Top 20 Healthy Road Trip Snacks

You say: Road Trip.

We say: Healthy Snacks!

Are you planning your next road trip? If so, don't forget to pack some gut healthy snacks.

They'll help keep your energy levels up and your gut happy.

When you're packing for a road trip, gut healthy ferments, apple slices and hard boiled eggs are probably the last thing on your mind. After all, there's nothing more crave-worthy than a bag of chips or a box of cookies when you're stuck in traffic.

But if you want to avoid the post-road trip food hangover plus a possible sugar crash that will have negative effects on your gut health, it's worth considering healthier alternatives and doing a little planning.

Importance of eating healthy food on your road trip

While road trips are a great way to get out and explore, they can also be a test of your patience and resolve. Spending hours in the car can be boring, tiring, and stressful, but it doesn't have to be.

One way to make the most of your time on the road and keep your body fueled is to eat super gut friendly quick bites that are full of fiber, healthy fats and probiotics.

Not only will this help you stay energized and focused by keeping your mind awake, but it will also prevent you from making unhealthy hangry food choices along the way to your final destination.

Good snack foods and the right cold drink are actually very easy to pack and eat on the go. And best of all, they'll help you stay on track with your gut health and healthy living goals.

So next time you're planning a road trip, don't forget to take the time to pack your pickles and a few of your favorite fermented foods like olives, kraut, kimchi, and LiveBrine pickle juice along with a few of these healthy snacks.  

Your gut, your mind, (and your taste buds) will thank you. 

Our suggested healthy car snacks for road trips

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Raw Fermented Olive My Pickle - Pickles 🥒  - our #1 way to fuel our adventures. 

 

2. A Handful of Olive My Pickle Olives 🫒  - we like snacking on cubed cheese and olives.

3. Half an Avocado stuffed with Fermented Olive My Pickle Sauerkraut

 

4. Sliced Cucumbers topped with Olive My Pickle Kimchi

 

5. Turkey Roll Ups: It's a slice of turkey, cheese and a raw fermented pickle or sauerkraut all rolled up in one

 

6. Salads topped with your Olive My Pickle ferments like Veggie Medley, Okra, Spicy Green Beans or your favorite Sauerkraut.

 

7. Fresh Fruit: apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, and blueberries.

 

8. Fresh Veggies: carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes

 

9. Nuts and seeds: raw almonds and pistachios

 

 

10. Dried Fruit - Better yet why not grab a road trip favorite of ours, a Larabar which is fruit and nuts in one!

 

 

11. Gluten Free Snacks like Siete Chips

 

12. Nut Butters or Energy Balls - we like using almond butter the most

 

13. Prebiotic bars - We love and recommend the Truth Bar.

 

14. Gluten Free Crackers & Dehydrated Veggie Chips - there's so many creative ways to add some crunch in your snacks these days.

 

 

15. Beef, Turkey or Mushroom Jerky - we like grass-fed meats like those from Chomps and Archer. We talk about choosing a good jerky below. 

 

 

16. Canned Sardines / Smoked Oysters

 

17. Hummus: homemade or store-bought - here's our famous OMP Hummus Recipe.

 

18. Hard Boiled Eggs - they're so easy to store and eat on the go!

 

19. Popcorn: air-popped or coconut oil popped, ditch the microwave popped kind.

 

 

20. Dark Chocolate: that's 70% or more cocoa - for your sweet tooth!

 

Keep reading for our favorite recipe for easy Energy Balls! 

Quick and easy recipe for Energy Balls

Energy balls are the perfect road trip snack and kids love them! They're easy to make, healthy, and portable. Plus, they'll give you the energy you need to keep driving (or exploring)! Here's a quick and easy recipe for energy balls that you can make before your next road trip:

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup nut butter of your choice - we like almond butter.
• 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup raisins or dark chocolate chips or both (optional)
• 1 tsp chia seeds (optional)

What's the best beef jerky?

When we think of a road trip snack we know beef jerky is a classic choice. But with so many brands and flavors out there, it can be hard to decide which one to choose. So, what's the best beef jerky?

The answer may depend on your personal preferences, but there are a few things to look for when you're shopping for beef jerky.

First, consider the type of meat that's used. Maybe you want turkey jerky or mushroom jerky instead. If you're looking for a leaner jerky, choose one made with leaner cuts of meat, such as flank steak or eye of round. If you're looking for a more traditional flavor, opt for a brand that uses brisket or chuck roast. You may also want to look for a healthier version that's grass fed and organic.

Pay attention to the ingredients list; you'll want to avoid anything that's high in sugar, has synthetic nitrates and other artificial ingredients.

And finally, take into account the size of the pieces; if you're planning on eating your beef jerky on the go, you'll want to choose a brand that offers smaller pieces that are easy to eat without taking a lot of time out of your trip. With so many delicious options available, there's no need to settle for anything less than the best.

 

How to pack healthy road trip snacks for food safety

Traveling can be a great opportunity to try new foods and use creative eco-friendly packaging. However, we know it can also be a challenge to store those snacks safely while you're on the go. You don't want food to spoil in a hot car, right?

Tips for packing your snacks safely

• Choose fresh fruits and vegetables that are easy to clean. Prepare, store so they're easy to grab and eat on the go.
• Avoid meat and dairy products that need to be refrigerated.
• Pack shelf-stable snacks like jerky, protein bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Be careful to notice if there's chocolate in anything. You don't want to leave anything with chocolate in it in your warm car, stash those in the cooler too.
• Choose individual serving sizes and sealed containers to avoid cross contamination.
• Keep coolers filled with reusable ice packs.
• Remember to wash your hands often, especially before (and after) eating.

 

Should you make homemade trail mix?

Do you see trail mix everywhere these days, especially while road tripping? Here's the big question we get asked: Should you make it yourself or just buy trail mix on the go?

It's a great idea to make your own mix with natural ingredients at home and you can customize it to your liking. Plus, it's a lot healthier than potato chips you'll find at most gas stations.

How to make your own trail mix

First, choose your favorite nuts and dried fruit. We like to use a mix of raw almonds, cashews, and pistachios. For the dried fruit, we usually go for raisins. But feel free to get creative! Other popular options include dried apricots, mangoes, and pineapple.

Be sure to watch for added sugar in your dried fruits.

Next, add some whole grain cereal or granola for a little crunch. We like to use either oats or quinoa flakes. If you want to add a little sweetness, you can also throw in some dark chocolate chips or unsweetened shredded coconut.

Finally, mix everything together and store in an airtight sealed container. That's it! Now you've got a great snack that will keep you going on those long drives. Enjoy, but don't eat the entire bag at one time.

So... Is dried fruit healthy?

Dried fruits are one of those Healthy Road Trip Snacks that can be a little bit tricky. On the one hand, it's full of nutrients like fiber and vitamins; on the other hand, it's often loaded with sugar.

So what's the verdict? Is dried fruit healthy, or should you avoid it altogether?

The answer really depends. If you're trying to watch your sugar intake, your gut will thank you if you do, then you'll want to be careful with how much dried fruit you eat.

However, if you're looking for a healthy snack that will give you sustained energy, then dried fruits can be a good option. Just be sure to check the labels and choose brands that have minimal added sugar and don't eat the whole bag.

We suggest balancing dried fruit with your other road trip snacks. Too much of a good thing, is too much of a good thing. So there you have it: dried fruit can be healthy, but you need to watch the sugar content. Enjoy in moderation!

How to find healthy snacks in convenience stores?

We grew up in a time where road trips were the perfect opportunity to indulge in junk food, but those days are over my friend. If you find yourself on a road trip and in need a guilt free snacks without having to choose fast food for other choices that will affect your gut health, here's a few things to look for at a gas station.

Yes it's possible to find a healthy snack from a gas station.

Start by looking for fresh fruit and fresh vegetables that are pre-cut and easy to eat on the go. Apples, oranges, bananas, celery and carrots are all good options. Grab blueberries if you can find them.

You can also look for pre-packaged snacks like trail mix, protein bars or granola bars that are gluten free and contain whole grains, nuts or seeds for a boost.

We're seeing more dehydrated vegetable options and even plantain chips these days. They are a great substitute for potato chips that really pack a crunch punch.

And if you're really craving something sweet, look for dark chocolate bars with a high percentage of cocoa. With a little effort, you can easily find healthy foods on the go that will help keep you satisfied on your next road trip. Oh and don't forget the water.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your road trip snacks ready and hit the open road!

And don’t forget to stock up on gut-friendly ferments while you’re at it – they make perfect snacks for any journey. Have fun out there and be sure to snack healthy!