Road trip food should be easy to eat, low-mess, and filling enough to reduce constant snack requests. Mix and match these great ideas based on your drive length and set-up. If you’re not taking a cooler on your road trip, click here.
Healthier breakfast ideas than that little pack of donuts you want:
- Loaf bread is a fun item to bake ahead of time and portion individually. Here’s a delicious pumpkin bread for those beautiful fall trips through the trees: https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/spiced-pumpkin-bread.html
- Muffins are a great option if you don’t want to portion. It’s an automatic with these! Lemon blueberry is particularly nice for summertime: https://alexandracooks.com/2009/03/20/lemon-blueberry-muffins/
- Yogurt tubes or pouches
- Breakfast sandwiches are easily customizable, low cost, and freezer friendly. You can look at different variations here
WTWF Tip: Most convenience stores will let you use their microwave.
The best make ahead lunch and dinner options:
- Turkey sandwiches for your road trip? Absolutely! Here’s a great recipe that can be done ahead in the oven or the grill: https://keytomylime.com/turkey-tenderloin-recipe/
- Prefer ham? Get a fully cooked ham (non spiral cut) and throw it into your smoker or oven and heat until its 140 degrees. You can opt to glaze it, but it’s not necessary if you are using it for sandwiches.
- Cold pasta, rice, or quinoa mixed with veggies and protein are healthy options for longer stops.
WTWF Tip: Ham can be stored in aluminum foil inside a plastic bag, or a freezer friendly container up to one to two months. Put the frozen ham slices in your cooler then into a refrigerator when you arrive at your destination and eat within five days.
Must have sweet and salty snacks:
- Granola
- Dried fruit
- Applesauce pouches
- Trail mix. Here’s how you easily you can do it yourself and customize to your taste: https://www.thehealthymaven.com/how-to-build-a-healthy-trail-mix/#tasty-recipes-29344-jump-target
- Roasted chickpeas
- Beef jerky or meat sticks
- Pretzels/popcorn/crackers
Staying hydrated on the road:
- Water bottles with flavor packets
- Sparkling water (for variety)
- Milk boxes or shelf-stable milk for shorter tripss
WTWF Tips: Keep a trash bag and wipes within reach, pack plastic utensils and paper plates, and pack condiments for sandwiches in separte containers.