In this 30 Ideas for Healthy Road Trip Food guide you’ll find low calorie road trip recipes, healthy road trip food to purchase and everything in-between.
Are you planning an exciting road trip and want to avoid the usual greasy fast-food stops along the way? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will provide you with 30 fabulous ideas for healthy road trip food that are not only good for you but also bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or with family, these nutritious snacks will keep everyone happily munching, without compromising on taste or convenience. So fasten your seatbelts and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure filled with scrumptious and nourishing treats!
The Importance of Healthy Road Trip Food
Before we dive into the exciting world of road trip snacks, let’s take a moment to understand why it’s crucial to choose healthy options when you’re on the go.
Long hours on the road can lead to mindless snacking, making it easy to reach for sugary, high-calorie treats that leave you feeling sluggish and unsatisfied.
By opting for nutritious alternatives, you’ll provide your body with the necessary fuel to stay alert and focused throughout your journey. Plus, healthy road trip food keeps your energy levels stable and helps avoid the dreaded mid-drive crash.
10 Low Calorie Road Trip Recipes
These 10 low calorie road trip food recipes are all perfect for taking on the go. So if you have a long trip, or a short one, you’ll always have healthy meals at the ready!
For safety reasons I have to remind you that eating while driving is not ideal. I recommend pulling off to a scenic overlook or rest stop to enjoy these healthy roadtrip meals.
1. Low Calorie Turkey Spinach Wraps
These “no cook” wraps are great for road trips! It’s packed with 27.6g of protein and is just 446 calories making this healthy road trip recipe great for lunch or dinner.
2. Low Calorie Tandoori Chicken Wraps
For a lower calorie protein packed wrap, try these flavor packed chicken wraps. This low calorie road trip meal is just 253 calories and has 40g of protein each. They are great cold and are easy to eat on the go.
3. Low Calorie Cobb Salad
I love bringing salads on road trips, they are great cold, easy to eat in the car or a park bench, and oh so good for you. This great road trip salad is just 392 calories and it’s packed with 34.2g of protein!
4. Low Calorie Taco Salad
Another flavor packed salad that’s great on road trips is this yummy taco salad. You can make it vegan, or meat packed and it’s just 364 calories and has 34.2g of protein. It’s great cold, so pop it in the cooler and enjoy along with the scenery.
5. Low Calorie Vegan Buddha Bowls
These vegan buddha bowls are great cold and travel so well. Pop them the in the cooler and when you stop for lunch or dinner you’ll have a filling and healthy meal ready for you. These are just 376 calories and have 11.2g of protein.
5. Low Calorie Club Sandwich
If it’s sandwiches you crave on road trips, then this amazing low calorie club sandwich is perfect for you! At just 419 calories (with the 3 slices of bread!) this road trip meal has 32.4g of protein and travels well.
6. Low Calorie Pop Tarts
I don’t know about you, but for some reason I always crave junk food on road trips. So I make my own healthy versions and I have all the treats I love, in a healthy way. These pop tarts are just 117 calories and make a great snack or road trip breakfast.
7. Low Calorie Oatmeal Muffins
These muffins are also great as a road trip snack or breakfast. They come with 5 flavors and are just 75 calorie each!
8. Low Calorie Breakfast Wraps
For a healthy road trip breakfast, these vegetarian breakfast wraps are fantastic! These wraps are just 284 calories and have 14.9g of protein. I know you’ll love them!
9. Low Calorie Protein Boxes
These protein boxes are great for snacks or a healthy road trip meal. Each box is just 202 calories and has 15.7g of protein!!
10. Low Calorie Chewy Granola Bars
These superfood bars are the best road trip snack! I always bring them on long trips, they are just 94 calories and make a great snack on the go.
20 More Ideas for Healthy Road Trip Food
1. Fruit and Veggie Sticks: Nature’s Crunchy Delights
When it comes to portable and refreshing snacks, fruits and vegetables are a no-brainer.
Chop up a variety of colorful fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and berries, and pack them in small containers for easy access.
Crisp vegetable sticks, such as carrot, celery, and bell pepper, are also excellent choices. They provide a satisfying crunch and are rich in vitamins and fiber. Remember to store them in a cooler to keep them fresh and crisp.
2. Trail Mix: The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory
Trail mix is a classic road trip snack that offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Create your own mix by combining your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence. Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries make a winning combination that is both filling and nutritious.
Check out these 10 Low Calorie Trail Mix Recipes!
3. Wraps and Sandwiches: Easy and Portable Meals
Wraps and sandwiches are excellent options for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.
Opt for whole-grain tortillas or bread and fill them with lean proteins like grilled chicken, turkey, or tofu. Add plenty of fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado, for added vitamins and crunch.
Don’t forget to pack them in airtight containers to prevent them from getting soggy.
4. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Creamy and Protein-Packed
Greek yogurt parfaits are a delicious and nutritious treat that can be easily prepared ahead of time.
Layer Greek yogurt with your favorite fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, or mango, and sprinkle some granola or chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
Check out these 5 Low Calorie Parfait Recipes!
5. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Protein-Packed and Portable
Hard-boiled eggs are a protein powerhouse and make for a convenient road trip snack.
They are easy to prepare in advance and can be enjoyed on their own or sliced onto whole-grain crackers.
Eggs provide essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and are a filling option that will keep you satisfied between meals.
6. Homemade Energy Bars: Healthy and Customizable
Store-bought energy bars can be loaded with added sugars and preservatives. Instead, try making your own at home. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients, such as oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a touch of honey or nut butter.
These homemade energy bars are a delicious way to stay fueled during long drives and provide a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
If you prefer to buy energy bars, check these 10 Store-Bought Energy Bars!
7. Hummus and Veggie Cups: A Dip Delight
Hummus is a versatile and nutritious dip that pairs perfectly with fresh vegetable sticks.
Pre-portion hummus into small containers or cups and pack them alongside a selection of sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. This savory combo is not only tasty but also provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Try out my Low Calorie Hummus Recipe!
8. Cheese and Crackers: A Classic Combo
Cheese and crackers are a timeless pairing that makes for an excellent road trip snack.
Opt for whole-grain crackers and choose a variety of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or goat cheese.
This combination offers a satisfying blend of protein, calcium, and carbohydrates to keep you fueled and satisfied on your journey.
9. Veggie Wraps with Hummus Spread: Fresh and Flavorful
For a lighter alternative to traditional wraps, try veggie wraps with a hummus spread.
Take large lettuce leaves and fill them with a generous amount of hummus, sliced vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers, and roll them up into a delicious and refreshing snack.
It’s a low-carb option that provides plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
10. Edamame: Nutritious and Fun to Pop
Edamame, or young soybeans, are a nutritious and entertaining snack that’s perfect for a road trip.
Simply steam or boil them, sprinkle with a little sea salt, and enjoy popping the beans out of their pods.
Edamame is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
11. Quinoa Salad Cups: Wholesome and Colorful
Quinoa salad cups are a vibrant and nutritious option for a road trip.
Cook quinoa in advance and mix it with colorful vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and olives.
Toss with a light vinaigrette and pack the salad in individual cups or containers for a refreshing and wholesome snack.
12. Apple Slices with Nut Butter: A Classic Combo
Apple slices paired with nut butter are a classic combination that never fails to satisfy.
Choose crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji and slice them into wedges. Pack along a small container of your favorite nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, for dipping.
Apples are high in fiber, while nut butter adds healthy fats and protein, making it a well-rounded snack option.
13. Protein Smoothies: Refreshing and Nourishing
Protein smoothies are a fantastic way to stay hydrated and nourished on a road trip.
Blend together your favorite fruits, a scoop of protein powder, Greek yogurt, and a liquid of your choice, such as almond milk or coconut water.
Pour the smoothies into insulated bottles or cups to keep them cool and enjoy a refreshing and protein-packed drink on the road.
Try my 10 Low Calorie Protein Smoothies!
14. Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy and Satisfying
Roasted chickpeas are a delightful alternative to chips or pretzels.
Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, toss them with olive oil and your favorite spices, such as paprika, cumin, or garlic powder, and roast them in the oven until crispy.
These crunchy bites are a great source of fiber and plant-based protein, making them an ideal road trip snack.
Try my Low Calorie Roasted Chickpeas!
15. Rice Cakes with Toppings: Light and Versatile
Rice cakes are a lightweight and versatile option for road trip snacking.
Top them with a variety of spreads, such as avocado, hummus, or cream cheese, and add toppings like sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or smoked salmon.
Rice cakes provide a satisfying crunch while allowing you to customize your flavors and textures.
16. Frozen Grapes: Nature’s Popsicles
Frozen grapes are a refreshing and sweet treat that can help beat the heat during a summer road trip.
Simply wash and freeze a bunch of grapes before you hit the road, and enjoy them straight from the freezer.
They provide a burst of natural sweetness and are a healthier alternative to sugary snacks or desserts.
Try my Low Calorie Frozen Grapes!
17. Homemade Muffins: Portable and Flavorful
Bake a batch of homemade muffins before your road trip for a portable and satisfying snack.
Choose healthier ingredients like whole wheat flour, oats, and natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup.
Add in fruits, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor and nutrition. These homemade muffins make for a convenient and wholesome treat on the go.
Try my Low Calorie High Protein Chocolate Muffins!
18. Seaweed Snacks: Light and Crispy
Seaweed snacks are a unique and nutritious option for road trip munching.
Available in individual packages, they are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals.
The crispy texture and umami flavor make them a delightful and guilt-free snack choice.
19. Veggie Chips: Healthier Crunch
If you’re craving something crunchy and savory, opt for veggie chips as a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips.
Look for brands that use real vegetables and minimal added oils and seasonings.
Veggie chips are a flavorful way to incorporate more vegetables into your road trip snacking.
20. Yogurt-Covered Berries: Sweet and Creamy
Yogurt-covered berries offer a balance of sweetness and creaminess.
Dip fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries into Greek yogurt and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until the yogurt is set, and you’ll have a delectable frozen treat to enjoy during your road trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can! Make sure to store perishable items in a cooler with ice packs to keep them fresh and safe to consume. It’s also a good idea to use individual containers or small jars to portion out perishable snacks to minimize the risk of contamination.
To keep your fruits and vegetables fresh, store them in airtight containers or zip-lock bags. You can also use produce-saving sheets or packets to extend their freshness. Additionally, packing them in a cooler with ice packs will help maintain their crispness and prevent spoilage.
Absolutely! There are plenty of gluten-free options for road trip snacks. Some ideas include gluten-free crackers with cheese or nut butter, fresh fruit and vegetables, gluten-free energy bars, rice cakes, and gluten-free wraps or sandwiches using lettuce leaves or gluten-free bread.
Certainly! Vegan-friendly road trip snacks include fresh fruit, vegetable sticks with hummus or guacamole, trail mix with nuts and dried fruits, roasted chickpeas, vegan protein bars, homemade granola, plant-based yogurt cups, and avocado wraps. These options provide a balance of nutrients and delicious flavors for vegan travelers.
If you’re looking for low-sugar snacks, consider options like nuts, seeds, hard-boiled eggs, veggie sticks with hummus, Greek yogurt with fresh berries, cheese and whole-grain crackers, homemade energy bars with minimal added sugars, and unsweetened dried fruit. These snacks provide nourishment without excessive sugar content.
Yes, many of these snacks can be prepared in advance to save time during your trip. You can pre-cut fruits and vegetables, make homemade energy bars or muffins, boil eggs, portion out trail mix, and prepare wraps or sandwiches ahead of time. This way, you’ll have your snacks ready to go when you hit the road.
Final Thoughts
With these 30 ideas for healthy road trip food, you can embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that you have a variety of nutritious and tasty snacks at your fingertips.
From fresh fruits and vegetables to protein-packed options and homemade treats, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Remember to pack your snacks in a cooler, use airtight containers, and prioritize food safety during your travels.
So, grab your favorite snacks, buckle up, and enjoy a road trip filled with both culinary delight and wellness!
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