It’s summer…time for road trips! I’m not sure about you, but there’s something about long drives that make me want to snack.
Unfortunately, the bag of Ruffles from the convenience store doesn’t fill me up. In fact, they make me want to mindlessly eat more. When choosing a track snack, look for foods that include fiber and protein to help you feel satisfied. Also, avoid excess calories and fat since we typically burn a minimal amount of calories on road trips.
Here’s a list of some of our favorite travel snacks…
POPCORN
Our #1 Pick: Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP® Popcorn (they have travel sized bags!)
Why? You get more for less! It’s a large portion size for a small number of calories and fat as well as a large amount of protein and fiber for a crunchy snack.
Nutrition Facts: 4 cups = 140 calories, 7 grams fat, 3 grams protein, 4 grams fiber
Other Options: Skinny Pop® Popcorn, Pirate’s Booty® & Popcorn, Indiana®
DRY ROASTED BEANS
Our #1 Pick: Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame
Why? This snack is PACKED with protein and fiber…talk about satisfying!
Nutrition Facts: 1/3 cup = 130 calories, 4 grams fat, 13 grams protein, 8 grams fiber
Other Options: The Good Bean® Dry Roasted Chickpeas (has the widest range of flavors available) & Biena Snacks Chocolate Covered Roasted Chickpeas
PRETZELS
Our #1 Pick: Unique Pretzel Shells
Why? 15 big pretzels for 120 calories?! You can’t beat that!
Nutrition Facts: 15 pretzels = 120 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 3 grams protein, 1 gram fiber
Other Options: Pretzels Crisps
PEANUT BUTTER
Our #1 Pick: Powdered Peanut Butter
Why? Significantly lower in calories and fat than regular peanut butter, travels well, easy to make and goes well with crackers or fruit.
Nutrition Facts: 3 tablespoons = 70 calories, 2 grams fat, 8 grams protein, 2 grams fiber
Other Options: Jif® or Skippy® To Go packs
TRAIL MIX
Our #1 Pick: Our homemade recipe
Why? It is simple to make because it’s a matter of measuring and mixing the ingredients together. It also limits the amount of nuts, which helps to keep the calorie and fat content lower.
Nutrition Facts: ½ cup = 175 calories, 5 grams fat, 9 grams protein, 6.5 grams fiber
Other Options: Most premade trail mix products are similar in terms of nutrition. Be warned, the portion sizes are tiny!
BEEF JERKY
Our #1 Pick: Jack Links® Jerky
Why? Beef jerky is tasty, but expensive. Jack Links have the best nutrition for the best price.
Nutrition Facts: 1oz = 80 calories, 1 gram fat, 12 grams protein, 0 grams fiber
Other Options: Krave®, Matador® & Lorissa’s Kitchen®
CRACKERS
Our #1 Pick: Crunchmaster® Multiseed Crackers
Why? Everybody loves having a big portion size when it comes to crackers. This brand has the biggest portion size for the smallest amount of calories.
Nutrition Facts: 15 crackers = 140 calories, 5 grams fat, 3 grams protein, 2 grams fiber
Other Options: Wheat Thins® & Triscuits®
Check out this week’s RD Kitchen: Travel Snacks flyer for product images before your next road trip!
