The urge to move strikes — you’ve got wanderlust in your belly. It’s time to trek the mountains or stroll along the seaside! Or maybe you just need to see your mother-in-law for a few weeks.
No matter how you travel, who you travel with and what your diet looks like, your stomach’s gonna rumble. We’ve got your back in the Jerky Universe. Let’s get into 53 snazzy travel snacks for anyone headed anywhere in any way.
Fair warning: Jerky belongs in every category — even vegan travel snacks (mushroom jerkies for the win). On-the-go snacks aren’t complete without jerky! We’ll rein ourselves in and not list it every time, but keep it in mind, won’t you?
Snacks for Traveling in the Car (or Truck or Van or RV)
Whether you’re working the wheel, riding shotgun or napping in the back seat, you need fuel just as much as your vehicle. Cue travel snacks for when you’re in four-wheeled machines!
Car travel lends itself to fast-food stops, but let’s see what we can tag as tasty alternatives.
1. Jerky
Tried and true, jerky of any variety is a traveling staple. It’s delicious, compact and protein-packed. What more could you ask for?
And depending on your brand of choice, jerkies are healthy snacks for traveling in the car. Make your own, buy a novel flavor or try an exotic jerky — travel snacks don’t get better. You don’t even need to use room in the cooler!
2. Pretzels
Grab a bag of pretzel twists, sticks or crisps for your next trip. They’re light and satisfying, but you don’t feel stuffed. And if you’re feeling fancy, grab a couple of soft pretzels for a salty, chewy brunch.
Fun fact: Baking soda is in most store-bought pretzels, but traditional pretzels get a light lye bath!
3. Granola Bars
As in-the-car travel snacks, granola bars are snackable and packable. They’re road-trip standbys, and you can find them practically anywhere. Go with whole-grain granolas that aren’t riddled with refined sugar for more fulfilling and less empty-calorie options.
4. Sandwich Crackers
Travel snacks for adults and kids alike are easy with sandwich crackers. You know the type — little crackers with (usually) cheese or peanut butter spread in the middle. They’re not necessarily super-healthy, but they’re super-easy to stick in a bag on the floorboard and grab at your leisure.
And yes, if you have to stop at the gas station, you’ll find them in droves. We’re admittedly suckers for a six-pack of cream-cheese-and-chive sandwich crackers in a pinch.
5. Trail Mix Packets
Ah, trail mix — the Old Faithful of healthy snacks for traveling in the car. Seeds, nuts and dried fruit make the most nutritious trail mix, but you can indulge with chocolate chips, sesame sticks and more. For the easiest eating (and the fewest cashews on the car seat), buy tear-open, serving-size packets.
Note: You’ll see seeds and nuts sneak into all sorts of categories in this travel snacks list. They’re just so easy to find and so good for you!
6. Sandwiches of Any Sort
It’s almost like road travel and sandwiches were made for each other. You can eat sandwiches one-handed with little mess — well, depending on the filling. Turkey and Swiss, ham and cheese, tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad, cucumber … the list is infinite.
Build your own, place in zip-close bags, store in the cooler and go forth, friends.
The Best Snacks for Plane Travel
What’s the deal with airplane peanuts? (We’ll actually skip peanut packets here … you’ve probably seen and eaten your fill.)
Finding snacks for airplane travel can get tricky — bring solid foods if you want to move through the line fast. So as unfortunate as it is, skip the gooey goodies when you need to zoom. But it’s OK — travel snacks for plane munchies still aren’t tough to land.
7. Cheese and Crackers
Get your Hannibal-style travel snack container. Fill it with hard cheeses like extra-sharp cheddar, Gruyère and parmigiano. Add a stack of sturdy, satisfying crackers.
There — you’re set, fancy and ready to snack stylishly.
Tip: Yes, toss in beef jerky for a scrumptious makeshift charcuterie board (well, box). May we recommend the steak-style JustMeat, ladies, gentlemen and others?
8. Nut Bars
The best snacks for plane travel keep you full without getting full-full (you know what we mean).
Nothing hits the spot quite like a crunchy-chewy, protein-rich nut bar. Plus, you have your pick of prepackaged brands galore with hundreds of different ingredients!
Still, almonds and peanuts are standard, and you can definitely up the ante with dried fruits. Buy a few bars or make your own, and get aboard!
9. Fruit Bars
Figs, bananas, strawberries, apples, mangos and more — fruit bars are pretty much jerky, but in fruit form. And they’re fantastic snacks for airplane travel with their sweetness and compact packaging. You can think of them like grown-up candy with tons of fiber and vitamins!
If they’re not quite up your alley, you can find brands with pastry-like bread around the chewy fruit. They’re a bit more like cookies — and definitely delicious.
10. Muffins With Any Stuffins
From super-healthy paleo powerhouses to cheesecake-streusel mini-cakes, muffins run the gamut. And you know what? Eat whatever types make you happy (and whatever the TSA allows) as travel snacks.
You’re finally in the air, so enjoy your ding-dang muffin! Still, keep its ingredients in mind if you’re diabetic or following a particular diet.
11. Beef Sticks
While not strictly jerky, we’re fudging a little here.
Like beef jerky, beef sticks are portable, cured and seasoned high-protein travel snacks. Both satiate you during your delightful — or not so delightful — flight. But beef sticks are softer and thicker than beef jerky and have a casing similar to sausage.
The Best Travel Snacks for Kids
Few things scream “travel” like cries of “Are we there yet?” and “Can I have something to eat?” Travel snacks for kids can be a breeze or a struggle, depending on your kiddo and their favorite foods.
Let’s make feeding the wee beasties a little easier.
Note: The best travel snacks for toddlers are mess-free and easy to eat (in other words, you don’t worry about choking). You know your youngin(s), so use your vast adulting powers to choose wisely.
12. Squeezable Yogurt
With satisfying sweetness and a dose of probiotics, squeezable yogurt pouches are nifty travel snacks. Toss a variety of flavors in the cooler, and dig one out when the requests start drifting (or piling) in. Rip open a corner and hand it over.
Some brands can be high in sugar, but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives!
13. String Cheese
Mozzarella string cheese hits the spot for kids. It’s savory, simple and healthy. And when you pitch it just right, it doubles as a toy — yes honey, you can play with your food.
Oh, and those nearly 7 grams of protein and 200 milligrams of calcium are big benefits for small noggins.
14. Fruit Gummies
Few kids are gonna turn down a packet of jewel-toned, squishy fruit gummies. And satisfying their sweet tooth doesn’t get much easier! Let them taste the rainbow and get a boost of fiber with whole-fruit gummies.
15. Graham Crackers
“Oh, here’s a cookie!” You’re not really fibbing.
Mildly sweet and airy, graham crackers are some of the best travel snacks for toddlers. They’re easy to grab and hold onto, and they go exceptionally well with milk and cow’s milk alternatives.
You’ll definitely want to brush crumbs off the seat afterward, though.
16. Cheese Crackers
Admittedly, “cheese crackers” is a broad category.
We specifically mean the tiny fish-shaped crackers (not to name-drop) as good old-fashioned travel snacks for kids. They’re nongreasy, easy to pack and a breeze to toss in the back. And kids usually love them.
Of course, the heavier, cheddar-flavored types are tasty and simple, too (say, “squeeze-its” or “Parcheesi-its”). With either sort, a multipack of small bags makes on-the-go eating less stressful.
17. Cereal Snack Mix
Here comes more snack wordplay!
The most common cereal snack mix rhymes with “hex mix,” and it’s swell for hungry kids in nearly any travel situation. Buy a few snack-size bags or make your own with nifty add-ins, like peanuts, pretzel sticks and yogurt-covered raisins.
Ask your kiddo what they like most: sweet, savory or spicy (or all of the above).
Good Travel Snacks for Diabetics
For easy travel snacks when you or someone you’re with has diabetes, buy low-sugar, low-carb versions of your favorite totable goodies. Still, diabetic travel snacks don’t have to include dull-as-dirt foods.
Let’s see if we can mix it up a little with actually good travel snacks for diabetics.
18. Edamame (Shelled)
We might as well start running campaigns for edamame alongside jerky at this point. Edamame isn't just delicious — it’s exceptionally healthy as long as the salt isn’t too thick. You get only 120 calories and a nice 9 grams of fiber in a half-cup serving.
For diabetics, the perks get even better. The soy protein in edamame can lower blood sugar and improve insulin resistance markers. Yes, the secret’s out: Edamame is soy.
Don’t roll your eyes yet! Include Buffalo-flavored roasted edamame in your travel snacks and report back to us. It’ll convert you.
19. Sunflower Seeds or Kernels
In the shell or out, roasted sunflower seeds are chock-full of nutrients and healthy fats. And of course, they’re delightful for sating salty cravings on the road or in the air.
As good travel snacks for diabetics, they’re low in carbohydrates and even show clinical promise for lowering blood sugar levels! That (regretfully) doesn’t mean you should eat a fistful — follow the standard quarter-cup serving size for sunflower kernels.
20. Hard-Boiled Eggs
It may seem bizarre to bring eggs in your cooler or carry-on, but trust us. Hard-boiled eggs are low-carb travel snacks with a protein punch! For diabetics, that means feeling satisfied while not raising your glucose levels.
If you feel frisky, you can find diabetic-friendly deviled egg recipes, too! Your fellow passengers may be less than enthusiastic about the scent, but you paid for your trip too, dang it.
21. Avocado Slices
A ripe, creamy, savory sliced avocado is delectable on its own. As diabetic-friendly travel snacks, avocado slices are also filling and don’t lead to blood sugar spikes. Eat about one-quarter or half an avocado (kept in a container in your cooler), and go explore with confidence!
22. Tuna Salad
Chilled tuna salad sandwiches on whole-grain bread make good travel snacks for diabetics. Heck, they make good travel lunches, too!
Look for tuna packed in water, no-sugar-added relish and mayo high in omega-3 fatty acids for the biggest nutritional boost. (The aforementioned hard-boiled eggs can add a dose of deliciousness.)
23. Chia Pudding
Actually, chia seeds alone can lower your blood sugar, so take your travel snacks up a notch with chia pudding! With a texture similar to tapioca pudding, it’s great for stabilizing blood sugar and adding protein to your snacking.
You can easily whip up a batch, pack in sealable cups, chill and split. Plus you have an array of flavor combos, so your on-the-move noshing definitely isn’t bland!
Low-Carb Travel Snacks
For starters, low-carb snacks for traveling make us immediately think of homemade beef jerky. But like we said, we’re practicing restraint and not listing it under each category.
(Psst … many of these low-carb entries work as good travel snacks for diabetics, too.)
24. Dill Pickles
Have a paper towel ready, and pop open a jar of pickles for tart low-carb travel snacks. One whole dill pickle isn’t just low-carb — it packs vitamin K, potassium, folate and other good stuff.
Keep the jar in the cooler for an extra-refreshing, lip-puckering treat.
25. Olives
Olives of any sort are lovely low-carb travel snacks. (We like to think they’re a bit high-brow in the snack game, actually.) When on the go, compostable spoons and forks are helpful for digging them out of those weirdly deep jars.
You get extra nutritional perks, like healthy fats and antioxidants. If you’re super into your carb count, black olives have a sliver more carbs than green olives per serving.
26. Pork Rinds
Let’s say it’s time for a treat, or maybe serious cravings hit you at the rest stop. Pork rinds have zero carbs, but they’re high in sodium and additives. In moderation, you should be fine with an occasional on-the-go serving!
Eat all things in moderation, of course.
27. Cottage Cheese
It might not spring to mind when packing low-carb snacks for traveling, but you can take cottage cheese with you. Just keep it cool!
But if you want cottage cheese cups as snacks for plane travel, it gets a little tricky. To have cottage cheese in your carry-on, you’ll need to bring a container holding no more than 3.4 ounces. That’s right — hard and soft cheeses follow different rules (they’re rebels).
28. Egg Muffin Cups
No, they aren’t the kind you find at a fast-food joint. (You know, they’re not the ones with a “McName”). Low-carb egg muffin cups are like delicious little frittatas or omelets!
They take some pre-travel prep, but the payoff for light low-carb travel snacks is stellar. Bake a batch, keep them in the cooler and enjoy!
Gluten-Free Travel Snacks
You may have to go for gluten-free foods when traveling, especially if you have celiac disease. And frankly, that might be a pain in the neck unless you spot the gluten-free certification mark.
We’ll ease the strain with these gluten-free travel snacks.
29. Chickpea Puffs
Chickpeas are gluten-free, but chickpea pasta might not be the easiest of travel snacks. Try airy, crunchy chickpea puffs in flavors like white cheddar and barbecue instead. And as always, check for the gluten-free certification to make double-dog sure.
30. Clementines
According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, all fruits and veggies are gluten-free when fresh or frozen. So really, we could list a ton of foods as gluten-free travel snacks.
Easily peelable clementines are a standout — they’re extra portable, smell lovely and taste amazing. Bag a few or stick some in the cooler (or both). You won’t need utensils to get to the fruit, and the car or cabin gets a burst of zesty, sunny scent.
Tip: Clementines are some of the best travel snacks for toddlers, so keep that in mind when bringing along your cuties (wink).
31. Baby Carrots
Another naturally gluten-free food, baby carrots are ideal travel snacks. Their toothsome crunch and mild sweetness are deeply satisfying — and of course, they’re uber healthy.
Plus, a few big-name salad dressing brands are gluten-free (or you can make gluten-free ranch). Carrots and ranch are a match made in road-trip heaven, so stick both in the cooler. Everyone wins.
32. Roasted Pistachios
We told you seeds and nuts would slide into all sorts of travel snack categories. Nuts and seeds are gluten-free unless a flavor coating contains gluten (so yes, look for the certification before munching).
As for pistachios in particular, they’re downright delicious and packed with healthy fats and nutrients. Our main caveat is watching out for too much sodium — but you can find low- and no-salt varieties.
Note: Although we’re partial to nuts and seeds, they’re best as travel snacks for adults. Kids can eat them (given they’re not allergic), but grown-ups have an easier time wrangling shells and chewing. You definitely don’t want to worry about your toddler swallowing a hazelnut whole at 33,000 feet.
High-Protein Travel Snacks
We’re not telling you anything you don’t already know when we say protein is paramount, traveling or not. So when you want to stay full and energetic on the go, high-protein snacks for travel are easy to nab (cough cough beef jerky).
33. Greek Yogurt
Time to dip back into the cooler!
Greek yogurt delivers 20 grams of protein per 7-ounce serving, alongside other health-boosting perks like calcium, zinc and vitamin B12. Serving-size cups are fantastic for easy high-protein travel snacks. You get that special tang, a creamy mouthfeel and a quick pick-me-up.
Note: As if you needed more reasons to eat Greek yogurt, most brands have double the protein and half the carbs of regular yogurt. And plain yogurt’s already pretty dang good for you!
34. Peanuts
With nearly 10 grams of protein per quarter cup, peanuts definitely make the grade as high-protein travel snacks. We recommend either prebagging servings or buying serving-size pouches so you don’t accidentally overeat.
Let’s be honest: Peanuts are addictive, and a full jar in your lap is nearly impossible to set down. You definitely don’t want to OD on sodium or get a stomachache.
35. Protein Bars
There it is — these simple high-protein travel snacks are (usually) exactly what they say they are. Look for protein bars that aren’t highly processed or crammed with refined sugars. Stick a couple in your bag, and you’re good to go!
36. Nut Butters
Almond, cashew, hazelnut, walnut, peanut, tahini … our mouths are watering already.
Creamy nut butter spreads are central to your high-protein snacks for travel. Eat one with a spoon straight out of the jar or smear it on another snack. You’ll get a sizable protein boost: 7 ounces on average.
Tip: Although you don’t generally need to refrigerate peanut butter, it’s best to keep other nut butters in the cooler. They’re less likely to contain preservatives.
37. Biltong
All right, you got us. We slid this jerky variant into the high-protein travel snacks category because it’s just so unforgettably good.
Biltong isn’t just a snack — it’s an experience. Thicker and tenderer than traditional jerky, it’s usually cured beef with a deep sweet-and-spicy flavor. And like beef jerky, it has that wonderful wallop of protein (16 grams per ounce) that keeps your belly (really, your whole body) happy.
High-protein travel snacks get a serious upgrade with a bag of biltong, and it’s fairly easy to find at big-box stores nowadays!
Fun fact: You might spot antelope, buffalo or ostrich biltong on your travels. Try it, and tell us about your experience! Just don’t bring it back from overseas unless you’re ready to jump through certification hoops.
Keto Travel Snacks
Fortunately, keto snacks for travel are much easier to find than they were 10 years ago. The diet’s gotten popular enough that you can likely find specifically labeled keto travel snacks at your around-the-corner store.
Note: You’ll see a lot of overlap between keto travel snacks and low-carb travel snacks … and with some high-protein travel snacks!
38. Ham-and-Cheese Roll-Ups
They take a little prep but pack a lot of pep!
Keto-friendly ham-and-cheese roll-ups are simple: low-sugar deli ham, sliced cheese and/or cream cheese and … that’s about it. You can use low-carb tortillas if you’d like or get fancier with additional flavors. Keep them in the cooler for mid-trip cravings.
39. Pepperoni, Salami and Prosciutto
The keto diet leans on proteins and fats for nutrients, so pack cured meats as easy keto travel snacks. You’ve pretty much got your pick: pepperoni stacks, luscious prosciutto, salty salami, thick pastrami and more.
Keep an eye out for rubs or marinades high in sugar. And even when you find low-carb cured meats, watch out for high saturated fat levels. The risks far outweigh the benefits.
40. Macadamia Nuts
Here we go, sneaking nuts into travel snacks again.
Macadamia nuts in particular are fantastic keto snacks for travel. They’re easy to find, high in fat and low in carbs. They taste simply spectacular, too.
41. High-Cacao Dark Chocolate
We know, we know — stay away from sweets on keto. Still, you can technically dip your toes into chocolatey goodness on the go.
Nutritionists recommend eating about 1 ounce of at least 70% cacao dark chocolate when eating sweets on the keto diet. So pack a few bars of high-cacao dark chocolate in your travel bag, and eat in moderation.
Vegan Travel Snacks
If you’re vegan, you know all about taking a magnifying glass to ingredient lists and labels. Here’s the drill if you’re unfamiliar: No animal parts, no animal byproducts and no animal testing, and you’re good to eat vegan.
It’s so much easier said than done, especially when you want easy travel snacks. Let’s see what vegan travel snacks we can dig up for simple, satisfying eating.
42. Bananas
Honestly, we could list every raw fruit and vegetable as vegan travel snacks. For the sake of on-the-move ease, let’s go with bananas. They’re prewrapped, nutritious and delicious.
You get a punch of potassium and creamy sweetness, and that’s incredibly gratifying wherever your travels take you. They’re also easy to digest, so if you need an urgent pick-me-up, nanners are your pals.
43. Hummus
Well thank the stars — hummus is one of the tastiest vegan snack solutions in the cosmos.
Grab a spoon, celery stalk or plain pretzel stick (without butter, cheese or other nonvegan ingredients). Dig out your vegan hummus from the cooler, and get eating guilt-free.
44. Artichoke Hearts
We’re artichoke advocates here in the Jerky Universe (don’t hate — we love vegan jerkies, too). They have this almost-indescribable taste: nutty, creamy and earthy. And the nutrients they deliver are no joke.
So for vegan travel snacks, pack canned or marinated artichoke hearts and eat to your heart’s content! Some brands are naturally sans animal products, but you can always marinate your own to be absolutely sure.
45. Plain Potato Chips
Yep — it surprised us, too.
A simple, fried-and-salted chip brand that you can find almost anywhere is vegan (and rhymes with “obeys”). Still, other flavors may have animal-derived ingredients, so always double-check the label … sorry.
Easy Travel Snacks
Sometimes snack prep, no matter how minor, is just something you don’t want to tackle. You’re on your way out of the apartment, the plane’s leaving in an hour and you’re tired.
We totally get it. These easy travel snacks aren’t lazy — they’re time-efficient (see that slick spin?).
46. Candy Bars With Nuts
Yes, candy bars — but more nutrition-friendly candy bars — are clear choices.
Buy brands and options chock-full of nuts to get the most bang (and protein) for your buck. They’re filling, more satisfying than sugar-only options and a breeze to find. Hey, even the National Peanut Board weighs in!
Our one major travel-centric concern is mess. Melty milk chocolates aren’t the ideal snacks for traveling in the car when it’s hot out.
47. Popcorn
Once again, here’s an easy-peasy stick-in-your-bag snack.
Grab bags of store-bought popcorn or pop your own and then hit the road (or tarmac). Plus, bags of popcorn are some of the best snacks for plane travel — they’re lightweight and have whole grains. And the TSA confirms that yes, they’re fine in your carry-on bag!
Tip: We’re seizing this opportunity to suggest pairing popcorn with spicy beef jerky. The protein-plus-grains combo is unbeatable, and the flavors are magic together.
48. Yogurt-Covered Raisins
They’re nature’s candy! OK, you’ve heard it before about raisins solo.
Yogurt-covered raisins are superbly easy travel snacks as … slightly modified nature’s candy. They’re also great travel snacks for kids when you buy multipacks of small, simple-to-open boxes.
49. Peanut Butter-Filled Pretzels
Take two classic travel snacks, and stuff one inside the other. Voila!
Well, you don’t have to do it yourself — big-box stores and bodegas alike carry salty, crunchy, PB-filled pretzels. Easy travel snacks for plane and car munchies don’t get much tastier and less messy.
Tip: Opting for store-brand PB-filled pretzels isn’t just more affordable. In our extensive taste testing (well, we tried a few brands), they’re better. The pretzel crust is thinner, and the peanut butter has a heartier grain.
Nonperishable Snacks for Travel
Maybe your adventures take you hiking, camping or hunting. Whether you’re in the wild or on a bus, travel snacks that take a long time to spoil are smart options.
We chose these nonperishable, aka shelf-stable, snacks because they’re yummy and lend themselves to moving (and eating) fast.
50. Fruit Crisps or Chips
Freeze-dried fruit crisps are long-lasting and available in an impressive flavor rainbow, from straight-up banana to apricot-strawberry-banana. They also meet our main criteria: being delicious and fitting neatly in an on-the-go bag or box.
So find your favorite assortment, and take these crunchy travel snacks from home to wherever the wind blows. The only perishing you’ll suffer is if you accidentally sit on the bag.
51. Whole-Grain Crackers
Simple as it comes, right? Whole-grain crackers are basic but bedrock nonperishable snacks for travel.
And of course, like the smart multitaskers they are, crackers go with so many other traveling goodies. Cheeses, cured meats or hard-boiled eggs turn whole-grain crackers into so much more than shelf-stable staples.
52. Canned Salmon
Feel free to blame us if you crack open a can of salmon and the person sitting next to you sighs. Pay them no mind (or apologize quietly — your call).
You get not only lean protein but also heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. In the car, on a plane or in your backpack, canned salmon stays good until you open it. If you have leftovers, seal them in a container and stick them in the cooler or dispose of them responsibly.
Note: Other canned or tinned fish is delicious, too! If salmon isn't your bag, give mackerel, sardines, tuna, trout or even anchovies a try. (Hey, salmon jerky is worth a taste.)
53. Dry Breakfast Cereal
Dealing with no room for a cooler in the car or a picky kid in third-class seating? Reach for a zip-seal bag of dry breakfast cereal. Unopened boxes stay fresh for up to a year, and opened ones usually just go stale after the expiration date.
Yes, maybe the idea seems terribly bland. But you can make custom mixes (like a cereal-centric trail mix) and sip milk separately for an impromptu brunch!
Note: We struggled not to mention beef jerky and salted nuts/seeds under nonperishable snacks for travel. Hmm … we actually just did.
Explore the Jerky Universe
We don’t know about you, but we’re brimming with ideas. What all can we fit in our backpacks, coolers, floorboards and carry-ons? Let’s find out.
Do you have any tips, tricks or stories about fantastic travel snacks? Let us know!
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