Planning a road trip can be overwhelming, but one aspect that’s often overlooked is packing the right snacks. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled 27 DIY snack ideas that are mess-free, easy to eat, and won’t break the bank.
With these recipes, you’ll have control over ingredients and allergens, ensuring everyone in the car stays happy and healthy. Whether you’re a driver with limited hands or a parent trying to prevent crankiness, our list has something for everyone.
From classic Rice Krispie Treats and Uncrustables sandwiches to protein-packed Peanut Butter Balls and crispy Air Fryer Potato Chips, these snacks are designed to be enjoyed on the go. And the best part? You can avoid last-minute grocery runs and save money in the process.
So why not spend some quality time in the kitchen before your next road trip? With our recipes, you’ll be well-prepared for a few long hours on the road and will even enjoy the journey.
Rice Krispie Treats
Who can blame kids for swooping up store-bought rice krispie treats? They’re an irresistible sweet treat that hits the spot on-the-go. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to rely on pre-packaged goodness! With a little effort, you can create your own at-home versions that might just surpass their store-bought counterparts. And if the thought of sticky fingers is a major turn-off, fear not – simply wet your hands with cold water and the stickiness disappears.
These treats are destined to become a staple in your family’s road trip repertoire!
Strawberry Banana Fruit Leather
When planning road trips with kids, it’s common to rely on snacks that are convenient and easy to pack. However, many of these options are high in processed sugar and contain ingredients that may not be easily recognizable. In contrast, this homemade fruit leather recipe boasts a mere four ingredients that you likely already have stocked in your pantry. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare and doesn’t require any specialized equipment like a dehydrator.
Simply puree together your chosen fruits with honey and lemon juice, spread the mixture evenly onto parchment paper, and bake it in the oven until the desired level of dryness is achieved. For added convenience, you can leave the parchment paper intact until the snack is ready to eat, thereby preventing sticky messes. By making a natural, wholesome road trip snack for your kids that they’ll truly enjoy, you’ll be scoring major points with both their taste buds and your own conscience.
Kids’ Trail Mix
While the name of this recipe might suggest it’s just for kids, this trail mix is actually perfect for all ages. Whether you’re preparing snacks for a road trip or simply need a quick pick-me-up, this customizable blend is sure to please both kids and adults alike. With staples like pretzels, nuts, cheerios, raisins, marshmallows, and M&M’s already stocked in most pantries, it’s easy to whip up a batch that suits your taste buds.
Plus, its portability makes it an ideal snack for after-school pickups or long car rides.
Extra Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas
For a successful road trip, it’s essential to have a diverse array of flavors and textures in your snacks to cater to everyone’s cravings. One creative option is roasting chickpeas in the oven, which can be easily customized with your favorite spices or whatever you happen to have on hand. The key to achieving that perfect blend of crispy and savory is using ample olive oil, whether you’re starting with canned or dry beans.
This simple trick will not only add a satisfying crunch but also bring out the natural flavors of the chickpeas.
Chewy Granola Bars
We’re big fans of granola bars as a road trip snack, but buying them in store can mean loading up on preservatives designed to extend shelf life. That’s why we love making our own – it’s not only a healthier alternative but also a cost-effective one! These homemade treats are perfect for munching on during adventures, and they don’t have to be limited to just car snacks.
The key to getting the granola to stick together is the honey and brown sugar; make sure you don’t skip that step or your bars might not hold up as well.
Homemade “Cheez-Its” Crackers
Ditch processed snacks for a road trip treat that’s packed with real ingredients! Replace store-bought cheese crackers with this easy-to-make homemade version. The best part? You can customize the flavor to your liking, just like those colorful boxes on the shelf. Start with classic cheddar and experiment with different cheeses and spices to create unique flavors.
Once baked, keep your freshly made crackers fresh by storing them in an airtight container – they’ll be ready for your next road trip adventure!
Puppy Chow
Regardless of what you call them – puppy chow, muddy buddies, or monkey munch – these sweet treats are a road trip staple. But it’s easy to overdo the sweetness. A simple solution is to let the snack cool to room temperature before adding powdered sugar. This prevents the sugar from getting absorbed into the cereal and helps the ingredients separate evenly. For an added layer of flavor complexity, try using dark or semi-sweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
The result is a sweet treat that’s still balanced and enjoyable.
Cheese Popcorn
When embarking on a road trip, many travelers opt for popcorn as a convenient snack option. However, elevating the classic treat with melted cheese can be a game-changer. As passengers settle in for a movie or TV show, this cheesy twist adds a delightful surprise to the familiar flavor profile. Moreover, preparing it is incredibly easy, allowing you to easily mix and match flavors to keep things fresh throughout your journey.
Fried Or Baked Corn Nuts
While corn nuts may share some similarities with popcorn in terms of their kernel composition, they warrant consideration as a distinct snack category. The process of preparing corn nuts is more labor-intensive than that of popcorn, requiring an overnight soaking and proper drying before cooking. Both frying and baking methods can lead to splattering oil and popping kernels, necessitating caution during preparation.
However, the end result is well worth the effort, making these road trip snacks a delightful treat. Once cooked, corn nuts can be seasoned to taste, with this recipe offering multiple options for customization – feel free to pick your favorite or combine them all!
DIY Cheese And Crackers “Lunchables”
Whether it’s a love for convenient lunches or elegant gatherings, these DIY snack packs cater to all. With easily customizable compartments, the options are endless! Simply fill each section with your favorite treats – think cheese, crackers, fruit, and nuts. Or, take the opportunity to introduce new flavors and textures into your snacking routine. Whether you’re packing a lunch for the road or hosting an impromptu get-together, these snack packs provide a fun and satisfying solution.
Roasted Sunflower Seeds
Roasting sunflower seeds is an excellent choice for a satisfying snack on long drives. Their nutty flavor is enjoyable enough to be enjoyed straight up, but they can also be paired with other road trip favorites to create a match made in heaven. The best part? The seasoning options are virtually endless, ensuring that you’ll never fall into a snacking rut.
Once you experience the ease of roasting your own seeds at home, you’ll never feel compelled to purchase pre-packaged sunflower seeds again, and will instead enjoy the freedom and variety that comes with making them yourself.
Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
When it comes to road trip breakfast snacks, overnight oats are a game-changer. Unlike many other options that require cooking or refrigeration, these no-bake treats can be prepared the night before and transported easily without compromising on flavor. The combination of strawberry cheesecake flavors, fruit, yogurt, and oats creates a delightful and satisfying breakfast experience. Plus, they can be frozen for later use, allowing you to simply thaw them out in your cooler while driving.
Any airtight container will do, but glass mason jars are a great choice for storing these tasty treats.
Easy Authentic Hummus
While the notion of munching on vegetables that have been sitting in a cooler for a few hours may not initially sound appealing, dip them into some delicious homemade hummus and they’ll quickly become your go-to snack for road trips. The beauty of hummus lies in its ease of storage – as long as it’s kept refrigerated, you’re good to go! And the best part? Making it is surprisingly straightforward, requiring only a few key ingredients like chickpeas, garlic, and spices.
With these simple components, you’ll have an authentic Mediterranean treat that will tempt even the most skeptical veggie eaters to indulge. Plus, this tasty dip pairs perfectly with crackers and naan bread for a satisfying snack on-the-go.
Easy Beef Jerky
The joy of road trips is amplified when you’ve taken the time to prep your favorite snacks beforehand. The added bonus? You’ll save money by making them yourself instead of relying on store-bought options. Case in point: homemade beef jerky. Not only does it eliminate the need for refrigeration, utensils, and fuss, but it also satisfies even the heartiest of appetites. To make the most of your time, consider marinating your beef overnight and then dehydrating it first thing in the morning.
This way, you’ll be ready to hit the road with a delicious, jerk-free snack that’s all yours.
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels
When embarking on a road trip, it’s common to crave something more substantial than typical travel snacks, yet still not quite satisfying enough for a full meal. That’s where these handheld sandwiches come in – perfect for the middle ground.
One of the best aspects of these bite-sized treats is their tendency to hold together beautifully, avoiding the mess that often accompanies traditional sandwiches.
This means you can enjoy them without worrying about crumbs or debris getting all over your clothes and gear.
Convenience is another key benefit – simply prepare the sandwich the night before and refrigerate it until morning. Then, cut it up into bite-sized pieces for a quick and easy snack that’s ready to go whenever you need it.
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
While it’s understandable to crave processed junk foods on a road trip, there are ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your dietary goals. One great option is protein balls, which can be made with minimal ingredients and no specialized tools. By incorporating protein powder into the mix, these snacks help keep you full and satisfied for longer, reducing the likelihood of reaching for cookies or other unhealthy treats later on.
What’s more, they can be stored in the freezer until you’re ready to hit the road, then thawed in the car as needed. For peanut butter enthusiasts, there are plenty of other delicious snack options to explore.
Baked, Oil-Free Vegetable Chips
As you prepare for a lengthy car journey, the instinct to reach for a couple bags of fried potato chips is understandable. However, once you start experimenting with baked and crispy vegetable chips, you’ll find yourself abandoning those bagged snacks for good. Baking your own veggie chips offers an additional serving of vegetables and satisfies that craving for something crunchy while on the road.
If you’re still yearning for the taste of potato chips, rest assured that potatoes can be used in this process too – but we encourage you to get creative with a variety of your favorite vegetables. Join our list of gluten-free snack options for inspiration.
Blueberry Muffins
For those early morning road trips, it’s easy to forget breakfast in the chaos of packing up and hitting the open road. However, with these blueberry muffins on hand, you’ll never have to worry about going hungry again. What’s more, baking them in bulk and freezing them for later means you can simply grab a snack and go whenever you need it. The best part? Using frozen blueberries makes the process even quicker and easier.
While there’s no guarantee they’ll last the entire trip, having a stash of freshly baked muffins will certainly make the journey more enjoyable.
Low-Sugar, Super Easy Yogurt Covered Pretzels
Wanting both sweet and salty road trip snack options? Why choose just one when you can have it all? With just three ingredients and a plastic sandwich bag, you can whip up your own delicious yogurt-covered pretzels that cater to any taste. Simply prepare these tasty treats at home, toss them in the freezer until you’re ready to hit the road, and enjoy them on-the-go without sacrificing time or effort.
Easy, Cheesy Baked Cheese Crisps
Indulge in the perfect road trip snack on a low-carb diet – cheese crisps! With just one main ingredient, cheese, you’ll be enjoying a delicious and guilt-free treat. Feel free to add some excitement with spices and seasonings if you’re feeling adventurous. After baking, make sure to let these crispy delights cool down to achieve that extra crunchy texture. By satisfying your cravings for chips or crackers without going overboard on carbs, you’ll be in for a real treat.
Grab-n-Go Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits
When embarking on a road trip, having the right tools can make all the difference in keeping your snacks fresh and organized. Mason jars and condiment cups are two essentials that I highly recommend for preparing fruit and yogurt parfaits. These containers work wonders by preventing spills and messes when hitting bumps, while also keeping granola crispy by separating it from the yogurt.
One of the best aspects of these parfaits is their shelf life – they can stay fresh for up to a week as long as they’re stored in a cold cooler. This means you don’t have to rush through your morning routine and enjoy them immediately, even on busy mornings when you’re running late getting the kids to school.
PBJ “Uncrustables” Sandwiches
Planning road trip snacks for kids with picky eaters can be a challenge. One way to make things easier is by creating your own version of their favorite uncrustables-style PB&J sandwiches. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started: start by spreading a thin layer of peanut butter on both pieces of bread, making sure the jelly doesn’t come into direct contact with the bread and cause it to become soggy.
Consider investing in a sandwich cutter and sealer – they may seem like an unnecessary expense, but trust us, they’ll be worth it when your kids devour these sandwiches like there’s no tomorrow! Another perk of making your own uncrustables is that you can store them in the freezer until it’s time to hit the road, then simply thaw them out for a quick and easy lunch.
Alternatively, your kids might enjoy eating them straight from the freezer – just be sure to supervise them carefully to avoid any potential choking hazards.
Roasted Seaweed Snack
One of the most satisfying road trip snack ideas is something crunchy and salty – and seaweed fits the bill perfectly. While the health benefits are certainly a bonus, there’s no denying the simple pleasure of munching on roasted seaweed straight from the package. But take it to the next level by tossing those sheets in some oil and sea salt for a few minutes. The result is a crispy, flavorful snack that’s hard to stop at just one or two.
Dehydrated Mangoes With Tajin
When embarking on a road trip, incorporating fresh fruits into your snacking routine can be a challenge. One major hurdle is maintaining their quality and freshness during travel. Fruits often require washing and refrigeration, which can be impractical in the midst of a long drive. Moreover, the juices released by these fruits can lead to messy situations. A simple solution to this problem lies in dehydrating your fruits ahead of time, such as mangoes.
This method not only eliminates the need for refrigeration but also minimizes the risk of spills and messes. For added flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of Tajín to balance out the natural sweetness. Dehydrated fruits can be a delightful addition to your road trip snacks, providing a healthy and refreshing option during your journey.
Homemade Fruit Snacks
When planning road trip snacks for kids, it’s essential to include fruit-based options. But what makes this category truly special is the opportunity to involve your little ones in the process! By making these treats at home, you can empower your children to take ownership of their snacking experience. The sense of accomplishment they’ll feel as they buckle up and indulge in a snack that’s entirely theirs will be priceless.
And let’s not forget the added benefit – these sweet treats are sure to keep even the most rambunctious kids happy during extended periods of car travel. Who knew that such a simple, yet delicious, snack could be so easy to prepare?
Air Fryer Potato Chips
Taking a road trip without relying on grocery store snacks shouldn’t be daunting. With some basic ingredients, you can whip up your own potato chips to keep you satisfied during the journey.
All you need are potatoes, oil, and seasonings – simple! These crispy treats stay fresh at room temperature, but if you want to ensure their freshness for travel day, pop them in the freezer until then.
Rather than accumulate multiple bags of different flavors, why not air fry a batch and season it to your liking? This approach allows you to enjoy all the flavors you desire without overbuying chips. Simply repeat the process with separate batches for each desired flavor.
NEW: Bacon Crackers
This addictive snack recipe exceeded my expectations. You’ll likely struggle to pack more than five or six into a reusable baggie before they’re devoured on the go. The allure of these sweet, salty, buttery, and crunchy treats is simply too great to resist. With the added bonus of crispy bacon, it’s no wonder you won’t be able to stop at just one.
Homemade Fig Newtons
While some may debate whether fig newtons are cookies or mini cakes, one thing is undeniable – their scrumptious taste and convenient snackability make them an excellent choice for road trips or on-the-go munching. Their bite-sized size and mess-free nature only add to their appeal. The best part? When you bake them yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients and can easily customize to suit your palate.
This recipe is remarkably faithful to the original, with its soft dough and sweet fig filling that will leave you wondering why you ever settled for anything else. With a shelf life as short as they are delicious, there’s little need to worry about storage – but if you do, rest assured they’ll keep at room temperature or in the fridge. If you’re looking for something new to try, I’ve got just the thing: head over to [link] for some salty snack ideas that will satisfy your savory cravings!
The bottom line
Regardless of whether you’re behind the wheel, charting the course or simply along for the ride, a satisfying snack is essential for a enjoyable journey. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, this list of homemade and delicious road trip snacks has something for everyone. From sweet treats to savory bites, there’s a perfect match for every taste bud. And if you’re looking for even more options, we’ve got you covered.
This epic collection of better-for-you road trip snacks is the perfect resource to prep before hitting the open road.