I’ve traveled with a snack pack for as long as I can remember.
When I was a child, my babysitter Arleen used to pack a giant Ziploc of food for flights, road trips, and train rides, and I’ve followed that wise habit ever since. Her strategy kept me calm and occupied in transit, and my snack pack still functions as an edible security blanket. I always feel anxious heading into travel without a stash of healthy food in my carry-on—so should you.
The snack pack has two big advantages. First, you get to eat food you actually enjoy rather than settling for sad airport options. Some terminals have great choices, but many offer only soggy sandwiches and tired yogurt parfaits. Second, bringing your own snacks makes it easier to stick to a healthy routine while traveling. Nutritious options aren’t always available, and when you don’t have them on hand it’s easy to default to foods that leave you feeling sluggish. I’m not opposed to indulging occasionally—trust me, I’ve had my share of late-night pizza on the road—but if you travel often, a well-stocked snack pack is essential.
With months of travel behind me thanks to a busy tour schedule, I’ve refined my travel snack kit. Below are reliable, less perishable store-bought staples I bring along to stay satisfied, energized, and comfortable while traveling. These choices are practical, portable, and generally healthy—ideal for frequent travelers.
Happy, healthy travels!
Healthy Travel Snack Staples:
1. Mary’s Gone Crackers (Original and Super Seed). These nutrient-dense crackers now come in single-serving packs, making them great for travel. They’re crunchy enough to enjoy plain but also pair well with hummus or nut butter for a satisfying sweet-and-salty bite. Mary’s gluten-free pretzels are another convenient option.
2. Justin’s Almond Butter Squeeze Packs. These pre-portioned squeeze packs are mess-free and travel-friendly. The maple flavor adds a touch of sweetness without too much sugar. Use them on a brown rice cake or directly on an apple for an easy snack. If you eat straight from the pack, rinse it before storing to reduce surface residue.
3. GoMacro Protein Pleasure Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bar. While many bars are overly sweet or full of additives, this GoMacro bar is high in protein and fiber with moderate sugar and a pleasant taste. It works well as a quick breakfast or a light lunch when you’re on the go.
4. Oatmeal packets. Instant oatmeal packets are very practical for hotel stays that provide hot water or a Keurig. Stir hot water into a mug or paper cup, wait a few minutes, and you have a warm, filling breakfast. Add nuts or dried fruit from your snack pack for extra texture and flavor.
5. Raw nuts. Nuts supply protein, fiber, and healthy fats—mix favorites into a small bag for simple snacking on the move. They’re compact, calorie-dense, and keep well in a carry-on.
6. Matt’s Munchies. These organic fruit snacks are a grown-up alternative to classic gummy snacks. They’re chewy and satisfying when you want something sweet without reaching for candy. Flavors like Island Mango (with coconut flakes) and Mango-Ginger are particularly enjoyable.
7. International Harvest Go ManGo! Organic Dried Mango Slices. Dried mango is a tart-sweet treat that travels well. Be selective when buying dried fruit—opt for brands with no added sugar and check ingredient labels before purchasing.
8. Granola. Granola is versatile for snacking or as a topping for yogurt and oatmeal. If you don’t bring homemade granola, choose a high-fiber, whole-grain option that comes in portable two-serving packs for convenience.
9. Apples and bananas. Most whole fruits are travel-friendly, but apples and bananas are especially practical since they’re low-mess and pair well with nut butter or granola. Wash apples beforehand and wrap them in paper towels to prevent bruising while packed.
10. Jerky. Beef, turkey, or chicken jerky offers a convenient, high-protein snack that stores easily. Because jerky can be high in sodium, I avoid eating it on flights to minimize bloating, but it’s a satisfying option when you’re on the ground.
11. Lundberg Family Farms Brown Rice Cakes. Brown rice cakes are a versatile base for almond butter, hummus, or avocado. If you’re traveling for an extended time, bring a whole bag; for shorter trips, pack a few cakes in a Ziploc placed on top of your snack pack to avoid crushing.
12. Dark chocolate. A little dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) can satisfy a sweet craving while offering antioxidants. A couple of squares of a high-quality bar provide a pleasant mood boost without overindulging.
Once through security, I often pick up plain Greek yogurt or hummus at the airport. Both are easy to enhance with items from the snack pack—granola, nuts, dried fruit, or crackers—and can be stored in a hotel mini-fridge for later snacking or breakfast.