What are some good road trip foods?

What to Pack: Road Trip Food Essentials

When planning a road trip, it’s important to pack the right food essentials. Here are some must-haves for any road trip:

  • Cooler: A cooler filled with ice packs or frozen water bottles is essential for keeping perishable foods fresh.
  • Utensils: Pack reusable utensils and plates to reduce waste and make eating on the go easier.
  • Napkins and wet wipes: Keep these on hand for messy eating situations.
  • Ziplock bags: These are great for storing snacks and leftovers.
  • Cutting board and knife: Bring a small cutting board and knife for preparing fruits and vegetables.
  • Non-perishable snacks: Pack non-perishable snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and beef jerky for easy access.

Snacks for the Long Haul: Healthy Options

When it comes to snacking on a road trip, it’s important to choose healthy options that will keep you full and satisfied. Here are some healthy snack options:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables: Pack pre-cut fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and celery for a healthy snack on the go.
  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds are great sources of protein and healthy fats.
  • Hummus and crackers: A container of hummus and whole grain crackers is a great snack option that will keep you feeling full.
  • Greek yogurt: Pack Greek yogurt cups with toppings like granola and fruit for a tasty and healthy snack.
  • Hard-boiled eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and can be packed in a cooler for a quick and easy snack.

Junk Food Cravings? Here’s What to Bring

Sometimes, you just need a little junk food on a road trip. Here are some options to satisfy those cravings:

  • Chips and dip: Pack chips and your favorite dip for a tasty snack on the go.
  • Candy and chocolate: Bring some of your favorite candy or chocolate for a sweet treat.
  • Beef jerky: While it’s a healthy snack option, beef jerky can also satisfy a salty craving.
  • Popcorn: Pop some popcorn and season it with your favorite spices for a healthier snack option.

Filling Up: Meals to Keep You Satisfied

When it comes to meals on a road trip, it’s important to choose options that will keep you full and satisfied. Here are some meal ideas:

  • Sandwiches: Pack sandwiches with your favorite fillings for a quick and easy meal option.
  • Wraps: Wraps are another great option that can be packed with a variety of fillings.
  • Pasta salad: Make a pasta salad with your favorite vegetables and dressing for a filling and delicious meal.
  • Grilled chicken: Grill chicken breasts and pack them in a cooler for a healthy and filling meal.
  • Burritos: Wrap up burritos with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.

Road Trip Beverages: Stay Hydrated and Alert

Staying hydrated on a road trip is important for both your health and your alertness while driving. Here are some beverage options:

  • Water: Bring a refillable water bottle and fill up at rest stops to stay hydrated.
  • Sports drinks: Sports drinks can be a good option for staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes.
  • Coffee and tea: If you need a caffeine boost, pack coffee or tea bags and a travel mug for a hot beverage on the go.
  • Juice: Pack bottles of 100% fruit juice for a healthy and refreshing beverage option.

On-the-Go Breakfast Ideas for Early Mornings

If you’re hitting the road early in the morning, it’s important to have some on-the-go breakfast options. Here are some ideas:

  • Granola bars: Granola bars are a quick and easy breakfast option that can be eaten on the go.
  • Yogurt: Pack Greek yogurt cups with toppings like granola and fruit for a tasty and healthy breakfast.
  • Breakfast burritos: Wrap up breakfast burritos with eggs, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a filling breakfast on the go.
  • Fruit and nut butter: Spread nut butter on slices of apple or banana for a healthy and tasty breakfast option.

Lunchtime Solutions: Easy, Portable Options

When it’s time for lunch, you’ll want easy and portable options that can be eaten on the go. Here are some ideas:

  • Sandwiches and wraps: Pack sandwiches or wraps with your favorite fillings for a quick and easy lunch option.
  • Salad jars: Make mason jar salads with your favorite ingredients for a healthy and portable lunch.
  • Veggie and dip cups: Pack pre-cut veggies and a container of dip for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
  • Quesadillas: Make quesadillas with cheese, beans, and your favorite veggies for a filling and portable lunch option.

Dinner on the Road: Simple and Delicious Recipes

When it’s time for dinner, you’ll want something simple and delicious that can be prepared on the road. Here are some ideas:

  • Grilled kabobs: Grill chicken, beef, or shrimp with your favorite veggies for a tasty and easy dinner option.
  • One-pot pasta: Cook pasta in a pot with veggies and a flavorful sauce for a quick and easy dinner.
  • Stir-fry: Make a stir-fry with your choice of protein and veggies for a healthy and delicious meal.
  • Tacos: Pack taco shells and your favorite fillings for a fun and easy dinner option.

Sweet Treats: Desserts for the Open Road

No road trip is complete without a sweet treat. Here are some dessert options:

  • S’mores: Pack graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows for a classic campfire treat.
  • Cookies: Pack your favorite cookies for a sweet and easy dessert option.
  • Trail mix: Make your own trail mix with chocolate chips, dried fruit, and nuts for a sweet and salty snack.
  • Rice Krispie treats: Make rice krispie treats at home and pack them for a delicious and easy dessert.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: What to Consider

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s important to plan ahead when packing food for a road trip. Here are some considerations:

  • Gluten-free options: Pack gluten-free bread for sandwiches, rice cakes, or corn tortillas for wraps.
  • Dairy-free options: Pack non-dairy milk for coffee and tea and dairy-free cheese for sandwiches.
  • Nut-free options: Avoid packing nuts and opt for seeds or roasted chickpeas for a crunchy snack.
  • Vegan options: Pack hummus and veggies for a healthy snack option and make vegan wraps with avocado and veggies.
Photo of author

Elise DeVoe

Elise is a seasoned food writer with seven years of experience. Her culinary journey began as Managing Editor at the College of Charleston for Spoon University, the ultimate resource for college foodies. After graduating, she launched her blog, Cookin’ with Booze, which has now transformed into captivating short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram, offering insider tips for savoring Charleston’s local cuisine.

Leave a Comment