Healthy Snack Ideas for Family Road Trips

The sun is out, school is officially not in session, and summer is here! To help fuel your family’s fun, we've curated a list of nutritious snack ideas and made sure they're easily portable too, so that you can take them along on any family road trips coming up this summer! Everything you need to put these snacks together can be found at your local Otter Co-op food store too. 

Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup milk or milk alternative
1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Fresh fruit for topping

Mix the chia seeds, milk, and sweetener in a bowl or container. Let the mixture sit for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Portion into small containers and top with fresh fruit.

Veggie Sticks with Hummus

Ingredients:

Carrot sticks
Celery sticks
Cucumber slices
Bell pepper strips
Cherry tomatoes
Hummus

Wash and cut the vegetables into sticks or bite-sized pieces. Portion the hummus into small containers. Pack the veggies and hummus in separate containers to avoid sogginess.

Roasted Chickpeas

Ingredients:

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and spices (paprika, garlic powder, cumin) to taste

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and spices. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, until crispy. Let them cool and pack in resealable bags.

Cheese and Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:

Cheese cubes
Fruit of your choice
Wooden skewers

Thread the cheese cubes and fruit onto the skewers in an alternating pattern. Pack the completed skewers in a container to keep fresh.

Energy Balls

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until they're well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to set. Pack in a container or resealable bags.

Planning and prepping snacks ahead of time ensures everyone stays satisfied and energized, so the journey can be as enjoyable as the destination. These easy to transport snacks cater to multiple tastes and dietary needs. By incorporating a mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, you can avoid the lure of unhealthy roadside options!