Bags are packed, the gas tank is full, you’ve set your navigation, and you’re ready for your road trip adventure. But not so fast—every road trip needs healthy snack essentials. Get ready to travel with fuel from Thrive that’ll satisfy all your on-the-go cravings. From juicy dried fruit to meat stick must-haves, we’ve got the best healthy road trip snacks listed right here for you.
Road Trip Snack Tips
Road trips don’t have to mean loading up on junk food at the next gas station. There are tons of healthy (and tasty) snacks you can pack if you plan ahead. Here are a few go-to tips for snacking happy when you’re on the road.
A Family That Snacks Together…
Let everyone in the family select at least one snack to bring on the trip so there’s plenty to look forward to. Here’s a tip: Use the filters on ThriveMarket.com to easily browse snacks and find new favorites.
Packing Smart, A Road Trip Necessity
Limit excess waste and keep snacks packed for freshness with reusable snack bags. These PVC-free, lead-free, and BPA-free wonders will keep your on-the-go eats safe and sound and can be washed and reused along the way.
Keep Your Snacks Cool
Temperatures set to rise while you’re on the road? Put your snacks—especially chocolatey ones—on ice in a cooler to prevent melting.
Buy Healthy Snacks That Adhere To Your Diet
Paleo? Vegan? Gluten-free? Stick to your diet when you’re traveling by loading up on the foods that work for you ahead of time. Thrive Market makes it easy to shop by your diet, even when it comes to snacks.
Serve a Surprise Snack
If you’re traveling with kids, besides planning the right road trip games, you should pack a special “surprise snack” to be eaten when you hit the halfway point to your destination. The anticipation might ward off some “are we there yet?” pestering.
What to Bring on a Road Trip for Snacking
We’ll get to all the good snacks for road trips in a minute, but before planning your snack strategy, start with wares that are primed to organize your goodies, keep the car tidy, and protect your skin on the road (yes, you need to pack sunscreen).
Small Snack Containers
This small, eco-friendly container is the perfect size for trail mix, dried fruit, cucumber slices, and other nibbles. Pack a few in advance so snacks are at the ready.
Reusable Food Wraps
The Thrive Market reusable beeswax food wrap is an indispensable item for road trips, offering a plastic-free alternative to disposable cling film that’s lightweight, collapsible, and easy to use. Crafted from organic cotton coated with food‑grade beeswax and plant oils, it molds to bowls, sandwiches, or produce using just the warmth of your hands to create a natural, breathable seal. With proper care—hand‑wash and air‑dry—it can last up to a year and then compost cleanly, helping you keep snacks fresh and reduce single‑use waste while on the go.
Compostable Snack Bags
Compostic snack bags are an essential travel companion for road trips, offering resealable strength, freezer and microwave safety, and a 100% plastic-free design that breaks down quickly in your home compost bin. Their convenient size is perfect for dividing nuts, dried fruit, or chips into portioned snacks that keep your car clutter-free and your food fresh on the go. Plus, switching to Compostic means you’re cutting down single-use plastic waste—even in remote picnic spots—without sacrificing the feel or function of traditional baggies.
Natural Mosquito Repellent
Let the mosquitoes know who’s boss during those all-important stretch breaks. This convenient spray is scented with lemon and eucalyptus essential oils to keep pests at bay naturally.
Clean Zinc Sunscreen
Before you get buckled in, don’t forget to slather on sunscreen. This hypoallergenic formula is reef-safe, non-greasy, and helps protect your skin in transit.
Healthy Baby Wipes
Sticky hands and messes are inevitable on a road trip, but clean-up doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep a package of eco-friendly baby wipes within reach to tackle germs while you drive.
Essential Face Wipes
They’re called essential for a reason. These individually wrapped wipes are infused with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and witch hazel to quickly clean, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin in transit.
Hydrating Road Trip Drinks
Water is certainly a go-to for hydration, but mix things up with beverages boasting beneficial ingredients like electrolytes and probiotics. Keep a cooler handy so you’re ready for impromptu picnics or vista overlooks.
Refreshing Sparkling Water
With tempting flavors like lavender cucumber and ginger lemon, everyone can pick their favorite combo. These elevated sparkling waters are gluten-free and paleo-friendly, with zero calories, sugar, or anything artificial.
Organic Coconut Water
Break up your hydration routine with coconut water. Ours is sustainably sourced from tropical Philippine islands and contains no added preservatives.
Try Poppi Soda
Canned Poppi Fruity Sampler is a phenomenal road-trip companion, offering a vibrant selection of fizzy, prebiotic sodas in flavors like Watermelon, Cherry Limeade, and Orange that stay crisp and spill-free in your cooler. Each can delivers just enough tangy refreshment and subtle sweetness—with minimal sugar and the added gut-friendly boost of apple cider vinegar—perfect for an energizing pick‑me‑up between scenic rest stops. Lightweight, resealable, and crafted to keep you feeling refreshed and balanced on long drives, it’s a delicious and health-smart way to hydrate on the go.
Peach Tea Perfection?
Swoon Zero‑Sugar Peach Tea is a must‑have for road trips, offering the crisp, refreshing flavor of ripe peach without any added sugar or calories. Packaged in spill‑resistant cans, it’s a hassle‑free way to stay hydrated and energized on long drives, minus the artificial sweetness. Plus, its light, refreshing taste feels indulgent without weighing you down, making it ideal for sipping between stops.
Consider Kombucha in a Can
Canned kombucha is can be an ideal road trip beverage, combining refreshing effervescence with a naturally fizzy lift that keeps you energized without the crash. Sometimes resealable, the sturdy aluminum cans prevent spills and maintain freshness, making kombucha a convenient grab‑and‑go option for your cooler. Plus, with its probiotic benefits and light, tangy flavor profile, kombucha helps support digestion and hydration on long drives without the sugar overload of sodas.
Don’t Forget Drink Pouches for the Kids
Honest Kids Juice Boxes in Super Fruit Punch are a road-trip essential for keeping little ones—and anyone who loves bright, fruity flavor—happy and hydrated between adventures. Individually portioned and spill-resistant, these juice boxes fit perfectly in cooler compartments or kid-sized hands for mess-free snacking on the go. Plus, with zero artificial sweeteners or high-fructose corn syrup, they offer fun, balanced flavor without the sugar overload, making snack breaks both tasty and guilt-free.
Paleo Road Trip Snacks
These caveman-approved snacks will keep you full, even on long drives.
Grass-Fed Beef Sticks
Chomps Grass-Fed Beef Sticks are the ultimate road-trip snack—handheld, mess-free, and packed with high-quality protein to keep energy levels steady between stops. Crafted from 100% grass-fed beef and naturally seasoned, they deliver bold, savory flavor without added nitrates or artificial ingredients. Compact and shelf-stable, these sticks are perfect for tossing into a cooler or glove compartment for convenient, craveable fuel on the go.
Healthy Dried Mango
Completely organic, this 100% mango, non-GMO snack comes from a rural African farming community, and makes for a tasty, naturally sweet treat. The company is also doing good in some of the poorest communities where it sources its fruit—learn all about it here.
Grain-Free Granola
Purely Elizabeth Banana Nut Butter Grain‑Free Granola is an essential road‑trip snack that combines satisfying crunch with nourishing ingredients like almond butter, coconut flour, and banana for a naturally sweet, energy-boosting grab‑and‑go option. Its lightweight, resealable packaging makes it easy to portion into snack bags or toss into a cooler, keeping hunger at bay between stops. Plus, with no refined grains or excessive sugars, it delivers wholesome flavor and long-lasting satisfaction without weighing you down.
Smoked Turkey Jerky
Prevail Original Smoked Turkey Jerky is a stellar road-trip snack, delivering 12 g of protein per serving to keep you fueled and satisfied between stops. Made with clean ingredients like naturally smoked turkey, coconut aminos, and garlic, it offers bold flavor without artificial preservatives or excess sugar. Lightweight, mess-free, and shelf-stable, it’s the perfect grab-and-go option for long drives.
Teriyaki Beef Jerky
Country Archer Jerky Co. Grass‑Fed Beef Jerky in Teriyaki flavor is a brilliant road-trip snack, offering savory, tender bites packed with protein to help you power through long stretches behind the wheel. Made from 100% grass‑fed beef and seasoned with a satisfying teriyaki blend, it delivers rich flavor without artificial additives or fillers. Lightweight and shelf-stable, this jerky is ideal for energizing pit stops and keeping hunger at bay, all while minimizing mess in your cooler or car.
Vegetarian Road Trip Snacks
Embrace your love of veggies any time of day with these favorite snacks.
Grain-Free Tortilla Chips
For those who love crunch, don’t forget a bag of tortilla chips. This snack is Certified Gluten-Free, made from stone-ground corn, and ready to dip. (See our favorite salsa pairing below.)
Don’t forget the Organic Salsa
Made from a blend of organic tomatoes, green bell peppers, and garlic, each bite delivers authentic Southwestern flavor. For more heat, try our smoky chipotle jar.
How About a Cookie-Like Snack?
Heavenly Organics Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Heavenly Hunks make a crave-worthy road-trip treat, blending creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate chips in every bite. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients and minimally sweetened, they strike a delightful balance between indulgence and nourishment. Individually wrapped and shelf-stable, these cookies are a convenient, mess-free pick-me-up that satisfy sweet cravings while fueling your adventure.
Munch on Organic Raw Cashews
Thrive Market Raw Cashews are a versatile road-trip staple, offering satiating crunch and wholesome plant-based protein to keep you energized between stops. Naturally buttery and unsalted, they offer clean, nutrient-dense fuel without artificial additives or refined sugars. Portable and shelf-stable, these cashews are ideal for tossing in a cooler or snack bin—perfect for healthy, hassle-free munching on the go.
Organic Green Olives To Go
Thrive Market Pitted Green Olives is a flavorful and protein-rich road-trip snack that brings savory satisfaction without the mess. Individually sealed cups prevent leaks and keep your car and cooler clean, while the olives provide healthy fats and a briny zip that pairs perfectly with water or sparkling beverages. Convenient and shelf-stable, they’re an easy, sophisticated pick for travelers looking to elevate their snack game on the go.
Road Trip Snacks for Vegans
Power your drive, vegan style, with these top picks and member favorites.
Organic Popcorn Packs
LesserEvil Organic Himalayan Gold Popcorn is a stellar road-trip snack that delivers light, crunchy bliss with a unique touch of Himalayan pink salt and coconut oil. Each airy kernel offers just the right amount of savory flavor and simple ingredients, so you can snack guilt-free through long drives. Lightweight, pre-popped, and portable, this popcorn is a clean, mess-free option to keep you fueled and satisfied on the move.
Sea Salt Plantain Chips
Thrive Market Lightly Salted Plantain Chips are the perfect road-trip snack—crisp, savory, and just salty enough to keep you reaching for more without weighing you down. Made from real plantains and lightly seasoned, they offer a naturally gluten-free crunch that satisfies cravings and fuels energy between pit stops. Lightweight and perfectly portioned for travel, these chips are an unbeatable grab‑and‑go option for snacking on the road.
Organic Veggie Sticks
Thrive Market Organic Veggie Sticks make an excellent road-trip snack—they’re crisp, colorful veggie-based alternatives to chips, packed with real vegetable flavor without the greasy aftertaste. Individually portioned sticks in convenient grab‑and‑go cups make snacking mess‑free and easy to organize in a cooler or bag. Plus, they offer the satisfying crunch and wholesome goodness of seasoned peas, green beans, and sweet potatoes, making them a nutritious, light, and flavorful way to power through long drives.
Harvest Snaps
Harvest Snaps are a fantastic road-trip snack, offering crispy, baked goodness with the satisfying taste of lightly salted green peas. These guilt-free crisps deliver wholesome plant protein and fiber in a compact, shelf-stable package that’s easy to toss in your cooler or glove compartment. Enjoy their savory crunch as a refreshing alternative to conventional chips—perfect for sustained energy and snack satisfaction on the go.
Organic Pitted Dates
Thrive Market Organic Pitted Dates are a stellar road trip snack—they’re portable, non-messy, and naturally sweet, making them a perfect clean energy boost between stops. Rich in fiber and potassium, these dates help keep you feeling satisfied and nourished without any added sugar or preservatives. Individually pitted and shelf‑stable, they’re a hassle‑free, healthy pick to fuel long drives and adventurous days.
Chocolate Brownie Pumpkin Seed Protein Bars
88 Acres Pumpkin Seed Protein Bar in Chocolate Brownie flavor is a powerhouse road-trip snack—rich in plant-based protein and fiber with just the right touch of chocolatey indulgence. Made from seed-based ingredients like pumpkin, sunflower, and chia, it delivers clean, allergen-friendly energy without grains, dairy, or refined sugars. Conveniently wrapped and easy to stash in your bag or console, it’s the perfect pick-me-up for sustained adventure between stops.
Gluten-Free Road Trip Snacks
Staying gluten-free is easy (yes, even on the road) when your car is stocked with approved bites.
Avocado Oil Potato Chips
Thrive Market Avocado Oil Potato Chips in Himalayan Salt are a top-tier road-trip snack, delivering crispy, savory satisfaction with the wholesome goodness of avocado oil and just a dash of pink salt. Made with simple, high-quality ingredients and fried in heart-healthy oil, these chips offer indulgent flavor without excess grease or artificial additives. Lightweight, portable, and unbeatable in taste, they’re an ideal crunchy treat to enjoy between pit stops on long drives.
Gluten-Free Crackers
Mary’s Gone Crackers Organic Super Seed Crackers in the Everything flavor make a stellar road‑trip snack, offering crispy crunch packed with wholesome seeds like flax, pumpkin, and sunflower for lasting energy on the go. Each bite delivers savory, umami-rich flavor reminiscent of “everything” seasoning—garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seed—without artificial ingredients or gluten. Individually portionable and shelf-stable, these crackers are the perfect non-messy companion for dips, cheese, or solo nibbling between scenic stops.
Organic Granola with Real Blueberries
Thrive Market Organic Grain‑Free Granola in Mixed Berry is a superb road‑trip snack, blending the vibrant burst of real dried berries with crunchy, grain‑free clusters for just the right balance of sweet and satisfying. Made with wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, coconut, and real fruit, it delivers sustained energy and nourishment without refined grains or excess sugar. Portable and resealable, it’s perfect for portioning into snack bags or cups for mess‑free fueling between driving sessions.
Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
Quinn Peanut Butter–Filled Pretzels are the ultimate road‑trip treat, combining crunchy, lightly salted pretzel shells with a creamy peanut butter center for the perfect sweet‑savory bite. Individually portioned and shelf‑stable, they’re clean and convenient—no melting, no mess, just indulgent energy on the go. This snack strikes the ideal balance between savory crunch and sweet satisfaction to keep your taste buds happy between pit stops.
Snacks Packs that are Gluten-Free & Paleo
Thrive Market Paleo Snacks Variety Pack is a stellar road-trip essential, offering a curated selection of nutrient-dense treats—think grain-free bars, nut mixes, and dried fruit bites—for satisfying variety on the go. Packaged in individual portions, each snack stays mess-free and perfectly portable in your cooler, console, or backpack. With clean, paleo-friendly ingredients and balanced flavor profiles, this pack delivers convenient, energy-boosting fuel to keep you engaged and nourished between stops.
Healthy Road Trip Snacks for Kids
You keep the kiddos entertained (find kid-friendly road trip trivia here), and we’ll take care of the food. Fuel the fun with snacks they’ll love!
Justin’s Almond Butter Squeeze Packs
Justin’s Maple Almond Butter Squeeze Packs are a must-have for road trips—offering a rich, naturally sweet nut butter boost in a perfectly portable pouch. Made with just almonds and pure maple syrup, they deliver wholesome energy and satisfying flavor without added oil or artificial ingredients. Convenient, mess-free, and shelf-stable, these squeeze packs are ideal for drizzling on snacks, stirring into oats, or enjoying straight from the pouch between scenic pit stops.
Mamma Chia Chia Squeeze
Mamma Chia Chia Squeeze in Cherry Beet is a vibrant road‑trip staple, blending real cherry and beet juice with chia seeds for a naturally energizing sip. The portable squeeze pouch makes it mess-free and easy to toss into a cooler or glove box for quick refreshment on the move. With omega‑3s, fiber, and a hint of citrusy sweetness, it offers light, nourishing fuel during long drives or scenic pit stops.
Clif Bar Chocolate Chip Zbars
CLIF Bars Chocolate Chip Zbar is an excellent road‑trip snack—lightweight, portable, and packed with whole grains for sustained fuel between stops. With satisfying chocolate chip flavor and a chewy, soft texture, it offers a familiar treat without the weight of a full-sized bar. Individually wrapped and shelf‑stable, these z-bars make a convenient, mess‑free pick-me-up whenever hunger strikes on the road.
Kids Like Goldfish Crackers? Try Cheddar Bunnies
Annie’s Organic Cheddar Bunnies Cracker Snack Packs make a delightful road-trip snack—playful, bite-sized cheddar crackers that deliver savory goodness in a tidy, travel-ready pouch. Each single-serve pack is perfectly portioned and mess-free, making it easy to keep everyone happy without crumbs or fuss. With organic ingredients and real cheddar flavor, these cracker packs strike the ideal balance between fun and wholesome convenience for snacking on the go.
Healthy, Organic Apple Sauce
Thrive Market Organic Apple Sauce Pouches are a smart road-trip snack—smooth, squeezable, and made purely from organic apples with no added sugars or artificial ingredients. The mess-free, resealable pouches are perfect for travel, easy to toss in a cooler, snack bin, or backpack. Naturally sweet and rich in fiber, they offer a refreshing and wholesome pick-me-up between stops.
Try a Healthier Rice Crispy Treat
Annie’s Organic Crispy Snack Bars make an ideal road‑trip treat—conveniently individually wrapped and packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, rice crisps, and fruit for a satisfying crunch on the go. Their sturdy, mess‑free packaging lets you stash them in your bag or console without worrying about crumbs or spills. With just the right amount of sweetness and whole‑grain goodness, they’re a light yet energizing pick-me-up between scenic stops.
Now You’re Ready for Your Road Trip Adventure!
You might be planning a route 66 road trip, on a college road trip, thinking about an Oregon coast road trip, or moving along on an East Coast road trip, but no matter where your adventure is taking you, you and your companions deserve the best road trip snacks.
