22 Food for Road Trips You Should Always Have Ready

It doesn’t matter if you’re going on a road trip, have a flight at 4 a.m., or are just meal-prepping ahead of time for your travel. The main thing is that you have enough food for road trips.

That’s why we prepared the best travel food list that you can make either in small quantities to keep everything fresh or as a whole batch to eat while at your destination. What we learned through the years is that the best road trip food is extra fresh, and it can definitely make a difference between getting a balance of proteins, carbs, and fats to meet your daily dietary goals.

6 Practical Travel Food Ideas for the Road

1. Hummus and veggie wraps

These are extra easy-to-make options that will not go bad even in hotter climates and when your car’s AC doesn’t work. To prepare them, fill tortilla wraps with veggies and hummus, and add some seeds or savory nuts. All it takes is a few minutes. One good thing is that they don’t need a refrigerator or cooler to store and transport. 

2. Hard-boiled eggs

These are great options because you can prepare them in bulk and store them in a cooler. We love using eggs as travel food because they are packed with proteins and are easily combined with any side dish. 

3. Sandwiches 

Sandwiches are go-to foods for road trips and are classic travel essentials. To make them in bulk, place pre-sliced bread onto a tray and then add all of your sandwich fillings. These can be condiments and butter aside from sides like lettuce or pickles. Fill them with veggies, protein, cheese, and anything else you can get your hands on.

4. Pasta Salad

Another travel food staple is pasta salad. It can stay cold and doesn’t need heating up before consuming. We prepare our cold pasta salad by combining it with Parmigiano cheese, veggies, and yogurt dressing if needed. Also add a source of protein like chicken, avocado, or tofu, if desired.

5. Mason Jar Salads

If you ask us, this is the ultimate no-mess option. It even offers a fresh meal on the go. Layer ingredients in a mason jar by adding the dressing at the bottom. After that, add protein (like chickpeas or grilled chicken), veggies, and greens on top. When it is ready to be eaten, shake it up.

6. Soup Cups

If you’re craving for something warm, soup cups are the way to go. We make ours by cooking a flavorful soup, and then portioning it into individual cups or storing them in a thermos.

5 Quick and Easy Snacks for Road Trips

1. Trail Mix

This classic road trip snack is a must-have for every traveler. We love it because it’s so filling! The combination of seeds, nuts, dried fruit, and a bit of chocolate adds a delicious variety of flavors while keeping you satisfied on your journey.

2. Rice Cakes

Rice cakes are not everyone’s cup of tea, but we recommend them because they hold so well and can be stored for quite a long time. We combine them with peanut butter or almond butter.

3. Protein Bars

If your road trip menu hasn’t been updated enough to include protein, this is an energy boost. We choose the ones with minimal sugar and can only recommend making homemade protein bars out of oats and granola.

4. Energy Balls

These are an easy option, and we love them because they are packed with nutrients and flavor. To prepare them, mix oats, peanut butter, honey, and (sometimes) dried fruits. Then, we roll them into bite-sized balls. That is it! They don’t require refrigeration, making them perfect for a quick energy boost.

5. Popcorn Packs

If you want a snack that will satisfy every generation, this is it. We make it as a lightweight and crunchy snack. Make the packs by air-popping kernels and seasoning them with salt. After that, pack them into individual bags.

6 Healthy Food for Road Trips and Long Drives

1. Quinoa Bowls

If you want to stay nourished while limiting your carb intake, this is a great option for you. Quinoa will not easily go bad and therefore you do not need to bring a cooler with you. Make quinoa bowls by combining cooked quinoa with steamed veggies and beans. If you prefer a dressing, we would recommend either olive oil or tahini sauce. It will hold very long without refrigeration.

2. Stir-fry with Vegetables

If you ask us, this is a fail-proof healthy option for those watching what they consume. Stir-fried dishes will hold very long even if you don’t have a cooler or any type of refrigeration with you. When we bring this food for road trips, pre-make the stir-fry by frying tofu with vegetables.

3. Baked Sweet Potato

Even if you choose to roast your sweet potato, it is a great option because it will not go bad and can stay out of the refrigerator for almost a whole day. When we making this option at home, roast sweet potatoes in an oven, and depending on your preferences, you can top it off with either honey and yogurt or cream and spices for a savory meal.

4. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a great option, especially when you’re on a road trip and sitting all day. They will give you the fiber you need in your diet. Some travel-friendly options include apples, berries. carrots, bell peppers and cucumbers.

5. Wraps with Veggies and Protein

This is surely a versatile and filling option. We make these wraps by layering whole-grain tortillas with hummus, fresh vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and a protein source. You can choose between grilled tofu, chickpeas, or boiled eggs. In the end, wrap them tightly, and they will stay fresh for hours without refrigeration.

6. Vegetable Chips

Prepare this crunchy snack by thinly slicing vegetables. Choose crunchy options like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or beets, then bake them with a light drizzle of olive oil. These are healthier alternatives to traditional chips and they store well.

5 Treats & Beverages: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth on the Road 

1. Overnight Oats

This is a great option if you have a cooler with you. Prepare individual servings of oats and classic milk or almond milk by combining chia seeds and oats inside a container. Top it off with honey and fruits. They’re perfect for either a breakfast or a sweet treat.

2. Yogurt Cups

Sweetened yogurt can be a great snack if you’re on the road. Place it in your cooler and make sure you have enough servings for everyone. Just mix together yogurt, fruits, honey, or other artificial sweeteners.

3. Matcha Latte

If you love matcha, this is great for you! With almond or oat milk, it will serve as the perfect caffeine boost while on the road.

4. Fruit-Infused Water

Stay refreshed and hydrated with this simple treat. All you need to do is add slices of fruits like lemon, orange, or berries to a bottle of water. Let it chill in your cooler to infuse the flavors and keep in cooler.

5. Chia Pudding

To prepare this nutritious snack, combine chia seeds with almond or coconut milk. You can let it sit overnight and then sweeten it with honey or maple syrup.

Our Travel Food Choice: KAMUI Mixed Rice

KAMUI Mixed Rice is the ideal travel food, whether you’re embarking on a camping trip, on a backpacking adventure, or in need of a quick, satisfying meal during your travels. It can be eaten straight from the pouch and it comes with a spoon. Just pour hot water and wait for 15 minutes for it to rehydrate. If using room temperature water, it’ll be ready in an hour. It is made with 100% Japanese rice and natural, high-quality ingredients sourced and prepared in Japan. This instant rice offers both nutrition and convenience.

Conclusion

We hope this food for road trips list helped you choose the optimal travel food. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about a road trip or a camping trip,  make sure you are nourished. Keep in mind that the best food is fresh and served in small quantities. The best part is sharing it with the people you care for.