Healthy, Homemade Road Trip Snacks To Try This Summer
Summer road trips lead to great adventures! But long hours in the car with your entire family can be challenging, especially when hunger strikes. If you want to avoid frequent stops at convenience stores or fast-food drive-ins, having filling snacks readily available can be a lifesaver. Before you hit the road this summer, check out our Recipe Center for a variety of healthy, homemade road trip snacks.
Healthy Car Snacks for Kids
Breakfast Bars All Day Long
If you’re up and out the door early, these are a great option for an easy breakfast on the road. Or, they are a delicious snack (with so many healthy ingredients) for any time of the day.
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 cup raisins or chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Note: Cut the bars before they cool completely or they may get too hard to cut easily.
Smoothies on the Go
Pre-blend these smoothies, put them into a water bottle with a collapsible straw, and store them in a small cooler for a quick snack with less mess.
- 2 cups strawberries — halved and hulled
- 2 containers (6 oz) strawberry yogurt
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1.5 cups milk
Note: This makes 6 servings, so you can half the recipe as needed
Fluffer Nutter Minis
A mini, hand-held version of a lunchtime favorite can keep small tummies (and large tummies, too) from grumbling along the way.
- Creamy peanut butter
- Marshmallow creme
- Ritz crackers
Note: Assemble just like you would a full sandwich!
Poppy Chow
We will admit, Poppy Chow can be a little messy, but it’s a delicious snack and it’s a kid favorite!
- 2 quarts popped popcorn
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
Note: Mix and store in a gallon-sized resealable bag for everyone to share or portion out into individual containers for smaller servings.
Best Road Trip Snacks to Buy
If your to-do list doesn’t allow time for healthy, homemade road trip snacks, don’t worry. Healthy, store-bought snacks are another great option. Here are a few ideas for easy, portable snacks you can find in the aisles of Staffers Fresh Foods stores.
Fresh Fruit — Sliced grapes, berries, and cut-up watermelon cubes are easy car snacks for kids that won’t make too much of a mess. Local peaches and nectarines come into peak season just in time for summer road trips!
Granola — When you don’t have time to whip up homemade granola. Grandview Granola is one of our favorites.
Cheese Sticks — A grab and go favorite of every child and a good source of protein.
Yogurt — Yogurt is the perfect individually-sized snack for road trips. Local brands we love include Pequea Valley, Kreider Farms, Fiddle Creek, and Farmer Rudolph. Don’t forget to pack spoons!
Bulk Foods — Shop the bulk foods section for a variety of snack mixes, nuts, dried fruits, and more.
Packing Snacks for Road Trips
Your snacks don’t need to take up too much valuable packing space. A small-to-medium, insulated soft-side cooler should do the trick. You’ll also want resealable plastic bags with a heavy-duty seal, plastic containers with lids, and several ice packs.
Real Simple shares a great example of how to pack your cooler strategically for maximum coldness and minimum smushing.
- Place solid ice packs at the bottom of your cooler and create a base layer with any snacks stores in a stable container.
- Next add soft, gel ice packs and layer in your drinks
- Add more ice packs if you have the room, and make sure any soft foods or foods stored in plastic bags are on top.
- When you’re driving keep your cooler in the air-conditioned area of your car as opposed to the trunk. Not only will it stay cooler, but it will also be easily accessible when snack time hits.