Road Trip Food Ideas
Picture this: you’re on a road trip. Good music is cranking, and there’s nothing but the open road ahead of you and the wind blowing through your hair.
But then, inevitably, hunger strikes. What do you do?
You could hit the next fast food stop (and probably feel pretty gross and tired after). Swinging by a gas station convenience store is another option, but your choices for good snacks would be pretty limited, especially if you’re plant-based or trying to eat healthier.
Or, you can bring along some smart road trip food ideas that are actually good for you!
Read on for vegan snack and meal inspiration on the road, no heating up or stops at a drive-through required.
Road trip snacks
High Protein Trail Mix
One of the biggest rules of healthy snacking on the road is that your snack choices should contain plenty of protein to keep your blood sugar regular and your appetite satisfied until your next real stop. This high-protein trail mix fits the bill since it’s packed with nuts, seeds, and legumes, and there’s plenty of dried fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth as well. Trail mix is also really easy to graze on, which means that you can snack safely even if you’re the one behind the wheel!
Peatos
When you picture road trip snacks, we’re betting that a good bag of chips is among some of the first options you think of. But if you’re looking to cut out the unhealthy ingredients in many of the most popular junk food brands, a big bag may not be the right choice. Enter: Peatos! These delicious chips are plant-based, gluten-free, and made with thoughtful ingredients so that you can indulge in your favorite road trip snack without compromising.
Oatmeal Cookie Dough Balls
Baked goods are another popular road trip snack, but binging on cookies loaded with simple sugars can eventually lead to crashing and even more carb cravings. Instead, prep these oatmeal cookie dough balls before you hit the road. They require zero baking and are made with healthy ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, so they’re the perfect snack to throw together even if you’re rushing around trying to get everything else ready before you travel.
Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie treats are another uber-easy snack to throw together, and you can make a whole batch at once then cut it up so they’re ready to be enjoyed whenever the craving strikes. This vegan-friendly recipe uses simple plant-based ingredient swaps for a deliciously satisfying snack everyone in your family will love.
Muffin Fruit Kabobs
If you’re traveling with kids, these muffin fruit kabobs will be a hit! Simply slide mini muffins and their favorite fruits onto a skewer for an easy, healthy, and convenient road trip snack that’ll make sure your kids get their fruit serving with less mess and more fun.
Blueberry Muffins
Muffins are another great handheld finger food, and these vegan blueberry options are especially perfect for eating while you’re on the go. They’re not made with liners, which means that there won’t be any extra trash you’ll need to lug around on your road trip!
Strawberry Banana Fruit Leather
If you have time for a bit of a project before you leave on your trip, try this homemade fruit leather recipe! Despite the name, this is made with simple plant-based ingredients. It’s as convenient a snack as jerky but with zero preservatives and no animal products!
Easy Vegan Twix Bars
We’re all about adding a healthier plant-based twist to your favorite junk food, which is why we love this recipe for Vegan Twix Bars. Whipping these up ahead of time means that you can enjoy your favorite candy on the road without having to stop by at a gas station to buy them.
Road trip meals
Chickpea Quinoa Protein “Jazzy Jars”
When it comes to eating on the road, convenience is key, which is why these “jazzy jars” are a great option. They’re made with plenty of filling and healthy ingredients like quinoa, chickpeas, and fresh vegetables that are perfectly portioned and great to eat while cold. In other words, it’s a whole meal, all packaged nicely in one mason jar!
Buffalo Cauliflower Wraps
Wraps are the perfect road trip food: not only are they delicious and filling, but they’re also way easier to eat with no utensils versus other foods. This recipe takes the spicy, tangy goodness of buffalo sauce and uses cauliflower instead of chicken to create an excellent vegan lunch option that can be eaten while you’re on the move.
Vegan Taco Hand Pies
Hand pies are literally made to be handheld, which makes them the perfect on-the-go meal when you’re traveling the open road. This option is perfectly spiced for the ultimate savory treat.
Vegan Quiches
These mini vegan quiches can work doubletime as either a light appetizer or a filling meal depending on how many you bring along with you. Instead of eggs, the usual quiche ingredient, these treats are made with a tofu batter.
Walking Tacos
If you love the idea of tacos on the road but aren’t a huge fan of the subsequent mess, these walking tacos just might do the trick. They’re super easy to construct: just add your favorite taco toppings to a bag of chips (Peatos are a great option here) and you’re good to go!
Vegan Hamburger Casserole
For some people, a road trip simply isn’t complete without swinging through a drive-through and grabbing some good old-fashioned junk food. If that’s the case for you, this Vegan Hamburger casserole is a way more convenient and healthy alternative! It takes only 25 minutes to whip together, then you can divide them into individual portions that can be easily enjoyed on the drive.
Conclusion
Road trips can be notoriously hard to plan for if you’re concerned about eating healthy or have specific dietary restrictions, but with these nutritious and delicious road trip food options, they don’t have to be. Safe travels and happy snacking!
Photo by Vova Krasilnikov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-a-vehicle-with-legs-stretched-on-the-dashboard-2847037/