Planning a road trip? Whether you’re hitting the road for a weekend getaway or embarking on a cross-country adventure, you’ve probably already got your route mapped out, your playlist downloaded, and your gas tank full.
But here’s what separates a good road trip from a great one: the snacks.
Nothing kills the vibe quite like hangry passengers or that 3 PM energy crash when you’re still hours away from your destination. Your choice of road trip snacks can end up saving the day!
Easy and Delicious Road Trip Snacks to Pack
The best road trip snacks need to strike a balance. They need to be practical enough to eat in the car, tasty enough to get excited about, and varied enough to please everyone.
With that said, here are 13 snacks for road trip to keep your crew happy:
Homemade Popcorn
Nothing beats popcorn for road trips. It’s light but satisfying and endlessly customizable. Pop a batch in the Popsmith Popper before your trip and season with parmesan and herbs, nutritional yeast, or even plain old salt — either of these will be delicious. Want more inspiration? Check out our popcorn recipes for ideas.
Trail Mix
Why buy ready-made trail mix when you can make one that tastes way better using ingredients you have at home?
Start with a base of nuts like peanuts or almonds and add dried fruit for sweetness. Then toss in some of your homemade popcorn and a few chocolate pieces to finish off your DIY trail mix.
This road trip snack is filled with protein and will keep your energy levels steady for long stretches on the road.
Cheese and Crackers
Assorted cheeses paired with crackers make for an enjoyable, protein-rich snack. Look for shelf-stable options that won't spoil in the car.
Fresh Fruit
Berries, apples, and grapes make perfect healthy road trip snacks. They’re refreshing, naturally sweet, and offer a nice contrast to heavier snacks. Just pre-wash everything and pack it in easy-to-reach containers.
Dried Fruit
Instead of gummy candy, try bringing dried fruit like banana chips, mango strips, or dried strawberries. These are less sticky and won’t leave you with a sugar crash.
Jerky
A classic road trip snack, jerky is high in protein and long-lasting. Go for an option with lower sodium and fewer additives if you’re health-conscious and also want to avoid excessive thirst.
Granola Bars
Store-bought granola bars can be hit or miss. Some taste like cardboard, while others are really candy bars in disguise.
For your peace of mind, it’s better to make your own. You can do it the night before your trip. Simply combine rolled oats, honey, dried fruit, and your favorite nuts. Then press the mixture into a lined baking pan, refrigerate until firm, and cut into bars. These actually deliver real energy.
PRO TIP: Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper so they’re easy to hand out and won’t stick together.
Dark Chocolate
A few squares of dark chocolate can satisfy a sweet tooth without the sugar rush and crash of candy. It also doesn’t melt as easily as milk chocolate, making it perfect for warm car rides.
Nuts and Seeds
Cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds are filling and also give your body some healthy fats. If you decide to bring some, just remember they can be salty and might leave you extra thirsty. You could end up making a few unplanned bathroom stops.
Veggie Chips
Baked sweet potato, kale, or beet chips have a satisfying crunch with more nutrients than your typical potato chips. Want to make your own? Cut veggies into thin slices, drizzle a little oil and salt over them, and bake at 400°F until crispy.
Energy Balls
Make these no-bake treats a day before your trip. Mix oats, honey, nut butter, and your favorite add-ins (we like chocolate chips). Then roll into balls and refrigerate for a few hours.
Muffins
Homemade muffins are a real special treat, whether you make them with blueberries, bananas, or peanut butter. They’re also pretty filling.
PRO TIP: Keep your muffins in an airtight container with a paper towel in between each one to absorb moisture.
Hydration
We can’t leave out drinks, of course! While water is a no-brainer, you might also want to consider packing:
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Coffee for early morning drives
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Herbal teas in insulated bottles
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Juice boxes for mess-free sipping
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Electrolyte drinks for longer drives when you’re sweating
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Fruit-infused water for natural sweetness without added sugar
Road Trip Snack Packing Tips
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Portion control: Pre-portion snacks into individual containers to make them easier to grab and go.
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Easy access: Keep food and drinks within reach of passengers, whether in a basket or cooler.
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Mess-free options: It’s best to go for snacks that won’t leave everyone with sticky fingers. Pack plenty of tissues to be safe anyway.
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Temperature considerations: Pack a small cooler with ice packs for drinks, and keep chocolate and other melt-prone items away from sunlight.
Fuel Up Your Road Trip
We’ve shared our top road trip snack ideas. Now it’s up to you to decide what you’ll be taking along for the ride. Will you stick with trail mix and granola bars? Pack jerky and some fresh fruit to balance it out?
Our non-negotiable is popcorn. Whether it’s a road trip, movie night, or game night, we’re always reaching for crisp, fluffy popcorn from the Popsmith — and so will you once you try a handful.
Shop the Popper now or bundle n’ save with your choice of popcorn kits for the ultimate snacking experience.
