Finding healthy snacks for road trips can be challenging, especially when you follow a plant-based lifestyle. However, with a little preparation, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious snacks that keep you energized throughout your journey. Finding healthy options during your car trip can be such a challenge. Being prepared is half the work and makes for a more pleasant trip! Here are our top picks.

Plant-Based Road Trip Snacks for in the Car

1. Fresh Fruits

Fresh fruit is quick to overlook, but they are my favourite snack to take with in the car, especially apples. They are easy to pack, don’t require refrigeration, and stay fresh for a long time. The crunch is what makes this snack so satifying to me! You can take any fruit that keeps well and is easy to store.

2. Nutritious Veggies

Carrots, snack cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes make excellent healthy snacks for road trips. Carrots are crunchy and packed with beta-carotene. Snack cucumbers and cherry tomatoes are refreshing and hydrating, making them perfect for long drives. These veggies don’t require preparation, which is why they stay fresh so long.

3. Homemade Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars with oats, nuts, and dried fruits also make perfect healthy snacks for road trips. They are easy to make, customizable, and can be stored for long periods. Naturally, you have to prepare them in advance, but this doesn’t take too much time. Here is a recipe you can try and customise yourself.

Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews), chopped
• 1/2 cup dried fruits (such as cranberries, apricots, and raisins), chopped
• 1/2 cup nut butter (such as almond butter or peanut butter)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 20x20cm baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the edges for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruits, ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Prepare wet ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the nut butter and maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are coated and the mixture is evenly combined.
5. Transfer to baking pan: Pour the granola mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly into an even layer.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center might still look slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools.
7. Cool and cut: Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into bars or squares.

4. Dried Fruits

Dried fruits such as apricots, figs, and dates are convenient and pack natural sugars and nutrients. They make ideal snacks for travel because they don’t spoil easily and are easy to portion out. Enjoy them as a quick pick-me-up during your drive.

5. Peanut Butter Bars with Oatmeal

Peanut butter bars with oatmeal are fantastic for travel and one of my favourite snacks to make. They taste delicious and keep well, making them perfect for long journeys. Check out this Peanut Butter Bars with Oatmeal Recipe from Forks Over Knives.

Mindful Eating in the Car

When you’re on a road trip, it’s easy to eat out of boredom. I know I do! Practicing mindful eating can help you avoid unnecessary snacking. Just because you’re sitting in the car for a few hours doesn’t mean you should eat more. Listen to your favorite podcast, enjoy an audiobook, or take in the scenery to keep your mind engaged and avoid boredom eating.

With these healthy snacks, you can stick to your healthy plant-based lifestyle even while traveling. Planning ahead ensures you always have nutritious and satisfying options at your fingertips. Enjoy your journey without compromising your lifestyle!