“I love airplane food!” said nobody…ever.
Even if you’re traveling first class, you have no control over on-time departure or how quickly you’ll receive that meal once your plane does take off.
And, if you’re in a car, the sound of a grumbling stomach can be deafening.
So when we (Matt and Nancy, the team behind this site) travel, we pack snacks. Here are our faves (and why).
- Nuts and Trail Mix top the list. Protein-rich, they are light to pack. This cashew mix from Foods Alive or these easy, pocket-sized nuts-only mix from nuts.com are options. Most grocery stores carry individual packs of pistachios and almonds too.
- What goes better with a juicy airplane movie, audiobook, or podcast than popcorn? Hold the butter! SkinnyPop is a great addition to any carry-on. You can buy small bags or buy a big one before you leave and divide it into smaller bags.
- Fresh fruit! We don’t think you’ll get busted for carrying an apple or banana. Some airport Starbucks sell fresh fruit that can easily be mobile-ordered. Read more about the benefits of fresh fruit HERE! Dried organic fruit chips like these are among Nancy’s faves and I love Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars. And check out the appropriately named That’s It bars.
- (Don’t) spill the tea — but pack it! Hot water is free. I highly recommend ginger tea from Harney and Sons. Coffee drinker? Java now comes in bags too. Feeling frisky? You can even steep beverages in a bag (alcoholic or virgin) from Sayso!
- Sweet tooth? Lollipops are easy to pack and last a long time. But be respectful of your teeth and check out these healthier options from Dr. John’s and oh-so-decadent sugar-free chocolate and butterscotch suckers from See’s.
Most convenience stores now carry high-protein options like cheese/meat packs and even hardboiled eggs, but be wary of expiration dates.
If you keep yourself well-nourished on the road, you’ll be less likely to raid the expensive mini-bar or order the largest item on the menu when you reach your destination.
A hungry traveler is a cranky traveler.
Snacks on a plane (or car) are way less frightening than the alternatives!
