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These 20 Road Trip Snacks Will Have You Eating Good on the Go

Whether you’re the driver or the passenger princess, you won’t go hungry with these picks (we promise!).

Headshot of Hannah ChubbBy Hannah Chubb
best road trip snacks
Getty | Margie Rischiotto

Start beefing up that Spotify playlist, because I see a road trip in your future, bb. If you ask me, there's no greater feeling in this world than hitting the open road with a trunk full of luggage, a backseat full of friends, and a fun destination set in your GPS. Road trips are iconic for so many reasons—I could list them all but I know we're all far too busy for that—and they've only gotten more popular in the last few years (shoutout to 2020 for this and only this).

Now, if you want to do a road trip right, there are a few things you can't forget to bring with you. I already mentioned a few: a killer playlist, some friends you won't want to drop off at a gas station after a few hours, and some good travel bags. But perhaps the most important thing of all to pack ahead of a road trip? A bag full of snacks. Good snacks.

Whether you're the one driving or the one snoozing in the passenger seat, you're definitely going to need some sustenance if you're going to be cruisin' for hours on end. That's just a fact. But not all snacks are meant to be eaten in the car, never mind while driving (no one likes a sticky steering wheel) so you've gotta pack accordingly. Lucky for you, I basically wrote out a shopping list for your pre-trip grocery haul, and it's just a few scrolls away. Read on, and happy trails!

1
these crunchy cheese bites

Moon Cheese Bites Bundle (Pack of 3)

Bites Bundle (Pack of 3)
1
these crunchy cheese bites

Moon Cheese Bites Bundle (Pack of 3)

$15 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon

If you told me in high school that I'd be waxing poetic about Moon Cheese and getting paid for it one day, I simply wouldn't believe you. I went through packs on packs on packs of these back in the day as an after-school snack (and, tbh, still do). They're crunchy while still being airy, and savory without being too salty. They are, dare I say, out of this world.

2
these squeezable peanut butter packs

Justin's Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs (Pack of 10)

Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs (Pack of 10)
2
these squeezable peanut butter packs

Justin's Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs (Pack of 10)

Credit: Amazon

Peanut butter is essential—but peanut butter is not always portable. You don't want to be lugging a big, sticky jar when you're hitting the road. That's why these squeeze packs from Justin's (who make damn good nut butters, fwiw) are perfect for long drives where you want a spoonful or two of the good stuff. Tear off a corner and squeeze some on an apple, piece of celery, or straight into your pie hole.

3
these protein-packed brownie bites

Scott's Protein Balls Plant-Based Protein Balls, Brownie Batter (6 Bags)

Plant-Based Protein Balls, Brownie Batter (6 Bags)
3
these protein-packed brownie bites

Scott's Protein Balls Plant-Based Protein Balls, Brownie Batter (6 Bags)

Credit: Amazon

Long road trips require plenty of energy (and a killer, Justin Bieber-heavy playlist, but that's another story), and that's where protein-loaded snacks save the day. Pop one of these chocolatey balls during your journey to fuel your body and mind...perhaps while you stop to fuel your car.

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4
these flavorful organic crackers

Moonshot Climate-Friendly Crackers Variety Pack (Pack of 6)

Climate-Friendly Crackers Variety Pack (Pack of 6)
4
these flavorful organic crackers

Moonshot Climate-Friendly Crackers Variety Pack (Pack of 6)

Credit: Amazon

It's not easy to eat a piece of margherita pizza or slice of crumbly sourdough bread over your steering wheel—but it is easy to eat these crackers that taste just like 'em. They're nutrient dense and made with regeneratively grown ingredients, so you can also feel good(ish) about crushing a whole box in one go.

5
these breakfast-but-also-dessert bars

Lucky Charms Breakfast Cereal Treat (Box of 16)

Breakfast Cereal Treat (Box of 16)
5
these breakfast-but-also-dessert bars

Lucky Charms Breakfast Cereal Treat (Box of 16)

Credit: Amazon

Not quite breakfast and not quite dessert, the cereal bar is a beautiful, beautiful anomaly. Throw a few in your center console and enjoy as a sweet treat to start or end your day of driving. Or just pick the marshmallows out, I won't judge.

6
these cheesy chickpea chips

Hippeas Chickpea Tortilla Chips, Nacho Vibes (Pack of 18)

Chickpea Tortilla Chips, Nacho Vibes (Pack of 18)
6
these cheesy chickpea chips

Hippeas Chickpea Tortilla Chips, Nacho Vibes (Pack of 18)

Credit: Amazon

Don't say it, don't say it, don't...DORITOS DUPEEEEE. But for real, these tortilla chips taste just like Nacho Cheese Doritos, except they're made from chickpeas and are packed full of plant protein. Warning: they might be better suited for passengers, or for eating during driving breaks, because you *will* get orange fingers.

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7
these sweet-and-salty almonds

Now Foods Salted Caramel Almonds

Salted Caramel Almonds
7
these sweet-and-salty almonds

Now Foods Salted Caramel Almonds

Credit: Now Real Food

Sweet, salty, and crunchy all at the same time? Sign me tf up. If you've ever had the almonds from a Nuts 4 Nuts street cart in NYC, these are reminiscent and therefore fantastic.

8
these cheese-and-pretzel combos

Whisps Cheese & Pretzel Bites (Pack of 5)

Cheese & Pretzel Bites (Pack of 5)
8
these cheese-and-pretzel combos

Whisps Cheese & Pretzel Bites (Pack of 5)

Credit: Amazon

If you've ever dipped a soft pretzel into a warm cheese dip, you know that it's a life-changing experience. (ILYSM Auntie Anne ♥.) These new innovations from Whisps mimic the same flavor pairing, mashing real cheddar cheese and crunchy pretzel pieces into bite-sized snacks perfect for stashing in the center console.

9
this cutie 'cuterie

Applegate Charcuterie Plate with Uncured Genoa Salami, Cheddar, Roasted Almonds & Dark Chocolate

Charcuterie Plate with Uncured Genoa Salami, Cheddar, Roasted Almonds & Dark Chocolate
9
this cutie 'cuterie

Applegate Charcuterie Plate with Uncured Genoa Salami, Cheddar, Roasted Almonds & Dark Chocolate

Credit: Amazon Fresh

Charcuterie boards typically don't transport well. Like, even the distance from the kitchen counter to the dining room table can feel infinite. So it goes without saying that charcuterie boards probably don't make great car snacks. OR DO THEY? These snack packs from Applegate reverse the status quo, allowing you to get your cheesy, meaty thrills on the go. The deep-pocketed tray has a section for genoa salami slices, cheddar cheese cubes, roasted almonds, and dark chocolate chunks.

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10
these immune boosters

Uncle Matt's Organic Ultimate Immune Shot (Pack of 6)

Ultimate Immune Shot (Pack of 6)
10
these immune boosters

Uncle Matt's Organic Ultimate Immune Shot (Pack of 6)

Credit: Uncle Matt's Organic

Ever come home from a trip and wind up sick as a dog the next day? Yeah, same. These immune-boosing juice shots—packed with fruit, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals—can help keep you healthy amid the lack of sleep and influx of germs often associated with traveling. They also don't taste bad, which might come as a surprise to anyone who has taken a shot like this before.

11
these addictive chickpeas

Saffron Road Organic Crunchy Chickpea Snacks (Pack of 6)

Organic Crunchy Chickpea Snacks (Pack of 6)
11
these addictive chickpeas

Saffron Road Organic Crunchy Chickpea Snacks (Pack of 6)

Credit: Amazon

If you've never roasted chickpeas to the point of crispy perfection, then you just haven't lived. Full stop. But it can be tricky to get them super crisp at home, especially if you don't have a lot of time (or a deep fryer). That's where these bad boys come in—pop a handful for a hella crunchy and just-salty-enough snack that's high in fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals.

12
these tender chicken bites

BRAVE GOOD KIND Tender Chicken Bites

Tender Chicken Bites
12
these tender chicken bites

BRAVE GOOD KIND Tender Chicken Bites

Credit: Amazon

Eating greasy chicken tenders while driving? Not ideal. Eating tender chicken bites while driving? Perfection. Think of these like jerky: they're easy to pop in your mouth while keeping one hand on the steering wheel, and have 10 grams of protein per serving to keep you ready for the drive ahead.

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13
these vegan cookies

Partake Crunchy Cookie Variety Pack (Pack of 4)

Crunchy Cookie Variety Pack (Pack of 4)
13
these vegan cookies

Partake Crunchy Cookie Variety Pack (Pack of 4)

Credit: Partake

Life is better when you have a cookie in your hand. Prove me wrong. I recommend using both hands for these cookies—they're vegan and gluten-free while still tasting like you're eating dessert. Each of the four flavors—chocolate chip, birthday cake, ginger snap, and double chocolate—is to die for. Scout's honor.

14
these light-and-airy cheese puffs

Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs

Amazon’s Choice
Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs
14
these light-and-airy cheese puffs

Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs

Credit: Amazon

If you've never eaten a bag of these before, chances are you're thinking, "wow, that's a funny name." And you know what? It is. But the snacks inside...no laughing matter. They're frickin' delicious. You'll eat the entire bag without even noticing because they're so puffy and light. That said, if you're driving with a plus one, I highly recommend packing two bags.

15
these (actually kinda healthy???) candies

SmartSweets Variety Pack Sampler (Pack of 6)

Variety Pack Sampler (Pack of 6)
15
these (actually kinda healthy???) candies

SmartSweets Variety Pack Sampler (Pack of 6)

Credit: Amazon

Candy? That's not chock-full of sugar? Groundbreaking. But actually. These chewy cuties only have 3 grams of sugar per bag, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without having to worry about wiggling the steering wheel as you shake like a leaf thanks to a sugar high.

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16
deez seasoned nuts

Unbound Chili Lime Walnuts

Chili Lime Walnuts
16
deez seasoned nuts

Unbound Chili Lime Walnuts

Credit: Unbound

The only thing better than this Albert Einstein-embellished packaging? The snack inside. The chili-lime flavoring packs a punch without giving too crazy of a kick (you don't want a spice attack while you're driving, after all), and keeps your taste buds occupied no matter how long the drive. Get those Omega 3s, babes!

17
these easy squeezy smoothies

Sweet Nothings Squeezable Smoothie Variety Pack (3 Packs of 6 Tubes)

Squeezable Smoothie Variety Pack (3 Packs of 6 Tubes)
17
these easy squeezy smoothies

Sweet Nothings Squeezable Smoothie Variety Pack (3 Packs of 6 Tubes)

Now 10% Off
Credit: Sweet Nothings

It can be a challenge to get your daily dose of fruits and veggies when traveling. These squeezable smoothies—yes, they're reminiscent of the yogurt tubes we all used to pound as kids—make it a little easier. (Okay, sure, these are also targeted to kids, but they're just too good to skip.)

18
this smoooooth cold brew

SToK Cold Brew Iced Coffee

Cold Brew Iced Coffee
18
this smoooooth cold brew

SToK Cold Brew Iced Coffee

Credit: Stok

Do I really need to explain why you might need caffeine on a road trip? SToK offers little coffee shots for those who don't want too much of a buzz, or big bottles like you see here.

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19
these limited-edition treats

M&M's Limited-Edition Peanut Milk Chocolate Candy (Pack of 2)

Limited-Edition Peanut Milk Chocolate Candy (Pack of 2)
19
these limited-edition treats

M&M's Limited-Edition Peanut Milk Chocolate Candy (Pack of 2)

Credit: M&M's

Everyone loves peanut M&M's, and they're the best chocolates to munch while driving thanks to their candy coating, which doesn't get all melty and sticky. You know the vibes. If you see this limited-edition bag (hi, look to your left) of the treats, grab it ASAP. It's the brand's first time using female-focused packaging in honor of women "flipping the status quo," and $1 from each bag is donated to women's empowerment organizations.

20
these apple chips

Bare Baked Crunchy Apple Chips (Pack of 16)

Baked Crunchy Apple Chips (Pack of 16)
20
these apple chips

Bare Baked Crunchy Apple Chips (Pack of 16)

Credit: Bare

Love a red apple but don't like the sticky juice that inevitably always drips down your chin? These babies were made for you. Crunchy and sweet minus the mess, they're everything you could ever ask for from a car snack.

Headshot of Hannah Chubb
Hannah Chubb
Associate Lifestyle Editor

Hannah Chubb is the associate lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can’t afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram

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