10 Healthy Travel Snacks Your Hangry Self Will Appreciate

In life my motto is: Snacks are key

If you know me, then you know I always have some sort of snack in my hand or by my side and when it comes to travel this is something I know I need to be sure to prep for. While there is always the option to stop at a convince store or gas station, I find that they are generally not nutritious and over-priced. 

Ensuring that you bring healthy, filling snacks for the journey will help you make nutritious choices when you’re in a pinch and will allow you to (somewhat) follow your normal healthy eating routine, which will in turn help to offset any holiday weight gain. 

So what makes a healthy travel snack?

Generally you want something that is about 150-250 calories, about 3 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein and no more than 8 grams of fat (you want to keep the added sugar to a minimum). The protein and fibre are key because they will make you feel fuller for longer and stop you from devouring all the snacks in an hour or overeating when you get to your destination. 

How to snack? 

One important point is to still maintain the principals of mindful eating. Make sure you are actually hungry when you reach for that snack bag and you aren’t just eating because you are bored. Be sure to munch on anything that needs refrigeration within four hours of heading to the airport, on a road trip, or out to sea. Take things that work as a light bite on their own or in a combo for a heartier snack. 

Snack Suggestions:

Generally I suggest packing three small snack items you know you always like eat (yogurt, boiled egg, cheese stick, nut-based bars, etc.), and at least one piece of fresh produce. Tip: Don’t forget to bring water to make sure that you stay hydrated. 

Below are some ideas and ways to meet the goals above: 

1 – Hard Boiled Eggs

These are my go to snacks when at home or travelling. They are easy to make and a great source of protein. I generally boil them, allow them to cool, peel them and then put them in a ziplock bag. These are number one on the list as they will need top be eaten first but with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on them, they are hard to pass up. 

2 – Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs 

Nut or seed butter packs provide healthy fats and you can add them to crackers, oatmeal, fruit, or other snacks you’ve packed. Tip: Buy the single serving snack packs (if they are smaller than 3 ounces the they get the thumbs-up from TSA). I love these ones from 3 – RXBAR

These are one of my go to protein bars are and another filling choice. 4 – Quest Bar 

With only 190 calories and 21 grams of protein I am constantly munching on these guys. Not to mention they come in some delicious favours, my go to favourites are, blueberry muffin, Chocolate hazelnut, Cookies and cream & White Chocolate Raspberry. Tip: They also sell a 5 – Chobani 0% fat Yogurt tub 

Unsweetened 6 – Cheese sticks 

Single-serving packs of refrigerated cheese, like Arla, Polly-O Twists, Reduced Fat Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese Snacks,, 9 oz” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Polly-O

can also help you get protein on-the-go.

7 – Roasted Chickpeas 

You can either prepare these in the oven the night before or alternatively reach stock up on the 1.5-ounce snack packs from 8 – Dried Fruit 

Be sure to go for unsweetened versions, a good product in this market is 9 – Produce 

Like I mentioned above, always bring at least one piece or one prepackaged snack bag of produce with you. A few options here would be, banana, apple, mandarin, carrot stick, celery stick, strips of peppers – whether you go for a fresh fruit or veggie option, both will help keep you hydrated and full.

10 – Water

Staying hydrated is the key to savvy travel. If traveling by plane then I always recommend bringing an empty refillable water bottle with you and filling it up at a water fountain once you get through security. And you will never see me make it through a day without drinking at least  one LaCroix or unsweetened sparkling mineral water. 

I’d love to hear how you prepare your snack bag for a long trip and what your plans are for the upcoming holiday season!?! What are some of your favourite travel snacks?