The key to a successful road trip comes down to being well-prepared – especially when young kids are involved! This usually means having the right snacks available to keep them entertained, while also eliminating the need to stop at a convenience store.
This post has over 34 road trip snacks the whole family will enjoy. Yes, that’s right – snacks that are both mom and kid-approved.
Not only will you have a healthier option available to munch on during the long drive, but your kids will benefit as well.
The inspiration for this post comes from my husband’s constant nagging to drive to Florida for spring break instead of flying. While I am not ready to do that just yet, I will definitely prep some of these snacks to set us up for success.
Save all the splurging for when you get to your destination!
Healthy Road Trip Snacks
These snacks are not only delicious, but relatively simple to prep and shelf-stable.
Of course, stopping at a convenience store might be unavoidable. If you’re still looking for a more nutritious option, check out my post on the healthiest gas station snacks.
1. Homemade Trail Mix (Our Love Language is Food)
A DIY trail mix is a must for road trips! This easy recipe is sure to be a hit, and there are endless ways to customize it based on your preferences.
Also try:
— Tropical Trail Mix (XOXO Bella): Let this delicious blend of tropical fruits, nuts and yogurt clusters bring some extra sunshine into your day. Tropical trail mix is an energizing, sweet and delicious snack.
— Coastal Ranch Jerky Trail Mix (XOXO Bella): Although there are hundreds of different trail mix recipes, this one is a bit more unique. Boasting all kinds of yummy ingredients from nuts and pretzels to parmesan and jerky, it’s just so tempting and tasty!
— Cinnamon Toast Crunch Snack Mix (Two Pink Peonies)
2. Strawberry Fruit Roll-Ups (Served From Scratch)
Skip the store-bought! Make your own, healthier, whole foods strawberry fruit roll ups at home! You will need a dehydrator, but this is a much healthier alternative to what you would find at convenience stores.
Also try:
— Rhubarb Fruit Leather (Beside the Mountain): These are so simple to make, and ideal for a road trip as they are no mess and last a long time.
— Homemade Fruit Roll Ups with Nectarines (Emkay’s Kitchen)
— Food Dehydrator Tips with 7 Foods to Try (Fluxing Well)
— Homemade Beef Jerky (Maplewood Road)
3. The Best Pistachio Balls (Beside the Mountain)
Energy balls are one of easiest and healthiest snacks to eat in the car! Skip the optional chocolate drizzle for the road trip so it doesn’t melt yet these are so tasty you wont miss it! Plus, they’re packed with healthy fats from the pistachios.
More energy ball recipes:
— Pumpkin Pie Snack Bites (Strength and Sunshine)
— No Bake Coconut Almond Balls (Flavour Streat)
4. Spicy Ranch Crackers (Unique Cooks)
Buttery, salty and spicy, these ranch crackers are melt in the mouth delicious! Incredibly easy to make and carry along with you. Toddler-approved, because what kid doesn’t love ranch?
5. Banana Bread Bites (My Kids Lick the Bowl)
These no-bake banana bread balls are the perfect handheld and tasty treat. They are nut-free and vegan as well.
6. Coconut Date Energy Balls
Another easy 4-ingredient recipe, these Coconut Date Energy Balls are simple to make and satisfy sweet cravings! Naturally sweetened with dates, chocolate chips and coconut flakes.
To make them last longer, store in an airtight container in a cooler for up to a week.
7. Easy Baked Kale Chips (Champagne Tastes)
These healthy baked kale chips are quite easy to make at home, and are a delicious snack food that’s surprisingly hard to stop eating! Store at room temperature for 2-3 days.
8. Easy 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Savor the Spoonful)
Easy, healthy yet decadent – these banana oatmeal cookies are perfect for adults and kids alike. Skip the Chips Ahoy and Oreos, and give these a try!
9. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars (Bright Eyed Baker)
These protein bars contain 16 grams per serving – making them perfect for a filling, satisfying snack for a long drive! Most store-bought bars are filled with ingredients you can’t pronounce, so these are a healthier option. They’re also gluten-free.
More bars:
— Easy Date Granola Bars (A Cedar Spoon).
— Homemade Granola Bars with M&Ms and Raisins (Glute Sticks + Gum Drops)
— Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars (Healthy Mom Healthy Family)
— Fruity Pebbles Cereal Bars (The Short Order Cook)
10. Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas (A Cedar Spoon)
Chickpeas, in general, are a good source of both protein and fiber. When roasted, they become crispy and crunch – even kids will enjoy. Season with your favorite spices and customize however you want.
Also try:
— Vegan Bacon Flavoured Chickpeas (Yum Vegan Food)
11. Low Carb Almond Flour Crackers (Primavera Kitchen)
These crunchy almond flour crackers are perfect to munch on by themselves or with some cheese cubes. Store in an airtight container to storage bag for up to 5 days. {Gluten-Free}
Also try:
— Homemade Gluten-Free Wheat Thins (Strength and Sunshine)
— Allergy-Free Homemade Goldfish (Strength and Sunshine)
12. Valentine’s Puppy Chow (Our Love Language is Food)
Growing up, puppy chow was a road trip staple! It might be a Midwest thing, but it is sure to be a hit with the kids. Plus, cereal is fortified with vitamins and minerals – making it a healthier option than many other convenience snacks.
This recipe is a twist from the original chocolate and peanut butter flavors with white chocolate and freeze-dried strawberries.
Also try:
— Snickerdoodle Muddy Buddies (The Short Order Cook)
13. Heavenly Hunks Copycat Recipe (Begin with Balance)
This is a Costco copycat recipe that will cost you less money than at the store. It’s just a few simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep. They can easily be made gluten-free or dairy-free.
A healthier alternative to satisfy a sweet tooth!
Also try:
— Hidden Veggie Cookies (Healthy Kids Recipes)
14. Honey Glazed Cinnamon Pecans (End of the Fork)
Nuts are always a nutritious option for snacking, but these honey glazed cinnamon pecans are a level up. They are coated in honey, sugar, cinnamon and black pepper. Kid-approved, as well!
15. Healthy No-Bake Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites (Haute & Healthy Living)
Want to eat raw cookie dough without any guilt? Try these homemade cookie dough bites made with chickpeas! Both the protein and the fiber will help to keep you fuller for a longer period of time.
Easy to make, kid-approved, healthy, and delicious – all the makings of an ideal snack for a long drive!
16. Green Monster Muffins (Healthy Kids Recipes)
Similar to a banana muffin but with spinach incorporated – yet even the pickiest eater won’t be able to taste it.
Also try:
— Orange Muffins with Honey (Beside the Mountain)
Related Posts:
— 20+ High Protein Vegetarian Snacks
— How to Lose Weight As a Busy Mom: Tips for Long-Term Success
