With three kids and dozens of road trips under my belt, I know a thing or two about making sure no one goes hungry during our adventures. Whether you want something sweet, salty, healthy, or protein-packed this Go-To List of Road Trip Snacks that don't need refrigeration is the help you have been searching for.
Traveling is a lot of fun but also a lot of work. But now you don't have to worry about what snacks to pack for the kids. I've done it for you.
Be ready to save this list and buy all these yummy snacks before you hit the road or hop on a plane or train. All of these are easy to eat, non-perishable, not messy, & satisfy adults and kids of all ages.
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My Expertise & Packing Tips
With much trial and errors back and forth to Disneyland or the mountains for the snow, I now have perfected my favorite list of road trip snacks that are nonperishable so need to pack an ice chest or cooler.
Here is what I recommend:
- Make sure everyone has a water bottle they can reach from their seat for hydration.
- If the snack isn't an individual size, prepack it so it is; ie Ziploc bags of trail mix from the big Costco bag.
- If you have 3 rows or more in your car or van, have a bag of snack in the front and back rows so everyone can reach or hand out snacks easily.
What to Look For When Shopping
Beyond the list I share below, as you are shopping around here are some tips for picking out foods that pack, travel, & don't spoil along the road.
- Price - stay in your budget so you can splurge other ways when you travel
- Size & Storing- buy small items that don't take a lot of room in your bag or car
- Ease of Eating - pick things that don't need any prep, mixing, or spreading
- Ease of Cleaning - sticky or messy items should be a BIG NO!
- Variety - buy a range of flavors, textures, nutritional needs (try some sweet, salty, crunchy, & soft choices)
- Nutrition & Dietary Needs - keep allergies away and make sure you include things with fiber, protein, or vitamins
- TASTE! - it's vacation so eat what you love !!!
Top 16 Best Snacks for the Road
I will share a variety of items to buy and pack for your next family vacation. Remember to check in with the TSA for what is allowed on the planes & through security - the liquid shakes will not be ok.
This includes variety packs, individual packaged snacks, & cheap store-bought treats. At the end do not miss some recipes for homemade snacks too.
Here are my favorites broken down into 4 categories:
- Family Favorites for Kids & Adults
- Healthy Snacks
- Protein-Packed Road Trip Snacks
- Sweets for the Road
Family Favorite for Kids & Adults
No need to worry about packing different things. Here are 4 yummy snacks that all ages will be happy to much on.
1 - Trail Mix Individual Packs
These have it all in each serving. This will hit the spot with the crunchy, chewy, sweet, & salty combo in every bite. For sure a #1 must-have for road trips.
2 - Goldfish Cheese Crackers
If you have kids, these better be in a bag somewhere. I think my 3 kids (and us 2 adults) have eaten 40-50 each over the last decade. It isn't a road trip without the goldfish. I like that they are not too salty (like Cheezits) so don't make you as thirsty which is key for road trips when you want to make less pitstops.
3 - Protein Shakes (many flavors)
I recommend these for when you hit the road early in the day. A nice way to get a protein-breakfast meal while on the go. Vanilla is a classic but Premier Protein has many more flavors like Chocolate, Caramel, Strawberries & Cream and my personal favorite, Cafe Latte.
4 - Chex Snack Mix
Another classic. The mix of cereal, pretzels, & crackers makes this a crowd pleaser. It is nut-free & this one big container is less than $10 so if you want a cheap road snack everyone will love - this is it!
Healthy Snacks
Here is a variety of items that are low-calorie, low-fat, & limited on processed ingredients. All make snacking on the go more guilt-free.
5 - Skinny Pop Popcorn
A classic! Buy a box with two flavors and everyone is happy!
6 - Sweet & Salty Popped Corn Chips
For that fun carnival flavor of kettle corn, these chips that are never fried will curb that craving. No artificial flavors or colors - only 4 ingredients. Enjoy 17 chips for just 120 calories.
7 - Organic Chewy Granola Bars
These chocolate chip granola bars are sweet but without any high-fructose corn syrup. Great for breakfast, snack, or dessert while traveling.
8 - Low-Sodium Roasted Almonds
Less salt means less drinking while traveling. Staying hydrated is important but you don't want to overdue. Especially true if you have kids that need to get to the bathroom often which isn't easy on road trips.
Protein-Packed Road Trip Snacks
Here are my top items for making sure we get enough protein while we travel. These are all easy to eat & stay fresh for the entire trip.
9 - Peanut Butter Packets
One gluten-free pack of peanut butter includes 7gr of protein & only 6 carbs with zero added sugars. Enjoy straight from the pack or knead & squirt onto crackers or bread. Got a peanut or nut allergy, try Almond Butter Packets or Sunflower Butter instead.
10 - Chomps Grass-Fed Beef Sticks
This 10-pack is great for a weekend getaway for a family or a weeklong trip for a couple. 100% natural, no added sugars or GMO ingredients. 100 calories each packing in 10 grams of protein - ideal for low-carb, keto, or diabetic snacking.
11 - Turkey Jerky (low-sodium)
A great low-fat poultry protein option that is my favorite non-beef jerky. The gluten-free soy sauce give it bold flavor without a ton of processed "junk".
12 - Crunchy Roasted Edamame Beans
Portable snack that is gluten-free, vegan, kosher, & healthy. A great way to get plant-based protein in your day. There are 3 tasty flavors to pick from too; sea salt, spicy Sriracha, & wasabi soy.
Sweets for the Road
When you are traveling and crave something sweet, here is what you will want to find in your bag. None need refrigeration but keep the chocolates out of the sun or heat so they don't melt.
13 - Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
Fun snack with tons of unique flavors so everyone will love them. I love traveling with these because they also have no chocolate so nothing to melt or get messy.
14 - Candy Bar Assortment
Top 3 classic candy bars make up this variety pack. Great for chocolate lovers and big families on the go.
15 - Hi-Chew Soft Candies
This variety pack is one of our favorites. I like to have one in my purse for the plane or when walking around Disneyland all day. A great way to get a sugar fix when needed.
16 - Red Vines
Last but not least. I saved the best for last. Red Vines have been my co-pilot in the car since driving back & forth home when I was in college. I still LOVE them & only the original red licorice will do. (do not say twizzlers are good too because NO!)
Bonus: Whole Foods that Travel Well
Here are some great natural foods that are easy to pack & portable. Enjoy these top snacks that don't need refrigeration.
- Fruit: apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, and pears work best. Try dried varieties like raisins, apple or banana chips, figs, pineapple spears, prunes, & dried apricots.
- Nuts: mixed nuts roasted, salted or unsalted are great. Shelled nuts are best like almonds, cashews, macadamias, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, or walnuts.
- Seeds: mixed seeds (with or without nuts) are also great to much on and a fast snack when shelled; try pumpkin (pepitas) or sunflower.
- Vegetables: some veggies can last a few days without refrigeration; such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
FAQ
Individual snack pouches work great in the car for small kids. Try a variety of fruit sauces and protein baby food choices.
I am not a huge fan of all the packing for these items normally but when on the go, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
Dairy products like yogurt are safe when properly refrigerated. It can last for a short hour long road trip but not safe any longer than that.
Final Notes & Recipes
I hope you found something in your budget and tasty to pack. Remember to bring 2-3 choices with different flavors & textures so no one gets bored. My list of Keto Road Trip snacks is also a reader favorite article.
I like to bring 1 from at least 2 categories above plus something made from scratch. Here are a few homemade snacks perfect for road trips:
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