Has hunger ever snuck up on you out of nowhere when you were in a big hurry? Perhaps
you’re making a trek across the country and are looking to avoid gas station snacks?
In situations like this, it’s common for folks to reach for a quick-fix snack that tends to
have very little nutritional value. That doesn’t have to be you! These are 15 healthy and easy
snack solutions for when you’re on the go that your family will love.
Apple Slices and Peanut Butter
When you’re wanting a sweet and savory snack, an apple with a bit of peanut butter is a great
way to go. Just two tablespoons of peanut butter come to about 7 grams of protein, while the
apple itself provides important minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and several
others. Be sure to toss your apples with a bit of lemon juice to avoid them turning brown.
Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter
Don’t like peanut butter with apples? No problem! Celery sticks with peanut butter are an easy
snack to make and transport nicely in a small plastic baggie. The peanut butter not only makes
the celery taste a whole lot better, but it also adds protein that helps you feel full and satisfied. For an even more exciting twist, try changing the peanut butter for a chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella.
Cheesy Popcorn
Instead of allowing your kids to eat an entire bag of potato chips the next time
you’re in a hurry, provide them with cheesy popcorn instead. Popcorn contains several vitamins
and minerals, including phosphorus, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and B vitamins. While
popcorn doesn’t have much protein on its own, you can add parmesan cheese to help with that
while adding more flavor to your popcorn. Popcorn of all sorts is a favorite for DerDer.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are one of the healthiest snacks on this list and do extremely well to hold you
over until your next meal. That’s because a single egg has as much as 6 grams of protein in
them, along with B vitamins and other trace minerals. Some people like to add salt, pepper,
mustard, curry powder, and other toppings to add to the taste. These tasty snacks can be packed in their shell, though we prefer to peel them before packing. Both Bobert and DerDer love to add a twist to this snack by packing pickled eggs, which add a sweet and sour kick to this nutritional powerhouse.
Homemade Granola
Homemade granola tastes so good, especially when you add ingredients like rolled oats, nuts,
and honey. For every ounce, you’re looking at about 4 grams of protein in most granolas. Just
be careful not to eat too much of it, because the calories can add up quickly. Granola is great because it is incredibly customizable. We’ve added a variety of herbs such as nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and even chili powder to mix it up. Those with allergy concerns can easily make this treat to specifically fit their dietary needs.
Jerky
Jerky is another one of those excellent snacks to eat while you’re in the car, on a plane, bus or train. It’s full of flavor and
can have as much as 9 grams of protein per ounce. Besides beef jerky, you can find turkey, deer
chicken, and even salmon jerky. Just be leery of store-bought brands because they tend to be
higher in added sugar and added preservatives.
Mixed Nuts
Mixed nuts make for a healthier snack that’s also very filling. However, it’s a good idea to stay
away from ones that contain a bunch of salt and other added flavorings. If you wish to bring
more protein into the picture, try adding pistachios to the mix. A single ounce can add 6 grams
of protein to your snack.
Protein Bars
You have to be careful with this next one. Just because it says protein on the package doesn’t
necessarily mean that it’s a healthy snack. Make sure that you’re going with a protein bar that’s
low in sugar and has more protein than carbohydrates. Whole-grain protein bars are a great
option. We love the Elevation bars at Aldi because they taste great and the price is super affordable!
Roasted Chickpeas
Did you know that a single cup of roasted chickpeas contains as much as 50 grams of protein?
That’s crazy! You’ll also find plenty of fiber and carbohydrates to give you more energy so you’ll
be able to face the day. DerDer often makes these to take along on our journeys. Simply drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, and toss with your choice of seasoning. Some of our favorites include ranch dressing mix, taco seasoning, dill, and garlic. After coating the chickpeas with seasoning, toss them in an air fryer for about 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and then stir. Continue to roast at 400 stirring them occasionally until they are crunchy. Make sure to let them cool before putting them into your travel container!
Sliced Cheese and Meat
Don’t have time to sit down and enjoy a cheese platter? Fortunately, this snack travels well, too!
Cheese slices with a few cuts of your favorite summer sausage can be incredibly filling when
eating just a small amount. You’ll not only be getting plenty of protein (more than 7 grams with
the cheese alone), but also a fair amount of calcium, selenium, and phosphorus. We do this often with a variety of meats and cheeses. If you have an Aldi nearby, check out their awesome cheese and cured meats selection. This option can be spiced up with a few olives, pickles, fruit, and veggies to make a mobile charcuterie board!
String Cheese
While it may be considered a processed food, string cheese is a healthy snack that’s low in
calories and can contain as much as 8 grams of protein in each stick. Plus, it’s a fun and
delicious snack for kids to pull apart! These are easy to toss into a small lunch sized cooler and kids love them!
Trail Mix
Trail mix can be a healthy and filling snack, but that also depends on what you’re adding to it.
For a healthier version of trail mix, consider going with almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and a
few dried cranberries. But that might not be a combination that gets you or your kids excited, so adding a few M&M’s or mini marshmallows isn’t going to hurt anything in moderation.
Tuna with Crackers
Enjoying tuna while on the go has been made even easier with the premade kits that Starkist
and Bumble Bee now offer. This high-protein snack provides as much as 18 grams of protein
and comes in several different flavors, including ranch, lemon pepper, hot buffalo, and many
more. And crackers are the perfect snack item to place them on! We often make our own tuna salad and pack it with celery sticks to munch on the go.
Turkey Roll-ups
Turkey roll-ups are basically like a sandwich but without the bread and all the extra carbs. All
you need is a slice or two of turkey along with your favorite cheese and a small amount of
cream cheese. Some people like to add sliced cucumbers and tomatoes to it, these snacks are very customizable! One of DerDer’s absolute favorite snacks is a variation of this treat. Simply take a few slices of your favorite turkey (or any lunch meat) and pat dry. Next spread a bit of softened cream cheese, and add a dill pickle. Roll the meat around the pickle and refrigerate for about an hour for the cream cheese to harden. You can eat them just like that, or slice them and make bite size snacks.
Veggies and Hummus
Carrots and celery sticks can taste pretty darn good when dipped with your favorite style of
hummus. It’s also nice to know that you’ll be getting several grams of vitamins and protein with
just a small amount. Pita chips are also a great option to dip in this tasty spread. We make our own hummus often, but Aldi also makes some delicious hummus in individual serving cups that are great for grab-and-go snacking. (If you haven’t figured it out yet… we LOVE shopping at Aldi!)
Eating a healthy snack while on the go doesn’t have to be boring, and that’s especially true
when you decide to go with some of our snack solutions. Each of them is satisfying and full of
flavor while also containing enough protein to help you make it through the day. What are some
of your other favorite healthier snacks that you often make for yourself and your children?
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