I consider the perfect road trip food one that fits in a snack trap and is easy to hand through to the back seat. Bonus points if it doesn’t make too big of a mess. Double bonus points if it doesn’t send anyone on a crazy sugar high and it’s easy to make ahead of time. And if I can actually sneak in some fruit and veggies? Let’s just say that’s the equivalent of winning the Snack Lotto.
Not to be too dramatic, but, moms, you just hit the jackpot. We’ve rounded up six of our favorite grab-and-go snacks that are healthy, easy-to-pack, and perfect for little hands to handle on their own. (And don’t forget a juice drink, like Mott’s Wild Grape Surge!) Now all you’ve got to do is figure out how in the world you’re going to get everything in the car…
We are totally obsessed with popcorn around here (yes, it often features caramel or white chocolate, but that’s a different post), so I was thrilled when we stumbled upon a soy sauce substitute (you can also use regular soy sauce); it’s chock-full of amino acid goodness, and, weirdly, delicious on popcorn. We spray a bit on plain popcorn (I definitely recommend a sprayer, otherwise you’ll get soaked pieces) and then toss it with a little cheddar popcorn powder for a delish treat.
Photo Credit: Fabulistas
Sweet and Salty Banana Chips
Put a bag of anything salty in front of my husband and daughter and they will annihilate it in seconds flat. Which is why I’m obsessed with these banana chips. By adding salt to what is normally a sweet snack, there’s a fighting chance I can convince them to hand over the potato chips without too much complaining.
Photo Credit: A Beautiful Mess
Homemade Strawberry Fruit Leather
Nothing takes me back to my childhood quite like homemade fruit leather. My mom would whip up a batch and use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes for us (she was way ahead of her time) and it was awesome. Turns out it’s not actually that hard or time-consuming to make, but it still has the same awe-inspiring effects…
Photo Credit: Fifteen Spatulas
Peanut Butter Cookies
Soft Pretzel Tots
Kids like little versions of things, am I right? And there’s nothing cuter than a mini pretzel that also happens to be delicious. Pair it with a dip that’ll keep them busy — maybe hummus or even homemade spinach dip? — and help get their veggies in.
Photo Credit: A Cozy Kitchen
Veggies and Dip in a Jar
So simple, yet so brilliant. I don’t know about your kids, but my daughter is always more inclined to eat veggies if there’s dip to go along with them, but including a carrying case? Those veggies don’t stand a chance.
Photo Credit & Idea: The Kitchn
