Epic List Of Plant Based Snacks For Your Next Road Trip
I’ve been eating a (mostly) plant-based diet since 2010. What started out as a raw food plant based diet eventually turned to a whole foods plant based diet that included lottss of plant based snacking.
And then I became a nomad in 2015, so you can see how my plant based snacks game might have evolved over time.
Needless to say, if there is a plant based snack then I’ve probably tried it.
Here are my favorites, based on a few things:
- I want to actually eat them.
- They’re sustainable and don’t take too much from the planet to produce.
- They can last on the road.
- They provide a healthy balance of fats, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates.
Plus, at the end of the post, I’ll give you a little buying guide (jump ahead to take a look) so that you can get exactly what you need for your upcoming road trip based on how many days you’ll be on the road.
Packaged Plant Based Snacks (non-refrigerated)
One thing I have learned with snacking is that it’s all about moderation. Too much of one thing can lead to either constipation or the runs. As healthy as plant based eating may be, I just have to throw that warning out there. So while non-refrigerated snacks may be the easiest snacks to pack, they may not be the best for your bowels. 💩
You can’t say I didn’t warn you.
That being said, here are my go-to healthy plant based snacks in order of obsession preference.
Nut and seed butters
Nut butter is a high protein snack that can turn any other snack into an indulgent snack. Yogurt is okay UNTIL YOU ADD PEANUT BUTTER; chocolate is great and with peanut butter it’s GREAT; oatmeal is a substantial snack and with peanut butter it’s a DECADENT BOWL… you see where I’m going with this?
I like to pair these nut butter packets with fresh fruit, like a banana, strawberries, or an apple.
Justin’s Classic Almond Butter packets (GF)
Each packet is filled with 6 grams of plant based protein and healthy fats, providing you with the energy and sustenance to conquer your road trip adventures. Justin’s is dedicated to sourcing the highest-quality, sustainably grown almonds to create their almond butter, and the brand is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and supporting sustainable farming practices.
Spread The Love NAKED Organic Peanut Butter packets (GF)
Each pouch is brimming with 7 grams of protein and heart-healthy fats to keep you energized and satisfied. Spread The Love is passionate about creating delicious, natural nut butters without artificial additives or preservatives.
Artisana Organics Raw Cashew Butter Snack Pouches (GF)
Made from 100% raw and organic cashews, this cashew butter is packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients, providing a nourishing and satisfying snack for your road trip adventures. Artisana Organics is a brand that cares about sustainability, using eco-friendly and organic farming practices.
Jerky alternatives
Venture into the realm of plant-based delights with these two marvelous vegan jerky brands, offering a toothsome and satisfying alternative to traditional meat-based snacks. While these aren’t my favorite plant based snacks to stuff my face with, that’s kinda why they’re good to have on hand. I won’t overdo it 🙃
Louisville Vegan Jerky is a sumptuous and chewy treat that boasts an array of tantalizing flavors like Maple Bacon, Smokey Carolina BBQ, and Buffalo Dill. Made from non-GMO soy protein, this gluten-free vegan jerky is high in protein and low in fat, providing a nourishing and guilt-free snack for your road trip adventures.
Primal Spirit Vegan Jerky (GF)
Available in flavors like Mesquite Lime, Teriyaki, and Texas BBQ, this gluten-free vegan jerky is made from non-GMO soy, seitan, or shiitake mushrooms, depending on the flavor. Packed with protein and free from artificial preservatives, Primal Spirit Vegan Jerky is the perfect fuel for your outdoor escapades.
Crunchy snacks
These days, I’m really into salty, crunchy snacks. The problem? Potato chips (vegan! gluten free!) and raw veggies just don’t keep me going for longer trips. I like to get a variety of crunchy snacks, like the ones I’ll list below, and rotate throughout my trip.
And don’t forget to drink LOTS of water and mix some fresh fruit and veggies in there to keep things moving 💩
Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs (GF)
Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs are a light and airy snack that comes in mouthwatering flavors like Vegan White Cheddar, Bohemian Barbecue, and Himalayan Happiness. Made from organic chickpeas, these gluten-free puffs are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious and delightful snack for your road trip adventures. Hippeas is a brand that cares about sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and supporting organic farming practices.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers (GF)
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers are a savory snack made from a blend of almond flour, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds. These gluten-free crackers come in a variety of enticing flavors such as Sea Salt, Rosemary, and Garlic & Herb. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, Simple Mills crackers provide a nourishing and satisfying snack for your outdoor escapades.
Ka-Pop! Ancient Grain Popped Chips (GF)
Unearth the ancient secrets of snacking with Ka-Pop! Ancient Grain Popped Chips, a scrumptious treat that draws inspiration from the power of ancient grains like sorghum. These gluten-free chips come in enticing flavors such as Sea Salt, Rosemary Garlic, and Cheddar. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, Ka-Pop! chips are the perfect fuel for your outdoor escapades.
Rhythm Superfoods Kale Chips (GF)
Delight in the vibrant crunch of Rhythm Superfoods Kale Chips, a scrumptious treat that comes in a variety of tantalizing flavors like Sea Salt, Kool Ranch, and Zesty Nacho. Made from fresh, organic kale leaves, these chips are gently air-crisped and seasoned to perfection, providing a nutrient-dense and satisfying snack for your road trip adventures. High in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants, these kale chips offer a guilt-free snacking experience.
Dive into the savory world of Beanfields Bean Chips, a crunchy and delicious snack made from a blend of black beans, navy beans, and brown rice. These gluten-free chips come in a variety of tempting flavors like Sea Salt, Jalapeño Lime, and Nacho. High in protein and fiber, Beanfields chips provide a nourishing and satisfying snack for your road trip endeavors.
Set sail on a voyage of flavor with Biena Chickpea Snacks, a crunchy and irresistible treat that offers a variety of tantalizing flavors like Sea Salt, Rockin’ Ranch, and Honey Roasted. Made from non-GMO chickpeas, these gluten-free snacks are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, providing a wholesome and satisfying snack for your road trip endeavors. Biena is a brand that cares about sustainability, using renewable energy in its production process and reducing waste in its packaging.
The Good Bean Sea Salt Chickpeas (GF)
Delight in the simplicity and wholesomeness of The Good Bean Sea Salt Chickpeas, a delectable and crunchy snack that lets the natural goodness of chickpeas shine. These gluten-free roasted chickpeas are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them the perfect fuel for your outdoor escapades. The Good Bean is passionate about creating delicious, healthy snacks using simple, non-GMO ingredients.
Trail mix
Raw nuts are packed with fat, protein, and fiber, making them a pretty substantial snack. When paired with the sugar from dried fruit, they become a weary driver’s best friend.
Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs
With Nature’s Garden, you’ll feel as if you’re frolicking through a whimsical, organic wonderland. This delightful mix features a scrumptious combination of cranberries, raisins, almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. It’s a veritable symphony of flavors and textures, each component contributing its own nutritional charm.
The nuts provide protein and healthy fats, while the dried fruits offer natural sweetness and a boost of energy. As a cherry on top, Nature’s Garden trail mix comes in handy, single-serving snack packs, making portion control a breeze.
The brand is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and renewable energy in its production process.
Power Up Trail Mix Gourmet Nut Bags
Unleash your inner powerhouse with Power Up’s Gourmet Nut Trail Mix. This mouthwatering blend consists of almonds, cashews, walnuts, raisins, and cranberries. Each nut and dried fruit brings its own nutritional prowess to the table, such as heart-healthy fats, muscle-building protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. This trail mix will have you conquering mountains and taming wild rivers with newfound vigor. Power Up is a brand that cares about the environment, using recyclable packaging for its trail mix bags to reduce waste and support sustainability.
Wild Roots Coastal Berry Trail Mix
Embark on a coastal adventure with Wild Roots’ Coastal Berry Trail Mix. This tantalizing mix is a harmonious medley of almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and blueberries. Every bite is a delightful dance of flavors and textures, bursting with antioxidants, essential nutrients, and energy-boosting goodness. Let the refreshing taste of berries transport you to a seaside escape, your senses awakened by the salty ocean breeze.
Energy bars
Here are three outstanding energy bar brands, available on Amazon, each offering a delicious assortment of flavors, nutritional benefits, and environmentally conscious packaging when relevant. Let the positive energy flow!
Scale the heights of deliciousness with Clif Bars, a brand that has become synonymous with adventure and exploration. These energy bars come in a variety of flavors, such as Chocolate Chip, Crunchy Peanut Butter, and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, each designed to tantalize your taste buds. Packed with wholesome ingredients like organic rolled oats, nuts, and seeds, Clif Bars offer a balanced blend of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep you energized throughout your journey.
The brand is committed to sustainability, sourcing organic and non-GMO ingredients, and supporting renewable energy and carbon offset projects. Though their packaging isn’t explicitly eco-friendly, Clif Bar’s overall mission aligns with environmental stewardship.
Indulge in simplicity and pure goodness with Larabar, the minimalist maestro of energy bars. Made from a few, wholesome ingredients like dates, nuts, and fruit, Larabar offers an array of flavors, such as Apple Pie, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Blueberry Muffin. Each bar is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, making them a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions. With their naturally sweet taste and energy-boosting nutrients, Larabar is a perfect companion for your road trip adventures.
Embrace the power of plant-based nourishment with GoMacro MacroBars. These delightful bars boast flavors like Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Sunflower Butter and Chocolate, and Coconut Almond Butter and Chocolate Chips. Made from organic, non-GMO ingredients, these energy bars are vegan friendly, gluten-free, and soy-free. Rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, MacroBars provide sustained energy to fuel your outdoor escapades.
GoMacro is a brand that cares deeply for the environment, using sustainable farming practices, green facilities powered by renewable energy, and eco-friendly packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials.
Sweet treats
For those of us with a sweet tooth, it’s kinda a big deal to have at least one sweet treat per day. My favorite sweet treat is medjool dates with a square of dark chocolate and peanut butter 🤤
Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies (GF)
Indulge in the divine softness of Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies, a heavenly treat that comes in delectable flavors like Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, and Double Chocolate Brownie. Made from gluten-free and allergy-friendly ingredients, these cookies are perfect for those with dietary restrictions seeking a sweet indulgence on their road trip. Enjoy Life is a brand that cares about sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and supporting environmentally responsible practices. Savor these delightful cookies as you create lasting memories on your road trip adventure.
Refrigerated Plant Based Snacks
Look for brands that use eco-friendly packaging or support sustainable farming practices to further contribute to a greener road trip experience.
Hummus cups
Made from chickpeas, tahini, and a blend of spices, hummus is high in protein and fiber, providing a satisfying and healthy snack for your road trip adventures. While packaging varies by brand, many hummus cups are single-serving, making eating them a convenient and portable option for snacking on the go.
Guacamole cups (GF)
Savor the rich and zesty flavors of Guacamole Cups, a delectable and gluten-free treat made from ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions, and spices. These single-serving cups are perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or veggie sticks, providing a tasty and nourishing snack for your outdoor escapades.
Plant based yogurt (GF)
Indulge in the velvety smoothness of plant based yogurt, a gluten-free and dairy-free treat that comes in an array of delightful flavors, from classic vanilla to exotic mango. Made from almond, coconut, soy, or other plant-based milks, these yogurts are rich in probiotics, promoting gut health and providing a satisfying snack for your road trip adventures.
PRO TIP: Pack a little bottle of maple syrup to drizzle over your yogurt and add a packet of nut butter and a handful of trail mix.
Fresh Plant Based Snacks (non-refrigerated)
Okay, okay. This is the most logistically difficult snack to bring but it’s worth it if you can swing it.
Fresh fruit (GF)
Nature’s candy, bursting with flavor and all the colors of the rainbow. With so many delightful options, how does one choose the best fruits for a road trip?
Fear not, for I have compiled a list of fruits perfect for those long stretches of asphalt and tips to keep them in tip-top shape.
- Apples: These trusty globes of joy are the quintessential road trip fruit. Available year-round, they offer a crisp, satisfying crunch and are packed with essential nutrients. Store them in a cool, dark place, like a cabinet or a ventilated bag, and they’ll last for weeks. You could practically circle the country with a good supply of apples.
- Bananas: The ultimate grab-and-go fruit, bananas are nature’s energy bars. They tend to be available throughout the year and are a fantastic source of potassium, which can help prevent muscle cramps during your outdoor escapades. Keep them out of direct sunlight, and they’ll last about a week. Pro tip: hang them from a hook or a banana hanger to slow down ripening.
- Oranges: Bursting with juicy sweetness, oranges are the citrus champions of road trips. With their peak season during winter and spring, they provide a refreshing dose of vitamin C. Store them in a cool, dark place, and they’ll last for a couple of weeks. Plus, their natural packaging means no need to fret about squished or bruised fruit.
- Pears: A sophisticated choice for the discerning traveler, pears offer a delicate balance of sweetness and earthiness. Their peak season is during fall and winter. Store them at room temperature, and they’ll last for about a week. Keep them nestled in a paper bag to protect their tender flesh.
- Grapes: Plump, juicy, and delightfully poppable, grapes are the bite-sized indulgences of the fruit world. They naturally fruit during the summer and fall, making them perfect for those warm-weather road trips. Store them in a ventilated bag in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Now, a few more tips to ensure your fruity companions stay fresh and appetizing during your journey:
- Separate fruits that release ethylene gas (e.g., apples, bananas) from those that are sensitive to it (e.g., oranges, pears) to prevent premature ripening.
- Invest in a compact cooler or insulated bag for temperature-sensitive fruits or to extend the freshness of your fruit stash.
- Don’t forget to wash your fruits before setting out on your trip or invest in some fruit and veggie wipes for easy cleaning on the go.
Embrace the sweetness of these wonderful fruits as you navigate the open road, and let their natural goodness fuel your adventure with each juicy bite.
Raw vegetables (GF)
As we journey through the world of fresh vegetables, let’s explore some marvelous options for road trips, along with tips to keep them fresh, crisp, and ever-so-crunchy.
- Carrots: The noble carrot, with its vibrant hue and satisfying snap, is a road trip staple. These roots of happiness are available year-round and packed with vitamin A to keep your eyes sharp for those scenic vistas. Store them in a cool, dark place, and they’ll last for weeks. Cut them into sticks or buy baby carrots for convenient snacking on the go.
- Celery: The unsung hero of road trip vegetables, celery offers a refreshing, hydrating crunch to keep you cool and collected. Available throughout the year, it’s an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants. Store celery in a cool, dark place, and it will last for up to two weeks. Pro tip: wrap it in aluminum foil to prevent it from becoming limp.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These delightful orbs of juicy goodness bring a burst of flavor and brightness to any journey. With peak availability in summer and early fall, cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Keep them in a cool, dark place (but not the fridge), and they’ll last for about a week. Store them in a sturdy container to prevent squishing.
- Bell Peppers: A rainbow of flavors, bell peppers offer a versatile and satisfying crunch. Available year-round, they’re an excellent source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients. Store them in a cool, dark place, and they’ll last for up to two weeks. Slice them into strips before your trip for a convenient, colorful snack.
- Sugar Snap Peas: The playful and plump sugar snap peas make for a delightful road trip snack. Their peak season is during spring and early summer, and they’re a great source of vitamins and fiber. Store them in a cool, dark place or a cooler, and they’ll last for about a week. Enjoy them straight from the pod for a satisfying, sweet crunch.
Here are some additional tips to ensure your veggie companions stay fresh and vibrant throughout your road trip:
- Pre-wash and cut your vegetables before hitting the road to make snacking a breeze.
- Pack your veggies in reusable silicone bags or airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent bruising.
- Bring along a small cooler or insulated bag to maintain optimal freshness, especially during warmer months.
What To Pack For Your Road Trip
Here’s a buyer’s guide for packing plant-based snacks based on different road trip durations. These recommendations assume one person who is doing a fair amount of outdoor activities and has long days on the road. It generally provides a balanced mix of fresh, packaged, and refrigerated items to cater to different nutritional needs, digestion, energy, and recovery.
4-Day Road Trip
- Fresh fruits: 4 pieces (1 per day) – mix of apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes
- Fresh veggies: 8 servings (2 per day) – mix of baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas
- Trail mix: 8 oz – Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs
- Energy bars: 2 bars – mix of Clif Nut Butter Bars and GoMacro MacroBars
- Nut butter packets: 6 packets – mix of Justin’s Classic Almond Butter and Spread The Love NAKED Organic Peanut Butter packets These come in real handy, so pack more than you think you need!
- Vegan jerky: 1 pack – mix of Louisville Vegan Jerky and Primal Spirit Vegan Jerky
- Chickpea snacks: 2 bags – Biena Chickpea Snacks and The Good Bean Sea Salt Chickpeas
- Gluten-free snacks: 2 servings – mix of Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs, Ka-Pop! Ancient Grain Popped Chips, or Beanfields Bean Chips
- Sweet treats: 4 servings (one for each day 😏) – mix of Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies and medjool dates
- Refrigerated items: 4 single servings – mix of hummus cups, guacamole cups, cold-pressed juices, and plant-based yogurts
9-Day Road Trip
- Fresh fruits: 18 pieces (2 per day) – mix of apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes
- Fresh veggies: 9 servings (1 per day) – mix of baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas
- Trail mix: 8 oz – mix of Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs and Wild Roots Coastal Berry Trail Mix
- Energy bars: 6 bars – mix of Clif Nut Butter Bars and GoMacro MacroBars
- Nut butter packets: 12 packets – mix of Justin’s Classic Almond Butter and Spread The Love NAKED Organic Peanut Butter packets
- Vegan jerky: 2 packs – mix of Louisville Vegan Jerky and Primal Spirit Vegan Jerky
- Chickpea snacks: 4 bags – mix of Biena Chickpea Snacks and The Good Bean Sea Salt Chickpeas
- Gluten-free snacks: 9 servings – mix of Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs, Ka-Pop! Ancient Grain Popped Chips, and Beanfields Bean Chips
- Sweet treats: 9 servings – mix of Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies and medjool dates
- Refrigerated items: 9 single servings – mix of hummus cups, guacamole cups, cold-pressed juices, and plant-based yogurts
15-Day Road Trip
- Fresh fruits: 30 pieces (2 per day) – mix of apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes
- Fresh veggies: 30 servings (2 per day) – mix of baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas
- Trail mix: 32 oz total – mix of Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs and Wild Roots Coastal Berry Trail Mix
- Energy bars: 15 bars – mix of Clif Nut Butter Bars and GoMacro MacroBars
- Nut butter packets: 15 packets – mix of Justin’s Classic Almond Butter and Spread The Love NAKED Organic Peanut Butter packets
- Vegan jerky: 6 packs – mix of Louisville Vegan Jerky and Primal Spirit Vegan Jerky
- Chickpea snacks: 3 bags – mix of Biena Chickpea Snacks and The Good Bean Sea Salt Chickpeas
- Gluten-free snacks: 15 servings – mix of Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs, Ka-Pop! Ancient Grain Popped Chips, and Beanfields Bean Chips
- Sweet treats: 15 servings – mix of Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies and medjool dates
- Refrigerated items: 7 single servings – mix of hummus cups, guacamole cups, cold-pressed juices, and plant-based yogurts. Restock halfway through the trip.
Month-Long Road Trip (30 Days)
- Fresh fruits: 20 pieces for the first 10 days – mix of apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes. Restock halfway through the trip.
- Fresh veggies: 20 servings for the first 10 days – mix of baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas. Restock halfway through the trip.
- Trail mix: 32 oz total – mix of Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs and Wild Roots Coastal Berry Trail Mix
- Energy bars: 30 bars – mix of Clif Nut Butter Bars and GoMacro MacroBars
- Nut butter packets: 30 packets – mix of Justin’s Classic Almond Butter and Spread The Love NAKED Organic Peanut Butter packets
- Vegan jerky: 8 packs – mix of Louisville Vegan Jerky and Primal Spirit Vegan Jerky
- Chickpea snacks: 8 bags – mix of Biena Chickpea Snacks and The Good Bean Sea Salt Chickpeas
- Gluten-free snacks: 30 servings – mix of Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs, Ka-Pop! Ancient Grain Popped Chips, and Beanfields Bean Chips
- Sweet treats: 30 servings – mix of Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies and medjool dates
- Refrigerated items: 10 single servings – mix of hummus cups, guacamole cups, cold-pressed juices, and plant-based yogurts. Restock halfway through the trip.
Benefits of Plant-Based Snacks
As you savor plant-based snacks, imagine you’re sending Mother Nature a friendly high-five. These eco-friendly bites champion sustainability with less land and water usage, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and lower energy consumption compared to animal-derived options. Donning invisible green capes, they’re saving the planet one bite at a time.
Plus, they’re a veritable fiesta of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, while being lighter on saturated fats and cholesterol. What can I say, whole food plant based nutrition is the tits.
And they keep for much longer than most other animal products.
So, enjoy these guilt-free nibbles that keep both the environment and your taste buds grinning.
Final Thoughts
I’m not a huge fan of processed foods for many obvious reasons, but the biggest being that they just mess with my digestion… especially on a road trip. Keeping plant based while traveling helps and so does eating fresh veggies and fruit as much as possible. I hope this epic plant based snacks list fuels you for your next road trip. Let me know in the comments if I missed anything or if you tried something!
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