It’s no secret that we’ve done our fair share of traveling so far this summer. If your family still has some fun trips coming up – whether by car or by plane – below are some snacks that we think are great and easy to take along. Even if you just can’t (or won’t) stick to a real food diet once you get to your destination, I think it’s a good idea to bring some items for the trip there and even to supplement meals once you arrive.
What good is a vacation if you feel sluggish (or even sick) from some not-so-great airplane or gas station food? And yes, you can take your own food and empty water bottle through airport security, provided you follow TSA guidelines for anything considered a liquid.*
1. Homemade Trail Mix or Granola
Trail mix is easy enough – just mix together a variety of nuts, seeds, and even dried fruit then divide up into little baggies or reusable containers. Or alternatively bag up some yummy homemade granola cereal that you can just eat dry out of your hand. These options can be an especially filling snack for taking up such little space.
2. Simple Store Bought Fruit & Nut Bars (or homemade!)
For the store bought versions be sure to check the ingredients for a short list of items you are familiar with and would cook with at home. We personally like Lara Bars, Kit’s Organic and Raw Crunch. (Tip use coupon code “100DAYS” for 15% off your online Raw Crunch purchase.) And yes it’s extra work, but I promise the homemade version of dried fruit and nut bars are even better than you could imagine.
3.Whole-Grain Muffins
With so many recipe choices from pumpkin to zucchini to berries to banana nut to cornbread…what’s not to love? You can basically bake any “quick bread” loaf in muffin cups!
4. Apples or Bananas (with our without an individual packet of peanut butter)
Apples and bananas by themselves are good, but let’s face it – (if you don’t have an allergy) they are even better topped with peanut or another type of nut butter. Either way though you’ll be light years above a gas station snack with this one.
5. Frozen Peas
One of the great things about frozen peas – aside from the fact that it’s a veggie my daughters both enjoy – is that if you pack them frozen they can act as sort of a temporary ice pack for any other perishables you decide to take along.
6. Washed, Peeled, and Sliced Veggies like Carrots, Cucumbers and/or Celery
For a road trip pack your fresh veggies (and other goodies) in a divided lunch container with hummus or homemade dip like ranch or tzatziki – yum!
7. Organic Popcorn
Make your own “homemade” popcorn in a brown paper lunch bag without having to resort to those pre-made bags full of additives and chemicals.
8. Dried Fruit or Homemade Fruit Leathers
This is another one of those categories where there are SO many choices…raisins, dried apple rings, dried apricots, dried cranberries, banana “chips,” and any flavor of fruit leather you can imagine. For the store bought variety look at the ingredients to make sure they don’t contain added sugar.
9. Cherry Tomatoes or Grapes
Packaged into the perfect bite-size by nature, these are two incredibly convenient whole foods to take on the road. When it comes to tomatoes Sun Gold cherries are my all time favorite, but a little baggie of any home grown – or locally grown – variety will do.
10. Whole-Grain Crackers or Brown Rice Cakes
This snack could easily complement many of the snacks mentioned above…you can make your own Easy Cheesy Crackers or for store bought our favorite brand is “ak-mak.” Brown rice cakes are another whole grain alternative to crackers – also good with one of those little nut butter packets.
Also, don’t forget to bring plenty of water along as well. If you will be flying just keep your reusable water bottle empty until you pass through security and then fill up on the other side. Please share your favorite “real food” travel snacks in the comments below!
* You can take solid foods through security, but according to the TSA website, any creamy dips, spreads, or other liquids must be placed in containers 3.4 oz or smaller and placed in a quart clear sized plastic bag. This includes foods such as jelly, peanut butter, spreadable cheeses, sauces, salad dressing, etc.
