Got a busy week coming up and know you’ll need to snack on the move? While we know food won’t last in a car indefinitely, especially in extreme heat or freezing temps, a good way to get through a busy day is to keep some snacks in your car.
Key Takeaways
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The best snacks to keep in the car have air-tight, durable packaging so they stay fresh and protected.
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Some examples of great car snacks include Jack Link's Jerky Chew and Beef Sticks, trail mix, nut butter, and dried fruit.
What to Look for in Car Snacks
Choosing snacks to keep in the car comes down to a few basic principles. Here, we'll help you find your new favorite car snacks that are convenient, wholesome, and downright delicious.
Air-Tight Packaging
When it comes to munching in the car, you’ll want a snack that keeps. Store snacks with air-tight packaging in your car. That air-tight packaging will also keep unwanted smells from wafting into the rest of the vehicle.
Remember — never leave food in the car when it’s hot or below freezing outside, as it will probably go bad no matter how it’s packaged. On that note, make sure to check the expiration date on the packaging before diving in if a snack has been in your car for a while.
High in Nutrients
Snacks aren’t just about curbing your hunger; they’re about giving you enough fuel. While a single snack won’t meet every dietary requirement, you can keep several snacks that are quality sources of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates.
Easy to Pack
We keep snacks in the car for convenience. You’ll want no-fuss snacks that are simple to pack and require little-to-no preparation.
Non-Crushable
In the storage spaces in our cars, like the glove box, we tend to keep an assortment of items, from maps to phone chargers to first-aid kits. That means you’ll need snacks that are durable and fit easily among the rest of your belongings.
Our Favorite Snacks to Keep in the Car
1. Jack Link's Jerky Chew
Jerky is a fan favorite when it comes to car snacks as it's tasty and easy to munch on one-handed. But Jack Link's Jerky Chew? It's delicious, snacking-while-driving friendly, and easy to store.
It comes in a can, so it fits neatly in your glovebox or even your pocket. Plus, it comes in smoky Original and subtly sweet Teriyaki.
2. Jack Link’s Beef Sticks
Our Meat Sticks are tender, smoky, and easy to stash in multiple places. Store them in the glovebox, your car’s cupholders, or other smaller compartments.
Meat sticks come in all sorts of flavors, from our classic Original Beef Sticks to our sweet Teriyaki Beef Sticks.
3. Trail Mix
Trail mix can be a delicious cornucopia of sweet and salty flavors. From nuts to dried fruit to seeds, you can easily make a nutrient-dense mixture that delights your taste buds.
For your car, choose non-bulky items that don’t crush easily. And forgo chocolate add-ins, as they're sure to melt.
4. Protein Bars
Protein bars are compact snacks that can pack a serious punch of nutrients and calories. Like with all of these snacks, make sure to check the expiration date on the packaging before diving in if a protein bar has been in your car for a while.
5. Canned Goods
Some people keep canned goods in their cars, not just for snacks, but for emergencies as well. For instance, weather conditions can force someone to pull over and sit in their car for long periods of time.
When choosing canned goods, select cans with pop-tops that don’t require a can opener. You also might want to consider canned goods that you don’t have to heat up, such as fruit, tuna, salmon, and pickled foods.
Sardines and crackers can make a great on-the-go snack!
6. Dried Fruit
If you’re looking for a sweet snack to keep in the car, dried fruit is a good way to go. It’s easy to pack into your car without getting squished, and many stores carry packaged varieties.
You can also buy them in bulk and make your own favorite mixture. Some dried fruits you can feast on include:
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Apricots
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Pineapple
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Banana chips
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Berries
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Coconut flakes
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Mango
7. Peanut Butter/Nut Butter
Keeping nut butter in your car has some definite pros. Consider almond butter and cashew butter. Whether you squirt it directly into your mouth or scoop it out with some crackers, the smooth, creamy taste can be instantly satisfying on the road.
8. Crackers
We live in a golden age of crackers. Besides old-school crackers made with wheat flour, you can find crackers made out of nut flour, ground dried vegetables, quinoa, seeds, and rice.
With so many on the market, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one you don’t love nibbling on. Plus, they go great with many other car snacks!
Keep Your Taste Buds Satisfied With Jack Link’s
From your morning commute to taking a cross-country road trip, car snacks are a must. At Jack Link’s, we have the perfect smoked meat snack to get you through your drive. Stock up your glove box by shopping our products today.