Must-Have Snacks and Meals for Family Road Trips in USA

A USA road trip with the kids is one of our ultimate adventures in travel, taking us through different terrains and a variety of landscapes from coastal to desert. But, perhaps the most crucial part of organizing an epic road trip is making sure nobody will starve or rise against you. There is a huge difference when you plan properly and pack food in advance, it makes the whole process much better especially if traveling with children. This ultimate guide shares best snacks & meals for family road trips including easy-prep, no-cook recipes and tips to handle long-haul storage ensuring nobody misses a crunchy bite.

How Have Snacks and Meals Made a Difference in Our Family Road Trips

Driving gives you much more flexibility and freedom, but it also means longer periods of time between meals or other pit stops. Stashing a broad range of snack and meals on the go means you can stay ahead of hunger pangs, avoid conventional fast food options, keep everyone in high spirits. Thought out food choices also reduces the amount of stops that will need to be made, which keeps you on schedule and allows you to make the most use out of your travel time.

Essentials of Planning and Packing

But before we break down the food options for toddlers and babies, let’s get into some important planning/packing tips:

• Coolers and Storage – Make Room for Mama
  Invest in a good-quality cooler with insulation to maintain the cool temperature of perishable foods. Also, use reusable ice packs for coolness and consider insulated lunch bags in packaging individual portions.
• Containers & Cutlery
  Save snacks and meals for a while with BPA-free, leak-proof containers. Bring utensils, napkins and most of all wet wipes to clean up conveniently.
• Hydration
  Remember to bring a large bottle of water and refillable cups so you do not go thirsty. Include a few electrolyte drinks for more diversity.
• A few garbage bags
  Just to have on hand; they are the perfect place for all your wrappers, peels and other detritus.

Healthy and Tasty Snacks

1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

• Apple Slices: Apple slices are simple and pair well with peanut or almond butter for some protein.
• Grapes: Not only are these basically nature’s candy, but they can also be frozen for an icy snack.
• Cherry Tomatoes: The best sweet and juicy, mess-free veggie option ever.
• Cucumber Slices: Cool and hydrating, you can sprinkle a tiny bit of salt and pepper on these.

2. Nuts and Seeds

• Almonds -Grab a handful for a crunch and energy boost
• Logistically its pretty easy as well – we usually have cashews ( kid friendly )
• Pumpkin Seeds – full of magnesium, they make the perfect snack.
• Trail Mix- Prepare a trail mix of nuts, seeds and some dried fruit along with few dark chocolate chips for the perfect sweet-savory treat.

3. Dried Fruits

• Raisins – Something as small and convenient to eat plus they stack well which makes it a kid favourite.
• Dried apricots – a good source of vitamins and fiber.
• Skip Dried Mango: A convenient sweet and chewy snack, dried mango is a win.
• Banana Chips- Sweet and crunchy, these are a tasty change from classic potato chips.

4. Whole Grain Snacks

• Granola Bars – look for options that are low in sugar and high in protein so they can keep you full.
• Whole Grain Crackers – Can combine these with cheese slices or hummus as a complete snack.
• Air-popped popcorn is one of the very best whole grain snacks you can enjoy eaten plain or spiced to taste with simple and easy, make-ahead herb combinations (below).

Easy-to-Prepare Meals

1. Sandwiches and Wraps

• Whole Grain Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches – whole grain bread, lean turkey, low-fat cheese Lettuce, tomato and a little mustard is great too.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich- the classic yet easy choice that also can be filling. Choose whole grain bread and natural peanut butter instead.
• Veggie Wraps – Spread hummus on whole grain tortillas and top with shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and baby spinach for a wholesome meal.

2. Salads

• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad – Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes and caesar dressing. Store the croutons separately otherwise they lose their crunch.
• Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onions & olives with feta cheese Just before you eat, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil & lemon.
• QUINOA SALAD – Peet cooked quinoa, black beans, corns and bell peppers in a salad with lime n cilantro dressing.

3. Pasta Dishes

• Pasta Salad Ingredients: Cooked pasta, Cherry tomatoes, Olives Mozzarella balls Italian dressing
• Macaroni and Cheese – Homemade or store-bought, this is always a kid hit. Pack in an insulated container to keep warm.

4. Protein-Rich Snacks

• Hard Boiled Eggs Prep hard-boil eggs and remove the shells to have a high protein snack on-the-go.
• Cellophane-wrapped string cheese: this is the perfect pack-and-go snack.
• Yogurt: Take Greek Yogurt Cups that come with a spoon. Top with granola or fruit to make it even more delectable.

Indulgences and occasional treats

Though it is possible to make the most of your favorite snack and meal ideas, there just might be some other occasions when you should go elsewhere for a little fun on-the-go:

1. Homemade Baked Goods

• Make your own treats: This way you know the ingredients, and can limit how much sugar is added.
• Muffins: Bake up some whole grain muffins full of the natural sweetness found in blueberries or bananas.
• Crackers: Try dark chocolate oatmeal cookies for a healthy option.
• Brownies: Bake brownies using pulse flour for a fibrous and nutritious boost or avocado as the secret ingredient.

2. Pre-Packaged Treats

• Pack some pre-packaged treats that everyone in the family loves for convenience:
• Fruit Snacks: Opt for brands that contain natural fruit juice and are free of artificial flavorings or colors.
• Granola Bars: Opt for bars that are low in added sugars but high in fiber.
• Rice cakes – top with peanut butter or almond butter for a tastier treat.

How Can You Keep Your Food Fresh and Safe?

Keeping your snacks and meals fresh are crucial to the success of road trips:

• Proper temperature control (ie-good cooler and proper packing of the cooler) Keep ice packs at bottom and top, do not frequently open the door.
• Food safety: Do not let raw and cooked food touch each other to avoid contamination. Don’t use the same thing to handle both your raw meat and watermelon.
• Some Shelf-Stable Options-canned tuna, nut butter and crackers so if all else fails or there is extreme misconception there are options.
• Restock regularly: If your trip takes several days plan a few stops at grocery stores or markets along the way to replenish some perishable items.

Involving the Whole Family

And to make the time on the road more enjoyable, getting everyone involved with planning and preparation can be helpful.

• Give Them Choices: Kids can pick their favorite snacks and meals. This makes sure that they have something to look forward to and enjoy.
• Pre Trip Meal Prep: carve out some time before the trip for all to participate in cooking duties This may be washing fruits, slicing vegetables or constructing sandwiches.
• Snack Schedule: Keeping a snack schedule can help prevent constant grazing and make sure you are spacing out meals accordingly.

Conclusion

Having a good plan of snacks and meal can turn the worst road trip into one you will never forget. A combination of healthy, tasty and easy options will help to keep everyone satisfied and fuelled for the trip. While you are planning remember to get the whole family involved, keep it safe food wise and have fun! Prepare well and your road trip can become a genuine knockabout of joy, laughter, tasty times. Happy traveling!