Five Favorite Road Trip Snacks

Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or new to the game, there’s one thing we can all agree on: eating while driving is not ideal. But sometimes, a long trip demands sustenance! And sometimes munching and drinking a sugary, caffeinated drink is all that is keeping you from drifting off in open road monotony. If you’re hitting the road this summer, make sure you choose snacks that are easy to eat, fuel your body, and are not messy! Here are a few snacks that will keep your stomach from rumbling and your mind sharp so you can focus on the joys of being on the open road.

Pistachios

Pistachios are an excellent snack on the road. They have a high protein content, meaning they can keep you full for a long time. They also provide fiber and vitamin E. This makes them ideal for long drives, especially if you’re going through remote areas where there aren’t many options for food!

The best part about pistachios is how easy they are to pack: just put them in a plastic bag or container, then toss in one more handful than you think might be necessary because these little
guys will go fast once you start snacking on them! Don’t forget; we have many amazing flavors in our online shop!

Fruits like grapes, watermelon balls, or apple slices

If you need something sweet but don’t want to have a hard sugar crash later in the trip, fruits are an ideal road trip snack. They require little prep and are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that keep you from crashing! The high-water content in fruit also helps keep you hydrated!

Trail Mix

Trail mix is a fantastic snack because you can make it however you like! Nut-heavy trail mix (pecans, almonds, etc.) is a great energy source. If you add some dried fruit, you can create something deliciously sweet and salty. Here are some excellent components for a healthy DIY Mix:

• Dry fruit, such as apricots or prunes
• Nuts (almonds, pecans, peanuts)
• Chia seeds or flaxseeds

Need something sweet? Chocolate can be included in the mix! You can throw in some dark chocolate chips, chocolate-covered nuts, or our favorite cappuccino almonds for a stay-awake kick!

Popcorn

Popcorn is the perfect snack because it’s easy to make ahead of time and doesn’t spoil like other snacks do when stored in warm temperatures while traveling. Popcorn has inflammation-reducing polyphenols, which are super helpful when sitting for long periods of time. We recommend using an air popper to reduce oil and go easy on the salt!

Need something sweeter? While we’re all for healthy road trip snacks, sometimes we must treat ourselves! Pack some of our delicious pre-popped pistachio caramel popcorn to satisfy that sweet tooth! Or stop into one of our stores for green chile pistachio, red chile pistachio, and white cheddar flavors.

Veggie Chips

Chips provide a satisfying crunch to keep us awake on long drives, but loads of oil and salt can leave us feeling bloated and cranky when we get to our destination! Instead, opt for some crunchy veggie chips! There are many healthy options in grocery stores, or you can try making your own by thinly slicing and baking scrumptious veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini. Put a flavorful spin on the veggies by sprinkling some of our bruschetta dried herb blend on the veggies before popping them into the oven or dehydrator!

There are many ways to satisfy your hunger while road-tripping. You can make your own snacks to save money and control what you’re eating. Or you can buy pre-packaged items ahead of time or at convenience stores along the road. Either way, remember that some snacks can spoil if stored improperly; don’t leave perishable items out where they could get too warm! Be sure to bring along plenty of ice packs if needed—and maybe even consider packing a cooler if there’s enough room in the car trunk!

We hope you have some extraordinary summer adventures! Be safe, happy, and healthy.

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico. They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines. Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings. They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts. The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for weddings, private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.

References:
https://www.thehealthy.com/food/eating-popcorn-healthy/
https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/road-trip-snacks/