allergies. If that’s the case I can always have them as a snack at my final destination.

My favorite nut options for an easy travel snack include: 

  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Trail Mix (for something different)

Emerald Nuts, 100 Calorie Variety Pack, 18 Count

Crunchy Snacks

Personally I’m a big fan of crunchy snacks in general but definitely when I travel. I think it’s nice to have a variety of items on hand. For this category I pack:

I usually air pop popcorn and bring it in my reusable silicon bag for trips. Did you know that you can air pop popcorn in a brown paper bag in the microwave? I also like these individually wrapped White Cheddar Popcorn bags from Smartfood .

Smartfood Popcorn, White Cheddar, 0.625 Ounce (Pack of 40)

Peanut Butter Crackers

I also like bringing Peanut Butter Crackers as easy travel snacks for my final destination. These have saved me many times while traveling to have something to tide me over until my next meal.

Lance Sandwich Crackers, Toasty and Toastchee Peanut Butter, 40 Ct (Pack of 2)

There’s something nostalgic about Chex Mix that just makes it a travel staple! I use to have these all the time as a kid on trips. I usually will grab the individual baggies for my carry-on bag.

Chex Mix Classics Snack Mix, 1.75 Ounce (Pack of 30)

I also always grab Cheez-Its for a fun crunchy cheesy snack.

Cheez-It Cheese Crackers, Baked Snack Crackers, Office and Kids Snacks, Variety Pack, 17.72oz Box (20 Pouches)

Moon Cheese

These are a newer to me product. I saw them once at Starbucks and then purchased them last year from Target and I’m a fan! These are little cheese balls that come in different flavors. If you like cheese and something with a crunch you’ll like these little cheese balls as a snack.

Moon Cheese Variety Pack of 5, 1 of each (Cheddar Believe It, Oh My Gouda, Garlickin Parmesan, Get Pepper Jacked, White Chedda Black Peppa) GF, High Protein, Low Carb, Keto Friendly, 100% Real Cheese

Anytime I think of pretzels I think of that Seinfeld episode “these pretzels are making me thirsty” but they still make for a great easy travel snack!

Snyder's of Hanover Mini Pretzels, 100 Calorie Individual Packs, 36 Ct

Veggie Straws

Veggie straws are the perfect easy travel snack to take on the go! They are both crunchy and salty which you is always needed on the road.

Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Straws, cheddar cheese,cheese, Snack Size, 24 Count

Marinated Vegetables

This might be an odder pick but eating vegetables on the go is hard so I love this option. POSHI Vegetable Snacks offers a marinated steamed portable snack option. If you like pickled vegetables you will like these! Plus you can add a little fiber to you day while in transit.

POSHI Marinated Vegetables Variety Pack | Asparagus, French Beans, Cauliflower, Artichoke | Keto, Vegan, Paleo, Non GMO, Gluten Free, Gourmet, Healthy, Fully Cooked (12 Pack)

Snack Olives

If you’ve never had olives while on an airplane you are missing out! Something about eating olives at 42,000 feet cruising in the air is a totally different experience. I like buying these Olives to Go from the grocery store and Trader Joe’s also sells individually packed Olive packs which are so yummy. I was inspired to add Olives to my easy travel snack list after having the Mediterranean Travel Snack box on a United Flight which has a great mix of olives, bruschetta, hummus, and chocolate almonds as a great snack mix.

Mario Camacho Foods Pitted Snack Olives, Variety Pack, 1.05 oz Pouches (Pack of 12)

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a really fun easy travel snack! My favorite picks are dried apples and mangoes. They make such a sweet treat and they are also crunchy (or chewy).

Bare Baked Crunchy, Apples Fuji & Reds, 0.53 Ounce (Pack of 16)

When traveling with dips always choose brands that are shelf stable so that they can fall into the perishable category. If you go this route you should plan to consume the entire package in your trip since they will need to be refrigerated once opened.

Mezete Tahini Rich Hummus Assortment, 100% All-Natural Dips and Spreads, Ready to Go Vegan Dip, Shelf-Stable with No Preservatives and Requires No Refrigeration, 7.5 Ounce (Pack of 6)

Something Sweet

Honey stinger organic waffles.

Honey Stinger Organic Waffles are sweet yummy waffles that double as a healthy(ish) treat. These pack really easily in your carry-on or a day pack on your trip and make them one the best snacks for traveling.

Honey Stinger Organic Waffles - Variety Pack – 16 Count – 4 of Each Flavor – Energy Source for Any Activity – Honey, Vanilla, Salted Caramel and Cinnamon – in Original Bee The Bear Box

Brownies & Cookies

Brownies and Cookies fall into a comfort item category for me. It’s nice to always have a sweet treat on hand but also something you are familiar with. I like the Nature’s Bakery brand Brownies and old faithful Nabisco Cookies like Oreos.

OREO Original, OREO Golden, CHIPS AHOY! & Nutter Butter Cookie Snacks Variety Pack, 56 Snack Packs (2 Cookies Per Pack)

Fruit Snacks

Pink panda/snack owl.

I recently discovered a new brand called Pink Panda which offers high fiber fruit snacks. Why high fiber fruit snacks? Because fiber is such a hard micro nutrient to consume when you are traveling and I like that these snacks trade the sugar for fiber when it comes to carbohydrates in the snack. These come in two varieties: Astro Blasters and Treasure Chews. I’ve had both and think they taste yummy (you’d really never know there is no sugar in these)! And it’s only 90 calories for the entire bag.

If you are interested in trying out this new brand use our code “BREADANDBUTTERPANDA10” for 10% off if you order directly on their website . Pink Panda fruit snacks are also available on Amazon below.

Snack Owl Vegan Sour Gummy Candy – Gluten Free, Low Calorie Candy - Guilt Free & Delicious Healthy Gummy Snacks - (Sour Nova)

Smart Sweets

I’ve been eating SmartSweets for years! They are similar to the Pink Panda brand but I’m not really sure which I like more. These are also high fiber fruit snacks and I really enjoy them for traveling. My favorites to date have been the Sour Blast Buddies and the Peach Rings.

SmartSweets Low Sugar Variety Candy Pack, 1.8oz (8 Pack) - For Kids & Adults

Other Fruit Snacks

As you can tell I really love fruit snacks! My other favorites for travel and just as a general comfort item are Gushers and Fruit by the Foot. I also really like fruit leather and the “That’s It” brand is a great option for something healthy(ish) when it comes to fruit snacking.

Fruit Bars Snack Gift Box (20 Pack) - 100% Natural, Gluten-Free, Vegan Fruit Snacks Variety Pack

Honey Stinger Energy Chews

Honey Stinger Energy Chews is an organic candy that’s great to chew and eat before, during, or after activity (especially when flying if your ears ring at high altitudes). It has multiple carbohydrate sources including glucose, fructose, maltose, sucrose.

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chew Variety Pack | 3 Pack each of Fruit Smoothie, Pomegranate Passionfruit and Cherry Blossom | Gluten Free & Caffeine Free | 9 Count (Pack of 1)

I discovered this candy while on vacation in Hawaii. I think the best way to describe these are somewhere between candy and a gummy since they are chewy. I like Mango as my favorite flavor. Amazon offers a variety box if you want to check these out.

Hi-Chew Assorted Combo with Two 3.5-oz Packs including Tropical and Original

Protein Snacks

Protein is always hard for me to get in even when I’m not traveling so I always like to bring some protein snacks with me just in case. These are really great to cure hangry when you need some  stabilizing energy.

Pepperoni Sticks

These are new to me but I started eating Pepperoni sticks last year as a quick snack when I was out doing errands. That makes them perfect for an easy travel snack! The two brands I’ve liked so far are Vermont and Applegate Naturals. To me the flavors of these taste the most neutral for dried meat and come in a casing so it’s easy to eat and move on to the next thing.

Snack Sticks by Vermont Smoke & Cure – Uncured Pepperoni – Turkey – Healthy Meat Protein – 1oz Jerky Sticks – 24 count carton

Protein Bars

Protein Bars can sometimes leave an aftertaste in my opinion so there are not too many tasty ones that have a balanced calorie to protein ratio. My favorite pick so far as been Barebells Protein Bars which come in a variety of flavors and have 20 grams of protein per bar. I’ve been able to find these on Amazon and at Trader Joe’s so far. If you don’t typically like protein bars give these a try for something a bit different.

Barebells Protein Bar - Salty Peanut

Protein Powders

I like to travel with protein powders that are individually wrapped since protein is often difficult to fit in when on the go. Most protein powder servings will have at least 18 grams of protein which is a great boost to hold you over until your next meal.

You can mix your protein powder in with some bottled water at the airport. As a great hack you can also find a bistro, Starbucks, or Dunkin Donuts in the airport and request a milk of your choice in a bigger cup to add your protein powder for an easy travel snack.

Clean Simple Eats Chocolate Brownie Batter Whey Protein Powder, Natural Sweetened and Cold-Processed 20 Grams of Protein (30 Servings)

Collagen Peptides

I’m also a big fan of collagen peptides! Collagen is not a complete protein but it works well in a pinch to supplement other sources of protein for the day. It’s not completely tasteless but the flavor isn’t too strong. I prefer to dissolve these packets in water or hot coffee while traveling. They come in individual sticks which make them easy to transport. Collagen is also really great for nail and hair growth and has really helped my joints.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Supplement Travel Packs, Hydrolyzed Collagen for Skin Hair Nail Joint - Dairy & Gluten Free - 10g per Serving - Zero Sugar - Unflavored (20ct per Box)

Granola and Fruit Bars

Something about granola bars are so nostalgic to me and I love to bring them as an easy travel snack. They travel really well on planes and are also great for in your day bag at your final destination.

I like the Nature Valley, Made Good, and Nature Bakery brands.

Nature's Bakery Gluten Free Fig Bars, Raspberry, Real Fruit, Vegan, Non-GMO, Snack bar, 1 box with 6 twin packs (6 twin packs)

Peanut Butter

Again, a controversial pick for travel since usually peanuts are not allowed on all flights but I must have peanut butter with me as a basic comfort food while traveling! If I can’t have these on the plane I just eat them at my final destination. I like the JIF To Go Natural Peanut Butter cups that come individually packaged and will eat them as is, or with something I buy at the airport for some extra fat and protein. My second pick is the Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter brand which comes in a packet making it one of the best snacks for traveling.

JUSTIN'S Classic Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Spread Squeeze Packs, 1.15 Ounce (10 Pack)

Dehydration is real when you travel! I have two easy solutions to stay hydrated when you are on the go. These are not exactly an easy travel snack but they will come in handy while on the go.

I recently started using GoHydrate this spring as a way to stop my leg muscles from cramping and get my water levels up. GoHydrate is a water enhancer which makes it a great option if you are not particularly a fan of drinking water. I started thinking that this would also be excellent for travel due to the individual packets which make them great for on-the-go. GoHydrate provides almost instant hydration by delivering 5 electrolytes immediately to your body. Those electrolytes are: calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium.

This water enhancer also provides 40%+ of the recommended daily Vitamin D dose that most of of are deficient in due to sitting inside so often. To use GoHydrate just pour the pre-packaged stick into 20-24oz of water and drink. If you’d like to order GoHydrate I suggest ordering their mixed 10 stick sample box or their 30 stick sample box to see which flavor you like before stocking up on their 30 box sets of one flavor. My favorite flavors so far have been Lemon Citrus , Kiwi Strawberry , and Fruit Punch if you need a flavor recommendation.

GoHydrate Electrolyte Drink Mix - A Naturally Flavored, Sugar Free, Hydration Powder (Mixed, 30 Count (Pack of 1))

True Honey Tea

We found this brand True Honey Tea at a farmers market last year and its been our favorite tea! Based in Virginia these are tea bags that have honey granules already in the tea. We really like the Earl Gray (add some half and half to make a London Fog) and also the Peppermint tea for a really great non perishable travel snack.

True Honey Rooibos Tea Bags - Honey Crystals Blended in Every Sachet - Decaf Red Rooibos Tea - All Natural Organic Herbal Caffeine Free Tea Bag 24 Count

My next favorite drink mixer to travel with is from Cusa Tea . This brand was recommended to me by a friend who uses them while hiking. The best part is you don’t have to walk around with a wet tea bag once you prepare your tea. The flavors Cusa Teas has are unreal. I started with their Iced or Hot Variety Pack and the flavors are so delicious, truly premium tea with no sugar or artificial ingredients. I’ve tried this both in iced and hot tea and they work great. You can use these just by ordering hot water while on at the airport, on the plane, or at your final travel destination. 

If iced tea is more your style I’ve used them in even room temperature water (though cold water is better) and they dissolve no problem with no grainy stuff at the bottom. They are not sweetened so if you like sweet tea I suggest adding a sugar packet or something like Truvia to lightly sweeten the drink. My favorite flavors so far have been Blueberry Chrysanthemum and Hibiscus Rose . I recommend starting with the variety pack so that you can figure out which flavor you like before committing to an entire pack.

Cusa Tea & Coffee | Herbal Tea Variety Pack | Premium Caffeine Free Instant Tea | Hot & Iced Tea with No Added Sugar (10 Single Servings)

I typically buy a large water bottle once I get through security to keep with me in the airport and on the plane. If you don’t like buying water I suggest traveling with a stainless steel water bottle that you can fill up at the airport and throughout your trip. Our favorite travel options include Swell , Iron Flask, Yeti, and Stanley water bottles as great options that close.

Travel Water Bottles

S'well Stainless Steel Traveler - 20 Fl Oz - Azurite - Triple-Layered Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug Keeps Coffee, Tea and Drinks Cold for 36 Hours and Hot for 15- BPA-Free Water Bottle

S’well Stainless Steel Traveler

This S’well Stainless Steel Traveler is 20 Fl Oz and is Triple-Layered Vacuum-Insulated to keep Coffee, Tea and Drinks Cold for 36 Hours and Hot for 15 Hours.

Stanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler with Straw - Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle for Home, Office or Car Reusable Cup Leakproof Flip Cold 12 Hours Iced 2 Days (Alpine) , 30oz

Stanley IceFlow Tumbler

Stanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler with Straw is a Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle for Travel, the Office or a road trip. Its a reusable cup with a straw Leakproof Flip. The Stanley IceFlow will keep your drink cold for 12 Hours or Iced for 2 Days. This comes in various colors!

YETI Rambler 26 oz Bottle, Vacuum Insulated, Stainless Steel with Chug Cap, Seafoam

YETI Rambler Bottle

The YETI Rambler Water Bottle holds 26 oz of liquid and is vacuum insulated with a Chug Cap.

Which Easy Travel Snacks Are Your Favorites?

What easy travel snacks do you like to bring on your trips ? Did I miss any easy to pack snacks that you would recommend? Keep these travel snacks in mind for your next trip to beat hangry.

' src=

Related Posts

Why Food is a Key Component of Any Travel Adventure

Why Food is a Key Component of Any Travel Adventure

How to Pack for Any Trip: The Complete Travel Gear Guide for Female Travelers

How to Pack for Any Trip: The Complete Travel Gear Guide for Female Travelers

Santa Barbara, California is the Perfect Escape: A Travel Guide

Santa Barbara, California is the Perfect Escape: A Travel Guide

6 Warm Winter Travel Destinations in the USA to Catch That Winter Sun

6 Warm Winter Travel Destinations in the USA to Catch That Winter Sun

The Best Food Tour in Porto: Taste Porto

The Best Food Tour in Porto: Taste Porto

This post is perfect timing! We’re taking the family to Disney World in two weeks and I have “travel snacks” on my to-do list! I love the high fiber gummy options, my little one struggles while we travel, so these will be perfect! Oh, and I have both the Emerald Nut Packs and the Nature’s Bakery bars as my car snacks, they are perfect, so I never have to hit the drive-thru!

Disney World sounds so fun! Yes, any sort of extra fiber on a trip makes things so much easier for all of us. And in candy form even better. I hope you get to try them 🙂 -Monica

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Go Places With Kids Logo

50+ Road Trip Food Ideas- Easy Meals On the Go!

This page may contain affiliate links, which means that we may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

When you’re taking a road trip, bringing the right food can make a huge difference.

Not only is sustenance a necessity on a long trip, but it also breaks up the drive and gives everyone something to look forward to. Especially when you’re traveling with kids! 

There are a lot of factors to consider when picking food for a road trip. Which foods are best for eating on the road? How much should you pack? How should you store it? How can you stay organized and neat? 

Not to worry, this guide has all the information you need to create a perfect road trip meal plan!

Road trip food

Everyone has different road trip strategies and traditions.

Some families prefer to bring food for breakfast and lunch and eat out for dinner, whereas others would rather bring all the food they will need for their entire trip.

Some families prefer to focus on healthy meal and snack options, while others see road trips as a perfect excuse to let loose and enjoy some “fun” food choices.

Whatever your preferences are, we’ve got you covered. 

We’ve divided up our food ideas by meal, although there may be some overlap (a meal that’s good for lunch can also be a great option for dinner, etc).

How to store your road trip food

For any road trip longer than a couple of hours, we highly recommend bringing a cooler with ice or ice packs . This allows you to bring food that needs to be kept refrigerated and greatly increases your meal and snack options.

Cooler of road trip food

A few tips on coolers:

  • The ice in your cooler should last for several days, depending on the kind of cooler you have and how often you take the lid off.
  • If you find you need more ice, you can pick some up at a gas station or grocery store.
  • Avoid opening your cooler frequently to prevent the ice from melting quickly and to keep the food cool for longer. 
  • Keep ice/ice packs on top of your food, not just at the bottom of the cooler. This will keep your food cool better and longer, as cold air sinks.

**Meat and dairy products should not be left at room temperature for longer than two hours. The warmer the room (or car), the shorter the time perishable food can be left out. 

Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

Bagel and cream cheese

Breakfast is arguably one of the easiest road trip meals to plan for. There are a variety of breakfast foods that are simple to pack and convenient to eat on the go. Here are a few of our top choices.

  • Banana bread
  • Banana with peanut butter
  • Fresh fruit
  • Protein bars
  • Boiled eggs
  • Bagel and cream cheese
  • Yogurt parfait
  • Mini cereals

Road Trip Lunch Ideas

An assortment of lunch food packed in two containers

There are a lot of different options for lunch on a road trip. Some people might prefer light snacking throughout the day, whereas others might want a full lunch meal. If you prefer hearty snacks as opposed to a large meal, scroll down to the snack section for ideas of foods to supplement your lunch. 

And even if you’re packing a lunch instead of eating out, this still might be a convenient time to stop and get out of the car for a little bit. A park or rest stop is often a convenient place to stretch your legs and have a quick picnic lunch. 

Sandwich tip – wait to add ingredients that have any moisture (tomatoes, condiments, avocado, etc) until right before you eat to prevent your bread from getting soggy.

  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
  • Sub sandwich with lunch meat and cheese
  • Cream cheese and raisin bread sandwiches- this has been a favorite of our family’s for years. We would always have it for road trips growing up, but I’ve never seen anyone make it like we do, so I’m sharing the love by including the recipe here! Scroll to the bottom to learn the simple recipe. They are a huge hit with kids!
  • Hawaiian roll with cheese
  • Rotisserie chicken- presliced, great on a roll, bread, or just eaten plain
  • Crackers with cheese and summer sausage- precut cheese and sausage into slices before you leave
  • Tuna sandwich
  • Egg salad sandwich
  • Lunchables- kids love these and honestly, they can be fun for adults too
  • Salad- prepared from fresh ingredients before you leave (wait to add dressing until you’re ready to eat) or from a salad kit

Road Trip Dinner Ideas

A container packed with pasta salad and green salad

Dinner always seems like the hardest meal to plan for on the road. Many people are used to eating hot meals for dinner, but that’s not really an option for a road trip unless you stop to heat something up at a gas station. 

But there are some delicious meals you can prepare ahead of time for dinner, especially if you are bringing a cooler. 

  • Barbeque chicken sandwich
  • Chicken and cheese sandwich
  • Pita sandwiches
  • Chicken salad sandwiches
  • Turkey rollups – from Costco or homemade
  • Premixed salad kit
  • Fruit salad
  • Chicken Caesar salad (Costco has a great premade kit)
  • Taco salad- store chopped ingredients separately, then combine and add dressing when you’re ready to eat
  • Pasta salad
  • Potato salad

Road Trip Snack Ideas

Two bowls of mixed nuts

No road trip is complete without road trip snacks. Having something to snack on can prevent people from getting hungry and grumpy during the stretches between meals. It can also help to keep the driver awake if they start to feel drowsy while driving and keep kids entertained!

  • Granola bars- Lara bars, Cliff Bars, fig bars, Kind bars
  • Crackers- Goldfish, Pirates Booty, Wheat Thins, Cheez-Its, animal crackers
  • Pretzels- regular or peanut butter filled
  • Pringles- a nice, non-greasy chip option
  • Yogurt- Gogurts are less mess and easy to eat in the car
  • Fresh fruit (apples, grapes, strawberries, mandarin oranges, blueberries, bananas)
  • Dried fruit (apricots, apples, bananas, mangoes, pineapple) 
  • Celery and peanut butter- prepack the peanut butter in a condiment cup and dip the celery sticks
  • Veggies and hummus- carrots, broccoli, celery, cherry tomatoes
  • Fruit leather
  • Popcorn- Simply Pop brand or make a fresh batch before you leave and snack on it throughout your trip.
  • Sunflower seeds- great for snacking on if you’re starting to feel drowsy 
  • Nuts- Mixed nuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews
  • Cheese- Babybel cheese, string cheese, cubed cheddar, mozzarella, and/or pepperjack
  • Rice cakes with peanut butter

If you’re traveling with kids, plan a “movie night” during the drive and pull out the popcorn and treats while you watch a fun show the whole family can enjoy. It’s a fun way to break up the drive!

Road Trip Desserts and Treats

A tin of chocolate chip cookies

Sometimes it’s nice to have some food that feels a little special when you’re on a long driving trip. Pack a couple of these dessert foods for a fun treat to pull out during your drive. 

  • Rice Krispie treats
  • Cookies (chocolate chip, peanut butter, snickerdoodles)- made in advance or store bought
  • Brownies- make and individually wrap before your trip
  • Candy- if you want something non-meltable choose a candy like Sourpatch Kids, Redvines, Starbursts
  • Fruit snacks

Don’t forget to Bring…

In addition to meals and snacks, there are some other non-food essentials that you don’t want to forget on a road trip. Skim through this list to make sure you aren’t missing anything important. 

  • Paper towels – a necessity for inevitable spills and messes
  • Wet wipes – for wiping hands and faces after eating
  • Reusable water bottles – it’s important to stay hydrated on a road trip. Bring reusable water bottles and refill as necessary when you stop for gas. 
  • Sandwich bags – useful for for divvying up food, storing leftovers, etc
  • Garbage bags – bring a couple of garbage bags for storing trash so you can keep you car clean and organized
  • Grocery bags- useful for organizing food, trash, etc
  • Hand sanitizer – prevent germs by cleaning everyone’s hands before eating. Also very useful if the place you stop to go to the bathroom doesn’t have soap…
  • Plates and bowls – may be a necessity, depending on your meals
  • Plastic utensils – forks, spoons, knife
  • Cooler and ice/ ice packs – store food that needs refrigeration
  • Collapsible car organizer – hugely helpful for storing non-refrigerated food and staying organized, especially in a van
  • Condiment cups – These are amazing for dividing up condiments and dips in small portions 
  • Salt/pepper packets , condiment packets – useful for adding flavor to your foods (depending on your meals). You can pack your own or buy small packets before your trip.
  • Snack catcher – If you’re traveling with a toddler or young child, bring a snack catcher to use for crackers and other small foods. They are much less likely to spill their snack all over the car and create a mess. And it acts as an activity to keep them entertained trying to get their food out of the container!

Road Trip Food Tips

  • Keep a hand held vacuum in your car – you can easily vacuum up any spills and inevitable food crumbs, keeping your car feeling much cleaner.
  • Make food in advance and freeze it – there is so much to do to get ready for a road trip. Where possible, make food several weeks in advance and freeze it until you’re ready to leave on your trip. This works great for muffins, breads, cookies, and some sandwiches and meat dishes.
  • Throw out your trash when you stop for gas. Regularly clearing out the garbage will prevent buildup of trash in your car and the stinky smell of rotting food.
  • Have a pre-filled road trip bag- If you’re going on road trips frequently, have a bag ready with the nonperishable items you need for your road trip. Keep inside a list to restock the bag after a trip. It’s much easier to just grab your bag when you’re getting ready for a trip than having to repack it every time.
  • Try to avoid foods that are excessively greasy, sticky, or crumbly – messy foods can be a pain on a road trip. Minimize mess, minimize stress.
  • Bring a couple of water bottles and refill as necessary when you stop for gas. We try to stick to mostly water as our beverage of choice for road trips to avoid sticky spills.
  • Stock up on food and meals at a wholesale store before your trip. Costco has great pre-made meal options that you can buy right before your trip. We love the Costco sandwich rolls, Caesar salad, muffins, potato salad, and fruit bowls for road trips. And of course, you can’t go wrong with their bulk snacks like trail mix, dried fruit, fruit leathers, popcorn, crackers, etc.

Benefits of packing your own food for a road trip

Family with a cooler of food

Although it’s a little more work and preparation than stopping for food, there are a lot of benefits to bringing your own road trip food. Here are some reasons to skip the fast food and pack your meals.

It’s more cost-effective

Eating out for every meal, even if it’s at a fast-food restaurant, can get expensive. This is especially true if you’re traveling with your whole family. 

Save money by bringing your own food! If you plan ahead, you can buy most of your road trip foods at a wholesale store, then divide it up into the portions that you want. 

It saves time

Stopping to order and pick up food takes time. Sometimes it can be nice to break up your trip with a food stop.  But if you’re trying to make good time, stopping for every meal adds extra hours to your road trip. 

If you’ve packed all or most of the food you will need, you have snacks and meals to pull out when people get hungry without having to pull over!

It’s often healthier

Eating out for every meal is often quite unhealthy. When you pack your own food, you have more options and control over what kinds of foods you are eating and how many sweets and treats you want to include. 

Easier to Accommodate Preferences and Dietary Restrictions

If you’re traveling with dietary restrictions, it can be risky leaving food to whatever you happen to find along the way. Packing your own meals ensures you have plenty of safe food to eat. 

And if you’re traveling as a family, you can easily cater to everyone’s preferences by packing food you know everyone will enjoy. That way you don’t have to spend a lot of time picking a place that everyone can agree on.

Cream Cheese and Raisin Bread Sandwich Recipe

Cream cheese and raisin bread sandwiches- a perfect road trip food

As promised, here is our family recipe of cream cheese and raisin bread sandwiches. They are sure to be a road trip hit for people of all ages!

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • ¾ C powdered sugar
  • 1 loaf cinnamon raisin bread

Instructions

  • Soften cream cheese to room temperature. 
  • Using a mixer, combine cream cheese with powdered sugar. 
  • Lay out half of the raisin bread and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly between all pieces. 
  • Top the cream cheese with another piece of raisin bread to complete your sandwiches. 

**You can freeze the whole premade loaf and pull it out when you want to use it, just let it come to room temperature before eating. This is perfect for road trips because you can pull it out in the morning and it’s ready to eat by lunch!

Final Thoughts

Selecting and preparing road trip food can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! With this list of food and road trip tips, you have everything you need to prepare for a great trip.

If you’re planning on flying with kids, check out these awesome toddler airplane snacks !

Other posts you might be interested in:

How to Have a Successful Road Trip with a Toddler

Road Trip Activities for Toddlers (That They Will Really Love!)

7 Essential Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby

30 of the Very Best Travel Activities for Kids!

Related Posts:

Visiting the Grand Canyon with Kids- Everything You Need to Know!

2 thoughts on “50+ Road Trip Food Ideas- Easy Meals On the Go!”

' data-srcset=

Very thorough with lots of good information. Makes me want to go have a cream cheese raisin bread sandwich right now.

' data-srcset=

Thank you!! And yes, they really are so delicious!

Comments are closed.

Do you need resume help? Upload your resume for a complimentary expert review.

Popular Searches

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

AARP Dental Insurance Plans

Suggested Links

Red Membership Card

LIMITED TIME OFFER-Black Friday Sale

Join AARP for just $9 per year with a 5-year membership.Join now and get a FREE GIFT.

Help icon

  • right_container

Work & Jobs

Social Security

AARP en Español

Help icon

  • Membership & Benefits
  • AARP Rewards
  • AARP Rewards %{points}%

Conditions & Treatments

Drugs & Supplements

Health Care & Coverage

Health Benefits

woman and man working out at a gym

Staying Fit

Your Personalized Guide to Fitness

Hearing Resource Center

AARP Hearing Center

Ways To Improve Your Hearing

Woman with her hands on her lap and sitting on a couch

Mental Health Resources

Coping with Depression and Anxiety

illustration of woman drawing smile on face

Mental Health

25 Great Ways to Find Happiness

Scams & Fraud

Personal Finance

Money Benefits

zoomed in map of the united states with map locator pins scattered around

View and Report Scams in Your Area

Tax-Aide Group Illustration

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Free Tax Preparation Assistance

a man and woman at home looking at a laptop together

AARP Money Map

Get Your Finances Back on Track

a grouping of white appliances including refrigerator, oven, washing machine, microwave, vacuum, electric tea kettle, radiator

Budget & Savings

Make Your Appliances Last Longer

Small Business

Age Discrimination

at cashier smiles at a customer

Flexible Work

10 Part-Time Jobs to Beat Inflation

A woman smiling while sitting at a desk

AARP Skills Builder

Online Courses to Boost Your Career

An older women at a job interview with people looking at her resume

Age Proof Your Resume

a red and white illustration showing a woman in a monitor flanked by a word bubble and a calendar

Live Q&A

Tips to Enhance Your Job Search

green arrows pointing up overlaid on a Social Security check and card with two hundred dollar bills

Get More out of Your Benefits

A balanced scale with a clock on one side and a ball of money on the other, is framed by the outline of a Social Security card.

When to Start Taking Social Security

Mature couple smiling and looking at a laptop together

10 Top Social Security FAQs

Social security and calculator

Social Security Benefits Calculator

arrow shaped signs that say original and advantage pointing in opposite directions

Medicare Made Easy

Original vs. Medicare Advantage

illustration of people building a structure from square blocks with the letters a b c and d

Enrollment Guide

Step-by-Step Tool for First-Timers

the words inflation reduction act of 2022 printed on a piece of paper and a calculator and pen nearby

Prescription Drugs

9 Biggest Changes Under New Rx Law

A doctor helps his patient understand Medicare and explains all his questions and addresses his concerns.

Medicare FAQs

Quick Answers to Your Top Questions

Care at Home

Financial & Legal

Life Balance

Long-term care insurance information, form and stethoscope.

LONG-TERM CARE

​Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance​

illustration of a map with an icon of a person helping another person with a cane navigate towards caregiving

State Guides

Assistance and Services in Your Area

a man holding his fathers arm as they walk together outside

Prepare to Care Guides

How to Develop a Caregiving Plan

Close up of a hospice nurse holding the hands of one of her patients

End of Life

How to Cope With Grief, Loss

Recently Played

Word & Trivia

Atari® & Retro

Members Only

Staying Sharp

More About Games

AARP Right Again Trivia and AARP Rewards

Right Again! Trivia

AARP Right Again Trivia Sports and AARP Rewards

Right Again! Trivia – Sports

Atari, Centipede, Pong, Breakout, Missile Command Asteroids

Atari® Video Games

Throwback Thursday Crossword and AARP Rewards

Throwback Thursday Crossword

Travel Tips

Vacation Ideas

Destinations

Travel Benefits

a graphic of two surf boards in the sand on a beach in Hawaii.

Beach vacation ideas

Vacations for Sun and Fun

mary steenburgen jane fonda diane keaton and candice bergen taking a selfie in front of the trevi fountain in rome italy in the movie the book club two the next chapter

Follow the Set-Jetting Trend

left a bobcat at the arizona sonara desert museum right sunset skyline of downtown tucson arizona

AARP City Guide

Discover Tucson, Arizona

big cruise ship on water

AARP Smart Guide to Cruises

Tips for Planning, Packing and Landing

Entertainment & Style

Family & Relationships

Personal Tech

Home & Living

Celebrities

Beauty & Style

from left to right top to bottom killers of the flower moon then the color purple then oppenheimer then nyad then rustin then barbie

Movies for Grownups

Movies for Grownups Awards Winners

Carol Burnett in "Palm Royale," Kate Winslet in "The Regime," Hiroyuki Sanada in "Shōgun" and Sofia Vergara in "Griselda."

TV for Grownups

New Shows to Watch in 2024

watercolor illustration of a person in a green jacket and boots on a beach with two people and a headland in the distance; cover of ann cleeves' the raging storm overlaid on the illustration

Free Online Novel

Read 'The Raging Storm'

a person in bed giving a thumbs up

Sex & Dating

Spice Up Your Love Life

a woman holding onto a family tree when her branch has been cut off

Navigate All Kinds of Connections

illustration of person exercising in room with bookcase, chair with cat on it, end table, plant, treadmill, weight rack and workout bench

How to Create a Home Gym

a woman looks at her phone while taking her medication

Store Medical Records on Your Phone?

Close-up of Woman's hands plugging a mobile phone into a power bank  in a bar

Maximize the Life of Your Phone Battery

online dating safety tips

Virtual Community Center

Join Free Tech Help Events

a hygge themed living room

Create a Hygge Haven

from left to right cozy winter soups such as white bean and sausage soup then onion soup then lemon coriander soup

Soups to Comfort Your Soul

front exterior of home with colorful landscaping

AARP Smart Guide

38 Ways to Boost Home's Curb Appeal

Driver Safety

Maintenance & Safety

Trends & Technology

Tim Edmonson poses for a portrait next to his electric car charging station at his Castle Rock home

Is Now the Time to Buy an Electric Car?

Talk

We Need To Talk

Assess Your Loved One's Driving Skills

AARP

AARP Smart Driver Course

A woman using a tablet inside by a window

Building Resilience in Difficult Times

A close-up view of a stack of rocks

Tips for Finding Your Calm

A woman unpacking her groceries at home

Weight Loss After 50 Challenge

AARP Perfect scam podcast

Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams

Travel stuff on desktop: map, sun glasses, camera, tickets, passport etc.

7 Top Podcasts for Armchair Travelers

jean chatzky smiling in front of city skyline

Jean Chatzky: ‘Closing the Savings Gap’

a woman at home siting at a desk writing

Quick Digest of Today's Top News

A man and woman looking at a guitar in a store

AARP Top Tips for Navigating Life

two women exercising in their living room with their arms raised

Get Moving With Our Workout Series

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Easy Packable Meals for Long Drives

Road trips don't have to mean days of fast food. here, how to fuel your excursion with healthy options..

couple packing a cooler in their car trunk.

A major challenge of road tripping ? What to eat and how to pack it up. (Back-to-back fast-food meals appeal to almost no one over the age of 10.) However, with a little forethought, mealtime on the go can be satisfying and energizing.

Loading the cooler

Image Alt Attribute

AARP Membership

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Flash Sale! Join AARP today for $16 per year. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.

First, a few notes about packing: Generally, you'll want to pack the food that needs to stay coldest (meats, dairy) at the bottom and keep the cooler closed as much as possible. Resist the urge to go in and out for cold drinks and ice up an insulated water bottle instead. It's also worth investing in refreeze-able ice bricks because they stay colder longer than ice and you don't have to deal with melting. Lastly, it's best to keep dish components separate and assemble on site, so nothing gets soggy and wilted.

Creating a portable platter

Eating on the go doesn't have to be lowbrow: One elevated and filling meal that can be eaten for lunch or dinner, and doesn't require much on-site prep or deep refrigeration, is an antipasto plate filled with crudité, dips, charcuterie, cheese, nuts and crackers. It's an easy way to hit all your food groups, too. Keep it healthy by going heavy with veggies like carrots , green beans, radishes or sugar snap peas. (Consider blanching the veggies ahead of time, which keeps them crisp but not totally raw.)

From there, go for a few ounces of different styles of cheese (maybe a white cheddar or Manchego plus something softer like blue or Brie), and add a little high-quality salami or prosciutto (but keep in mind these are the less healthy options on the plate.) And while it's easy enough to buy a tub of a dip, you can also easily make something like your own protein-packed baba ghanoush. Recipes abound online, and the only time-consuming part is broiling or roasting the eggplant before scooping out the flesh and blending it with a few ingredients like lemon and tahini.

Then, load up a few small containers with the fun stuff: Marcona almonds, a fig jam, baguette or crackers, olives and market-made marinated veggies like roasted peppers and artichokes. Pack up a large plastic platter, and once you find a park along your way, you might as well be at your favorite bistro.

membership-card-w-shadow-192x134

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Join AARP today for $16 per year. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

Rotisserie chicken sandwiches, salad-in-a-jar or thermos gazpacho

If it turns out that you'll be doing most of your driving during the day, there are plenty of sandwich options well beyond peanut butter and jelly. Homemade chicken salad tastes even better (and packs more nutrition) when you add  fruit, nuts and fresh herbs . Poaching or roasting chicken isn't hard but using rotisserie chicken is a great no-cook option. Spread it in a croissant and add avocado slices to get more filling, healthy fats. (Keep the avocado whole until you are ready to eat; don't forget to pack a knife.)

AARP® Dental Insurance Plan administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company

Dental insurance plans for members and their families

You can also whip up a quality BLT while on the road. Cook some turkey bacon that morning — it can stay crisp for hours unrefrigerated — and marinate tomatoes the night before you go. (Just sprinkle tomato slices with a splash of red wine vinegar and olive oil and store in a container in the fridge.) Get fresh bread, lettuce and mayo or an avocado and assemble it when you're ready to eat.

Need dinner? Make your time on the road work for you: whip up a salad that gets better the longer in marinates, like an Asian slaw salad that you can toss with pre-pulled rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp and/or cashews before serving. Another creative way to get your greens in is to compose a salad in a jar that you stash in the cooler. These score lots of road-trip friendly points for being easy to store and eat, and the layers keep ingredients fresher and crisper.

two jars with salad and a bowl of vinegar dressing.

You can add what you want — think blue cheese and bacon bits for a take on a Cobb salad, or shrimp and beans for a taco spin — then shake to dress it all up. Pasta salad versions work here, too. Try combining jarred chickpeas with onion and oil and vinegar, then layering it on top of spiraled pasta, a handful of arugula and a couple tablespoons each of olives and feta. Mix it up and dig in!

Lastly, consider a light lunch or dinner of drinkable soup like gazpacho. The recipe below is tasty, fresh and stores well in an insulated travel cup.

Sippin’ Green Gazpacho

Yield: 6 cups

Ingredients

2 pounds English hothouse cucumbers (about 2 large), chopped

2 garlic cloves, smashed

2 cups coarsely chopped arugula

2 cups coarsely chopped mixed tender herbs (such as basil, parsley, cilantro and/or mint)

3 tablespoons (or more) sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar

Kosher salt

3/4 cup (or more) olive oil

Instructions

1. Purée cucumbers, garlic and 1/2 cup water in a blender until smooth.

2. Add arugula, herbs, vinegar and a large pinch of salt and purée, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed, until very smooth.

3. With the motor running, slowly stream in oil; blend until emulsified. (The mixture will turn pale green and look creamy, almost like a salad dressing; add more oil and/or water if needed.)

4. Taste gazpacho and season with more salt and vinegar, as desired. You want it to be borderline too salty and acidic at room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container. Cover and chill until very cold, 4 — 12 hours. 

5. Pour into chilled glasses.

More on health

man drinking smoothie that he has just made in a blender

5 Healthy Ideas for Your Next Snack

healthy diabetes snack on tray next to a gluclose meter

Snacking Strategies for People with Diabetes

appetizers of grilled shrimp atop a cucumber slice and guacamole

'Biggest Loser' Chef Shares 4 of Her "Hottest" Grilling Recipes

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Already a Member? Login

AARP VALUE &

MEMBER BENEFITS

scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon strips, sausage links, hash browns, 4 pieces of white bread toast

Denny's

15% off dine-in and pickup orders

A happy couple in white summer clothing on vacation walks along a wooden pier over tropical, turquoise ocean in the Maldives, Indian Ocean

AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Vacation Packages

$50 gift card of your choice when booking any flight package

man sitting on couch looking at woman sitting on floor in living room during day time

ADT™ Home Security

Savings on monthly home security monitoring

couple on couch looking at tablet

AARP® Staying Sharp®

Activities, recipes, challenges and more with full access to AARP Staying Sharp®

SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS

packed for life logo

50+ Easy, Healthy Road Trip Snack Recipes: Road Trip Foods

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

Planning a road trip? It’s important to keep up your energy, and avoid the lows of sugar crashes by bringing along some easy to pack road trip foods and snacks. We’ve rounded up the best healthy road trip snack recipes to make your trip planning a breeze. 

From energy balls and granola bars, to cookies, muffins, salty mixes, and heartier savoury snack foods we’ve got it all. Making our own road trip snacks are a family tradition for all our road trips. These are all kid and adult approved travel snacks.

Satisfy all your travel companions cravings (and your own). A lot of these homemade road trip snack recipes also have gluten free, vegan, or low carb options . So no matter what your dietary requirements are, there’s something specially for you.

Are you ready for some quick, healthy road trip snacks to make? Grab your car cooler and Let’s go!

Table of Contents

How to Eat Healthy on Road Trips

First things first is to plan out your travel snacks and meals.

The times we’ve not prepped ahead, inevitably we’d end up starving in the middle of nowhere, with only a gas station for food. And end up feeling low energy or tired afterward.

Bring a cooler and shop at your local market / grocery store.

When driving long distance you should bring and eat a combination of proteins, fats, fibre, textures and tastes . As well as nutrient dense whole foods to curb your cravings, and satisfy your hunger.

Delicious and healthy homemade road trip snacks will help make sure you and your family stay nourished and energized.  Use our free Road trip templates to make things easier.

Some of the best road trip snacks include:

  • Granola Bars
  • Energy Balls / Energy Bites
  • Sweet and Savoury Muffins
  • Salty or sweet  crunchy snacks: Roasted Chickpeas, Kale Chips, Dried Fruit
  • Dips / Spreads & Veggies, Crackers or Pretzels
  • Veggie Fritters
  • Fresh Spring Rolls
  • Chicken Kabobs or Poppers

quick travel food

Easy, Healthy Road Trip Snack Recipes

Prepping your road trip snacks, and meals is just as important as finding a great deal on your car rental , and booking your accommodations.

We’ve gathered easy & tasty recipes together to make this easier for you.

Homemade Road Trip Snacks 

While it may take a bit of extra time, bringing homemade road trip snacks can save you time, and money on your journey with family or friends.

We’ve broken these DIY road trip snacks into the following categories:

  • Energy Balls / Bites  and Protein Bites Recipes

Healthy Snack Bar Recipes

  • Healthy Cookie Recipes
  • Sweet and Salty Road Trip Snack Recipes
  • Dried Fruit and Veggie Chips
  • Roasted Chickpea Recipes
  • Road Trip Muffin Recipes – Sweet and Savoury
  • Granola and Overnight Oats Recipes
  • Savoury Make Ahead Road Trip Snacks

We’ve rounded up some delicious, healthy and easy to make recipes for you to try. Let us know which ones are your favourites!

Please note : All the photos you see in this post belong to the website / bloggers the recipes are from.

Grab your Free Road Trip & Meal Planner HERE :

Free Road Trip Planner fanned over paved road through barren hills and sunset

More road trip snack ideas here.

Quick Road Trip Snack Recipes: Energy Balls, Energy Bites, Protein Bites

Whether you call them energy balls, bites, bliss balls or protein bites , they all have something in common.  They are super quick and easy to make, nutritious and versatile enough to fit all your travel companions road trip snack preferences and dietary needs. 

Plus they are no-bake and can be made in under 15 minutes. 

Sweet, salty, protein filled bites of goodness, these one bite wonders are easy to pack and store in your cooler. The perfect quick road trip snack recipes for busy parents.

quick travel food

1. Coconut Date Balls | Healy Eats Real

Easy No Bake Coconut Date Balls have only three ingredients, and are a naturally sweet paleo and vegan snack. Crunchy coconut taste on the outside combined with creamy, soft inside = bliss in one bite. Plus no nuts!

Road Trip Snack Ideas Balls of dried fruit Ladoo on a plate.

2. Dried Fruits Ladoo – Easy Energy Balls | Dassana’s Veg Recipes

Dry Fruits Laddu is an easy, nutritious recipe of energy balls that are healthy and tasty. Packed with nutrients, good fats and fibre, these energy balls are made with dates, figs and various nuts. An ideal long road trip snack.

quick travel food

3. Lemon Coconut Chia Balls | Cathy’s Gluten Free

Lemon Coconut Chia balls are a refreshing and sweet snack. With only 5 nutrient packed ingredients, they are easy to make and bring along for the day.

If you want a little more protein, check out this similar recipe for Coconut Protein Balls

quick travel food

4. Pumpkin Energy Balls | Plant Powered Cooking

Looking for a unique energy ball recipe? You’ve found it. Pumpkin Energy balls are made with inexpensive chickpeas, lots of spices, and are gently sweetened with dates. Pumpkin pie in  hand held form.

quick travel food

5. Pistachio Energy Balls | Hoorah to Health

Pistachio energy balls are great for road trips, as they don’t need to be refrigerated and provide a nice energy boost so your travelers don’t get too cranky!

10 different road trip snacks; energy balls, cookies, overnight oats, pretzels, corn fritters, roasted chickpeas and granola bars. Text overlay  50+ Easy to amke recipes. Road trip snacks kids and adults will love.

6. Low Carb Peanut Butter Balls | Cassidy’s Craveable Creations

Looking for an alternative to eating cookie dough straight from the bowl? This recipe has got you covered. These sweet, peanut butter cookie dough flavoured balls will satisfy your cravings and hunger. 

quick travel food

7. Salted Caramel Bliss Balls | It’s Not Complicated

With just 5 ingredients, these delicious Salted Caramel Bliss Balls are so easy to make. A perfectly healthy sweet road trip snack or treat, they are vegan, gluten and refined sugar free.

quick travel food

8. Vanilla Coconut Bliss Balls | My Plantiful Cooking

Vanilla coconut bliss balls are a wonderful, healthy sweet treat to have on hand. Naturally sweetened with dates, they are perfect for a midday pick-me-up after a long hike or drive.

🚙 You may also like Simple Ways to Save Money on Road Trips

quick travel food

9. Apple Pie Oat Bliss Balls | Kidgredients

Yummy and portable, these apple pie bliss balls are the perfect road trip snack. Plus they are super kid-friendly, nut free, and no bake. When you are craving the apple pie taste, without all the work, or mess on the road, these will satisfy.

These healthy snack bar recipes are easy to make, with minimal ingredients, so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, than preparing for it. Add these to your list of healthy snacks for road trips.

quick travel food

10. Low Carb Granola Bars | Wholesome Yum

These homemade Kind Bar copycats are the easiest low carb, gluten-free, sugar-free granola bars you can make at home. Plus they take only about 10 minutes to make, so you are ready to head out on your adventures in no time at all.

quick travel food

11. Coconut Candy Bars | A Sweet Alternative

If you are looking for an alternative to store bought chocolate bars, and love coconut, then you have found the right recipe!

These coconut candy bars are refined sugar free (sweetened with maple syrup, YES!) and made from simple, nutritious ingredients. They’re easy to make and so satisfying. 

quick travel food

12. Homemade Protein Bars  | Masala Herb

Homemade protein bars without protein powder are enriched with nuts and dried fruits. Know what’s in your protein bars!

quick travel food

13. Vegan Raspberry Rhubarb Bars | By The Forkful

Raspberry Rhubarb Bars are my dream breakfast snack on the go. Quick and easy to make, portable, and filled with fresh summery fruit. What more would you want?

quick travel food

14. No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars  | Vegan Huggs

Five ingredients + fifteen minutes  = No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars. A cross between a Rice Krispie treat and Nutty Buddy bars this portable snack is perfect for indulging any time of day.

🎒 Check out this Road Trip Packing List & tips too

quick travel food

15. Healthy Carrot Cake Protein Bars | Any Reasons Vegan

Carrot Cake Protein Bars are a perfect road trip snack made of carrots, dates and pistachios, a no bake dream. These nutritious bars are full of protein, vitamins and iron, but shhhhhh don’t tell the kids they’re healthy.

quick travel food

16. Peanut Butter, Banana Oatmeal Bars | My Plantiful Cooking

Peanut Butter, Banana, Oatmeal Bars have only three ingredients, are vegan and a wonderful on the go snack. Whether you are looking for breakfast to go, or a snack mid day these chewy moist bars will satisfy.

quick travel food

17. Two Ingredient Nutella Brownies  | Momma Lew

Two ingredient fudgy, rich nutella brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth. Cooked in a muffin tin, they are easy to transport wherever you travel. Sometimes you just need to indulge a little.

quick travel food

18. Homemade Granola Bars | Ottawa Mommy Club

Homemade granola bar recipe is slightly different as it does not contain any oats. It is also a great snack for when you are hungry, but want an alternative to store bought bars.

quick travel food

19. Oat and Honey Granola Bars | Healthy Life Trainer

Chewy No-bake Oat and Honey Granola Bars are quick and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes. They are loaded with wholesome ingredients such as oats, almond, honey, butter, and cranberries.

Homemade Road Trip Snacks – Cookies

Cookies! Now who can resist a delicious cookie especially homemade ones. They are portable, easy to make and pack, and can be full of nutritious and delicious add ins, so are ideal for road trips.

quick travel food

20. Anzac Biscuits | Mama Loves To Cook

Tap into a  tradition from Australia and New Zealand with some buttery, caramel flavoured Anzac Biscuits. These coconut oat cookies are quick and easy to make, travel well and last for ages.

quick travel food

21. Best Road Trip Breakfast Cookies | Boulder Locavore

The name says it all, but don’t be fooled by the title. You don’t have to be on a road trip or only eat them for breakfast. As the name suggests they are a great source of nutrition in a few bites without a crazy amount of sugar and processed ingredients. They pack a great amount of protein, fiber and essential fats into their two-bite form as well.

Two round Besan Ladoo cookies topped with nuts.

22. Besan Ladoo – Chickpea Flour Sweet Cookies | So Yummy Recipes

Make these chickpea flour  sweet treat balls for your next trip and enjoy them as your scrumptious sweets that offer an energy and protein boost.

quick travel food

23. Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookies | Just As Tasty

Combining two of my favourite things into one is heavenly. Carrot Cake Breakfast cookies are soft, bursting with flavour, and can be eaten as a snack any time of the day.

quick travel food

24. Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies | Living Healthy With Chocolate

Amazing flourless,  gooey and  soft cookies, filled with chocolate chips that are super easy to make (and eat). This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo with Keto and Vegan options.

Road Trip Snack Ideas – Sweet and Salty Recipes

If you are looking for healthier, homemade road trip snack ideas to replace the frequent stops at gas stations, and grabbing a bag of chips and pop, then this section is for you. 

Trail mix is a must bring travel snack for all our road trips, camping trips and adventures. Kids love it when you add a bit of smarties & gummy bears.

quick travel food

25. Smoky Trail Mix | Boulder Locavore

Snackers unite! Trail Mix is a perfect snack when on the go or for traveling. This version takes it up a flavor notch with smoked almonds as the central ingredient. The mix to sweet, salty and crunchy can’t be beat. If not a lover of the smoky almonds, regular almonds may be substituted.

quick travel food

26. Sweet and Salty Trail Mix | Neighbor Food

Curb your crunch craving with this sweet and salty trail mix. The beauty of homemade trail mix is you can mix and match your favourite nuts, seeds, dried fruits and extras to your liking.

quick travel food

27. Instant Pot Popcorn | Nourish Plate

This recipe just blew my mind. Popcorn in an instant pot is a brilliant idea. Cheap, easy to make, popcorn travels well and is a tasty snack, with many seasoning choices to try.

quick travel food

28. 3 Ingredient Popcorn Balls | Crave The Good

Delicious 3 ingredient popcorn balls are a sweet addition to your day. Technically the base recipe is 2 main ingredients, with customizable options. Popcorn + Honey + Seasonings = endless options for hand held snacks.

quick travel food

29. 5 Minute Cheese Snack Mix | Recipes From A Pantry

Need a quick last minute snack before heading out on your road trip? This 5 minute cheese snack mix will save the day. Plus it can also be used as last minute snacks for guests, holiday gifts, potlucks, so it’s a good one to keep in your back pocket. 

quick travel food

30. Snickerdoodle Muddy Buddies | The Short Order Cook

Chex sweet treat meets Snickerdoodle taste equals an addictive road trip snack. Plus it’s no bake, which is a bonus for prepping in the summer months.

quick travel food

31. Seasoned Ranch Pretzels  | Budget Delicious

Nothing says road trips more than a pack of pretzels. Take your snacking up a notch with ranch seasoned pretzels. If you aren’t a fan of ranch, not to worry there are many other variations you can try as well.

quick travel food

32. Slow Cooker Candied Nuts | Casserole Chrissy

Poppable, sweet and crunchy, these candied nuts make the perfect on-the-go snack, any time of year.  You can choose any combination of nuts that you like for a unique blend each time.

Need road trip ideas? Check out this One Day in Zion National Park or this 4 Day Itinerary in Acadia National Park , both are family friendly .

Easy Road Trip Snack Recipes: Dried Fruit & Veggie Chips

One of the simplest, whole food ways to prepare foods is by dehydrating. Dried fruit and veggie snacks make for some delicious crunchy, sweet and salty road trip snack ideas.

quick travel food

33. Easy Homemade Fruit Rollups | Amanda’s Cookin’

Plum fruit rollups have just 3 ingredients and are a fun and healthy snack that the whole family will love. Plus they’re easy to pack and carry around for all your family vacations.

quick travel food

34. Crispy Air Fryer Apple Chips | Recipes From A Pantry

Addictive, crunchy and healthy,  cinnamon apple chips are the next best thing to add to your road trip snack list. Using an air fryer cuts down dehydrating time to a fraction of what you need for the oven so makes this snack even easier.

quick travel food

35. Chewy Dried Bananas | Healthy Green Savy

Sometimes you just want something a little sweet with a chewier texture. Dried bananas do just this. It’s a great way to use up those fast ripening bananas on your counter, and have an easy road trip snack to bring with you. 

quick travel food

36. Dried Mango  | Masala Herb

Dehydrated mangoes can turn into a food obsession. They are super good and ridiculously easy to make from scratch.

quick travel food

37. Dehydrated Pears | Emily Fabulous

Dehydrated pears are so easy to make and are a healthy snack, that’s perfect for kids, adults anytime, anywhere. 

quick travel food

38. Oven Baked Beet Chips | Pink Fortitude

Crispy, curled beet chips, are a slightly sweet and salty chip alternative, that adds a little colour to your palate. Plus beets are high in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, protein, folate, and manganese, so you’re getting your vitamins and satisfying your crunchy salty tooth.

39. Baked Kale Chips | Healthy Green Savy

Kale chips are a delicious new fad, that I hope doesn’t go outta style. Kale chips are a great way to get your kids, or partners in to travel to eat more veggies. Easy to make and very addictive, they help curb your  salty-crunchy cravings. The only problem is trying not to eat them all right away. They may not make it into your car for the road trip.

Roasted Chickpea Snacks 

Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy, salty alternative to too many potato chips on the road. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my salt n’ vinegar chips, but sometimes  you need something a little heartier that packs a protein punch.

Not to mention roasted chickpea snacks are vegan, full of fibre, iron and folate. 

quick travel food

40. Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas | Little Sunny Kitchen

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are spicy, crunchy, and packed with plant protein.  Using an Air Fryer makes sure that every single chickpea is perfectly crunchy.

41. Curried Air Fryer Chickpeas | That Girl Cooks Healthy

This easy to make recipe is packed with protein and flavour from herbs and spices. Plus they are easy to make in large batches, right in your air-fryer. The hard part will be not eating them all before you pack them away for your road trip.

42. Healthy Roasted Chickpeas with Seasonings | Amy Gorin Nutrition

If you don’t have an air fryer try this general roasted chickpea recipe  with over 10 seasoning options. Packed with all the tips you’ll need on how to make a grab-and-go chickpea snack that keeps it’s crunchy texture. 

Healthy Snacks for Road Trips: Muffin Recipes

I have a confession to make. Muffins are not my favourite. There I said it, don’t judge me too harshly. Mostly because I find commercially they are made too sweet, and taste more like cake. 

But muffins are super handy to have on hand for long (or short road trips), especially with kids. Which is why I often tend to make and pack savoury muffins or lean towards recipes that use alternatives to white sugar. 

We’ve rounded up some yummy, healthier road trip ideas with these muffin recipes to expand your snack offerings. My favourite “sweet” recipe is below:

43. Packed for Life’s Kid Favourite Muffin Recipe – The Best Banana Muffin Recipe

This is my favourite muffin recipe by Chocolate Covered Katie. I make it 2-3 times a month, and everyone I’ve fed them to have loved them.  So if you are looking for an easy recipe, you can’t go wrong with this one. 

Sweetened only with ripe bananas, easy to make, they are kid-friendly and delicious. To make them gluten-free I use GF oat flour, plus add my own spin by adding  ½ tsp to 1 tsp each of ground cinnamon, and  ginger and about  ¼ tsp of ground cardamom. 

I am excited to add some of these next sweet and savoury muffin recipes below to my regular muffin rotation.

Savoury Road Trip Muffin Recipes

quick travel food

44. Broccoli and Cheese Breakfast Muffins | End Of The Fork

Savoury muffins filled with broccoli and cheesy goodness. These muffins are delicious warmed up at breakfast time or for an on-the go road trip snack. Light, fluffy, fits in your hand and so easy to make, your kids can help you.  

quick travel food

45. Greek Breakfast Egg Muffin | Always Use Butter

Not just for breakfast, these greek egg muffins are packed with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and black olives. Savoury goodness in a couple of bites, to fill your belly on the road.

quick travel food

46. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls | Crave The Good

Ok, so these are not technically a muffin, but air fryer pizza rolls would be soooooo good for a road trip snack, or an afternoon snack, or breakfast, or anytime really. Stretch, gooey mozzarella cheese, and delicious tomato sauce wrapped in pizza dough cooked to perfection in an air fryer, can’t be beat.

Road Trip Snack Ideas: Sweet Muffin Recipes

quick travel food

47. Peanut Butter Banana Muffins | Wholesome Family Living

Peanut Butter and Banana muffins are versatile, packed with protein, and are delicious any time of day. Plus this recipe makes a big batch, so whether you’re road tripping with hungry kids or friends, there will be more than enough to share.

quick travel food

48. Vegan Blueberry Lemon Muffins | Get Set Vegan

Not just for vegans! These Blueberry Lemon Muffins combine the best things, fresh berries and lemon for a moist, delicious portable snack.

quick travel food

49. Banana Pear Muffins  | Mrs. Jones’s Kitchen

Banana Pear Muffins will be  well loved by the kids in your life, big and small. With no added sugar, they are  naturally sweetened with banana and pear, and travel really well.

Healthy Road Trip Snacks: Granola & Overnight Oats Recipes

quick travel food

50. Cocoa Fig Granola | Healy Eats Real

Cocoa Fig homemade granola is a flavour explosion filled with crunchy clusters of chocolatey goodness.  Sugar free, paleo and vegan,  pack this granola snack for the road and don’t look back. It’s ok if you don’t want to share.

quick travel food

51. Cinnamon Vanilla Granola | Brooklyn Active Mama

Cinnamon Vanilla Granola is so full of dried cranberries, chia, flax seeds, nuts, and yummy goodness, this will quickly become your favourite on the go snack.

quick travel food

52. Chunky Peanut Butter Banana Protein Granola | My Plantiful Cooking

Peanut Butter and Banana is such a classic taste combo.This high protein granola is chunky, crispy & utterly delicious. Happens to also  be naturally vegan & gluten-free. A portable snack to have on hand. Grab a handful whenever you are feeling snacky.

quick travel food

53. Dark Chocolate Cherry Granola | Aspen On Main

Chocolate and cherry are such a classic taste combination, that this granola is sure to please even the crankiest of road trip companions. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and includes other healthy ingredients like oats and flax seed, making it a great on the go snack with or without yogurt.

quick travel food

54. Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats | Plant Powered Cooking

These banana cinnamon overnight oats are a  well-balanced, easy to pack and eat  breakfast that tastes like banana bread!

What I love about overnight oats are: 

  • They are easy to make even while on the road, as long as you have a few simple ingredients and a container. 
  • Versatile – don’t like bananas, switch them out for applesauce, or berries.
  • Can be eaten any time of day, not just for breakfast.
  • One of the best road trip snacks for kids as they can combine good fats, proteins, and other nutrients.

Road Trip Foods: Savoury Make Ahead Road Trip Snack Recipes

Sometimes you just want something a little more substantial than an energy bite, or a handful of trail mix. Take a look at these delicious, savoury make ahead road trip snack receipes. Easy to grab and eat as snacks on your next adventures.

quick travel food

55. Chicken Seekh Kabob | So Yummy Recipes

These succulent chicken seekh kebabs are delicious to have as they are. But you can have them rolled in tortilla wraps, naan bread, flatbread or just in hot dog buns. Making them easy to take with you for a quick snack or meal on the road.

quick travel food

56. Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken | Budget Delicious

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is the perfect recipe for making an appetizer or a road trip snack that will be well  loved by the whole family. 

quick travel food

57. Cheesy Smashed Chickpea Spread | Veeg

Looking for a protein packed, delicious spread to dip your veggies, pretzels, or crackers on the road? This cheesy smashed chickpea spread is just the ticket and it’s kid approved. 

quick travel food

58. Fresh Vegan Spring Rolls | Happy Kitchen

Fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce are a family favourite while being a healthy mess-free portable snack. Mix and match your favourite veggies, add in some tofu or tempeh if desired roll em’ up and away you go. 

If you are wanting a non-vegan version we usually add cooked prawns/shrimp to ours.  

quick travel food

59. Vegan Zucchini Corn Fritters | Happy Kitchen

Crispy, delicious and full of veggies such as zucchini and corn, these fritters are a perfect addition to your family road trip snack list.

quick travel food

60. Vegan Pinwheels | Get Set Vegan

If you are trying to avoid dairy, or just want to expand your recipe horizons, these vegan pinwheels are a great addition to your road trip. Full of beans, beets, avocado and veggies, these pinwheels  will provide a delicious on the go snack or lunch.

Six free road trip planner pages fanned out over colored background. Awesome road trips await. Never eat bad gas station food again. Check off all your bucket list goals. Be prepared so you can focus on what's important - having fun!. Grab it heree.

Conclusion: Road Trip Foods: 50+ Easy, Healthy Road Trip Snack Recipes

Whether you are heading out for a day trip or an epic week long family road trip up Vancouver Island, there are 50+ easy, healthy road trip snack recipes to inspire your vacation planning and taste buds.

Enjoy the journey while munching on these scrumptious yet nutritious bites that’ll keep your energy levels high and your taste buds satisfied.

So, buckle up, hit the road, and let these wholesome goodies fuel your wanderlust. Don’t forget to bring a cooler, and share your favorites with friends and fellow travelers. Because great snacks and epic road trips are always better together!

Happy snacking, explorers!

What’s your favourite road trip snack recipe? Let us know in the comments below, or connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you.

ROAD TRIP IDEAS & RESOURCES

Here are our favourite resources we use to research and book our trips. They offer competitive deals, and good customer service. Plus itineraries and more travel ideas for Acadia area: Bryce Canyon in One Day Tips for Zion National Park with Kids Road Trip Meals Ideas Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Boston to Acadia: New England Road Trip —- 150 Car Conversation starters to beat boredom Essential road trip packing list Easy Toddler & Kid Road Trip Activities Simple ways to have a budget road trip RV Travel gift ideas Booking.com – Book your accomodations here. Excellent booking site for lowest lodging rates. VRBO – Book family friendly accommodations here, but no cleaning! Viator – Find & book even more experiences, tours & lessons world wide. Discover Cars – Make finding the cheapest or best car for your trip easy (worldwide) Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – Find cheaper flights Anything else? Check out our Family Travel Resources & Tips page

Packed for Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca.

' src=

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

Similar Posts

75 Best Road Trip Breakfast Ideas & Recipes (2024)

75 Best Road Trip Breakfast Ideas & Recipes (2024)

Looking for the best road trip breakfast ideas? We’ve got…

10 Tasty Dutch Oven Camping Recipes for Breakfast You’ll Love

10 Tasty Dutch Oven Camping Recipes for Breakfast You’ll Love

Looking for delicious Dutch Oven Breakfast Recipes for camping? We…

105+ Easy Road Trip Meals  & Snacks: Best Road Trip Food

105+ Easy Road Trip Meals & Snacks: Best Road Trip Food

Road trips are exciting adventures to take with your friends,…

Easy No Cook No Refrigeration Meals for Your Next Campout

Easy No Cook No Refrigeration Meals for Your Next Campout

If you’re heading to the great outdoors, these easy no…

75+ Easy Road Trip Snacks: Road Trip Food List

75+ Easy Road Trip Snacks: Road Trip Food List

Road trips are fantastic adventures to take with friends, family…

50+ Stress-Free & Easy Camping Meals for Kids (+Recipes)

50+ Stress-Free & Easy Camping Meals for Kids (+Recipes)

It’s camping season! Get ready to pull out your gear…

One Comment

Thanks for some tasty options! I am really looking forward to being able to travel again one of these days! Pinning for later 🙂

Comments are closed.

Privacy Overview

Sharing is caring.

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!

25 Best Travel Snacks For Your Next Trip

These picks are approved by our registered dietitians and taste testers for your next adventure.

best travel snacks

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Grass Fed Original Beef Jerky Snack Sticks

CHOMPS Grass Fed Original Beef Jerky Snack Sticks

Blueberry Walnut Superfood Oatmeal

Purely Elizabeth Blueberry Walnut Superfood Oatmeal

Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs

Justin's Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs

Double Filled Energy Balls (6 Pack)

Frooze Balls Double Filled Energy Balls (6 Pack)

Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn (24 Pack)

LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn (24 Pack)

Probiotic Prunes (4 Pack)

Mariani Probiotic Prunes (4 Pack)

Protein Bar Variety Pack (12 Pack)

UNiTE Protein Bar Variety Pack (12 Pack)

Breakfast Biscuits, Cinnamon Sugar (30 Count)

Sweet Loren's Breakfast Biscuits, Cinnamon Sugar (30 Count)

Baked Cheese Bites (12 Pack)

Whisps Baked Cheese Bites (12 Pack)

Pop Mmms (3 Pack)

Simple Mills Pop Mmms (3 Pack)

Ideal snacks for travel include ones that will keep in your backpack, purse or carry-on without melting or falling apart. If you're traveling by plane, you'll want to make sure the snacks are TSA-compliant , so no liquid or gel food items over 3.4 ounces. Most importantly, the best snacks should have a combination of protein and fiber to keep you fueled and satisfied. Try to aim for about four grams each of protein and fiber, and keep added sugar to a minimum (under eight grams is ideal per snack, which is the equivalent of two teaspoons). Always prioritize fresh produce when possible, since they offer a great combination of fiber and antioxidants to keep you feeling your best during your travels.

Fruits and vegetables also are packed with water, a smart way to stay hydrated during your trip. Hydration in general is the key to savvy travel — especially for long plane rides, so don't forget to bring an empty water bottle with you to fill after you go through security at the airport. Since the altitude is dehydrating, and turbulence/delays can make beverage service unpredictable, it’s worth the investment to buy a second, unsweetened drink at the airport. Pair that with these nutrient-dense snacks and you'll be sure to have a great vacation.

Made from sustainably sourced proteins, these convenient jerky sticks are a notch above from what you'll find at a traditional convenience store en route to your travel destination. The beef and venison varieties are 100% grass-fed and finished, and turkey options are free-range. Every CHOMPS option is hormone-free, antibiotic-free and has lower sodium counts than other options on the market.

Per serving (one stick): 90 calories, 6g total fat, 2.5g sat fat, 25mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 0g total carb, 0g fiber, 0g total sugars, 9g protein

Oats are an easy base for when you're at a hotel or during any travel experience. Ones that come in a convenient cup like this from Purely Elizabeth just require a bit of hot water that you can ask for on the airplane. While oats can be a great source of fiber and whole grains, flavored varieties tend to be very high in added sugar and void of any protein. That's why these cups are a top pick for us since they only have six grams of added sugar and pack in nine grams of protein from collagen, creating a well-balanced choice.

Per serving (one container): 230 calories, 5g total fat, 0.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 37g total carb, 5g fiber, 9g total sugars, 6g added sugars, 9g protein

Nut or seed butter packs offer a great dose of healthy fats and you can add them to crackers, cereal, oatmeal, fruit or other snacks you've packed (or simply enjoy them on their own). Bonus: Packs smaller than 3 ounces, like these ones, get the thumbs-up from TSA . They even pack in seven grams of protein too.

Per serving (one pack): 210 calories, 18g total fat, 3.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 6g total carb, 1g fiber, 2g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 7g protein

These energy balls are the perfect bite to stash in your purse or backpack for your trip. Made from dates, nuts and fruit, each bite has two freshly made fillings inside and is seriously satisfying. Flavors include caramel chocolate peanut butter, chocolate hazelnut, dulce de leche, lemon, peanut butter and jelly, raspberry dark chocolate and triple chocolate fudge. The tiny packs are great for travel.

Per serving (two balls, peanut butter and jelly): 126 calories, 6g total fat, 2g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 16g total carb, 2g fiber, 12g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 3g protein

Popcorn is a great volume-rich snack, meaning you can eat quite a bit of it for very little calories. It is also considered a whole grain and good source of fiber. Skip the movie theatre popcorn dripping in butter, and opt for air-popped or lightly oil-popped varieties. The convenient mini bags from LesserEvil are great to stash in your carry-on and are made with organic extra-virgin coconut oil.

Per serving (one bag): 50 calories, 3g total fat, 2.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 7g total carb, 2g fiber, 0g total sugars, <1g protein

Between lengthy travel plans and a new environment, keeping things regular can be a challenge. That's why our dietitians suggest having some prunes on hand during any trip. Prunes have a slew of health benefits , and research suggests that prunes are as effective as over-the-counter products to help with constipation. We especially love these prunes from Mariani that add in probiotics for additional gut health and immune support to keep you healthy during your trip and beyond.

Per serving (five to six prunes): 100 calories, 0g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 26g total carb, 3g fiber, 16g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

Protein bars can make for an easy travel snack, but not all of them are created equal (some mimic the nutrition facts of a candy bar more than anything else). We like these gluten-free bars from UNiTE that are nutrient-dense and made with dates, nut butters and whey protein. The churro flavor was a tester favorite and packs in 10 grams of protein and five grams of fiber at under 200 calories.

Per serving (one bar, churro): 190 calories, 9g total fat, 1g sat fat, 35mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 19g carb, 5g fiber, 9g total sugars, 7g added sugars, 11g protein

We can't get enough of these sweet breakfasts biscuits that come in convenient packets of three and are made with better ingredients than others on the market. One serving makes for a light breakfast on-the-go or a layover snack, and is packed with 19 grams of whole grains, 4 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and five B vitamins. Plus, the biscuits are gluten-free and come in blueberry, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate flavors.

Per serving (one pack): 200 calories, 8g total fat, 3g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 32g carb, 3g fiber, 11g total sugars, 11g added sugars, 4g protein

Bringing perishable foods like yogurts and cheese sticks might not be possible during your travels, but you'll get the best of both worlds with these baked cheese bites from Whisps that are shelf-stable. Whisps first ingredient is protein-packed cheese and each bite is super crispy and satisfying with a whopping 13 grams of protein per serving. They come in a few fun flavors as well and were a family-friendly hit in taste tests.

Per serving (23 crisps, parmesan): 150 calories, 10g total fat, 7g sat fat, 30mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 1g carb, 0g fiber, 0g total sugars, 13g protein

Looking for something to crunch on mid-flight? These bite-sized popped crackers are baked and made with 1/3 cup of vegetables per serving like organic butternut squash. They have a cheesy flavor and are light and airy. Throw some in a handy reusable snack bag that you can refill all trip long.

Per serving (44 crackers): 140 calories, 5g total fat, 1g sat fat, 5mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 21g carb, 1g fiber, 1g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 2g protein

Natural Delights Medjool Date Strips with Tajin

Medjool Date Strips with Tajin

Who knew that fresh Medjool dates and Tajin chili lime seasoning would pair so well together? This snack offers a unique flavor profile for sweet and spicy lovers, and the simple ingredient list is one to rave about. "Loved the spicy flavor. A flavorful snack and good for on the go," one tester said.

Per serving (one pouch, six pieces): 100 calories, 0.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 22g carb, 3g fiber, 19g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

Prevail. Grass Fed Beef Jerky (4 Pack)

Grass Fed Beef Jerky (4 Pack)

Our dietitians are fans of this jerky from Prevail since it is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef jerky and is free from fillers and additives. Taste testers appreciated its tender texture and balanced flavor since it is cherrywood smoked and seasoned with organic spices. Most importantly, it has lower sodium and sugar counts than competitors, so you won't get bogged down on your trip. And with 12 grams of protein per serving, it's perfect to keep you fueled on those long rides in the car.

Per serving (one ounce, original): 70 calories, 1.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 30mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 5g total carb, 0g fiber, 4g total sugars, 12g protein

Jackson's Sweet Potato Chips (15 Pack)

Sweet Potato Chips (15 Pack)

A top performer in our potato chips taste test , these sweet potato chips from Jackson's come in perfectly sized snack packs for travel. They are made with premium avocado oil and cooked low and slow to maintain the stability and integrity of the oil's healthy fats. The brand uses non-GMO heirloom sweet potatoes , and while the sea salt is the healthiest options, the flavored choices are truly delicious.

Per serving (one ounce): 150 calories, 9g total fat, 1g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 16g total carb, 2g fiber, 3g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

Junkless Chewy Granola Bars, Chocolate Chip (24 Bars)

Chewy Granola Bars, Chocolate Chip (24 Bars)

An upgraded version of your favorite chewy granola bar, this snack is actually significantly lower in sugar than other brands and is free from high-fructose corn syrup or sugar alcohols. Made from simple ingredients, we love the soft and chewy texture of the bar and that it has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. "Nice and chewy with just the right amount of chocolate chips to peanut butter," one taste tester said.

Per serving (one bar): 130 calories, 3.5g total fat, 0.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 22g total carb, 2g fiber, 5g total sugars, 3g protein

Biena Roasted Chickpea Snacks, Sea Salt (10 Pack)

Roasted Chickpea Snacks, Sea Salt (10 Pack)

Crispy chickpeas are the perfect protein-packed snack to keep in your carry-on that won't crumble or fall apart. Of course you can make them on your own , but a pre-made pack like this is extra convenient for travel. We love that each portable pouch offers a filling combination of eight grams of both fiber and protein per serving.

Per serving (one pouch): 140 calories, 3.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 20g total carb, 8g fiber, 1g total sugars, 8g protein

Sweet Nothings Nut Butter Bites (6 Pack)

Nut Butter Bites (6 Pack)

Wholesome and delicious, these disc-shaped, organic bites feature a chewy outer shell of dates, oats and flaxseed wrapped around a nut butter filling with all-organic, no-added-sugar ingredients. Free from gums, stabilizers, preservatives or artificial flavors, each package offers up to four grams of plant-based protein. The bite size treat is perfect for tiding you over at the end of your flight.

Per serving (one package, oatmeal raisin): 145 calories, 5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 23g total carb, 3.5g fiber, 15g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 4g protein

Siete Grain-Free Mexican Shortbread Cookies

Grain-Free Mexican Shortbread Cookies

Skip the oversized cookies at the airport and pack a few of these seriously delicious Mexican Shortbread cookies from Siete. Made with a lightly sweetened blend of almond flour and pecan pieces with a dash of cinnamon, testers couldn't believe that each cookie only has one gram of sugar. The grain-free treat has a crispy texture and won't fall apart in transit either.

Per serving (five cookies): 150 calories, 9g total fat, 5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 17g total carb, 1g fiber, 5g total sugars, 5g added sugars, 1g protein

Second Nature Antioxidant+ Protein Smart Snack Mix (12 Pack)

Antioxidant+ Protein Smart Snack Mix (12 Pack)

Trail mix is a favorite travel snack since it always keeps well and is also resistant to crumbling in your bag. These portion-controlled packets from Second Nature are great for stashing for a road trip or flight. We especially love the flavor combination in the antioxidant mix, and the filling fiber and protein makes this a smart choice. Plus, it doesn't have any chocolate chips like many other mixes which may melt in your bag in transit.

Per serving (one package): 250 calories, 17g total fat, 2.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 21g total carb, 4g fiber, 13g total sugars, 5g added sugars, 8g protein

RIND Snacks Straw-Peary Skin-On Dried Fruit (3 Pack)

Straw-Peary Skin-On Dried Fruit (3 Pack)

This chewy whole fruit medley is packed with dried strawberries bursting with jammy flavor, bosc pears and sweet fuji apples. Our dietitians love that RIND maximizes nutrition and minimizes waste by taking upcycled fruit that would otherwise go to waste, retaining their nutrient-rich peels and gently drying them into snackable slices. Plus, dried fruit like this keeps really well when traveling.

Per serving (1/2 cup): 140 calories, 0g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 33g total carb, 5g fiber, 15g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

RXBAR Chocolate Lovers' Protein Bars Box (10 Bars)

Chocolate Lovers' Protein Bars Box (10 Bars)

When it comes to simple ingredient lists, it doesn't get much better than RXBAR. These tasty bars come in a wide variety of flavors and are loaded with 12 grams of protein thanks to nutrient-dense egg whites. Plus, they are a good source of fiber too — the combo of protein and fiber can help keep you full for longer on those lengthy road trips and train rides. Our registered dietitians point out that these delicious bars are sweetened with dates for binding purposes and contain no added sugar.

Per serving (one bar): 210 cal, 9g total fat, 2g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 23g carb, 5g fiber, 13g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 12g protein

preview for Toaster Time Machine

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

the best steam mops for sparkling floors

The Best Portable Car Seats

an assortment of women's walking sandals for good housekeeping's best walking sandals article

The Best Walking Sandals for Women

two sets of hands holding a nuuly bag against a light blue background

Our Honest Review of Nuuly's Rental Service

an unrecognizable business woman working on his laptop in the office

Is the ReMarkable 2 Tablet Worth It?

daily meals delivery

The Best Meal Delivery Services for Singles

madewell relaxed tee

The 20 Best T-Shirts for Men of 2024

hearing impaired man working on laptop at office

Best Hearing Aids

best vitamins for skin

The Best Vitamins for Your Skin

simplisafe reviews

Is the SimpliSafe Home Security System Worth It?

sassos testing ag1 in the good housekeeping institute

Is AG1 Worth the Hype? Our Honest Review

best work pants for men

The Best Work Pants for Men

Southern Eats & Goodies

These Southern recipes are mouth watering, easy to make, and sure to get you recognized as a Southern cook.

family enjoying their beach dinners on vacation

Easy Vacation Dinners

These easy vacation meals will be a breeze to make in your beach house, rental house, or anywhere really that you need to feed the family. For the nights you don’t want to go to a restaurant but still want a yummy dining experience, keep this recipe list at your fingertips.

Depending on where you go on vacation and how much your eating out budget is, you will likely want some easy meals to make yourself. (But if you’re just looking for snack ideas for a day at the beach, head over to our Beach Food Ideas post!)

Whether you are in an VRBO, AirBnb, a townhouse, or a hotel with a kitchenette, you usually will have a few key appliances and ingredients to make these vacation meals.

I’m focusing this post on recipes that don’t require tons of spices, specialty appliances, or less common herbs you simply won’t have on hand.

Watch How to Make Ham and Cheese Casserole

Here’s an easy ham casserole that won’t drag you down with carbs. It’s keto and great for a vacation meal. This dish works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Easy dinners to make on vacation

When you’re out of town and want to feed our family without having to go out to eat every night (and without sticking them with peanut butter sandwiches) try these easy vacation dinners. They are simple enough and you don’t need tons of ingredients. You also don’t lots of spices or tricky cookware you don’t have.

They’re simple, inexpensive, and satisfying. Of course, while you’re on vacation you’ll want to eat some meals out in restaurants. But for the other nights, try these dishes.

These meals are easy to make on vacation without all your normal spices, tools, appliances, and cookware. Simple and easy to make to fill your family if you want to save money while away on vacation.

quick travel food

Super Easy Spaghetti Recipe (Done in 15 Minutes!)

This easy spaghetti doesn't require hours of cooking (who wants that when you're busy on vacation having fun?) and is tasty.

quick travel food

Caprese Chicken (5 Ingredient)

This is a five ingredient chicken dinner dish. If you need to fill up with some healthy protein, this is a healthy vacation dinner option.

quick travel food

Chicken Feta Pasta (5 Ingredient)

This chicken feta pasta is tasty, cheesy, and healthy. It will be filling and easy to make in an evening after a long day.

quick travel food

Broccoli Chicken Mac and Cheese 

With 5 ingredients (not including salt and pepper, of course) is filling and quick and easy. It won't leave you with a lot of food or ingredients that go bad.

quick travel food

Taco Casserole (5 Ingredient)

This taco casserole blends quite a few spices, still with only a few ingredients. It's inexpensive and super tasty.

quick travel food

Chili Dog Pizza

Now, if you're going for broke and want to cook something that's a crowd pleaser you wouldn't ordinarily eat at home... this is it.

quick travel food

Pasta With Tomatoes, Basil and Garlic

This is another super easy tasty pasta dish that'll fill you up after a long day of sightseeing.

quick travel food

Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken and Vegetables

This is a sheet pan dinner (meaning, throw everything on a sheet pan and bake it, voila, SO QUICK AND EASY!) and only requires

quick travel food

Ground Beef Teriyaki Ramen

Ramen is the KING of easy dinners. This 5 ingredient meal throws in some veggies and takes the ramen up a notch.

quick travel food

Chicken Enchilada Bake

This chicken enchilada bake is easy to make, super tasty, and only has a few ingredients.

quick travel food

Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole

This cheeseburger and fry casserole is comforting, filling, and uses frozen or canned ingredients.. read: super easy and inexpensive.

quick travel food

Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups

These pizza chicken roll ups combine two beloved dinner staples... pizza and chicken. Put them together with a side of a roasted veggie and voila, easy dinner.

quick travel food

Best Grilled Cheese Recipe 

These yummy grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect dinners, serve it up with some roasted veggies or a nice salad and you'll be filled up and ready to sight see again tomorrow.

quick travel food

Best Buttered Noodles Recipe

Talk about only using a few ingredients... this one is simple, inexpensive, and still super delicious.

quick travel food

Easy Crescent Taco Bake

This is one of our family's personal favorites. Easy to find ingredients, quick, filling, and a crowd pleaser on those late vacation nights.

quick travel food

Smothered Chicken Bake (5 ingredient)

This is beautiful, rich, creamy, and a great way to make an inexpensive vacation dinner with baked chicken.

quick travel food

Chicken And Broccoli Pasta (Instant Pot)

Chicken and broccoli pasta is a family dinnertime staple for many. Use the instant pot and make it tasty and quick for a 30-minute meal.

Beach vacation meal planning

Now, we’ve already talked about beach food ideas , which are easy foods for a day in the sand. But this list is about great foods to cook during your beach vacation in your beach rental house.

Tasty, light, fresh, and great off the grill; these are quick ways to whip up an amazing meal.

Idea for Beach Dinners

These are great meals that are beach inspired, you can get easy seafood, or foods you can cook with your grill, and easy beach dinners that you can either eat on the beach or in your beach vacation rental.

quick travel food

Easy Shrimp Pappardelle (5 ingredients!) 

Got some fresh shrimp? Here's a great and super simple 5 ingredient garlic shrimp pasta recipe.

quick travel food

Best Oven-Baked Tilapia Recipe

If you've caught some fresh fish and want to cook it up, this uses the oven (so you don't have to spend an hour on a charcoal grill!) and the result is amazing.

quick travel food

Best Crab Cake Recipe - How to Make Crab Cakes

These can be a little more difficult to make, but if you've been crabbing and want to try and whip up some yummy crab cakes, this recipe is simple and easy to follow.

quick travel food

Balsamic Glazed Salmon

Embrace the seafood side with this easy to make and delicious glazed salmon.

quick travel food

Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops with Spinach

Gone scalloping? Here are some easy recipes to cook a delicious meal with scallops that are wrapped in prosciutto... which is always a winner.

quick travel food

Express Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya

Get some sausage with that shrimp and make an awesome cajun jambalaya one evening.

quick travel food

No-Frills Shrimp Boil Recipe

New to the shrimp boil? This is a no frills shrimp boil that you can make as long as you have a pot, shrimp, potatoes, and corn. This is one of our favorite beach house dinners because it's so easy and delicious.

quick travel food

Fried Whole Fish with Tomatillo Sauce Recipe

Ever wanted to try your hand at cooking a WHOLE FISH? Now's your chance to be the chef of this dish. Plus, you know the kids would think it's fun.

quick travel food

Grilled Shrimp with Old Bay and Aioli Recipe

This shrimp dish is another one of our favorite evening meal recipes for when you're on vacation and want to whip up something quickly. It looks fancy but is super easy to pull off.

quick travel food

Tilapia with Corn Salsa

This tilapia with corn salsa will please even the pickiest of seafood eaters. Plus it's simple and can be baked.

family enjoying their beach dinners on vacation

25+ Easy Vacation & Beach Meal Recipes

Ingredients   .

  • 15-Minute Spaghetti https://www.averiecooks.com/easy-15-minute-spaghetti/
  • 5-Ingredient Caprese Salad https://www.seasonalcravings.com/five-ingredient-caprese-chicken/
  • Chicken Feta Pasta https://www.wellplated.com/chicken-feta-pasta/
  • Instant Pot Chicken & Broccoli with Penne https://southerneatsandgoodies.com/instant-pot-chicken-broccoli-pasta/
  • Broccoli Mac and Cheese https://audrasappetite.com/broccoli-chicken-mac-and-cheese/
  • Taco Casserole https://www.theseasonedmom.com/lightened-up-taco-crescent-casserole/
  • Chili Dog Pizza https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chili-dog-pizza/
  • Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil, & Garlic https://cupofjo.com/2014/07/pasta-with-tomatoes-basil-and-garlic/
  • Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken https://neighborfoodblog.com/sheet-pan-pesto-chicken-and-vegetables/
  • Ground Beef Teriyaki Ramen https://dinnerthendessert.com/ground-beef-teriyaki-ramen/
  • Chicken Enchilada Bake https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-enchilada-bake/
  • Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cheeseburger-and-fries-casserole/
  • Pizza Chicken Rollups https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pizza-chicken-roll-ups/
  • Best Grilled Cheese https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a19610233/how-to-make-best-grilled-cheese/
  • Best Buttered Noodles https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a25636049/buttered-noodles-recipe/
  • Easy Crescent Taco Bake https://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/easy-crescent-taco-bake/9c2bd5f7-63f7-4a6c-afa3-56baeedbc35a

Dinners Perfect for the Beach

  • Garlicky Shrimp Pasta https://www.cookingforkeeps.com/5-ingredient-garlicky-shrimp-pasta/
  • Oven Baked Tilapia https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a19665918/oven-baked-tilapia-recipe/
  • Crab Cakes https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a58704/best-crab-cakes-recipe/
  • Balsamic Glazed Salmon https://www.cookingclassy.com/balsamic-glazed-salmon/
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Scallops https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/249554/prosciutto-wrapped-scallops-with-spinach/
  • Express Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252103/express-shrimp-sausage-jambalaya/
  • No Frills Shrimp Boil https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/no-frills-shrimp-boil
  • Fried Whole Fish with Tomatillo Sauce https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/fried-whole-fish-with-tomatillo-sauce
  • Grilled Shrimp with Old Bay and Aioli https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/grilled-shrimp-with-old-bay-and-aioli
  • Tilapia with Corn Salsa https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/tilapia-with-corn-salsa/

Instructions  

  • Select meal from list above.
  • Follow link provided for the recipe.
  • Prepare and enjoy!

Other posts you’ll enjoy!

  • BBQ Menu Ideas
  • Family Backyard Picnic Ideas
  • Beach Food Ideas
  • 25+ Champagne Cocktails
  • 50+ Easy Southern Pie Recipes
  • 30+ Awesome Pound Cakes

' src=

Rachel Norman

Rachel is a southern born and bred mother of 5 and founder of Southern Eats & Goodies. She's an entrepreneur, country girl, and world traveler who speaks 3 languages and loves Southern food.

quick travel food

One Comment

' src=

Leave a Comment Cancel

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email Address

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

 Subscribe to Newsletter

Click to buy the amazing Instant Pot!

instant pot

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Howdy it’s nice to meet you..

Sign up to receive awesome recipes in your inbox, every month.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Popular Hits

  • 15 KONG Fillers 278363 views
  • Quickest Easiest Beach Food Ideas 62485 views
  • Easy Vacation Dinners 57247 views
  • Pickled Cucumbers 46772 views
  • 35+ Homemade Dog Food Recipes (Vet Approved!) 45504 views

Latest Content

Chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting, chocolate ganache, how to make cold brew coffee, our favorite recipes with apples, easter brunch ideas.

  • Vacation Rentals
  • Restaurants
  • Things to do
  • Elektrostal Tourism
  • Elektrostal Hotels
  • Elektrostal Bed and Breakfast
  • Elektrostal Vacation Rentals
  • Flights to Elektrostal
  • Elektrostal Restaurants
  • Things to Do in Elektrostal
  • Elektrostal Travel Forum
  • Elektrostal Photos
  • Elektrostal Map
  • All Elektrostal Hotels
  • Elektrostal Hotel Deals
  • Elektrostal Hostels
  • Elektrostal Business Hotels
  • Elektrostal Family Hotels
  • Elektrostal Spa Resorts
  • 3-stars Hotels in Elektrostal
  • Elektrostal Hotels with Game room
  • Elektrostal Hotels with Banquet hall
  • Hotels near Electrostal History and Art Museum
  • Hotels near Park of Culture and Leisure
  • Hotels near Statue of Lenin
  • Hotels near Museum and Exhibition Center
  • Hotels near Museum of Labor Glory
  • Hotels near (ZIA) Zhukovsky International Airport
  • Hotels near (VKO) Vnukovo Airport
  • Hotels near (DME) Domodedovo Airport
  • Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen
  • Mohonk Mountain House
  • The LINQ Hotel + Experience
  • ARIA Resort & Casino
  • Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
  • The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
  • Resorts Hedonism (Hedonism II Resort)
  • Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
  • Hotel Xcaret Mexico
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
  • Luxor Hotel & Casino
  • Barcelo Bavaro Palace All Inclusive Resort
  • Excellence Oyster Bay
  • Hotel Riu Republica
  • Popular All-Inclusive Resorts
  • Popular Beach Resorts
  • Popular Family Resorts
  • Popular All-Inclusive Hotels
  • Popular Hotels With Waterparks
  • Popular Honeymoon Resorts
  • Popular Luxury Resorts
  • Popular All-Inclusive Family Resorts
  • Popular Golf Resorts
  • Popular Spa Resorts
  • Popular Cheap Resorts
  • All Elektrostal Restaurants
  • Cafés in Elektrostal
  • Chinese Restaurants in Elektrostal
  • European Restaurants for Families in Elektrostal
  • European Restaurants for Large Groups in Elektrostal
  • European Restaurants for Lunch in Elektrostal
  • Fast Food Restaurants in Elektrostal
  • French Restaurants in Elektrostal
  • Italian Restaurants in Elektrostal
  • Japanese Restaurants in Elektrostal
  • Pizza in Elektrostal
  • Russian Restaurants in Elektrostal
  • Seafood Restaurants in Elektrostal
  • Vegetarian Restaurants in Elektrostal
  • GreenLeaders
  • Elektrostal
  • Things to Do
  • Travel Stories
  • Rental Cars
  • Add a Place
  • Travel Forum
  • Travelers' Choice
  • Help Center
  • Europe    
  • Russia    
  • Central Russia    
  • Moscow Oblast    
  • Elektrostal    
  • Elektrostal Restaurants    

Ratings and reviews

Location and contact.

quick travel food

PEKIN, Elektrostal - Lenina Ave. 40/8 - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

  • ABC7 Eyewitness News Watch Now
  • Track the rain with the LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD Full Story

Newsom rep and Panera bread owner refute claims of special exemption from wage law

AP logo

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration has denied a news report that he pushed for an exception to the state's new fast-food minimum wage law that benefits a wealthy campaign donor.

California's minimum wage is $16 per hour. But starting April 1, most fast-food restaurants in the state must pay their workers at least $20 an hour under legislation Newsom signed last year to much fanfare. It doesn't apply to restaurants that have on-site bakeries and sell bread as a stand-alone menu item.

That exception puzzled some industry watchers and was never fully explained by Newsom or other supporters of the law. But Bloomberg News on Wednesday reported it was connected to opposition from Panera Bread franchisee Greg Flynn, whose company owns 24 of the restaurants in California and has donated to Newsom's campaigns.

"This story is absurd," Newsom spokesperson Alex Stack said Thursday.

Flynn said in a statement Thursday that he opposed the initial legislation and suggested fast casual restaurants like bakeries, bagel shops and delis be excluded "if the intent of the bill was to address alleged labor code violations in fast food restaurants."

But he denied asking for "an exemption or special considerations" and said he was surprised when the exemption appeared in the final bill. He said he met with Newsom's staff about the bill alongside other restaurant owners but did not speak to the governor about it.

The Flynn Group and Flynn Properties operate 2,600 restaurants and fitness centers across 44 states, according to the company's website. Campaign finance records show Flynn Properties and Greg Flynn - the founder, chairman and CEO - have donated more than $220,000 to Newsom's political campaigns since 2017. That included a $100,000 donation to Newsom's campaign to defeat a recall attempt in 2021.

Does exemption apply to Panera?

The governor's office is now arguing Panera Bread is not exempt from the law.

Stack said to be exempt from the minimum wage law as a bakery, restaurants must produce bread for sale on site. The Governor's Office said many chain bakeries, such as Panera Bread, mix dough at a centralized off-site location and then ship that dough to the restaurant for baking and sale.

Since last year, Panera Bread has been reported as a restaurant exempt from the law and Newsom's office has not said otherwise, even when the governor was directly asked why the chain was exempt.

A message left with Panera Bread about their baking process were not immediately returned. Flynn's statement did not directly address that argument, but he says its likely his restaurants will have to raise wages either way.

"Such a narrow exemption has very little practical value. As it applies to all of our peer restaurants in the fast casual segment, we will almost certainly have to offer market value wages in order to attract and retain employees," he said.

Republican leaders in the state Legislature highlighted the report and called for an investigation.

"Put simply, campaign contributions should not buy carveouts in legislation," Republican state Senate leader Brian Jones said. "It's unacceptable."

Assemblymember James Gallagher, the Republican leader in the assembly, said Attorney General Rob Bonta or another entity responsible for investigating conflicts of interest should look into the matter.

"This exemption, there is no explanation for it. Someone had to push for it," he said.

The law was authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden, a Democrat from Pasadena. Holden told reporters Thursday he was not involved in the negotiations over the bill's final amendments, which included the $20 minimum wage increase and the exemption for bakeries. He said those talks happened between the business community and labor unions - groups Holden said were brought together "through the governor's leadership."

Holden said he did not know Flynn or his status as a Newsom campaign donor. He declined to discuss if there were any legitimate policy reasons for exempting bakeries from the law.

"I'm not going to try to start parceling every individual group," Holden said. "The way that the bill moved forward, everyone who's in is in."

The law represented a compromise between labor unions and business groups. Tia Orr, executive director of the Service Employees International Union California, said the law was "a transformational step toward an economy that works for all, not just billionaires."

"Like all transformational initiatives, it addressed difficult questions around its scope, including what constitutes a fast-food restaurant as opposed to a bakery, for example, and it involved literally hundreds of businesses in discussions," Orr said. "But the big picture is clear: a half million fast food workers in our state now have the power to improve their workplaces."

Dan Schnur, who teaches political communications at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Berkeley, said the issue has the potential to damage Newsom, much like when Newsom went to dinner at the French Laundry during the pandemic at a time when he was urging people to avoid public gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. That issue gave momentum to a recall effort, which voters ultimately rejected.

"The last time the governor got in the middle of a restaurant-related controversy, his hesitation to address it turned a small problem into a much bigger one," Schur said.

Lawmakers are considering more exemptions for the fast-food minimum wage increase. On Thursday, the state Senate approved a bill that would exclude fast-food restaurants in "airports, hotels, large event centers, theme parks, museums, gambling establishments, corporate campuses and certain public lands."

Holden said workers in these restaurants are attempting to negotiate salaries higher than $20 per hour. He said they were concerned being included in the minimum wage law would hurt those negotiations.

Related Topics

  • GAVIN NEWSOM
  • FAST FOOD RESTAURANT
  • MINIMUM WAGE

quick travel food

Race to fill CA's second Senate seat heats up as Election Day looms

  • 2 minutes ago

quick travel food

Here's how you can vote on Election Day in California

quick travel food

Asian Americans are fastest-growing group of eligible voters in US

quick travel food

Roy Orbison's rare Mercedes limo restored in California

Top stories.

quick travel food

Dramatic crash from overpass onto 134 Freeway in Griffith Park

quick travel food

Nephew of Pomona DUI victim mourning: 'I wanted her to see me grow up'

  • 11 minutes ago

quick travel food

Shootings reported on 605 and 57 freeways in LA County

  • 3 hours ago

quick travel food

SCOTUS says Trump is eligible to be on Colorado ballot

quick travel food

Man stabbed to death inside Long Beach restaurant

Miracle Hot Springs in Kern County closed following 2 deaths

Nikki Haley wins the DC Republican primary, gets 1st 2024 victory

Apple hit with $2B EU antitrust fine

  • International edition
  • Australia edition
  • Europe edition

Rukmini Iyer's baked gnocchi with tomatoes, peppers and mozzarella.

Rukmini Iyer’s quick and easy baked gnocchi with mozzarella – recipe

Weeknight heaven: throw blanched gnocchi, cherry tomatoes and peppers in a roasting tin, cover with sliced mozzarella and within half an hour you’ll have yourself a panful of gooey, crisp goodness

C an you have too many recipes for crisp gnocchi? I think not, especially given what a cinch it is. This is an amalgamation of two favourite dishes from my Roasting Tin books, and it’s a total winner on a cold night. Don’t bother with upmarket mozzarella in water for this dish – you want the firm, melty cooking stuff that browns beautifully on top.

Crisp baked gnocchi with roast cherry tomatoes, peppers and mozzarella

I used an entire 400g packet of mozzarella for two adults and a small child, and was delighted with the results, but you could use less and stash the rest to meet your future mozzarella needs.

Prep 15 min Cook 30 min Serves 2 generously

500g vacuum-packed gnocchi 250g cherry tomatoes , halved 2-3 red or yellow peppers , pith and seeds removed, flesh roughly chopped 2 t bsp olive oil 2 fat garlic cloves , peeled and finely grated 1 t sp chilli flakes 1 t sp fennel seeds 1 t sp sea salt flakes 250g-400g firm mozzarella (look for “mozzarella cucina” on the label), sliced

Heat the oven to 200C (180C fan)/390F/gas 6. Put the gnocchi in a large bowl, cover with boiling water, leave it to blanch for two minutes, then drain well.

Tip the drained gnocchi into a large roasting tin, add the cherry tomatoes, peppers, oil, garlic, chilli flakes, fennel seeds and salt, and mix well to coat. Top evenly with the sliced mozzarella, then transfer to the oven and roast for 30 minutes ,until the cheese is crisp, golden brown and bubbling. Serve hot.

  • Italian food and drink
  • Quick and easy
  • Main course

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

What’s the best fast-food fish sandwich? We ranked the top 5.

Here’s how the fried fish sandwiches from burger king, wendy’s, arby’s, popeyes, bojangles and mcdonald’s stack up..

quick travel food

Every year around this time, fish sandwiches start appearing on fast-food menus across the country, as if summoned by the prayers of the faithful.

This massive catch of fried fish, of course, is designed largely to satisfy the cravings of Catholics who, prior to 1966, abstained from eating red meat every Friday, not just those during Lent. In the Cincinnati suburbs, where Roman Catholics once dominated the area, restaurateurs like Louis Groen were doomed if they tried to rely on hamburger sales, and in the early 1960s, Groen tried to rely on hamburger sales. He was a McDonald’s franchisee, back before the chain was a household name. He was getting killed on Fridays by the local Big Boy restaurants, which had a fish sandwich on the menu.

So, Groen began working with McDonald’s corporate team to develop the Filet-O-Fish sandwich, even though owner Ray Kroc was wholly resistant to the idea. “Hell no!” Kroc apparently told Groen, according to “ Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s ,” Kroc’s 1977 book. “I don’t care if the Pope himself comes to Cincinnati. He can eat hamburgers like everybody else. We are not going to stink up our restaurants with any of your damned old fish.”

Kroc was placing his bets — literally — on a creation he called the Hulaburger. It was two slices of cheese paired with a slice of grilled pineapple, tucked into a toasted bun. Kroc loved to have one for lunch. He made a wager with Groen: The company would sell both the Filet-O-Fish and the Hulaburger on a Friday. Whichever sandwich sold the most would earn a spot on the permanent menu. It was a landslide . Hulaburgers: 6; Filet-O-Fish: 350.

“We started selling it only on Fridays in limited areas, but we got so many requests for it that in 1965 we made it available in all our stores every day, advertising it as the ‘fish that catches people,’” Kroc wrote in “Grinding It Out.”

A surge fee on your Frosty? Wendy’s to test ‘dynamic pricing’ in 2025.

Nearly 60 years later, all the major fast-food chains trot out a fish sandwich during Lent, if they don’t already sell one year-round. The variations between each are small but significant. They all rely on flaky white fish — Alaskan pollock is the species of choice for many chains — which essentially makes for a blank canvas for the tartar sauce, the seasoned coating, the toppings and the bun. There is a surprising amount of individuation to be conjured from this tight handful of ingredients.

Is the tartar sauce sweet or sharp? Does the chain double down on acid by including pickles on the sandwich? Is the bun brioche or potato? Is the coating thick or thin? Spiced or seasoned simply? Does it include a slice of cheese — or a half slice of cheese like the one found on the Filet-O-Fish (which is not an accident, by the way, but a deliberate choice as Kroc wrote in his book)?

This seasonal wave of sandwiches, in other words, is meticulously engineered and marketed to cater to diners during Lent. All these fried fishes are a prayer answered not by God but by corporate America.

For the ranking below, I tried 10 fish sandwiches at six national chains. You’ll notice the sandwich that started it all didn’t make the cut: The Filet-O-Fish that I sampled was greasy, bready and, oddly, chewy. Its fish was muddy and, worse, it was smothered in tartar sauce. It was the kind of lackluster bite that makes you think: Bring on the Hulaburger!

5. Arby’s Crispy Fish Sandwich

The coating on this sandwich is thick, providing both crunch and a modest amount of chewiness, as if Arby’s slipped mochi rice dough into the batter. The chain relies on pollock, as many do, because the species is cheap, abundant and available in the wild, which allows operators to market their fish as “wild caught.” The mild pollock comes slathered with a tartar sauce that runs sweet, no doubt due to its generous application of high fructose corn syrup . Tucked into a sesame seed bun that holds its shape better than its squishy brioche bun competitors, the fillet is accompanied by lots of shredduce, that clever portmanteau for shredded lettuce. The sandwich feels a bit more processed than its peers. But it also just works. I devoured the thing.

$5.49 per sandwich, but prices vary by location .

4. Bojangles’ Bojangler Fish Sandwich

The tips of my fried triangle of Alaskan pollock poked out of both ends of its toasted bun, looking as if Giannis Antetokounmpo tried to tuck himself into a kid-size futon for the night. The presentation had its designed effect: to signal a kind of generosity that cannot be contained within a single bun. The fillet arrived hot and fresh, showing no signs of oil even though it was clearly plucked from the fryer just seconds earlier. The sandwich is low-frills: just a fried fillet, slice of American cheese, tartar sauce and bun. But the elements are in harmony. The heat of the fish against the cool creaminess of the tartar; the black-pepper bite of the batter against the sweetness of the sauce; the softness of the bun against the crackle of the fillet. A fine specimen of the fast-food craft.

3. Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich

Wendy’s wins the sandwich-naming sweepstakes with its seasonal fish offering . If the Bojangler conjures up images of horror-flick serial killers, the Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich does the opposite: It suggests a workhorse chef who has labored for days to create a coating that amplifies the crunch that attracts many of us to fried foods in the first place. True to form, this sandwich crackles under tooth, down to the very last bite. The crunch is a pleasure all its own. The fillet itself is formed from “wild caught Alaskan pollock” — Wendy’s is quick to point out the sustainability of this fishery — and paired with tartar sauce, pickles, American cheese and a single leaf of romaine. The tartar sauce isn’t afraid of acidity, which does what it’s supposed to do: contain the fishiness of the fillet while emphasizing its sweet oceanic flavors.

$6.16 per sandwich, but prices vary by location .

2. Burger King’s Fiery Big Fish

The King decided to do its best Popeyes impression this Lent by introducing the Fiery Big Fish, a spicy interpretation of its regular seafood sandwich. Which means that BK, like Popeyes, now offers customers two ways to get their fish fix: one with heat, one without. The newbie is the superior offering. Burger King brushes a triple-pepper glaze on both sides of its Alaskan pollock fillet. The glaze sort of looks like hot pepper jelly, and as such, its heat is more of a creeper than a palate crusher. You may get lulled into complacency by the sweet tartar sauce or by the crunch of the panko-crusted fillet or even by the pillowy potato bun. But then, out of nowhere, the chile peppers will catch you unawares and land a solid uppercut to the kisser. The Fiery Big Fish may be an instant fast-food classic.

$3.99 per sandwich, but prices vary by location .

1. Popeyes’ Classic Flounder Fish Sandwich

Let me get this out of the way: The spicy version of the Flounder Fish Sandwich packs a wallop. Too much of one, in fact, for the generally mellow nature of white fish. The sauce is far better suited to Popeyes’ chicken sandwich, the one that launched 1,000 imitators . But the standard Flounder Fish Sandwich may be fast-food perfection. The breading that entombs the flounder is thick and crackly — and spiced enough to provide the targeted hot-pepper punch that every piece of flaky white fish is just asking for. The flounder also stands out among its competitors: When you peel back the breading on the fish, you’ll find intact fillets, not just random clumps of fish. Its flavor is more pronounced, too: The flounder has a distinct brininess, which stands up better to the richness of the brioche bun and the acidity of the pickles and tartar sauce. It all just clicks into place with this sandwich. Now, how do we persuade Popeyes to keep it on the menu full time?

$5.99 per sandwich, but prices vary by location .

quick travel food

KCRA 3 News and Weather

  •   Weather

Search location by ZIP code

Northern california storm updates: interstate 80 reopens for passenger vehicles.

Track live updates of Sierra storm impacts here.

  • Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied!

quick travel food

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Interstate 80 has reopened for passenger vehicles traveling to the Sierra on Monday after several days of closures.

Light Sierra snow will linger on Monday. Parts of Highway 88 remain closed, while Highway 50 is open with chain controls in effect. See the latest road conditions here .

  • See more live updates below.

Several school districts will be closed on Monday.

Some ski resorts have received more than seven feet of new snow over three days .

(Video below: LiveTracker 3 had an exclusive look at I-80 conditions on Monday morning. Officials gave us permission to show viewers the conditions.)

Get California storm-ready

  • Forecast timeline for Sierra snow, Valley rain
  • Track Doppler radar for California snowstorm, traffic maps
  • Download our app for the latest breaking news and weather alerts
  • See our live traffic map
  • Send us your weather videos and photos
  • Be prepared for road closures : Download Caltrans' QuickMap app or check the latest QuickMap road conditions here . This will also show chain control information.

Monday, March 4, 2024

9:17 a.m.: I-80 has reopened for passenger vehicles, Caltrans said.

80 is back open to passenger vehicles as of 9:15 am Monday! Big rigs can likely access this afternoon. CalTrans says it will still be a VERY slow drive with chain controls. https://t.co/VRMsiV7WiD — Heather Waldman (@KCRAHeather) March 4, 2024

8:30 a.m.: KCRA 3's Mike TeSelle has a view of conditions off Highway 50 in El Dorado County.

What your drive up Highway 50 over Echo Summit looks like Monday morning. Lots of cars…almost like a weekend. @kcra @kcranews pic.twitter.com/WerUwAMiPp — Mike TeSelle (@MikeTeSelleTV) March 4, 2024

See more updates from our 8 a.m. news coverage below.

8:16 a.m.: Here's another exclusive LiveTracker 3 look at I-80 conditions during the road closure.

7:28 a.m.: Here are a couple of the viewer videos that were sent to us showing what conditions have been like for Sierra travel since the weekend.

Viewer Alekz Londos sent this video showing what conditions were like when Interstate 80 closed for Sierra travel on Friday, March 1.

Viewer David sent this view of extra snowy conditions on Highway 50 at Echo Summit on Sunday, March 3.

7:18 a.m.: Some Sierra resorts got more than three feet of snow just in the past 24 hours.

Sierra&#x20;snow&#x20;totals

That's on top of more than seven feet of snow from Friday through Sunday .

6:21 a.m.: Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, Lake Tahoe Unified School District and Pollock Pines schools are all closed this morning. There is a two-hour delay for schools in the Black Oak Mine Unified School District.

Palisades Tahoe plans to reopen today. Sierra-At-Tahoe will remain closed.

See more updates from our morning newscast below.

6:18 a.m.: KCRA 3's Melanie Wingo has a view of conditions on I-80, which remains closed for Sierra travel, from LiveTracker 3. Parts of Highway 88 also remain closed this morning.

LIVE | LiveTracker 3 has a view of conditions on I-80, which remains closed for Sierra travel https://t.co/3GKRdXP0aL — kcranews (@kcranews) March 4, 2024

Sunday, March 3, 2024

11 p.m.: Here's a look at our evening news coverage of conditions and the forecast.

8:30 p.m.: Traffic is being held from 1.5 miles west of Kyburz to Meyers in El Dorado County due to spinouts.

6:00 p.m.: KCRA 3's Erin Heft was on Highway 50 all day, where traffic in the Sierra was held for hours due to spinouts.

1:30 p.m.: Caltrans told KCRA 3's Michelle Bandur I-80 is unlikely to open today. Crews are battling difficult snow conditions.

12 p.m.: Vehicles were trapped in snow just east of Echo Summit on Highway 50.

Here's a video after a snow sluff just east of Echo Summit trapped a few vehicles and closed Highway 50 for about 30 minutes this morning. There were no injuries and crews worked quickly to reopen the roadway. @CHPSouthLake pic.twitter.com/myd5Ay6E32 — Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 3, 2024

9:50 a.m.: Caltrans reports that Highway 50 is back open after a snowslide. Traffic is moving slowly in both directions, the agency said. Chain controls remain in place from just east of Placerville to Meyers.

9:37 a.m.: Highway 50 is closed due to a snowslide at Echo Summit and will be closed until further notice, the city of South Lake Tahoe said.

7:28 a.m.: Here's a look at how much more snow to expect through Monday.

Snow&#x20;forecast

7 a.m.: I-80 remains closed for Sierra travel this morning, along with parts of Highway 88. Chain controls are up on Highway 50. Check out Heather Waldman's latest forecast for today here .

Saturday, March 2, 2024

11 p.m.: Here's a look at conditions on Saturday night.

6:45 p.m.: KCRA 3's Orko Manna was in Downtown Sacramento capturing the heavy downpour on Saturday night.

Rain 🌧️ falling in downtown #Sacramento . The beautiful Tower Bridge in the background. We’re tracking the conditions tonight on @kcranews . #CAwx pic.twitter.com/YENFpZcG70 — Orko Manna (@orko_manna) March 3, 2024

5:50 p.m.: Thousands of PG&E customers lost power in Fairfield on Saturday afternoon, according to the company's outage map.

As of 5:40 p.m., 760 customers are affected by the outage.

The outage map says the outages are weather-related.

5:00 p.m.: KCRA 3's Carolina Estrada was at the start of the I-80 closure in Colfax where drivers are being asked to turn around. Chain controls are in effect on Highway 50 in the Sierra

1:15 p.m.: KCRA 3's Dirk Verdoorn says to expect more rain showers throughout the Valley by Saturday evening.

11:30 a.m.: Interstate 80 is still closed from Colfax to Nevada Stateline. Caltrans told KCRA 3's Erin Heft that while the highway is closed to the general public, first responders are allowed on I-80.

11:15 a.m.: KCRA 3's Heather Waldman provided an updated tally of Sierra snowfall since Thursday.

A few more numbers are in. Here's an updated tally of snow in the Sierra. Snow began falling Thursday. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/kBNIEtcsrh — Heather Waldman (@KCRAHeather) March 2, 2024

8 a.m.: Here's a breakdown of how much more snow to expect by elevation level.

The snow level dropped as low as 2200' this morning along 80 & 50. There's a lull in showers below 4000' right now, but snow will pick up again this afternoon and this evening. Here's a breakdown of expected totals through Monday. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/IKL8eeKy6b — Heather Waldman (@KCRAHeather) March 2, 2024
As a general rule, snow is more likely to be steady above 4000' on Saturday. Below that elevation, wet snow will start and stop through the day. Lower Foothills communities will see a chilly rain. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/59GqMQ5ADy — Heather Waldman (@KCRAHeather) March 2, 2024

7:41 a.m.: Palisades Tahoe says it received more than two feet of snow in the past 24 hours and all lifts will be closed on Saturday because of more intense snowfall on the way, along with gusty winds.

Heather Waldman has a look at more Sierra snow resort totals.

A few snow reports from resorts in the Sierra. These are 24-hour accumulations for Friday and Friday night. Northstar is up to 44" of snow since Thursday afternoon! @kcranews pic.twitter.com/M1GqLJmmgz — Heather Waldman (@KCRAHeather) March 2, 2024

Below are more snow impact updates from our 7 a.m. newscast.

7:18 a.m.: Meteorologist Heather Waldman has a look at what to expect today.

🌨️ SATURDAY MORNING 🌨️ As promised, the big change today is the lower snow level. Radar showing that the snow level has dropped to about 2200' on I-80 & Hwy 50. Freezing level is a bit higher (~3400') farther south on Hwy 108. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/DW6MGgQkf3 — Heather Waldman (@KCRAHeather) March 2, 2024

Weather&#x20;impacts

7 a.m.: I-80 remains closed from Colfax to the Nevada State Line. Parts of Highway 88 and Highway 49 are also closed. Chain controls are in effect on Highway 50 from 9 miles east of Placerville to Meyers.

#TrafficAlert (as of 7:30am) I-80 remains closed EB at Colfax, WB at Stateline, No ETO. Crews are out this morning evaluating conditions while also working on vehicle recovery from yesterday's spin outs. @PlacerCA @NevadaCountyCA @CHP_Truckee @CHPGoldRun pic.twitter.com/h8dw1ZWJgO — Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 2, 2024

Friday, March 1, 2024

11:26 p.m.: Here's a look at the forecast for tomorrow.

11:12 p.m.: KCRA 3’s Carolina Estrada counted 12 inches of snow from her position in Strawberry tonight. People are still driving out on Highway 50.

11:11 p.m.: Chief meteorologist Mark Finan says the snow level is starting to drop tonight.

10:13 p.m.: KCRA 3's Orko Manna spoke to travelers who have been stuck on I-80 after spinouts forced the interstate's closure. One man said he thought he could make it up the mountain in time. Another woman said she didn't realize it would be snowing.

10:12 p.m.: Chief meteorologist Mark Finan says sustained winds at the top of Alpine Meadows range from 80-100 mph with some gusts over 150 mph.

9:10 p.m.: A big portion of I-80 remains shut down for Sierra travelers. Drum Forebay to Kings Beach in North Lake Tahoe is about 50 miles.

#TrafficAlert I-80 is closed 🚧🚧🚧 due to multiple spin outs. EB at Drum Forebay WB at Stateline/Truckee No ETO. pic.twitter.com/WQ9wd3HXPH — Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 2, 2024

8:44 p.m.: Chief meteorologist Mark Finan reports there have been blizzard conditions at Donner Summit.

8:22 p.m.: Here's a look at The Beam through overcast skies in Sacramento. The Kings beat the Timberwolves in Minneapolis .

BEAM STREAM | The Kings just beat the Timberwolves, 124-120. Light the beam! https://t.co/XNMx3vnPm3 — kcranews (@kcranews) March 2, 2024

7:43 p.m.: The Truckee Donner Utility District says 743 customers remain without power after the lights were turned back on for about 500 others. High winds have been causing trees and branches to fall on powerlines.

7:23 p.m.: KCRA 3's Carolina Estrada has a view of fierce winds and heavy snow along Highway 50 at Sierra-at-Tahoe. Watch in the video below.

Strong gust of winds continue. This what conditions looked like at 7:20 at Sierra-At-Tahoe. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/D7XLC7IUH5 — Carolina Estrada (@Caro_Estradaaa) March 2, 2024

7:22 p.m.: KCRA 3's Orko Manna has an update on I-80 closures tonight.

Rain & snow mixture is heavily falling along I-80 near the Baxter Rd. exit. Things just picked up in the last few minutes. All vehicles are being stopped at the next exit to the east, Drum Forebay, all the way to the Nevada State Line due to spinouts and the conditions. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/9isufy3gPD — Orko Manna (@orko_manna) March 2, 2024

7:07 p.m.: Here's how much snow is expected later this weekend by elevation level.

Sierra&#x20;snow&#x20;on&#x20;Saturday&#x20;and&#x20;Sunday.

6:33 p.m.: The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in Madera County on Friday afternoon.

Tornado from earlier this afternoon in Madera County. #tornado #cawx pic.twitter.com/fQf6K7efLJ — NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) March 2, 2024

6:25 p.m.: Here's a look at the latest forecast and updates from our team of reporters at 6 p.m.

6:19 p.m.: KCRA 3’s Jason Marks reported from Highway 50 at Kyburz, where he spoke to someone who has helped drivers put on chains since 1981.

“It could be worse,” he said of conditions at 6 p.m.

His advice to drivers was to have chains and know how to use them, “unless you don’t want to pay me.”

6:10 p.m.: Here's another view from Highway 50 this evening.

Wind picking up snow causing whiteout conditions in some parts of HWY 50. Chain controls in effect from Kyburz to Meyers. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/M5J6WHQFKY — Carolina Estrada (@Caro_Estradaaa) March 2, 2024

5:50 p.m.: Below is a look at conditions from our coverage during the 5 p.m. hour.

5:31 p.m.: LiveTracker 3 is on the move again on I-80.

LIVE | Follow LiveTracker 3 as it drives around on I-80 during the Sierra snowstorm https://t.co/eaXXigOJTc — kcranews (@kcranews) March 2, 2024

5:14 p.m. KCRA 3's DeNeeka Hill as a view of conditions on I-80 where spinouts have closed the roadway in both directions.

4:47 p.m.: KCRA 3's Carolina Estrada is covering conditions along Highway 50 tonight. Here's an early look.

Today we are tracking road conditions on HWY 50. Starting to see icy roads and low visibility in Camino. More updates on @kcranews pic.twitter.com/xoZAgx077i — Carolina Estrada (@Caro_Estradaaa) March 2, 2024

4:43 p.m.: Traffic is now being held in both directions on I-80, Caltrans says.

#TrafficAlert Holding traffic EB at Drum Forebay and turning traffic WB at Stateline and Truckee along I-80 both due to multiple spin outs. SR-20 closed EB as well locals only. pic.twitter.com/xNZfru33lT — Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 2, 2024

4:26 p.m.: As of right now, a Snowfest parade in Tahoe City is still on tomorrow from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn more here.

4:20 p.m.: Here's a look at our team coverage of Sierra snowstorm impacts. Our reporters have a view of the conditions on I-80 and Highway 50.

4:09 p.m.: KCRA 3's DeNeeka Hill reports from Caltrans crew at the scene that I-80 is now closed for eastbound traffic at Nyack.

2:57 p.m.: Traffic has been released on I-80 after an earlier closure, Caltrans says.

2:51 p.m.: PG&E says there was a power outage at 2:13 p.m. that impacted 886 customers in Placerville. Power was restored to 182 of those customers at 2:30 p.m. Crews are working to troubleshoot the issue.

2:16 p.m.: Westbound traffic on Interstate 80 at Truckee is being held due to multiple spinouts, according to the California Highway Patrol. There is no estimated time of reopening.

8:20 a.m.: Carson Spur on Highway 88 is closed for avalanche control, Caltrans said.

#TravelAdvisory Caltrans CLOSED the Carson Spur on SR-88 for avalanche control as of 1:07AM on 3/1/24. The Spur remains closed with no current ETO. Be sure to check https://t.co/sgfT02rMbM for updates and the latest traffic and road closure information. @CaltransHQ @AmadorChp pic.twitter.com/zI6TWnwyBD — Caltrans District 10 (@CaltransDist10) March 1, 2024

8:08 a.m.: El Dorado County officials said the vote center at the Lake Tahoe Community College will be closed due to the weather.

This content is imported from Facebook. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

7:27 a.m.: When going downhill in snowy conditions, it's important to maintain a slower speed to avoid the risk of losing control. KCRA 3's Mike Teselle caught a big rig going above 30 mph.

Reminder: CHP/Caltrans warn speed limit in chain controls is no more 30 mph on I-80. Speed especially critical on long downhills like this one. This big rig is well over 30mph. @kcranews Interstate 80 between 4000-5000’ ft elevation. pic.twitter.com/hFFOLOPbta — Mike TeSelle (@MikeTeSelleTV) March 1, 2024

7:09 a.m.: KCRA 3's Mike Teselle captured a view of snowy roads from below a 5,000-foot elevation.

A look at I-80 below 5000’. Snow level dropping. Live coverage on @kcranews with @KCRAtberg on My58 all morning. pic.twitter.com/GvhKd1lzPn — Mike TeSelle (@MikeTeSelleTV) March 1, 2024

6:43 a.m.: Palisades Tahoe said it would close all of its lifts at Palisades and Alpine due to heavy snow and wind gusts of over 100 mph.

6:40 a.m.: Lake Tahoe Unified School District announced it would close all of its schools on Friday due to inclement weather.

6:12 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol said conditions worsened overnight at Donner Summit, causing heavy traffic congestion.

Video the department shared on Facebook shows several vehicles, including big rigs, at a standstill amid flurries of snow.

Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024

10:20 p.m.: The Way Too Cool 50K trail run in El Dorado County has been canceled because of the weather conditions. It had been planned for Saturday.

10:15 p.m.: Traffic was temporarily delayed on I-80 as crews responded to reports of a traffic collision on the Central Truckee offramp, according to California Highway Patrol online logs. No injuries were reported.

8 p.m.: KCRA 3's Carolina Estrada with a view of snowfall in Nyack.

This is what road conditions look like driving up I-80. Chain controls in effect starting at Nyack. Latest updates on @kcranews pic.twitter.com/NVUfXRlQ1D — Carolina Estrada (@Caro_Estradaaa) March 1, 2024

7:40 p.m.: KCRA 3's Lee Anne Denyer is between Twin Bridges and Meyers on Highway 50, where chain control is still in effect.

SIERRA SNOW | Chain control in effect on US- 50, Twin Bridges to Meyers, per @CaltransDist3 . Snow covered roads past the Caltrans trailer. Pack chains & make a full stop when passing thru checkpoint. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/7S9vENAj2d — KCRA Lee Anne Denyer (@KCRALeeAnne) March 1, 2024

6:15 p.m.: A semitrailer was rear-ended as at least one passenger was putting chains on the wheels on the eastbound I-80 near Cisco Road onramp.

6 p.m.: A blanket of snow hit Meyers along Highway 50. KCRA 3's Maricela De La Cruz was there to describe the sudden change in conditions.

4 p.m. : Chain controls are in place along I-80 in the Sierra. KCRA 3's Deneeka Hill is in Kingsvale and says some drivers are losing their chains while traveling up the road.

https://t.co/72shxoiCrR pic.twitter.com/bHOnRpyEhk — DeNeeka Hill (@DeneekaHill) February 29, 2024

3:45 p.m.: Yosemite National Park says it will be closed from midnight all the way through Sunday at noon, if not later, due to the storm.

Anyone visiting the park is being asked to leave as soon as possible and no later than Friday at noon.

1:35 p.m.: Snow is now visible along Highway 50.

And so it begins... Highway 50 at Phillips. Just the start of a few days of heavy snow pic.twitter.com/FB6mfBvztm — Mark Finan (@kcraFinan) February 29, 2024

12:30 p.m.: KCRA 3's Maricela De La Cruz was at Sierra-at-Tahoe, which decided to also close today along with closing Friday.

Ski lifts were not moving, and some people could be seen leaving. The resort's general manager told KCRA 3 that he would play opening and closing by ear each day based on conditions.

12 p.m.: Watch our weather coverage from the 12 p.m. newscast below.

11:39 a.m.: Eastbound Interstate 80 at Donner Summit has reopened hours after a big rig overturned and blocked lanes.

#TrafficAlert EB I-80 is open and traffic has been released at Drum Forebay, Applegate and SR-20. Chain controls (R2) EB & WB Nyack to Truckee, Trucks Max. Avoid travel if possible and please take it slow. Speed limit along I-80 is 30mph during chain control. pic.twitter.com/Q7VbPeBVBW — Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) February 29, 2024

11:25 a.m.: These are chain controls as of this writing, according to Caltrans.

Interstate 80

Eastbound — Chains are required for all four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all wheels from Kingvale in Placer County to Truckee in Nevada County.

I-80 in this direction is closed to all big rigs due to an overturned big rig at Donner Summit blocking lanes. Caltrans recommends drivers choose an alternate route.

Westbound — Chains are required for all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires from Kingvale to roughly five miles west of Kingvale.

Trucks are being screened five miles west of Reno at Mogul. Drivers must have chains in their possession to proceed.

No traffic restrictions at this time.

10:58 a.m.: The California Department of Water Resources announced the findings of its third Phillips Station snow survey of the season.

9:30 a.m.: KCRA 3's Melanie Wingo was at the Foothills along Highway 50, where people stocked up on supplies ahead of the snowstorm.

8:40 a.m.: Sierra-at-Tahoe plans to either stay open or closed depending on snow conditions. General Manager John Rice talked about his plans for the safety of guests and staff.

7:36 a.m.: An overturned big rig has eastbound Interstate 80 shut down. Officials said speed was a factor, and chain controls were not in effect at the time. The estimated time of reopening is 1:15 p.m.

6:30 a.m.: The California Department of Water Resources is doing its third snow survey Thursday morning, a day early because of hazardous snowy conditions forecast on Friday.

Follow our KCRA weather team on social media

  • Chief meteorologist Mark Finan on Facebook and Twitter
  • Meteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and Twitter
  • Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on Facebook
  • Meteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and Twitter

Watch our forecasts on TV or online

Here's where to find our latest video forecast . You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here . The banner on our website turns red when we're live.

We're also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.

Wendy's to test out dynamic pricing model as soon as next year, menu prices to fluctuate

quick travel food

Wendy's has announced that it plans to roll out a dynamic pricing model as soon as next year, CEO Kirk Tanner said on an earnings call earlier this month. This means Wendy's prices would fluctuate based on time, location and demand.

Tanner also said on the call the company would be rolling out new plans to improve company profits, such as digital menu boards that would be able to update prices in real time and different menu offers during certain parts of the day.

Wendy's, however, is pushing back on the notion that it is implementing " surge-pricing ," a strategy most associated with ride-sharing companies like Uber and ticket sellers.

"Earlier this month we issued our fourth quarter and full year 2023 earnings results and included an update on investments we are making in our digital business. One initiative is digital menuboards, which are being added to U.S. Company-operated restaurants," Wendy's said in an emailed statement to USA TODAY Tuesday night.

"We said these menuboards would give us more flexibility to change the display of featured items. This was misconstrued in some media reports as an intent to raise prices when demand is highest at our restaurants. We have no plans to do that and would not raise prices when our customers are visiting us most," the statement reads.

"Any features we may test in the future would be designed to benefit our customers and restaurant crew members. Digital menuboards could allow us to change the menu offerings at different times of day and offer discounts and value offers to our customers more easily, particularly in the slower times of day," Wendy's said in the statement.

Free food: You can get a dozen doughnuts from Krispy Kreme for $2.29 on Leap Day. Here's how.

In addition to new pricing model, Wendy's introduces Cinnabon Pull-Apart menu item

The fast-food burger chain has also announced a sweet new addition to its breakfast menu.

Wendy's partnered with Cinnabon to introduce the Cinnabon Pull-Apart , an item made of warm, buttery dough bites baked together with cinnamon and topped with Cinnabon's signature cream cheese frosting.

The item is now available at Wendy's restaurants nationwide during breakfast hours.

While breakfast hours vary at Wendy's locations, most restaurants begin serving breakfast at 6:30 a.m. and finish at 10:30 a.m. The company recommends checking with your local restaurant to verify their breakfast hours.

On leap day, Thursday Feb. 29, customers can get a free Cinnabon Pull-Apart at their local Wendy's restaurant during breakfast hours, while supplies last.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari.

COMMENTS

  1. Road Trip Food List: Easy To Pack Meals & Snacks

    Fruit. Squeezable applesauce. Hard-boiled eggs. Peanut butter, banana, and granola wrapped up in a tortilla. Make-Ahead Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits. Additional planning tip: For added morning fun, use the category "breakfast foods", "brands or cereal", or "types of fruit" while you play a road trip word game.

  2. The Best Road Trip Food: 101+ Easy Meal & Snack Ideas You'll Love!

    Planning your food ideas for the road ahead can save money and time. And healthy road trip foods can ensure that you have the energy to continue the journey and eat well on the road. These 101+ ideas for the best road trip foods and my list of healthy snacks and meals give you many ideas to keep you full and fed on the road.

  3. 40+ No-Cook Meals for Traveling

    This is one of our favorite no-cook camping meals. Split an avocado, and remove the pit. Fill the center with a plop of your favorite meat salad. Sprinkle with salt and pepper or paprika. You can use any of the meat you have, salmon, chicken, tuna. Use the leftover tuna salad from yesterday's lunch.

  4. 105+ Easy Road Trip Meals & Snacks: Best Road Trip Food

    Easy Non-Refrigerated Road Trip Lunch Ideas. Canned Tuna & crackers - The mini pull tab tins come in many flavours. Protein Bars, Energy Bars. Sardines or Mackerel canned with avocado, crackers or bread. Snacks for lunch: Beef Jerky, Trail Mix, Smoothie Pouches, Nut Butter Pouches.

  5. 25 Easy Make-Ahead Road Trip Meal Ideas they'll love!

    5 easy road trip Breakfast ideas. Greek Yogurt and fresh fruit. Muesli/ cereal. Scrambled eggs in a wrap or on toast (toast is HARD to cook on a gas hob though!) Bacon/ sausage sandwich (bring your own bacon from the UK. Alternatively, look in European supermarkets- but it won't look the same.

  6. 25 delicious travel snacks for road trips and long flights

    Justin's peanut butter is naturally delicious, and each squeeze pack is gluten-free with 7 grams of protein. Each pack weighs 1.15 ounces, which means they're also a solid option for taking ...

  7. 33 Easy Travel Snacks for your Airplane Carry-On Bag

    Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup. This collapsible travel cup comes with a straw and holds 16oz of liquid. Its reusable and pocket size for hot and cold drinks making it perfect for travel, camping, and hiking. Like the other Stojo products its microwave and dishwasher safe. Check the price on amazon.

  8. 50+ Road Trip Food Ideas- Easy Meals On the Go!

    Celery and peanut butter- prepack the peanut butter in a condiment cup and dip the celery sticks. Veggies and hummus- carrots, broccoli, celery, cherry tomatoes. Trail mix. Fruit leather. Popcorn- Simply Pop brand or make a fresh batch before you leave and snack on it throughout your trip. Beef jerky.

  9. Packable Meals That Make for Easy Road Trip Food

    Instructions. 1. Purée cucumbers, garlic and 1/2 cup water in a blender until smooth. 2. Add arugula, herbs, vinegar and a large pinch of salt and purée, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed, until very smooth. 3. With the motor running, slowly stream in oil; blend until emulsified.

  10. Homemade Snack Recipes for Road Trips

    Apple and lemon juice bring an unexpected freshness to your road trip lunch. Go to Recipe. 4 / 8. Oven-Baked Ranch Chex Mix. This snack mix delivers the familiar taste of pretzels, Chex cereal, and Cheez-Its with a ranch seasoning that makes it irresistible. Go to Recipe. 5 / 8. Savory Bacon-Rosemary Granola.

  11. Road Trip Snacks: The Best Healthy Snacks on the Go

    Low-fat Greek yogurt. Hummus with veggies. Fruit cups made with fresh fruit. Pre-cut veggies. Oatmeal. The prices at the airport can be sky high, though, and you may be on the run to make a ...

  12. 50+ Easy, Healthy Road Trip Snack Recipes: Road Trip Foods

    2. Dried Fruits Ladoo - Easy Energy Balls | Dassana's Veg Recipes. Dry Fruits Laddu is an easy, nutritious recipe of energy balls that are healthy and tasty. Packed with nutrients, good fats and fibre, these energy balls are made with dates, figs and various nuts. An ideal long road trip snack. 3.

  13. 25 Best Travel Snacks For Your Next Trip

    LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn (24 Pack) $17 at Amazon. Popcorn is a great volume-rich snack, meaning you can eat quite a bit of it for very little calories. It is also considered a whole ...

  14. The Best Road Trip Snacks: 39 Easy-to-Pack Options Everyone Loves

    Caramel Chex Mix. This wonderfully crunchy snack is loaded with cereal, pretzels and nuts—and coated with a not-too-sweet brown sugar mixture. Pack this mix in resealable bags for easy eating while you're on the road. Go to Recipe. 23 / 39.

  15. 25+ Easy Vacation Dinners (With Only A Few Ingredients!)

    Depending on where you go on vacation and how much your eating out budget is, you will likely want some easy meals to make yourself. (But if you're just looking for snack ideas for a day at the beach, head over to our Beach Food Ideas post!). Whether you are in an VRBO, AirBnb, a townhouse, or a hotel with a kitchenette, you usually will have a few key appliances and ingredients to make ...

  16. 10 Make-Ahead Meals for Car Travel with Kids

    8. Breakfast Quesadillas from The Pioneer Woman. These hearty quesadillas from the Pioneer Woman are packed with eggs, bacon, and cheese. While Ree adds avocado, I'd say skip it for a long car ride, as it most likely will be brown and unappealing by the time you're ready to eat. 9.

  17. 15 Homemade Travel Snacks That Don't Need to Be Refrigerated

    Something on the Sweeter Side. Dark Chocolate & Nutella Puppy Chow: You guys. YOU GUYS. You need to make this delightful chocolate-y snack for your next adventure. Muesli Snacking Cookies: cinnamon and honey and nut buter. So comforting. Salted Dark Chocolate Popcorn: That perfect chocolate and salty thing.

  18. 30+ Easy RV Meals to Whip Up on Your Road Trip

    Easy RV Meals: Beef. 17. Spanish Rice with Ground Beef. "This Spanish Rice recipe is made with ground beef for a main dish meal! Ready in less than 30 minutes!". - Add a Pinch. 18. Easy Barbecue Steak Bites. "Become the master of the grill this summer with this easy, flavor-packed Barbecue Steak Bites Recipe!".

  19. 34 Healthy Road Trip Foods

    This healthy road trip foods list highlights easy storage, no mess, and quick clean up. These dietitian-approved road trip foods are perfect for kids, teens, and adults. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I am always looking for healthy food options that not only make you feel good but taste good, too! After a recent 14 hour road trip, I've came up with the best healthy road trip tips and ...

  20. THE BEST Fast Food in Kotelniki (Updated 2023)

    Kotelniki Travel Guide All Kotelniki Hotels; Kotelniki Hotel Deals; By Hotel Type Kotelniki Motels; Kotelniki Hostels; Kotelniki Family Hotels; Near Landmarks Hotels near Belaya Dacha Museum; Hotels near Kidburg; Hotels near Church of the Kazan Icon of God's Mother; All Kotelniki Restaurants; Popular Types of Food Asian Restaurants for Lunch in ...

  21. RESTAURANT GLOBUS, Elektrostal

    Share. 67 reviews #2 of 28 Restaurants in Elektrostal $$ - $$$ European Contemporary Vegetarian Friendly. Fryazevskoye Hwy., 14, Elektrostal Russia + Add phone number + Add website + Add hours Improve this listing. See all (2) Enhance this page - Upload photos! Add a photo. Food.

  22. PEKIN, Elektrostal

    Lenina Ave., 40/8, Elektrostal 144005 Russia +7 495 120-35-45 Website + Add hours Improve this listing.

  23. When did road trip food get so fancy?

    SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass. — The old Wendy's is just off Interstate 495, about 30 miles west of Boston. It still has the squat exterior of a '90s-era fast-food restaurant, with curved eaves above ...

  24. Gov. Gavin Newsom and owner of Panera Bread push back against claims of

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration has denied a news report that he pushed for an exception to the state's new fast-food minimum wage law that benefits a wealthy campaign donor.

  25. Rukmini Iyer's quick and easy baked gnocchi with mozzarella recipe

    Rukmini Iyer's baked gnocchi with roast cherry tomatoes, peppers and mozzarella. Photograph: Louise Hagger/The Guardian. Food styling: Emily Kydd.

  26. What's the best fast-food fish sandwich? We ranked the top 5

    The Fiery Big Fish may be an instant fast-food classic. Advertisement. $3.99 per sandwich, but prices vary by location. 1. Popeyes' Classic Flounder Fish Sandwich. Return to menu.

  27. Live updates on California snowstorm, road and travel impacts

    5:50 p.m.: Thousands of PG&E customers lost power in Fairfield on Saturday afternoon, according to the company's outage map. As of 5:40 p.m., 760 customers are affected by the outage. The outage ...

  28. Wendy's new dynamic pricing model to launch as soon as next year

    Free food:You can get a dozen doughnuts from Krispy Kreme for $2.29 on Leap Day.Here's how. In addition to new pricing model, Wendy's introduces Cinnabon Pull-Apart menu item. The fast-food burger ...

  29. More than 100 killed amid Israeli gunfire and panic at Gaza food ...

    More than 100 people were killed amid devastating scenes in northern Gaza, where Israeli troops opened fire Thursday, triggering panic as hungry Palestinian civilians were gathering around food ...