10 of the Best Road Trip Snacks

Planning an epic road trip this summer? Traveling for work? Wherever the road takes you, one thing’s for sure: No long drive is complete without road trip snacks. But, it might be best to skip the chips. You need protein snacks that are easy to munch and hold with one hand.

Below, you’ll find tips for picking easy, no-mess snacks for your trip as well as 10 delicious options to choose from.

Why You Need Easy Food While on a Road Trip

You can’t very well whip up a protein smoothie while in the car. And trying to keep the cheese curl dust off your steering wheel can prove to be an impossible feat. Yet, you need something to snack on. After all, you must fuel your body to increase your stamina during your trip.

The best road trip snacks are simple and mess-free, helping you keep your attention on the road ahead while boosting your energy.

What Kinds of Food Keep You Satisfied on Your Drive?

It’s true that not every easy-to-grab snack will keep you satisfied as you drive. A candy bar is simple to eat, but it won’t provide your body with long-lasting satiety to keep you going. Instead, you should opt for protein snacks.

Is there anything worse than driving through a rural area and being hungry? This is where protein comes in. Satiety is the feeling of being full after we eat. Protein-packed snacks can help keep us feeling fuller for longer.

10 of the Best Snacks for Your Road Trip

High-protein and no-mess, no-prep snacks are the best choice for any road trip. But what snacks fit the bill? Here is a quick list of 10 of the best snacks for your road trip, including some of our own favorites.

1. Jack Link’s Beef Steaks

For us, when we think about protein, meat always comes to mind. And beef is a wonderful source of protein, and our beef steaks are no exception. For example, our 2oz. Original Beef Steaks contains 23 grams of protein. Plus, our steaks are convenient to carry and easily fit in any glove box or pocket.

You can stick to the original or try something a bit sweeter like our Teriyaki Beef Steaks. And if you really want to shock your tastebuds, try our Sweet and Hot Beef Steaks.

2. String Cheese

Dairy of any kind is a source of protein. And string cheese is a great road trip snack. It’s easily portable and perfectly snackable. Plus, string cheese is loved by snackers of all ages and is sure to satisfy even the youngest of passengers.

Want to know how to keep your cheese cold? Bring an insulated bag or a small cooler. You’ll need it for your other snacks and drinks too!

3. Easy Veggies

Veggies such as carrots and broccoli are easy to grab and delicious to snack on. And while they do contain protein, they also contain other important nutrients such as vitamin C and Iron. Plus, veggies like carrots and broccoli require minimal if any prep work. Just throw them into some storage bags and they’ll nestle perfectly into your cooler.

4. Nuts Like Pistachios

All nuts provide some amount of protein. However, some are more protein-packed than others such as pistachios, almonds and walnuts. The best part is you can buy these nuts already in easy-to-open packages perfect for the road.

5. No Peel Fruits

Is there anything more delicious than sweet fruit? While some fruits may be a bit difficult to eat on the road (a juicy peach, for example), others are great for road trip snacking. For example, blackberries and apricots are a great source of protein and they’re easy to pop into your mouth. Plus, there’s no peeling required.

6. Protein Bars

Protein bars include protein-packed ingredients such as fruit, nuts and more in one compact package. And some even contain extra sweet and tasty ingredients such as chocolate. The key is to choose a bar that’s appropriate for you.

7. Trail Mix

Want a snack that’s completely customizable? Make up some quick trail mix before you head out. Trail mix can consist of anything from nuts to dried fruit. Throw in some chocolate chips for added flavor. If you’re short on time, you can also grab pre-made trail mix at your local grocery store.

8. Popcorn

Popcorn contains protein and is the perfect snack when you’re craving something salty. It’s also an excellent alternative to potato chips, which can get a little greasy. You can easily buy pre-popped popcorn and throw it into some storage bags for the road.

9. Granola Bars

Just like protein bars, granola bars are ready to go when you are. Plus, there are so many options out there. Although the key ingredient is oats, many bars include other protein-packed ingredients such as peanut butter, fruit, nuts and more.

10. Jack Link’s Beef Jerky

Craving something savory? Beef jerky has long been one of the most-loved road trip snacks around. And for good reason. Not only does it taste great, but it requires zero prep and contains protein. For example, our Original Beef Jerky contains 10 grams of protein in just one ounce. It’s sure to give you the boost you need to go the extra mile.

Fuel Your Body as You Step on the Gas

Road trips aren’t complete without delicious protein snacks. And Jack Link’s has you covered. Our meat snacks not only taste great, but they’re a good source of protein. Check out our products to stock up before you take off.