Snacks to Pack when Traveling

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Please see policies for more information.

Whether you’re trying to stay on a meal plan, have food allergies or just want to save some money, packing snacks when traveling can be beneficial in more ways than one. I often get asked what I pack when I travel. I eat gluten free because of an auto immune disorder and ALWAYS pack food so that I am prepared for anything.

One thing I love about the Phoenix airport is that we have some pretty awesome food choices. Problem is, it’s not the Phoenix airport that I get stuck in! I always pack food in my carryon just in case I get delayed. You’d be surprised at how FEW options there are at some airports for those with food allergies or intolerances. Beyond that, there are times when you wake up late, don’t want to spend a ton at breakfast, have a longer break between meals etc. when you’re either going to eat a snack you brought or purchase a more expensive (and sometimes less healthy) option. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend my money on a great meal, not on a sub-par snack just to prevent myself from getting hangry.

I bring different types of snacks on different trips if I know what I’ll need food for. My only major rule is that it has to travel well in my purse or bag. Here are most of my “go to’s”

SNACKS TO PACK WHEN TRAVELING

RXBAR – my new favorite go to bar has a different texture and some amazing flavors. They have very few ingredients and do a great job of filling me up. I love the blueberry for breakfast with hot coffee or tea and there’s not really a flavor I didn’t like.
KIND bars – any variety will do. I recently picked up some savory ones because if you travel a lot you can actually get sick of sweet and chocolate if you can believe it. I do like the texture of the healthy grains bars a lot though.
EPIC bars – I am so happy to find an easy to keep in my purse bar that isn’t full of fruit. I mean I love fruit and chocolate but sometimes if you’re trying to pull together a lunch out of your purse you need something besides beef jerky! You have to get past the thought of meat being in a bar and just eat it. They really are good if you give them a chance.
Trail Mix – I recently found this jerky/trail mix combo that we’re liking and it’s perfect for travel. A nice mix of sweet, salty and savory.
Nuts/Seeds – If I’m traveling by plane I don’t pack nuts just in case there’s someone with an extreme allergy on board. I love raw pumpkin seeds or any mixed nut really. I don’t pack many of these because nuts are one thing you probably can pick up at any airport but the seeds are a nice change.
GoPicnic Snack Boxes – I love these for easy airplane or hotel meals (these are starting to pop up in airports more too). They have great variety, but I find that I get tired of the sweetness of the snacks after a while. Gotta change it up!
Peanut/Seed Butter Packets – these are perfect to squeeze on some fresh fruit or crackers if you’re packing them. You can usually find an apple or banana when traveling and these help you feel full and up the protein and good fats!
Tuna Packets – I try to be a good traveler and NEVER eat these on the plane, but the car or hotel is fare game. I love tuna packets with some gluten free crackers or just out of the bag.
Freeze Dried Fruit and/or Vegetables – these are great for when you want something crunchy or just a light snack. They likely won’t fill you up quickly though so pair them with a bar, fruit and nut butter or cheese.
Cheese – yes not all cheese needs to be refrigerated, these little cups of smoked gouda can go right in your bag! You should also be ok with some nice cheese since it’s best at room temperature if you’re taking them out of the fridge right before your flight.
Popcorn, chips and other crunchy snacks work too but I find that they don’t last nearly as long since they’re likely to get squished while traveling.
Fresh fruit – if you have a hard container you can pack the fruit in, go ahead, otherwise I stick to one piece in my purse for the flight and then just find fruit along my travels. It’s a fun reason to check out the local farmers anyway!
Packets of gluten free soy sauce – ok I know this might sound weird but sushi without soy sauce is so sad to me. When eating out for sushi, if it’s not listed I stick with fresh sashimi or just fish on rice but I love having soy sauce so I’ll keep some packets with me. Tip: always keep packets of anything (soy sauce, peanut butter, honey etc) in a zip top plastic bag. It IS possible to open those bags through the roughness of travel. Yes. I know from experience.