Plan ahead by packing healthy snacks while traveling!
There are a lot of reasons to pack healthy travel snacks when you and your family are on the go. Most importantly, packing snacks can help you avoid the temptation to stop and grab unhealthy foods during your trip. Plus, if there’s a picky eater in your family, you can make sure you always have the perfect snack on hand.
Three easy healthy travel snacks
Consider packing healthy snacks for travel to match the length of your planned trip and the weather.
For example, if you expect to be on the road for extended time periods, you may want to pack a larger amount of treats so you don’t run out too soon. For a shorter trip, overpacking could leave you with food that gets stale or too dry before it’s eaten. Also, if it’s warm out, avoid packing perishable items unless you have a cooler and plenty of ice.
Three ideas for nonperishable snacks include:
- Dried fruit
- Peanut butter sandwiches on whole grain bread
- Squeezable applesauce tubes
Three healthy vegan travel snacks
Does anyone in your family have special dietary needs? Making your own homemade snacks for traveling puts you in control of what your family eats and helps your family stick to their normal diet.
Three vegan-specific ideas for travel snacks include:
- Pita chips
- Roasted chickpeas
- Veggie chips
Three healthy travel snacks for toddlers
It’s no secret that toddlers can be picky eaters. So, packing your little one’s favorite foods can help keep your child nourished and happy when you’re traveling.
Pack small bites of finger food your child likes in plastic bags or reusable containers. Be sure to include hand wipes for cleaning little fingers when snack time is finished. Also, include spill-proof cups or bottles of water to keep your toddler hydrated.
Three ideas for healthy travel snacks for toddlers include:
- Diced fruit or veggie sticks
- Raisins
- Yogurt tubes
Three snacks for traveling in the car
Traveling by car gives you extra options for eating and snacking. Try packing some items that can be consumed while the vehicle is moving and some picnic-worthy treats for rest stops.
For in-car snacks, think of things that aren’t too messy or that are packaged for on-the-go eating. For picnic-style snacks, focus on treats that aren’t highly perishable or that ride well in a cooler.
Three handy snacks for traveling in the car include:
- Fresh, peelable fruit, like bananas and oranges
- Almond butter sandwich quarters on whole grain bread
- String cheese
Three healthy travel snacks for plane trips
The TSA regulates the types and quantities of some foods you may want to pack for a plane trip. That can make it a bit harder to pack healthy travel food for plane trips.
However, it isn’t impossible, and with a bit of extra planning, it’s actually quite easy. Dry foods and candies are allowed, but wet foods and beverages are only allowed in limited quantities.
Three ideas for healthy airplane snacks include clear plastic bags filled with:
- Air-popped popcorn
- Homemade high-fiber cookies or granola bars
- Nuts or trail mix
Level up your snacking game with the help of our clinical nutrition team. Learn more about these services we offer at Bon Secours.
