snack box ideas for travel

33 Easy Travel Snacks for your Airplane Carry-On Bag

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When I travel, the foodie in me always has to bring snacks for the trip. I always plan for easy travel snacks for a few reasons. For starters I’m not always sure what terminal I’ll be in at the airport so the food choices might get dicey once I get past security. Next, depending on the airline I’m flying there might not be great options once I board the plane (we’ve all been there). Lastly, I like to be prepared when I’m traveling even when I arrive at my final destination to have quick portable fuel sources on hand for when *hangry* hits in the form of easy travel snacks.

In this blog post I’ve compiled all of my favorite easy travel snacks into one ultimate packing list for your carry-on bag and I’ll walk you through my process for what to consider when selecting the best snacks to bring on a plane.

How to Pack Easy Travel Snacks for your Carry-On Bag

Depending on the length of my trip I usually bring a variety of snacks intended to carry-on a plane. I consider these easy to pack snacks, snacks that travel well, and also snacks that fall into the healthy(ish) convenience food category following these guidelines: 

• Food I can’t find at my final travel destination

Drink Mixers

• Airport Snacks (snacks to bring on a plane and at the airport terminal)
• Emergency snacks (for when I’m super hungry)
• Perishables
• Non-Perishables
• Sweet Treats/Comfort Items

These categories might look a little different for you but it helps to determine what you might need at least a week before your trip so that you have time to shop around. This will also help to keep your trip planning a little less stressful so that you can spend your time concentrating on the last minute things you need to do before you go out of town.

To verify what easy travel snacks you can and cannot carry on flights check out TSA’s security guidelines and the rules of each country for International flights. Keep in mind that TSA considers foods like yogurts and cooked oatmeal as “gels” and they will be confiscated at security (I learned this the hard way). For any other liquids review the guidelines but generally speaking most liquids and gels are allowed if they are less than 3.4oz/100 ml.

How to Transport your Easy Travel Snacks

My last consideration for packing easy travel snacks are the containers the food will travel in. For the most part I lean towards things that are easy to dispose of like foil, wax paper, plastic baggies, and repurposed takeout containers. However, in consideration of the environment I often try to lean to more sustainable options if I can, such as: silicon bags, collapsible cups, collapsible bowls, insulated containers, and beeswax paper. 

The con to these items is you will have to carry them in your luggage throughout your trip. But the pro of these items is being environmentally responsible, having a vessel you can reuse throughout your trip for something else, and some of these containers can keep your snacks from getting crushed, hot, or cold (triple bonus). 

I like Stasher Bags and Zip Top Bags for a reusable bag option. Both of these brands are super durable, always hold up really well for traveling, and are great to repurpose for other easy travel snacks on a trip. 

Silicone Bags

Stasher Bags

These are great reusable bags for packing your travel snacks on the go.

Zip Top Bags

We love these bags for items that can’t lay flat! The structure of the bag makes it easy to carry your snacks and keep them from being crushed in your carry-on luggage.

Collapsible bowls have also been one of my favorites for eating things like oatmeal on the go and pre-made meals I might travel with (in an effort to clean out my fridge before I head out of town). I also like these collapsible cups from Stojo to make drinks portable and they don’t take up much room. If you have space for something bigger I like using the Snack Swell thermos containers for some travel foods on my trips since its a small insulated container to keep food hot or cold.

Bowls and Cups

Stojo Collapsible Bowl

We are loving the STOJO Collapsible Bowl. This holds 36oz and is a reusable silicone bowl for hot and cold food which makes it perfect for travel, meal prep, to-go Lunch, camping, and hiking. This is also microwave & dishwasher safe.

S’well S’nack Food Container

We love the S’well S’nack Stainless Steel Food Container. It’s 24 ounces and great for holding food you are traveling with that you want to keep hot or cold. This will keep your food for 8 Hours Hot for 6 Hours Cold.

This is a smaller version of the bigger S’nack by S’well Food Container. Its 10oz and has Double-Layered Insulated walls to keep food and drinks cold for 10 hours and hot for 4 hours!

Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup

This collapsible travel cup comes with a straw and holds 16oz of liquid. Its reusable and pocket size for hot and cold drinks making it perfect for travel, camping, and hiking. Like the other Stojo products its microwave and dishwasher safe.

If you are traveling with any items that must stay at a colder temperature these PackIt Freezable pouches are a great option to transport your food. The PackIt Freezable pouch has groundbreaking cooling technology that includes freezable gel that is permanently built into the bag so that you don’t need to deal with separate ice packs.

To start collapse the bag flat and freeze in the freezer overnight until you are ready to use it. You can add any of the easy travel snacks that are perishable items in this post to store in this bag. You can also keep this item throughout your trip for other easy to pack snacks.

PackIt Freezable Pouch

This is our favorite travel product for traveling with items that are perishable and need to remain cold like yogurt and cheese. Simply pop the pouch in the freezer the night before your trip and it will keep your perishable snacks at the correct temperature for a few hours. This collapsible and folds up and comes in many colors!

My last favorite sustainable travel item is reusable wax paper. I like using the Bee’s Wrap brand. It takes a bit to get used to if you normally use regular wax paper. If you have a few baked goods, sandwiches etc. to carry while traveling it comes in handy to reuse a few times and store it completely flat in your carry on bag.

Bee’s Wrap

This Bee’s Wrap is an assorted 3 Pack great sustainable option. It’s plastic and silicone free reusable beeswax in 3 sizes great for traveling with sandwhiches.

Freezable Pouch

Freezable pouch

Order of Operations For Your Easy Travel Snacks

If you are planning to take some snacks to the airport for future travel plans my suggested cheat sheet of how to go about eating your easy travel snacks includes a simple order of consumption:

• Eat your perishable items first (for obvious reasons)
• Pack napkins and/or wet wipes (these are not always available as you are on the go)
• If you are bringing whole fruit wash these items before you get to the airport and use your napkin or paper towel as the vessel to carry the item (it also doubles as a napkin as you eat your fruit)
• Pack some travel utensils (for any snacks that require some deep diving or for complete meals)

Travel utensil set

Portable utensil set

Bamboo utensil set

My favorite snacks to bring on a plane.

Below is an easy travel snack list I’ve compiled of my favorite airport (and TSA) friendly snacks. I’ve grouped the items into perishable vs. non-perishable categories since I often will travel with a few perishable items that I strategize to eat first and then work my way through the rest of my snack stash either on the trip or eat other items during a longer flight to tide me over until I reach my destination. 

Perishable Easy Travel Snacks

For perishable easy travel snacks I always tend to pack food that can last a while at room temperature. Regardless of the length of your flight you’ll want items that won’t go bad in case it takes a while to get through security or to the airport (we’ve all been there!). Or even worse if your flight is delayed (done that!). On my list I usually include:

Cured Meats and Deli Meats

This includes salami, pastrami, pepperoni, ham, and turkey. These are great options because they can travel well at room temperature for short periods of time.

I think everyone loves cheese (even us lactose intolerant folks) and it travels well for short periods of time at room temperature. Some of my favorite cheese options are the Babybel Gouda Semisoft Cheeses. I like these because they have their own carrying case with the wax they are packaged in which qualifies the product as easy travel snack in my book.

My next favorite is Trader Joe’s Tapas cheese (it’s amazing! Grab it if you have a TJs near you). This includes several slices of three types of cheese including: Iberico, Cabra Al Vino (a.k.a. “ Drunken Goat “), and Manchengo. I really enjoy how the flavors in this set are so different and it feels very fancy while you are enjoying them.

Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs are one of the best snacks for traveling. I typically boil eggs once a week so I’ll grab 2-4 for a flight or whatever is left over in my fridge for the week (this is also a good way to clean out your fridge before you head out of town). You can also purchase eggs that are already boiled from almost any local grocery store for an easy travel snack on an airplane.

Another fun option for hard boiled eggs is from a brand called Perfectly Peckish which sells hard boiled eggs in packs with a fun crunchy dip. Their selection includes:

• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & EVERYTHING Dip
• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & FRIED RICE Dip
• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & RANCHEROS Dip
• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & SALT & PEPITAS Dip
• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & RANCH Dip

Check out their store locator to find a store that sells these near you .

Crackers and/or Bread

I personally can’t have cheese and cured/deli meat without crackers or bread! These are easy to transport and can be stored at various temperatures which make them a great addition to your carry-on bag for an easy snack pairing (and crunch)!

I love fruit for an easy snack that travels well. The fruit that travels the best are apples, bananas, oranges, kiwi, and grapes. I like these fruits because they have their own “skin” which can serve as its own carrying case so that they don’t get squashed (thanks mother nature!).

For oranges you can even pre-slice these and add them to a travel container or baggie to eat right out of the peel (or peel them later). And for kiwi I like slicing these in half and using a spoon to scoop out the insides for easy eating. If you have never tried Golden Kiwi its a real treat (they taste like a cross between a mango and a strawberry)!

Putting It Together

Combining these items also creates a nice balance for traveling to ensure you have enough protein, fat, and carbohydrates for fuel while on the go. You can also pair the meats, cheese, and crackers or bread and make a makeshift sandwich in a pinch (great easy travel snack idea!). You can also grab some pre-made snack boxes for a perishable option to take through security.

Non-Perishable Travel Snacks

My favorite non-perishable easy travel snack list is a bit longer. I group these by foods I might eat on the plane or at my final destination as I get hungry or peckish.

I eat oatmeal almost daily when I’m home for breakfast so it’s an item I always travel with especially internationally since it’s not something that all countries will provide for breakfast. It’s also a really nice snack on a plane since you just need water to make it. You can use one of the collapsible bowls or cups I mentioned above as the vessel to make these in or any disposable cup at the airport. I typically use the McCann Irish Oatmeal brand because it’s very hearty as a travel snack or the Unsweetened Individual Oatmeal packets from Trader Joe’s .

Bringing nuts on a flight can be controversial so be sure to read your airline’s individual rules regarding what is allowed. I like going for the individually portioned nuts that are completely sealed in case I can’t eat them on a particular flight due to restrictions or nut allergies. If that’s the case I can always have them as a snack at my final destination.

My favorite nut options for an easy travel snack include: 

• Macadamia Nuts
• Trail Mix (for something different)

Crunchy Snacks

Personally I’m a big fan of crunchy snacks in general but definitely when I travel. I think it’s nice to have a variety of items on hand. For this category I pack:

I usually air pop popcorn and bring it in my reusable silicon bag for trips. Did you know that you can air pop popcorn in a brown paper bag in the microwave? I also like these individually wrapped White Cheddar Popcorn bags from Smartfood .

Peanut Butter Crackers

I also like bringing Peanut Butter Crackers as easy travel snacks for my final destination. These have saved me many times while traveling to have something to tide me over until my next meal.

There’s something nostalgic about Chex Mix that just makes it a travel staple! I use to have these all the time as a kid on trips. I usually will grab the individual baggies for my carry-on bag.

I also always grab Cheez-Its for a fun crunchy cheesy snack.

Moon Cheese

These are a newer to me product. I saw them once at Starbucks and then purchased them last year from Target and I’m a fan! These are little cheese balls that come in different flavors. If you like cheese and something with a crunch you’ll like these little cheese balls as a snack.

Anytime I think of pretzels I think of that Seinfeld episode “these pretzels are making me thirsty” but they still make for a great easy travel snack!

Veggie Straws

Veggie straws are the perfect easy travel snack to take on the go! They are both crunchy and salty which you is always needed on the road.

Marinated Vegetables

This might be an odder pick but eating vegetables on the go is hard so I love this option. POSHI Vegetable Snacks offers a marinated steamed portable snack option. If you like pickled vegetables you will like these! Plus you can add a little fiber to you day while in transit.

Snack Olives

If you’ve never had olives while on an airplane you are missing out! Something about eating olives at 42,000 feet cruising in the air is a totally different experience. I like buying these Olives to Go from the grocery store and Trader Joe’s also sells individually packed Olive packs which are so yummy. I was inspired to add Olives to my easy travel snack list after having the Mediterranean Travel Snack box on a United Flight which has a great mix of olives, bruschetta, hummus, and chocolate almonds as a great snack mix.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a really fun easy travel snack! My favorite picks are dried apples and mangoes. They make such a sweet treat and they are also crunchy (or chewy).

When traveling with dips always choose brands that are shelf stable so that they can fall into the perishable category. If you go this route you should plan to consume the entire package in your trip since they will need to be refrigerated once opened.

Something Sweet

Honey stinger organic waffles.

Honey Stinger Organic Waffles are sweet yummy waffles that double as a healthy(ish) treat. These pack really easily in your carry-on or a day pack on your trip and make them one the best snacks for traveling.

Brownies & Cookies

Brownies and Cookies fall into a comfort item category for me. It’s nice to always have a sweet treat on hand but also something you are familiar with. I like the Nature’s Bakery brand Brownies and old faithful Nabisco Cookies like Oreos.

Fruit Snacks

Pink panda/snack owl.

I recently discovered a new brand called Pink Panda which offers high fiber fruit snacks. Why high fiber fruit snacks? Because fiber is such a hard micro nutrient to consume when you are traveling and I like that these snacks trade the sugar for fiber when it comes to carbohydrates in the snack. These come in two varieties: Astro Blasters and Treasure Chews. I’ve had both and think they taste yummy (you’d really never know there is no sugar in these)! And it’s only 90 calories for the entire bag.

If you are interested in trying out this new brand use our code “BREADANDBUTTERPANDA10” for 10% off if you order directly on their website . Pink Panda fruit snacks are also available on Amazon below.

Smart Sweets

I’ve been eating SmartSweets for years! They are similar to the Pink Panda brand but I’m not really sure which I like more. These are also high fiber fruit snacks and I really enjoy them for traveling. My favorites to date have been the Sour Blast Buddies and the Peach Rings.

Other Fruit Snacks

As you can tell I really love fruit snacks! My other favorites for travel and just as a general comfort item are Gushers and Fruit by the Foot. I also really like fruit leather and the “That’s It” brand is a great option for something healthy(ish) when it comes to fruit snacking.

Honey Stinger Energy Chews

Honey Stinger Energy Chews is an organic candy that’s great to chew and eat before, during, or after activity (especially when flying if your ears ring at high altitudes). It has multiple carbohydrate sources including glucose, fructose, maltose, sucrose.

I discovered this candy while on vacation in Hawaii. I think the best way to describe these are somewhere between candy and a gummy since they are chewy. I like Mango as my favorite flavor. Amazon offers a variety box if you want to check these out.

Protein Snacks

Protein is always hard for me to get in even when I’m not traveling so I always like to bring some protein snacks with me just in case. These are really great to cure hangry when you need some  stabilizing energy.

Pepperoni Sticks

These are new to me but I started eating Pepperoni sticks last year as a quick snack when I was out doing errands. That makes them perfect for an easy travel snack! The two brands I’ve liked so far are Vermont and Applegate Naturals. To me the flavors of these taste the most neutral for dried meat and come in a casing so it’s easy to eat and move on to the next thing.

Protein Bars

Protein Bars can sometimes leave an aftertaste in my opinion so there are not too many tasty ones that have a balanced calorie to protein ratio. My favorite pick so far as been Barebells Protein Bars which come in a variety of flavors and have 20 grams of protein per bar. I’ve been able to find these on Amazon and at Trader Joe’s so far. If you don’t typically like protein bars give these a try for something a bit different.

Protein Powders

I like to travel with protein powders that are individually wrapped since protein is often difficult to fit in when on the go. Most protein powder servings will have at least 18 grams of protein which is a great boost to hold you over until your next meal.

You can mix your protein powder in with some bottled water at the airport. As a great hack you can also find a bistro, Starbucks, or Dunkin Donuts in the airport and request a milk of your choice in a bigger cup to add your protein powder for an easy travel snack.

Collagen Peptides

I’m also a big fan of collagen peptides! Collagen is not a complete protein but it works well in a pinch to supplement other sources of protein for the day. It’s not completely tasteless but the flavor isn’t too strong. I prefer to dissolve these packets in water or hot coffee while traveling. They come in individual sticks which make them easy to transport. Collagen is also really great for nail and hair growth and has really helped my joints.

Granola and Fruit Bars

Something about granola bars are so nostalgic to me and I love to bring them as an easy travel snack. They travel really well on planes and are also great for in your day bag at your final destination.

I like the Nature Valley, Made Good, and Nature Bakery brands.

Peanut Butter

Again, a controversial pick for travel since usually peanuts are not allowed on all flights but I must have peanut butter with me as a basic comfort food while traveling! If I can’t have these on the plane I just eat them at my final destination. I like the JIF To Go Natural Peanut Butter cups that come individually packaged and will eat them as is, or with something I buy at the airport for some extra fat and protein. My second pick is the Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter brand which comes in a packet making it one of the best snacks for traveling.

Dehydration is real when you travel! I have two easy solutions to stay hydrated when you are on the go. These are not exactly an easy travel snack but they will come in handy while on the go.

I recently started using GoHydrate this spring as a way to stop my leg muscles from cramping and get my water levels up. GoHydrate is a water enhancer which makes it a great option if you are not particularly a fan of drinking water. I started thinking that this would also be excellent for travel due to the individual packets which make them great for on-the-go. GoHydrate provides almost instant hydration by delivering 5 electrolytes immediately to your body. Those electrolytes are: calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium.

This water enhancer also provides 40%+ of the recommended daily Vitamin D dose that most of of are deficient in due to sitting inside so often. To use GoHydrate just pour the pre-packaged stick into 20-24oz of water and drink. If you’d like to order GoHydrate I suggest ordering their mixed 10 stick sample box or their 30 stick sample box to see which flavor you like before stocking up on their 30 box sets of one flavor. My favorite flavors so far have been Lemon Citrus , Kiwi Strawberry , and Fruit Punch if you need a flavor recommendation.

True Honey Tea

We found this brand True Honey Tea at a farmers market last year and its been our favorite tea! Based in Virginia these are tea bags that have honey granules already in the tea. We really like the Earl Gray (add some half and half to make a London Fog) and also the Peppermint tea for a really great non perishable travel snack.

My next favorite drink mixer to travel with is from Cusa Tea . This brand was recommended to me by a friend who uses them while hiking. The best part is you don’t have to walk around with a wet tea bag once you prepare your tea. The flavors Cusa Teas has are unreal. I started with their Iced or Hot Variety Pack and the flavors are so delicious, truly premium tea with no sugar or artificial ingredients. I’ve tried this both in iced and hot tea and they work great. You can use these just by ordering hot water while on at the airport, on the plane, or at your final travel destination. 

If iced tea is more your style I’ve used them in even room temperature water (though cold water is better) and they dissolve no problem with no grainy stuff at the bottom. They are not sweetened so if you like sweet tea I suggest adding a sugar packet or something like Truvia to lightly sweeten the drink. My favorite flavors so far have been Blueberry Chrysanthemum and Hibiscus Rose . I recommend starting with the variety pack so that you can figure out which flavor you like before committing to an entire pack.

I typically buy a large water bottle once I get through security to keep with me in the airport and on the plane. If you don’t like buying water I suggest traveling with a stainless steel water bottle that you can fill up at the airport and throughout your trip. Our favorite travel options include Swell , Iron Flask, Yeti, and Stanley water bottles as great options that close.

Travel Water Bottles

S’well Stainless Steel Traveler

This S’well Stainless Steel Traveler is 20 Fl Oz and is Triple-Layered Vacuum-Insulated to keep Coffee, Tea and Drinks Cold for 36 Hours and Hot for 15 Hours.

Stanley IceFlow Tumbler

Stanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler with Straw is a Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle for Travel, the Office or a road trip. Its a reusable cup with a straw Leakproof Flip. The Stanley IceFlow will keep your drink cold for 12 Hours or Iced for 2 Days. This comes in various colors!

YETI Rambler Bottle

The YETI Rambler Water Bottle holds 26 oz of liquid and is vacuum insulated with a Chug Cap.

Which Easy Travel Snacks Are Your Favorites?

What easy travel snacks do you like to bring on your trips ? Did I miss any easy to pack snacks that you would recommend? Keep these travel snacks in mind for your next trip to beat hangry.

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This post is perfect timing! We’re taking the family to Disney World in two weeks and I have “travel snacks” on my to-do list! I love the high fiber gummy options, my little one struggles while we travel, so these will be perfect! Oh, and I have both the Emerald Nut Packs and the Nature’s Bakery bars as my car snacks, they are perfect, so I never have to hit the drive-thru!

Disney World sounds so fun! Yes, any sort of extra fiber on a trip makes things so much easier for all of us. And in candy form even better. I hope you get to try them 🙂 -Monica

I often bring a small container (2-3 TBSP to 3.3 oz) of reconstituted PBfit (or other powdered peanut butter) with sugar snap peas or carrot sticks for a tasty healthy snack. Also bring small containers of the powdered peanut butter to mix with water later. Frozen grapes and frozen bean/veggie or egg and spinach wraps can be used to keep food cold and are healthy snacks when thawed.

Those are great ideas!

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THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP FOOD LIST: 50 Scrumptious Travel Snacks

Post Summary: The definitive road trip food list with 50 snack ideas and meals to keep you happy the entire car ride. Plus, tips for what else to bring and recommendations for the best road trip coolers.

Road trips are the classic adventure that everyone needs to do at least once in their life, whether you’re traveling solo, with your best buds, or packing in the whole family. What’s the secret to a great road trip? Besides having your maps already downloaded to your phone (travel must #1), it’s to have a collection of the best road trip food at your disposal. Being prepared with good travel food will ensure you don’t:

• Kill your travel mates because you’re hangry.
• Get killed by your travel mates because they’re hangry.
• Get lured in by every gasoline stop and somehow end up with bright orange Cheetos and Slim Jims.
• Waste your travel budget dining on Subway and Wendys road trip meals.

After road tripping with a toddler for half a year around the US, we’ve figured out the ultimate road trip food list so we can enjoy the journey together feeling nourished and happy. Our list includes road trip food ideas for adults and kids as well as healthy car snacks.

After the road trip food list, we’ve included non-food items you’ll want to bring and some tips on choosing the best road trip cooler.

Need More Road Trip Tips? Check out our other articles below:

The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 41 Essentials For The Road 160 Fun, Deep, and Sometimes Silly Road Trip Questions 41 Fun and Challenging Road Trip Trivia Questions 17+ Fun Things To Do On A Road Trip How To Survive A Road Trip With A Toddler 40 Must Have Items To Have In Your Camper

*This road trip food list post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This is at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products and services we genuinely think are helpful.

The Ultimate Road Trip Food List

Healthy snacks for a road trip

We’ll start with healthy snacks for the road. I don’t know about you, but when we go on road trips, we tend to fall back on fast food and junk food. In an effort to have a quasi healthy road trip we make sure to include some healthy options so we can at least feel like we’ve balanced out all our snickers bars and Wendy’s frosties. Here’s our list of the best road trip foods that won’t leave you feeling sluggish at the end of the day. We also added in a few recommendations of some of our favorite brands.

Healthy Snacks For Car Rides 1. Fruit: Bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes, apples, oranges 2. Sliced veggies: carrots, cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, pickles, radishes 3. Cherry tomatoes 4. Olives (buy the pitted kinds) 5. Salsa 6. Deli sandwiches or wraps (already made from home or pre-purchased) 7. A simple charcuterie spread (summer sausage, pepperoni, sliced cheese, dried apricots, olives, crackers, etc.) 8. Popcorn 9. Yellow corn chips, blue corn chips, kale chips 10. Granola Bars and Energy Bars ( Munk Bars are our favorite! ) 11. Dried Fruit 12. Crackers (cheese crackers, saltines, whole wheat crackers, these almond crackers are my favorite!) 13. Pretzels 14. Nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews, macadamia, walnuts, pecans) 15. Trail mix 16. Tuna (Get the kind that doesn’t need to be refrigerated! It can become a snack on crackers, a sandwich, or added to a salad) 17. Coconut chips ( Dang chips are our favorite. ) 18. Dark chocolate 19. Wasabi peas 20. Fruit leather 21. Whole-grain muffins 22. Bread (pretzel rolls, pita bread) 23. Water (Preferably in a water bottle like a Hydro Flask that will keep your water cold for hours.) *The following are all still healthy snacks for a road trip but will require a cooler. Skip them if you are going sans cooler. Further down, we’ll talk about the best road trip coolers. 23. Hard-boiled eggs 24. Small yogurt containers or drinkable yogurts 25. Humus 26. Guacamole 27. Pasta salad 28. Lentil salad 29. Grocery store salad kits (Can be eaten out of the bag! Just cut the top, pour in the salad dressing, and shake it away. You can also opt to do salads in a jar) 30. Cheese

Essential Road Trip Snacks

These road trip snacks might not be the healthiest, but look…you can’t always be perfect!

Road Trip Snack List 32. Beef Jerky 33. Chips 34. Fun candy (Any kind of candy that brings you joy for your road trip. Gummy bears, reeses pieces, airheads) 35. Ranch dip to go with your healthy veggies 36. Fun drinks (Just make sure the drink is able to be resealed or small enough that you’ll drink it all quickly. My favorite road trip drink is coconut water!) 37. Cookies

Road Trip Snacks For Kids And Toddlers

While we don’t put a distinction between road trip food for the adults and road trip food for kids, here are some fun ideas you can add in addition to the travel food listed above. We found that allowing for leniency with what we let our kid snack on will mean a more fun time for everyone in the car.

Road Trip Snacks For Toddlers and Kids 38. String Cheese or Babybels 39. Peanut butter pretzels 40. Clementines 41. Squeezable applesauce 42. Squeezable nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter) 43. Graham crackers 44. Goldfish 45. Fruit snacks 46. Fruit roll ups 47. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich 48. Dry cereal 49. Nutella 50. Snap pea crisps ( I love the wasabi ones from Harvest Snaps . I can only get them online because my grocery store never has them!)

Essential Non Food Items

Now that you’ve got your travel food and made your road trip food list, let’s talk about non food items to have on your road trip packing list. We are both advocates for minimal waste living so we do advise using reusable items like real utensils, glass containers, and reusable straws rather than single-use items. I know it can feel like a nuisance, but once you get used to doing it, it’s easy to integrate it into your habits. We’ve provided links to different products, so you can check out some good options.

-Trash bags (old shopping bags work well) – Stackable glass or plastic containers (While glass may feel like a hazard, I find that most of them are built for endurance and would require some extreme throwing around to actually break. Either way, bringing containers rather than an entire bag of snacks is a great space saver.) -Reusable straws (we like this multipack option here ) -Bento boxes (another option is to make individual bento boxes with everyone’s preferred snacks put in. It’s essentially a healthier version of a Lunchable. Great option if you’re traveling with kids.) Check out these cute bento boxes here . -Utensils -Plates -Paper towels -Hand sanitizer -Ziplock bags -Wipes -Cups if you want to share drinks -Ice packs for the cooler (We prefer to use reusable ice packs like these , but frozen water bottles or ice cubes in a ziplock back will do the job as well.) -Reusable grocery bag to carry your non-perishable stuff -Plastic tub (If you’re going on a long road trip and will have lots of snacks, a good option is to pack all your non-perishable items in a tub like this .) -Cooler

Related : A Comprehensive Guide To the Best Toddler Carriers For Traveling

Best Road Trip Coolers

If you’re going on a long road trip, you’ll definitely want to bring a cooler so you can have more options for the journey. Things to consider when deciding what kind of road trip cooler to bring.

• How much space will you have in your car?
• How many days will you be driving and subsequently how much food will you need?
• Cost of the cooler
• If you road trip or camp a lot and will use a cooler several times a year.

Yeti Roadi 24 Cooler

Our choice for the best road trip cooler is the Yeti Roadi 24 Cooler . It’s a mid-sized cooler that can fit a bottle of wine standing upright. We like its lightweight design and that its compact size can fit on the ground behind the passenger seat.

It has a mid-range price point, so if you are wanting something more economical, you’ll probably want our next pick.

Igloo MaxCold Cooler

If all you need is a no-frills cooler to keep your food cold, the Igloo Maxcold Cooler is a great option. The thin design also makes it a great choice for someone wanting to save room in the car.

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze

If you like a soft cooler, the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze consistently offers the best bang for your buck.

Yeti Tundra 45

Lastly, if you are wanting a high-end cooler that will be great for camping and can take the wear and tear of consistent use, the Yeti Tundra 45 is your best bet. Yeti is the reigning champion of coolers and you can’t go wrong with anything you purchase from them.

Before you head out on your epic road trip, we suggest packing the night before. Alleviating as much stress as possible on the day you leave, especially when you’re doing a road trip with a toddler , is key to enjoying the road trip journey. We find that the night before, it’s best to:

• Wash, cut, and peel all vegetables and fruit.
• Pack up all non perishable food and supplies.
• Prepare any road trip sandwiches you plan to eat.

Lastly, don’t forget to make sure all your tasty road trip snacks are within reaching distance in the car.

We hope you enjoyed our complete road trip food list. Happy road tripping!

** For more road trip inspiration follow us on Instagram . We travel… a lot.

NEED SOME TRAVEL INSPIRATION? A Complete Guide To A Utah National Parks Road Trip How To Plan A Cross Country Road Trip + Fun Routes To Take 10 National Parks To Visit In The East 50 Family Bucket List Experiences In The US

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Hi, we’re Christina and Brad, Idaho based writers and photographers who live to explore. We did a short stint of traveling full time with our two year old and discovered we're much happier as part time nomads. What does that mean? We travel a lot! And then we go home. We love helping fellow parents and everyday adventurers discover new places and experiences.

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17 Healthy Airplane Snacks You Can Bring Through TSA

Published September 23, 2019

Written by:

Jessie Beck

Jessie is a writer, editor, and content marketer who covers travel gear and adventure travel. She’s called many places home...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Can you bring your own snacks on an airplane? Yes, absolutely!

To avoid spending money on expensive airport food and make sure you have lots of healthy options while flying, bring your own DIY snacks and food packed in your carry on or personal item .

For health-conscious and budget-savvy travelers, there’s even more motivation to pack your own airplane snacks. Bringing food from home helps you avoid unhealthy choices at the airport, saves money, and gives you something to look forward to on your flight. 

You don’t have to be a master chef to level up your in-flight food game, either. Many of our favorite in-flight snacks are quick to make and easy to pack. If you’re not sure where to start, these packable, healthy, airplane food ideas will keep you and your travel crew satiated.

Can You Bring Snacks on a Plane?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks from home as long as they’re TSA compliant. Spreadables, like peanut butter, and liquids, like yogurt, must follow the standard 3-1-1 liquid rule . 

Read the Travel Toiletries Packing List for more details on carry on liquid rules.

Foods you purchase after the security checkpoints at the airport do not need to follow the 3-1-1 rule. As long as you’re buying it at the airport, you can enjoy all the in-flight hummus and coconut water you want.

TSA Food Rules: What Snacks Can You Bring on a Plane?

When we talk about food that’s not allowed on an airplane, we’re actually talking about food that’s not allowed through TSA. As mentioned above, you can bring solid foods like chips, crackers, sandwiches, and pasta through TSA in your carry on , but anything liquid or spreadable will have to follow the 3-1-1 rule. So, a 1.15 ounce squeeze pack of Justin’s nut butter is fine, but a four ounce tub of yogurt will be thrown out.

Once you’re past security, this rule no longer applies, and you can bring liquids and spreadables of any size purchased in the airport. So, yes, you could technically bring a sixteen ounce bowl of soup on your flight from the Panera Bread at the airport.

The TSA’s snacks page states:

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

Common foods you can’t bring through airport security include:

• Any liquid (e.g., yogurt, juice, coconut water) over 3.4 ounces
• Any paste (e.g., peanut butter, hummus) over 3.4 ounces

If you have questions about a specific food item, check TSA’s foods page .

What Snacks Can You Bring on an International Flight?

For international flights, there are no restrictions on what you can or cannot bring on the flight. However, at some borders, there are restrictions on what you can or cannot bring into the country. For example, Australia has strict regulations on what travelers can bring past customs and will confiscate any fresh produce or homemade meals you have in your luggage.

If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to eat your food in-flight so you don’t get it tossed at the border. If you want to pack something just in case you’re hungry, but aren’t sure if you’ll eat it, go for a packaged snack like crackers or a protein bar.

Snacks Not to Bring on a Plane

While technically allowed, you should also avoid smelly foods and allergens as a courtesy to your fellow passengers. For your own sake, skip messy foods you could easily spill.

Foods to avoid bringing on an airplane include:

• Smelly foods like tuna
• Allergens like peanut butter or any peanut-based snack
• Liquids that are likely to spill and harder to get through security due to size limits

Also, a word about yogurt. We all know it’s a good last-ditch breakfast option when your airport has few healthy options, but it has a tendency to explode when you open it at high altitudes. If you choose to bring yogurt on your flight, open it veerrrry slowly to escape an in-flight disaster. The same goes for anything else that feels pressurized at altitude.

The best airplane snacks are un-messy, un-stinky food you can enjoy at room temperature, like dried fruit or a sandwich. If you’re bringing anything from home, make sure it’s TSA compliant, and won’t stink up the cabin.

If you’re not sure what to bring, use this list of healthy, packable airplane snack and meal ideas. Even the most amateur chef can pull off these recipes.

Healthy, Packable Meals (with Recipes)

If you have the time and motivation, make one of these healthy, easy-to-pack airplane meals before you hit the road.

Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookie (Vegan, Dairy-Free)

For a quick, in-flight breakfast that won’t get smashed, explode, or cause a mess, reach for one of these nutrient-rich and antioxidant-filled blueberry oat breakfast cookies.

Banana Bread (Vegetarian)

Banana bread is another packable airplane breakfast option. For health-conscious travelers, choose a whole-wheat recipe that uses coconut oil instead of butter. Whatever you don’t pack, you can freeze until you’re back from your trip.

Chickpea Salad (Vegan, Dairy-Free)

This easy lunch recipe also works as a make-in-advance airplane meal. The salad is healthy, TSA-approved, and doesn’t need to be reheated. Plus, the recipe is flexible: toss in some feta cheese or cucumbers to make this meal your own.

Chicken and Vegetable Wrap (Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Options)

Wraps are one of the best sandwiches for flights. For a healthy option, make this chicken and vegetable-filled version from the New York Times. If you’ll be on a long flight, skip the lettuce to avoid a wilted mess at mealtime.

Fruit, Vegetable, and Cheese Bento Box (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Dairy-Free Options)

Fancy-looking but simple to make, a DIY snack pack is a versatile and easy-to-pack homemade airplane snack. Simply cut up a variety of fruits, cheeses, veggies, and meats. Throw in a few crackers or a piece of bread if you’d like.

Grapes and blueberries are good options for fruits. For cheeses, stick to something low-odor and hard, like parmesan. For meat, go for a dried salami, which is preserved and doesn’t need refrigeration. 

Kale Chicken Salad (Gluten-Free Option)

Salads, the world’s go-to for a healthy meal that’s still tasty at room temperature, are another good airplane food option. To make sure your salad isn’t a mushy mess by the time you board, keep your dressing in a separate (smaller than 3.4 ounce) container. Also, opt for a heartier green like kale, shaved brussels sprouts, or cabbage, which won’t wilt like lettuce or arugula.

Cold Asian Noodles (Gluten-Free and Vegan Options)

You’re an intrepid eater, so why not give your airplane food an international twist with an Asian-inspired cold noodle dish? Sesame soba noodles are a simple classic, but if you want more ideas, check out Brit+Co’s line-up of cold noodle dishes.

Vegan Pasta Salad (Vegan)

For vegans and omnivores alike, recipes like this creamy vegan pasta salad from Love and Lemons are a great food option for air travel . Not only is it delicious, but meat and dairy-free dishes don’t require refrigeration. Even if you don’t end up eating it until halfway through a long flight, it’ll keep.

Chickpea Pan Bagnat (Vegetarian)

A French picnic classic, the pan bagnat is an easy and delicious make-in-advance sandwich option that actually gets better (not sad and soggy) the longer it sits. However, the original recipe has tuna, a major airplane no-no. Instead, try this vegetarian twist with chickpeas to make one of the best sandwiches for long flights.

Airplane Snacks

For short flights or just-in-case-I’m-hungry moments, toss one of these healthy airplane snacks in your bag.

• Dried fruit: Unlike real fruit, you can’t crush these babies. If you’re crossing time zones, go for dried berries. Target (Good & Gather) and Trader Joe’s both have good options without added sugar. I’m partial to Target’s dried mango and pineapple.
• Popcorn: The perfect accoutrement to your in-flight movie binge.
• Almonds: A protein-filled snack to keep you feeling full for longer.
• Crackers: Go for a healthier whole-wheat option that’s great for kids and adults.
• Fruit and veggie slices: Pack a bag of snap peas, apple slices, or any other fruit or veggie you love. 

There are also a few snacks you can make with hot water from the drink service.

• Miso soup : For a warming, in-flight snack, bring a packet of instant miso soup. Just be sure to keep your cup ¾ full, or use a thermos with a lid to avoid any turbulence-induced soup burns.
• Instant oatmeal : Grab a packet of oats or throw some quick oats in a thermos with your favorite toppings.
• Instant noodles : Choose a low-sodium instant noodle, since salty foods exacerbate the dehydration caused by air travel. Again, keep your bowl or food jar only ¾ full.

How to Pack Snacks for an Airplane

With most homemade airplane meals, your food is only as portable as its container. When packing your carefully crafted sandwich, salad, or noodles, make sure to choose a leak-proof container that will keep your food intact. 

Vremi Collapsible Food Container ($20)

Vremi’s line of collapsible containers is leak-proof and will keep your food safe in transit. After you’ve finished your snacks, the container collapses flat so you can stash it in your bag without it taking up as much room as traditional Tupperware.

Zojirushi Food Jar ($28+)

Japanese brand, Zojirushi, makes an affordable but high-quality line of thermoses and food jars designed to keep your warm food warm and cold food cold. If you prefer sturdier Tupperware or want to keep your food hot or cold in transit, use Zojirushi’s food jar to transport your pasta, salads, or snacks.

Stasher Bags ($8+)

Use a reusable, silicone bag from Stasher to transport your sandwich, pretzels, dried fruit, or any other snack you’d normally toss into a Ziploc bag. These bags pack even smaller than collapsible Tupperware and can be reused during your travels or on your return flight home. Like Bee’s wrap, they’ll also help you create less trash while you travel.

Bee’s Wrap ($15+ for 3)

Unlike foil or plastic wrap, you can wash and reuse these natural, beeswax-covered wraps — a plus for eco-friendly travelers who want to reduce the amount of trash they create on the road. Use them to transport sturdier foods, like sandwiches or carrot slices, and pack them on the outside or top of your bag.

Humangear Spork ($4)

If you’re bringing a dish like noodles or salad, you’ll need a utensil. Toss one of these petite, BPA-free sporks by Humangear  in your bag, instead of disposable forks and spoons from airport stores. Go for the titanium spork ($14) for an upgrade.

Snow Peak Chopsticks ($38)

Prefer chopsticks with your noodles? Grab a pair of portable chopsticks from Snow Peak . Made from high-quality stainless steel and bamboo, these chopsticks break in half when not in use and, when put together, form a full-sized chopstick. They’re expensive compared to the $4 spork but incredibly well-made and designed to last. My partner, Jon, has been using his for over ten years.

Snacks on a Plane

You can eat healthier while saving time and money by packing your own foods and snacks in your personal item . Just make sure your food:

• Follows TSA’s 3-1-1 rule : Spreadables, liquids, and liquid-ish foods like hummus, yogurt, and nut butter must be in 3.4 ounce containers or smaller.
• Tastes good at room temperature : Consider sandwiches, cold noodles, and salads.
• Isn’t smelly or messy to eat : Just say no to in-flight tuna.

When packing airplane snacks, consider using eco-friendly collapsible Tupperware, beeswax wraps, silicone sandwich and snack bags, and camping sporks you can reuse throughout your travels.

Pack for trips of one week or more without checking a bag.

• Thick comfortable straps
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Jessie is a writer, editor, and content marketer who covers travel gear and adventure travel. She’s called many places home and traveled to 45+ countries.

She now lives in San Francisco with her husband where she splits her time between traveling, adventuring outdoors, and cooking (okay, eating).

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How to make a snackle box traveling charcuterie board.

How to make a traveling charcuterie board “snackle box”!

SNACKLE BOXES ARE OFFICIALLY ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I’VE SEEN ON TIKTOK. I HAD TO TRY THE VIRAL TREND OF MAKING A CHARCUTERIE BOARD IN A TACKLE BOX TO SHARE WITH YOU GUYS! NOT ONLY IS IT SO EASY TO THROW TOGETHER, IT’S THE PERFECT WAY TO TRAVEL WITH SNACKS!

snackle box: the ultimate traveling charcuterie board

OK SO YOU’RE PROBABLY ASKING, WHAT’S A SNACKLE? A SNACKLE BOX IS A PLAY ON WORDS… SNACKLE MEANING SNACKS IN A TACKLE BOX!

YOU CAN PUT ANY SNACKS IN A TACKLE BOX – IT’S LITERALLY THE MOST GENIUS, GAME CHANGING WAY TO ORGANIZE ALL OF YOUR SNACKS! I DIDN’T USE JUST ANY SNACKS, I MADE A GOURMET CHARCUTERIE BOARD!

YOU CAN USE ANY TACKLE BOX. I FOUND THIS INEXPENSIVE ONE ON AMAZON FOR ONLY $11. BUT IF YOU ALREADY OWN ONE, JUST USE WHAT YOU’VE GOT!

FROM THERE, YOU’LL WANT TO FILL IT WITH SNACKS! TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHERE YOU’RE HEADED FIRST. IF YOU PLAN WON’T BE ABLE TO EAT IT WITHIN AN HOUR OR TWO, STICK WITH NON PERISHABLES LIKE CRACKERS, NUTS & COOKIES. IF YOU WANT TO ADD CHEESE, MEAT OR FRUIT – YOU CAN ALSO PUT IT INTO A COOLER UNTIL YOU’RE READY TO SERVE.

I MADE THIS MEAT & CHEESE SNACKLE BOX FOR A LITTLE ROAD TRIP PICNIC. I LOVE THAT THE TACKLE COMPARTMENTS WORK SO WELL TO SEPARATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SNACKS. YOU CAN SEPARATE FRUITS, DIPS, PICKLES, ETC, FROM YOUR CRACKERS SO THEY DON’T GET SOGGY!

HERE’S A LIST OF EVERYTHING I PUT IN MINE:

• SLICED SALAMI
• ASSORTED SLICED & CUBED CHEESE
• MINI BABYBEL CHEESES
• ROASTED ALMONDS
• CHEESE CRISPS
• BLACKBERRIES
• HONEY STICKS
• SPICY MUSTARD

AS I MENTIONED, YOU CAN PUT LITERALLY ANY TYPES OF SNACKS INTO YOUR SNACKLE BOX. I LIKE ADDING AN ASSORTMENT OF CHEESES & MEATS, DIFFERENT TYPES OF CRACKERS, NUTS, DIPS/SPREADS & FRUITS.

ANOTHER FUN IDEAS IS TO MAKE A DESSERT SNACKLE BOX WITH COOKIES, CANDY AND OTHER SWEET TREATS! YOU CAN MIX & MATCH, ADDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF SNACKS TO EACH TRAY OF THE BOX TOO!

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25 Best Travel Snacks For Your Next Trip

These picks are approved by our registered dietitians and taste testers for your next adventure.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

CHOMPS Grass Fed Original Beef Jerky Snack Sticks

Purely Elizabeth Blueberry Walnut Superfood Oatmeal

Justin's Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs

Frooze Balls Double Filled Energy Balls (6 Pack)

LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn (24 Pack)

Mariani Probiotic Prunes (4 Pack)

UNiTE Protein Bar Variety Pack (12 Pack)

Sweet Loren's Breakfast Biscuits, Cinnamon Sugar (30 Count)

Whisps Baked Cheese Bites (12 Pack)

Simple Mills Pop Mmms (3 Pack)

Ideal snacks for travel include ones that will keep in your backpack, purse or carry-on without melting or falling apart. If you're traveling by plane, you'll want to make sure the snacks are TSA-compliant , so no liquid or gel food items over 3.4 ounces. Most importantly, the best snacks should have a combination of protein and fiber to keep you fueled and satisfied. Try to aim for about four grams each of protein and fiber, and keep added sugar to a minimum (under eight grams is ideal per snack, which is the equivalent of two teaspoons). Always prioritize fresh produce when possible, since they offer a great combination of fiber and antioxidants to keep you feeling your best during your travels.

Fruits and vegetables also are packed with water, a smart way to stay hydrated during your trip. Hydration in general is the key to savvy travel — especially for long plane rides, so don't forget to bring an empty water bottle with you to fill after you go through security at the airport. Since the altitude is dehydrating, and turbulence/delays can make beverage service unpredictable, it’s worth the investment to buy a second, unsweetened drink at the airport. Pair that with these nutrient-dense snacks and you'll be sure to have a great vacation.

Made from sustainably sourced proteins, these convenient jerky sticks are a notch above from what you'll find at a traditional convenience store en route to your travel destination. The beef and venison varieties are 100% grass-fed and finished, and turkey options are free-range. Every CHOMPS option is hormone-free, antibiotic-free and has lower sodium counts than other options on the market.

Per serving (one stick): 90 calories, 6g total fat, 2.5g sat fat, 25mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 0g total carb, 0g fiber, 0g total sugars, 9g protein

Oats are an easy base for when you're at a hotel or during any travel experience. Ones that come in a convenient cup like this from Purely Elizabeth just require a bit of hot water that you can ask for on the airplane. While oats can be a great source of fiber and whole grains, flavored varieties tend to be very high in added sugar and void of any protein. That's why these cups are a top pick for us since they only have six grams of added sugar and pack in nine grams of protein from collagen, creating a well-balanced choice.

Per serving (one container): 230 calories, 5g total fat, 0.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 37g total carb, 5g fiber, 9g total sugars, 6g added sugars, 9g protein

Nut or seed butter packs offer a great dose of healthy fats and you can add them to crackers, cereal, oatmeal, fruit or other snacks you've packed (or simply enjoy them on their own). Bonus: Packs smaller than 3 ounces, like these ones, get the thumbs-up from TSA . They even pack in seven grams of protein too.

Per serving (one pack): 210 calories, 18g total fat, 3.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 6g total carb, 1g fiber, 2g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 7g protein

These energy balls are the perfect bite to stash in your purse or backpack for your trip. Made from dates, nuts and fruit, each bite has two freshly made fillings inside and is seriously satisfying. Flavors include caramel chocolate peanut butter, chocolate hazelnut, dulce de leche, lemon, peanut butter and jelly, raspberry dark chocolate and triple chocolate fudge. The tiny packs are great for travel.

Per serving (two balls, peanut butter and jelly): 126 calories, 6g total fat, 2g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 16g total carb, 2g fiber, 12g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 3g protein

Popcorn is a great volume-rich snack, meaning you can eat quite a bit of it for very little calories. It is also considered a whole grain and good source of fiber. Skip the movie theatre popcorn dripping in butter, and opt for air-popped or lightly oil-popped varieties. The convenient mini bags from LesserEvil are great to stash in your carry-on and are made with organic extra-virgin coconut oil.

Per serving (one bag): 50 calories, 3g total fat, 2.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 7g total carb, 2g fiber, 0g total sugars, <1g protein

Between lengthy travel plans and a new environment, keeping things regular can be a challenge. That's why our dietitians suggest having some prunes on hand during any trip. Prunes have a slew of health benefits , and research suggests that prunes are as effective as over-the-counter products to help with constipation. We especially love these prunes from Mariani that add in probiotics for additional gut health and immune support to keep you healthy during your trip and beyond.

Per serving (five to six prunes): 100 calories, 0g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 26g total carb, 3g fiber, 16g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

Protein bars can make for an easy travel snack, but not all of them are created equal (some mimic the nutrition facts of a candy bar more than anything else). We like these gluten-free bars from UNiTE that are nutrient-dense and made with dates, nut butters and whey protein. The churro flavor was a tester favorite and packs in 10 grams of protein and five grams of fiber at under 200 calories.

Per serving (one bar, churro): 190 calories, 9g total fat, 1g sat fat, 35mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 19g carb, 5g fiber, 9g total sugars, 7g added sugars, 11g protein

We can't get enough of these sweet breakfasts biscuits that come in convenient packets of three and are made with better ingredients than others on the market. One serving makes for a light breakfast on-the-go or a layover snack, and is packed with 19 grams of whole grains, 4 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and five B vitamins. Plus, the biscuits are gluten-free and come in blueberry, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate flavors.

Per serving (one pack): 200 calories, 8g total fat, 3g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 32g carb, 3g fiber, 11g total sugars, 11g added sugars, 4g protein

Bringing perishable foods like yogurts and cheese sticks might not be possible during your travels, but you'll get the best of both worlds with these baked cheese bites from Whisps that are shelf-stable. Whisps first ingredient is protein-packed cheese and each bite is super crispy and satisfying with a whopping 13 grams of protein per serving. They come in a few fun flavors as well and were a family-friendly hit in taste tests.

Per serving (23 crisps, parmesan): 150 calories, 10g total fat, 7g sat fat, 30mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 1g carb, 0g fiber, 0g total sugars, 13g protein

Looking for something to crunch on mid-flight? These bite-sized popped crackers are baked and made with 1/3 cup of vegetables per serving like organic butternut squash. They have a cheesy flavor and are light and airy. Throw some in a handy reusable snack bag that you can refill all trip long.

Per serving (44 crackers): 140 calories, 5g total fat, 1g sat fat, 5mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 21g carb, 1g fiber, 1g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 2g protein

Natural Delights Medjool Date Strips with Tajin

Who knew that fresh Medjool dates and Tajin chili lime seasoning would pair so well together? This snack offers a unique flavor profile for sweet and spicy lovers, and the simple ingredient list is one to rave about. "Loved the spicy flavor. A flavorful snack and good for on the go," one tester said.

Per serving (one pouch, six pieces): 100 calories, 0.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 22g carb, 3g fiber, 19g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

Prevail. Grass Fed Beef Jerky (4 Pack)

Our dietitians are fans of this jerky from Prevail since it is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef jerky and is free from fillers and additives. Taste testers appreciated its tender texture and balanced flavor since it is cherrywood smoked and seasoned with organic spices. Most importantly, it has lower sodium and sugar counts than competitors, so you won't get bogged down on your trip. And with 12 grams of protein per serving, it's perfect to keep you fueled on those long rides in the car.

Per serving (one ounce, original): 70 calories, 1.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 30mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 5g total carb, 0g fiber, 4g total sugars, 12g protein

Jackson's Sweet Potato Chips (15 Pack)

A top performer in our potato chips taste test , these sweet potato chips from Jackson's come in perfectly sized snack packs for travel. They are made with premium avocado oil and cooked low and slow to maintain the stability and integrity of the oil's healthy fats. The brand uses non-GMO heirloom sweet potatoes , and while the sea salt is the healthiest options, the flavored choices are truly delicious.

Per serving (one ounce): 150 calories, 9g total fat, 1g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 16g total carb, 2g fiber, 3g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

Junkless Chewy Granola Bars, Chocolate Chip (24 Bars)

An upgraded version of your favorite chewy granola bar, this snack is actually significantly lower in sugar than other brands and is free from high-fructose corn syrup or sugar alcohols. Made from simple ingredients, we love the soft and chewy texture of the bar and that it has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. "Nice and chewy with just the right amount of chocolate chips to peanut butter," one taste tester said.

Per serving (one bar): 130 calories, 3.5g total fat, 0.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 22g total carb, 2g fiber, 5g total sugars, 3g protein

Biena Roasted Chickpea Snacks, Sea Salt (10 Pack)

Crispy chickpeas are the perfect protein-packed snack to keep in your carry-on that won't crumble or fall apart. Of course you can make them on your own , but a pre-made pack like this is extra convenient for travel. We love that each portable pouch offers a filling combination of eight grams of both fiber and protein per serving.

Per serving (one pouch): 140 calories, 3.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 20g total carb, 8g fiber, 1g total sugars, 8g protein

Sweet Nothings Nut Butter Bites (6 Pack)

Wholesome and delicious, these disc-shaped, organic bites feature a chewy outer shell of dates, oats and flaxseed wrapped around a nut butter filling with all-organic, no-added-sugar ingredients. Free from gums, stabilizers, preservatives or artificial flavors, each package offers up to four grams of plant-based protein. The bite size treat is perfect for tiding you over at the end of your flight.

Per serving (one package, oatmeal raisin): 145 calories, 5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 23g total carb, 3.5g fiber, 15g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 4g protein

Siete Grain-Free Mexican Shortbread Cookies

Skip the oversized cookies at the airport and pack a few of these seriously delicious Mexican Shortbread cookies from Siete. Made with a lightly sweetened blend of almond flour and pecan pieces with a dash of cinnamon, testers couldn't believe that each cookie only has one gram of sugar. The grain-free treat has a crispy texture and won't fall apart in transit either.

Per serving (five cookies): 150 calories, 9g total fat, 5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 17g total carb, 1g fiber, 5g total sugars, 5g added sugars, 1g protein

Second Nature Antioxidant+ Protein Smart Snack Mix (12 Pack)

Trail mix is a favorite travel snack since it always keeps well and is also resistant to crumbling in your bag. These portion-controlled packets from Second Nature are great for stashing for a road trip or flight. We especially love the flavor combination in the antioxidant mix, and the filling fiber and protein makes this a smart choice. Plus, it doesn't have any chocolate chips like many other mixes which may melt in your bag in transit.

Per serving (one package): 250 calories, 17g total fat, 2.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 21g total carb, 4g fiber, 13g total sugars, 5g added sugars, 8g protein

RIND Snacks Straw-Peary Skin-On Dried Fruit (3 Pack)

This chewy whole fruit medley is packed with dried strawberries bursting with jammy flavor, bosc pears and sweet fuji apples. Our dietitians love that RIND maximizes nutrition and minimizes waste by taking upcycled fruit that would otherwise go to waste, retaining their nutrient-rich peels and gently drying them into snackable slices. Plus, dried fruit like this keeps really well when traveling.

Per serving (1/2 cup): 140 calories, 0g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 33g total carb, 5g fiber, 15g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

RXBAR Chocolate Lovers' Protein Bars Box (10 Bars)

When it comes to simple ingredient lists, it doesn't get much better than RXBAR. These tasty bars come in a wide variety of flavors and are loaded with 12 grams of protein thanks to nutrient-dense egg whites. Plus, they are a good source of fiber too — the combo of protein and fiber can help keep you full for longer on those lengthy road trips and train rides. Our registered dietitians point out that these delicious bars are sweetened with dates for binding purposes and contain no added sugar.

Per serving (one bar): 210 cal, 9g total fat, 2g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 23g carb, 5g fiber, 13g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 12g protein

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50 Kid-Friendly Airplane Snacks

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: January 25, 2022

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Flying with kids can be challenging, but flying with hungry kids is downright daunting! Many airlines have quite limited on-board food these days, and much of it is expensive and perhaps not what a picky kid wants to eat. This means that if you want to avoid the overpriced airline snack boxes and soggy sandwiches, you really need to pack your own meals and snacks when traveling with kids.

What snacks please the kids and also travel well? After hundreds of in-flight hours with my kids at various ages and stages, I’ve had a lot of practice figuring out which snacks work and which don’t. If you need inspiration for packing snacks for your next flight, look no further!

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Tips for Snacking & Eating on Airplanes with Kids

Before diving into all the specific snack suggestions, let’s talk about the challenges you might face with kids and snacks on a plane. There are more logistics than you might realize if you don’t travel often.

1. Consider TSA Liquid Rules

When traveling with snacks in your carry on bag, you’ll have to successfully get them through the airport security checkpoints. A lot of parents don’t think about the fact that some foods like applesauce and yogurt technically are treated as “liquids and gels” for purposes of the TSA rules. That means they need to be in containers that are less than 3.4 ounces. Select carefully!

If you are bringing drinks through security, the liquid rules of course apply there as well. Our family brings empty water bottles and fills them up at a water fountain on the other side. But if you need milk and juice for a younger child, that requires a little more preparation and most likely some extra security checks (Related: Tips for air travel with toddlers and milk .)

2. Pack Snacks to Minimize Spills & Messes

Messes are inevitable on airplanes with kids. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least try to minimize them for the sake of the flight attendants and airline employees who have to clean up the cabins.

With younger kids, a snack catcher style cup is an essential for serving bite sized snacks like Cheerios and goldfish so the entire snack doesn’t end up on the airplane floor.

You can also pack snacks in single serve Ziploc snack bags – either for distributing directly to your kids or to use to refill the snack cup. If you prefer a more environmentally-friendly version, Bumkins reusable snack bags are cute and inexpensive for travel.

I also have found traveling with snack-size bento boxes to work well, especially for serving several snacks together as a meal to my kids. The Yumbox MiniSnack box is durable with easy travel cleanup.

One more thing to pack to minimize messes – something to clean them up! We travel with napkins, a couple of paper towels, or even a small hand towel to wipe up the bigger spills. And I never board an airplane without an ample supply of wipes. WetOnes are perfect for wiping down sticky fingers and these travel sized Clorox wipes are essential for disinfecting tray tables (both before and after!).

3. Consider Durability and Spoilage

Before packing snacks for air travel, consider whether they are the kinds of foods that will do well in transit. Many of your child’s favorite things to eat at home just may not travel well.

In order to make my list below, snacks had to meet two important criteria: 1) not be too messy and 2) last for a long time without refrigeration. As much as my daughter loves strawberries and bananas, we rarely bring them on planes because the potential for messes or stains is just too high. Soft fruit gets squished and bruised.

There are some foods that need to be refrigerated but that can travel safely for several hours until the time that your child eats them – think cheese sticks, yogurt tubes, etc. If you pack these, just make sure you plan to serve them on the earlier side of a longer trip.

4. Stick with the Familiar

Air travel is not the time to try to expand a child’s picky palate. Pack snacks you know your family likes to eat already, so you aren’t in a situation where your child rejects the choices and is hungry or cranky. Familiar foods are also a safer bet, as you know they won’t do something like upset a sensitive toddler tummy.

5. Pack Plenty of Peanut-Free Choices

Peanuts and peanut butter are popular food choices on planes for many travelers because they provide filling protein options that don’t need to be refrigerated. But one important word of warning to keep in mind – on occasion, the airline you are traveling on may announce that your flight is peanut-free if someone with allergies is on board.

It happens rarely, but it is so important to pack variety of non-peanut snacks for situations like this. (I once found myself at 6 months pregnant on such a flight with nothing but a peanut butter sandwich and learned the hard way!). You really don’t want hungry kids and you REALLY don’t want to put someone with peanut allergies in a dangerous medical situation. Pack a variety of non-nut choices for flexibility.

6. Pack Extra Food for Flight Delays

Finally, always pack many more snacks than you think you might reasonably need. My kids often eat more on planes than they do at home, probably because they are bored and looking to pass the time.

And air travel is so unreliable that you never know when a simple 2 hour flight might turn into a full day of travel delays. You just can’t always count on airport food choices and airline-provided snacks to get you through a flight cancellation or delay. If you have plenty of extra snacks in your carry on bag, you’ll save your sanity on the food front at least!

40 (Mostly) Healthy Kid-Friendly Airplane Snacks

So now let’s get onto some snack suggestions. Here are my top picks for kid-friendly airplane snacks that aren’t of the treat variety.

• Annie’s Bunnies Crackers
• String cheese
• Babybel cheese
• Wheat Thins
• Mini bagels
• Ritz Bits sandwiches (cheese or peanut butter)
• Granola bars
• Cereal bars
• Fruit leather
• Dried fruit pieces
• Puffins cereal
• Pouches of applesauce or similar (the smaller the better for TSA lines )
• Baby carrots
• Animal crackers
• Mini muffins
• Apple slices
• Celery sticks with peanut butter or hummus (look for single-serve packets of hummus and peanut butter)
• Turkey jerky
• Clementines
• Mini rice cakes
• Hard boiled eggs
• Graham crackers
• Lara or Cliff bars
• Rice crackers
• Cheese quesadilla bites (refrigerate before your flight and most kids will eat them cold)
• Gogurt (or other brand of) yogurt tubes (freeze beforehand if you aren’t going to eat right away)
• Puffs (great for babies, but my older child loved stealing these snacks from her baby brother too)

Plus 10 Kid-Friendly Airplane Sweets & Treats

Packing a few treats and sweets is essential too. There are times on a stressful travel day where a little sugar rush can help get everyone through or bribery is needed – no judgment!

• M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, or Skittles
• Marshmallows
• Gummy snacks/gummy bears
• Bite size cookies (like Mini Chips Ahoy or Mini Oreos)
• Jelly beans
• Sweet tarts
• Fruit loops
• Fruit rollups
• Rice crispy treats

 What are your favorite airplane snacks?  Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Tuesday 19th of March 2024

This helped me with a couple of ideas for my flight with my 1 year old in a couple of months. It's always nice to see what other mom's bring with them to make the trip easier and mess-free. On TikTok there is a couple of videos that were in my algorithm that mentioned a snack tackle box which I'm all for!

Monday 10th of August 2020

canned chicken salad with crackers or tuna salad, fruit snacks, I freeze the cheese sticks so they don't melt before eating. Flavored rice cakes are good also. Pringles pack well in a backpack and an empty Pringles can is a good place for mom's medications. I put them in snack size ziplocs and label a.m. and p.m. for the trip. Just have to be sure little hands don't get on those, but it is a nice disposable way to carry medications so that you don't have to have anything on the trip back like a pill case would be. This trip I'm also going to try taking a lunchable.

Monday 25th of September 2017

Great list! The first time I flew with our son he was 4 years old. We brought plenty of snacks to keep him busy. While the chips ahoy cookies were delicious, a piece ended up on the seat and when we exited the plane, I noticed melted chocolate chips stuck to his bottom and everything he had on his seat with him. Caution, don't bring chocolate!

I Flew Frontier Airlines... And It Was Just Fine - Trips With Tykes

Monday 19th of June 2017

[…] Pack Smart: Since you have done your research, prepare accordingly. Pack plenty of snacks for you and your kids and buy any drinks you might want in the airport beforehand to save money. […]

Monday 17th of April 2017

I was looking over the list does the babybel cheese need to be refrigerated?

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20 Top Healthy Travel Snacks (Dietitian Approved)

Wondering what a registered dietitian brings to eat while traveling to stay healthy? I’m sharing my favorite dietitian approved healthy travel snacks that are nutrient dense and low in added sugar.

I love traveling but it quickly becomes no fun when I don’t feel my best (aka my digestion is off) or come home with a cold. These healthy travel snack ideas will help you fuel you up for any adventure. Plus, they’re packed with the good nutrition you need to feel your best while traveling.

I was also recently quoted in Huffington Post in their article “ Best Breakfast Foods To Eat When You’re Traveling, And Why It Matters .”

Healthy Airport Dining Options

Being hangry with a delayed flight and limited food options is no way to kick off a work trip or vacation. While you can’t control how long the line for security will be, you can control what snacks you pack to have on hand for any travel situation! Plus, knowing your airport options and having some carry-on essentials can help even more. A little planning a head of time is to key to fueling up, feeling your best and starting your trip off on the right foot.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maggie Michalczyk, RDN (@onceuponapumpkin)

I will say that airports have come a long way when it comes to food choices. Here in Chicago, O’Hare airport has a few different local Chicago restaurants like Summer House Santa Monica and Publican Tavern inside the airport, and a couple Cibo Express (I know terminal 2 has one for sure!) locations throughout the airport that stock many of the snacks on my list of 15 dietitian approved healthy travel snacks below!

4 Key things to Look For in a Healthy Travel Snack

1. protein content.

Things with protein take longer for our body to digest vs. carbs. That is the reason eating a snack that is all carbs doesn’t work to keep us full for that long. Balancing it out and bringing high protein snacks for travel ensures we actually feel full for longer. Totally needed for every jet setter.

2. Fiber Content

When you’re reading a nutrition label check the fiber content. Why? Fiber helps to keep us fuller for longer and is needed for healthy digestion. Anything above 3 grams of fiber is considered a good source of fiber, and 5 or more is considered “high in fiber”.

Just beware of certain packaged products that have high amounts of added fibers like chicory root fiber and inulin. These can sometimes cause GI distress.

Most of us don’t get close to the recommend 25 gram of fiber we should be eating a day! To prevent constipation while traveling make it a point to incorporate fibrous foods like fruits, veggies and nuts and seeds.

3. Sugar Content

Sugar content will vary from snack to snack. Fruit, veggies and dried fruits contain natural sugars, whereas some packaged snacks can contain a lot of added sugar. Bars are notorious for their sugar content, which is why you want to pick ones that are lower in sugar and contain protein and fiber. The last thing you want is a sugar crash and no energy when you arrive at your destination!

4. Portability

Simple, mess free and easy to pull out of your bag when you’re running from gate to gate! This is a must for snacks which is why I like all of packaged items on the list below or packing fruits/veggies from home in a reusable stasher bag !

20 Dietitian Approved Healthy Travel Snacks

These 20 dietitian (and TSA!) approved travel snacks include ones that are gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo-friendly and low in sugar. They’re portable, easy to take-on-the-go and will fill you up and make you feel GOOD when traveling!

• RX Bar Single Serving Nut Butter Packet
• Purely Elizabeth Individual Oatmeal Cups or Plain Oatmeal Packets
• CHOMPS Meat Sticks
• Made in Nature Veggie Pops
• Made in Nature Figgy Pops
• Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers Snack Packs with Hummus
• Nuts or Low-Sugar Trail Mix
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Portable Fruit Slices
• Portable Veggies Slices
• Dried Fruit
• Air Popped Popcorn
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Ella’s Flats
• Low Sugar Yogurt
• Homemade Wrap/Sandwich
• Low Sugar Granola
• Nut Butter Stuffed Dates
• Roasted Chickpeas
• Baked Cheese Crisps

1. RXBAR single serving nut butter packets

These nut butter packets are the perfect portion size! Pair with an apple or banana or use on top of plain oatmeal for more protein. The vanilla almond butter is my favorite flavor, but you can’t go wrong with any of them!

2. Purely Elizabeth individual oatmeal cups or Quaker plain oatmeal pouches

Great for breakfast or a snack in between flights, oatmeal will give you extra fiber (extra important for digestion when you’re off your routine!) Get plain pouches and add your own fruit and nut butter or opt for these from Purely Elizabeth that are low in sugar and high in fiber.

3. CHOMPS meat sticks

Each stick has 9-10 grams of protein per stick, no added fillers and no added sugar — it doesn’t get much better than that! They are also gluten free, dairy free, AIP friendly, whole30 approved and low carb .

4 & 5. Made in Nature veggie pops or figgy pops

I love these little pre-made energy bites that satisfy your craving for something sweet while not breaking the bank for sugar. The veggie ones are awesome too and contain a good amount of fiber!

6. Simple Mills almond flour crackers snack packs

These are my favorite crackers because they’re made with nutrient dense ingredients and nothing artificial. They’re gluten free and perfect for pairing with string cheese or hummus for a snack!

7. Nuts or low-sugar trail mix

Think pistachios, almonds, or walnuts. You can find Wonderful Pistachios at most airports. I also really like Skinny Dipped Almonds when I’m sick of plain old almonds.

Trail mix is another great option, but be sure to check the ingredient label as many contain added sugars and extra oils. If you have the time, throw one together at home with nuts and seeds!

8. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber and magnesium. Magnesium helps to relax our muscles, and chill us out and who couldn’t use a little more of that on a flight?!

9. Portable Fruit Slices

Think carrots, celery or pepper slices. Cut them up ahead of time and store in a stasher bag to snack on in flight.

10. Portable Veggie Slices

Use the same concept as the fruit slices above but sub in some veggies instead – banana, apple, oranges, grapes, etc.

11. Dried Fruit

Think dried mango, apple rings, prunes, unsweetened banana chips. Here again it’s important to look at the label because there can be added sugar included. Dried fruit is sweet enough as is, so just make sure you see one ingredient (the fruit) only!

12. Air Popped Popcorn

You get a lot of bang for your buck when it comes to popcorn. Meaning you can eat a lot of it for not that many calories, plus some fiber! Pair a serving (roughly 3 cups) with something on this list for a little extra staying power.

13. Hard-Boiled Eggs

One large egg is a good source of protein along with other vitamins and minerals. Pair hard-boiled eggs with anything on this list. My go-to is to pair it with a fruit or veggie.

14. Ella’s Flats

If travel constipation happens to your regularly (see what I did there?!), then I wouldn’t leave home without these! Dress them with hummus or cheese or make a mini high-fiber sandwich with them.

15. Low Sugar Yogurt

Grab this on the other side of security (yogurt is not TSA approved) and opt for one that’s low in sugar and contains simple ingredients like siggi’s .

16. Homemade Wrap/Sandwich

This is one of the best ways to make sure you have a snack/meal that is balanced and will keep you full for most of your travel. I recommend using a whole-grain bread, adding a source of protein like turkey, a veggie or two, and a low sugar spread like hummus.

17. Low Sugar Granola

While most granolas are loaded with sugar, it is possible to find some that are lower than 5g! But if you have trouble finding one, opt to make your own instead. This also gives you the flexibility to add the ingredients you know that you love! You can also give my Healthy Pumpkin Granola recipe a try.

18. Nut Butter Stuffed Dates

Dates are truly nature’s candy, and they are a nutritious treat that is easily portable. Since dates are primarily made up of carbohydrates, slice one open, remove the seed, and fill with your favorite nut butter. This will make it a balanced snack with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fat.

19. Roasted Chickpeas

These are extremely portable and you don’t have to worry about keeping them cold! Brands offer many different varieties of flavors to speak to your taste preferences. They’re also easy to make at home, so you can make a big batch and share with your travel partner. They’ll provide fiber and a little bit of protein.

20. Baked Cheese Crisps

If you like cheese, run to get these. They are perfectly crispy and cheesy. Simply enjoy them with a piece of fruit or veggie, or add them on top of a plain salad that needs a little more flavor and protein.

I like to bring a variety of these snacks because you never know what you’ll be in the mood far!

High Protein Snacks for Travel

Out of all of these snacks, if you’re looking specifically for higher protein snacks for travel (or at least more than 5g per serving), I recommend the following:

• RX Bar single serving nut butter packet
• Purely Elizabeth individual oatmeal cups
• CHOMPS meat sticks
• Made in Nature veggie pops

More Healthy Snack Suggestions

• 25 Healthy Road Trip Snacks Nutritionists Swear By
• Best Protein Packed Snacks for Women
• 20 Healthy Dairy-Free Snacks Approved By Dietitians
• 13 Healthy Crackers Approved By Dietitian

Carry-On Essentials for Healthy Travel

While the food that you have on hand is one of the most important things, here are a few extras I always recommend adding to your travel bag too!

• Empty water bottle. Most every airport has a water refill stations attached to each water fountain…use them! Save yourself five dollars for a water bottle and BYO bottle for water.
• Portable charger . You can’t rely on the chargers near the seats at the terminals…you just can’t! And because literally my worst nightmare is my phone dying as I’m trying to get an Uber home, I always make sure I
• Probiotic Supplement. Tummy troubles can happen whether you’re traveling to a different country, or just a different state. Plus when you’re out of your routine and not drinking enough water, and eating enough fiber, constipation can become a real thing. In order to make sure my digestion stays on track I always pack my probiotic, and this one that I take from mindbodygreen is shelf stable which means it doesn’t need to be refrigerated to be effective.
• Neosporin . I started putting neosporin up my nostrils while flying late last year, and haven’t been sick after a flight since. Yes, it’s weird when the people I’m sitting next to on the plane see me stick it up my nose but I truly do not care at all if it prevents me from catching the nasties that are in the air on planes! I’m not opposed to a face mask either!

Traveling to Thailand? Be sure to check out this post and this post too!

**This post contains affiliate links which means I may get a commission if you click one of the links and end up buying something.

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This article has been updated and edited. Originally Posted: June 20, 2019

 How to Build a Snack Board 

140+ top healthy trader joe’s foods (+ shopping list), millennial nutrition insights from a millennial dietitian, ways to add more nutrition to the foods you already eat, veggie & rice spring rolls with thai peanut sauce, spinach oven-baked pizza frittata, one thought on “ 20 top healthy travel snacks (dietitian approved) ”.

The more I read, the greater your material is. I have covered a lot of the other sources, like this on https://nomoretrianglenations.com/dear-diary-growing-up-sucks-if-you-let-it/nonetheless , only here, I have found valid information with such necessary facts to bear in mind.

I suggest you will publish articles with many topics to upgrade our knowledge, mine in particular.

The language is just another thing-just brilliant! I believe I have already found my ideal source of the most up-to-date information, thanks to you!

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The Snackle Box- A Genius Travel Snack Hack 

How many times during a road trip do your kids tell you they’re hungry?  I’m hungry! I want a snack! 200. The answer is 200. At least that’s how it feels when we’re on a road trip with our kids. Bedtime and during a road trip, kids become the most hungry and thirsty people alive!  I have made quite possibly the most genius road trip hack there is. An organized way (you know I’m all about organized travel) to control your kid’s snacks, but also put them in control of their snacking. This is one of my most powerful genius road trip hacks for kids !

This snackle box is completely customizable, down to the size of compartments you use. You can pick which snacks, or even a full lunch, you want in there. Then your kids get to graze at their own pace, want, or need.  The best part is that you can reuse this hack every trip you take. Pack it up with your travel bags and use it next time.   

So, check out this amazingly easy but totally genius snackle box hack! 

What is a snackle box?

I see you there scratching your head. You’re probably thinking what in the world of road trip hacks is a snackle box? I see your curiosity, but you have questions. Right?

It is a smoosh of 2 words to create probably the best and time saving road trip hack

Snack + tackle box = Snackle box  

Does that make sense? It really is that simple. Snacks inside a tackle box. But really, there is so much more to it than that. 

What you will need for your snackle box 

I’ve said this hack is simple.. All it requires is 2 things. 

• A tackle box. The only suggestion I have here is, make sure the dividers can be removed and moved around to customize your compartment sizes. 
• Snacks. Whatever your kids will love, and maybe a few healthy options too. :) 

What to put inside your snackle box 

This is probably one of my favorite road trip hacks of all time, simply because it is so easy and can be customized to each kid. It gives me the opportunity to give them the snacks that they love, and even sneak in some healthy options. 

What I put inside our snackle box 

We decided that ours would include lunch for our girls. But here are a few items I put in my girls’ snackle box for our 9 hour road trip. 

• A sandwich. Any kind your kids want. We choose PB&J. Always a favorite in our house. 
• Dried fruits and vegetables. My girls love dried fruits and veggies. And they’re so small that they can fit inside this box. 
• Fresh fruits and veggies. Some of these you’ll have to be careful with because they don’t store well outside of a fridge for more than a few hours. But small tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, strawberries, and blueberries would travel perfectly. 
• Cheese. This could be the baby bell round cheese, they fit perfectly in a single square. Or even sliced up or string cheese. 
• Granola bar. Could be a regular granola bar, or a fruit and grain softer cereal bar. 

I even included a few fun, not so healthy snacks in there as well. 

• Cookies. Broken in half larger cookies. Oreo’s fit nice, or even a bite sized cookie. 
• Fruit snacks. Taken out of the package fits so well in there. 
• Crackers. Goldfish or teddy grahams. Small and fit so well in there. 
• Candy. This could be repurposed from around the house, or leftover from a recent holiday. Even a package of store bought candy can be split between a few snackle boxes. Or even saved in mom’s bag for her to snack on, or refill a compartment for later. 

Other fun snack options 

• Chips. Toss a few in a larger compartment. 
• Nuts. Any kind works well. And they’re small. A favorite snack in our house. 
• Apple sauce pouch. These may need a larger compartment to fit. But they’re easy clean up and come in a few different fun flavors.                                    **Go check out my post about a garbage can hack. It will make your snackle box clean up even easier!!** 
• Popcorn. Comes in different flavors as well. You could even put in a sweeter popcorn for fun too. 
• Pretzels. So many fun different shapes and sizes. 
• Chex mix or trail mix. This could be store bought, or your kids could make their own. I smell a fun pre road trip craft with the kids. 

A breakfast snackle box

Dare I even mention a breakfast snackle box? 

If you’re planning a long road trip, my guess is that you’re planning to leave early. Your kids might even be sleeping when you leave, we can dream right? What’s better than 1 snackle box? Yup..2! 

Here’s a quick idea of that you could put in a breakfast snackle box

• Mini pancakes. The premade frozen ones would fit great. 
• Waffle. Cut into strips of course. 
• Cereal. Choose your favorite. 
• Fruit. Make sure what you pick will last a few hours though. Did you know you can cut a banana in half and wrap the open end in tinfoil and it will last longer? 

Did I blow your mind with this road trip hack greatness? I really hope so. 

We use the snackle box on every trip now. It has really changed our traveling game entirely. And I hope it changes your traveling strategy going forward. 

If this post has also changed your traveling game all together. Then you need to go read my post about the 12 must have items for your next road trip. They will ease your road trip so much. 

If you use this hack, post it and tag me in it on Instagram or Tiktok . I love seeing the snackle box out in the wild and saving your vacations. :)

Hey, I’m Diana aka

I am a Pinterest mom of 3 who loves to travel. I share my mom hacks, simple ways to make magical memories, and ways you can travel the world with your kids.

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Snackle Box

A traveling charcuterie board… a grazing box on the go… a tackle box meets snacks? Call it what you want, but the Snackle Box might be my new favorite way to snack. Organize a box with your favorite goodies, open it up, sit back, and enjoy. You’re in for a treat! 

Let’s Create a Snackle Box!

Okay, so the snackle box might be my new favorite charcuterie / grazing board trend. I came across it on social media and when I saw it I knew I had to give it a try. The results made me giddy and now I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go back to regular snacking. 

So you might be wondering….

What is a snackle box?

It’s a portable and cleverly organized charcuterie board! The basic idea here is to take a tackle box and fill it with snacks. We’re turning a tackle box into a charcuterie board and calling it a snackle box. 

Now, before you get confused (because folks have in the past), I am aware that a charcuterie board is traditionally associated with a spread of meats. However, these days I believe it’s generally acceptable to call any spread of foods, be it cheeses, desserts, snacks, meats, etc., a charcuterie. I’ve done a few in my time including a s’mores board , a coffee-inspired snack spread , and a summer cheese board . No matter how you do it (in this case it is organized and built into a tackle box), it’s a fun way to eat. 

I did a bit of research to see if there was an “official” creator/inventor of this snackle box idea and I came up with at least five different names, so I don’t know who to give credit to. My assumption is that the idea evolved from the popular bento box (which is basically just a small tackle box) and morphed into something larger. 

What can I use as a snackle box?

I’d say you need some sort of tackle box to make this a true snackle box, but as with many things, creativity is welcome. I searched for a while on Amazon to find the tackle box I’m using here . Know that there are LOTS of options, so I’m certain you can find something that works for you. There are even single layer or small options if you don’t want something as big as I used here. 

I really like the design, style, and color of this one . I also love that the lid completely folds back to rest on your surface making it stable. The last thing you want is your snackle box to tip over.

One thing I will caution you about is to pay attention to the dimensions of your tackle box. I ordered some smaller ones to do a mini version. Unfortunately, I didn’t take note of the exact size and they ended up being way too small. 

Also, don’t limit yourself to just a traditional “tackle box.” Check out craft departments and look for craft, sewing, etc. storage boxes as these also work really well! 

Is a tackle box food safe?

Yes. However, please review the materials you’re using before purchasing or filling with food. Make certain your box is food-safe before using it. Tackle boxes are available in metal or plastic. I opted for plastic as I felt that it might be easier to clean and it would eliminate any risk of rust. You could also line your boxes with some sort of parchment paper if you have any concerns with your food items directly touching your tackle box of choice. 

What are good options for a snackle box?

In addition to the one I used , I’m going to link a few snack boxes that I think would work well. However, please keep in mind that I only used/tested the one pictured here . So please do your research before ordering to make sure the tackle box you’re buying is food safe, the right size, and meets your specific needs. 

• Three-Layer Multipurpose Storage Box
• Tackle Box with Movable Trays
• Red / Gray Classic Tray Tackle Box

What goodies go in a snackle box?

Anything really. 

I went with the more traditional approach of cheese, meat, fruit, and veggies, but you can do whatever you’d like. Fill your snackle box with desserts, candies, just cheese, strictly meats, tea sandwiches, etc. You’re only limited by your imagination and appetite. 

For my snackle box, I used the following:

• assorted cheeses
• pepperoni, cured meat
• carrots, snap peas, cucumbers
• assorted nuts
• chocolate chips
• chocolate cookies
• peanut butter pretzels
• mini preserves, honey
• herbs to garnish

That’s it! 

It takes a little time to put together, but my goodness it’s totally worth it. The results are just too cute for words.  And delicious too ! 

Other Frequently Asked Questions:

You may have a few other questions before or while assembling. I’m going to do my best to answer those for you. 

Does a snackle box need to be refrigerated? 

Yes. It’s likely that it will. Make sure you have space in a refrigerator or cooler. 

How do you clean it?

I just used hot soapy water and washed it out in my sink. This is why I chose the box I did. The process was really easy. 

How many does it serve?

It all depends. I’d say this particular snackle box serves about 4-6 as an afternoon snack. 

Is it worth the time and effort?

You bet it is! When you open the lid of the box and the little drawers fold open to reveal layer after layer of treats, magic happens. (You can see a video of this box in action HERE.) 

That’s a Wrap! 

And that’s a wrap on the snackle box. It’s the latest in food, charcuterie, and grazing board trends. I  highly  recommend you give it a try! 

Want to know more? Want me to try other variations of snacks? Have questions? Let me know in the comments below. 

I hope you’ll give this trend a try! If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me @inspiredbycharm so I can see your creative culinary work! 

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Ingredients

• pepperoni, cured meats
• small desserts
• M&Ms, skittles, yogurt-covered raisins
• mini alcohol bottles

Instructions

• Begin by thoroughly cleaning your tackle box. If desired, line each compartment with parchment paper.
• Carefully fill each cavity with your selected food items. Spread items out in a pleasing manner to create an attractive spread.
• Add napkins, cutlery, hand wipes, etc. to the bottom of your tackle box.
• Garnish with fresh herbs.
• Store chilled until ready to serve.

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47 Comments

What are the round red things in the top basket of the Snackle Box?

They are Babybel Cheese. 🙂

Wow, I really appreciate this idea. This idea for me is great when on a short trip. Great ideas! Happy Easter, Michael!

Thank you so much Mary! It’s so fun and unique.

Can you tell me or provide a link for the little cups you used inside the snackle box? Thanks!

I think I found them at Walmart or Target. They are with the plastic food storage containers. They are meant for little snack or condiments.

Thank you 🙂

Please give Julie Blanner credit for this.

Why would I do that? I shared this idea way before she did. I posted this snackle box back in 2022. She posted hers after mine in 2023.

Thanks! xo Michael

I ordered three of these snackle boxes to give as gifts and four months later, they never arrived. Amazon thankfully refunded my money. Is this company a HOAX???? very disappointing. . .

A – D – O – R – A – B – L – E !!!!!!

Fabulous!! I can’t wait to try this – it’ll be my first picnic of the year! THANKS!

I LOVE this idea! We live in a community with a small man-made lake and the HOA has little electric boats we can take out to enjoy. we always like to take some wine and snacks with us and it’s usually a pain to set up once on board. i already ordered my tackle box, plus a couple of bento boxes for smaller snacks. i am going to put one together for my husband’s birthday on Sunday when we have our kids over for a boat ride.

What a wonderful concept. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

Hello Michael, I love the idea of a Snackle Box! How fun!! It looks so good.

Thank you Junie!!

What a great idea! I just ordered my shackle box. You’ve INSPIRED me like you always do!!!

This is the cutest idea ever! I ordered one that you tried and can’t wait to make a “Snackale Box” Thank you for posting!

Michael, too cute and very creative!! Awesome idea and could be great gift giving idea too!!

How do I order?

Order? What are you looking to order?

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Home > Recipes > General

Create a Snackle Box This Summer for Easy Snacking on the go!

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Turn a tackle box into the perfect snackle box to take on road trips, to the beach, or to eat while lounging at the pool!

Snack time on the go just got a little more fun!

Consider creating a compartmentalized snack food tackle box or “snackle box” the next time your family goes on a road trip, flight, or beach trip! I love this viral trend that’s popular on social media because it’s such a smart way to take snacks on the go.

See this snackle box in action on YouTube!

The best part is you can choose to include the snacks your family would prefer without taking along a bunch of extra packaging for each item! Opening an organized box with all your favorite small snacks is super satisfying!

Who wouldn’t love a tackle box charcuterie board?

These are actually pretty quick to make and you can use up any little odds and ends in the fridge you may already have on hand! I put together one for myself in about ten minutes using things I already had on hand such as cheese, crackers, pickles, pumpkin seeds, and fruit. Turns out that coming up with yummy snackle box ideas is very fun.

Just pop this in your cooler or cooler bag to take on the go! Check out our suggestions on the best Yeti cooler bag alternatives! 

What snackle box container is the best?

I already had this inexpensive Tambeau Tuff Tainer from Amazon.com on hand to organize crafts and repurposed it in my examples shown. I like the size of it and the adjustable dividers. If you are more particular about plastic, this 2-pack smaller tackle box is made with durable PP (Polypropylene) plastic may be another option to consider!

You can also check out the dollar store or any other big box retailer for various size options.

Wondering what to put in a snackle box? Check out these two helpful snackle box ideas for inspiration:

• Dot’s pretzels 
• cheese, crackers, pepperoni
• grapes, cherries, strawberries
• white cheddar popcorn
• Chomp’s beef sticks 
• roasted pumpkin seeds
• peanut butter crackers 
• mini pickles

• fruit snacks
• goldfish crackers
• Cherios 
• pretzels 
• string cheese
• blueberries & grapes
• cucumbers & tomatoes
• Sargento cheese and crackers 
• Cheese-It crackers 

Is there a downside to this popular snackle box idea?

Honesty I don’t think so! I do think it’s best to compile it and eat it the same day though. I noticed any crunchy foods like crackers can get soggy the next day.

If you have any snackle box tips to share, please share them in the comments so we can all get ideas! 

Check out my favorite on-the-go road trip sandwich hack for the cooler! 

About the writer:

Lina has a Bachelor's Degree from Northern Arizona University with 11 years of blogging and photography experience having work featured in Today.com, Martha Stewart, Country Living, Fox News, Buzzfeed, and HGTV.

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Please check the grade of plastic on these before you store food in them. I don’t believe the linked box is made of a food safe plastic grade. Plastics non manufactured for food stored can have non-safe chemical application of leech BPA.

Thanks, Stacy! 💕 There is a 2 pack, smaller box linked above as another option if concerned about the plastic. 🤗

I love charcuterie boards for home and snackle boxes for on the go. My friend group took a tour of Charleston last year and I surprised them all with a personalized snackle box for the bus ride.

Oh yay love that idea! Thanks for sharing Michelle! ❤️

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200 Road Trip Snack Ideas: The Ultimate Travel Snack Guide 

• Date: March 15, 2022
• Time to read: 7 min.

When you are planning a road trip, snacks are a pillar in the planning. I asked a group of road trip lovers what their favorite snacks are and the results were amazing. 

769 votes for 222 individual snack choices, some of the choices were way out there and some overall favorites emerged. 

Most Popular Road Trip Snacks

The absolute favorite, time honored road trip snacks are:

These snacks are great because they don’t leave crumbs , keep you full and keep you awake! 

These snacks got almost a quarter of all the votes for snacks!

Other Popular Snacks:

These snacks also got quite a few votes:

Sometimes you just need some snack inspiration, so here is a monster list of snacks for your next trip. 

Once you have shopped all the snacks, time to organize it all for the trip. 

How to Organize Road Trip Snacks

The van can get messy so fast on a road trip, but there are a few tips that work for me to keep the snacks organized and the car a bit cleaner. 

Plan to have two stocks of road trip snacks , one for the trip there and one for the way back. 

I usually just buy doubles of our snacks and pack one away in a paper grocery bag. I try to keep it out of sight of everyone so it does not get opened before we need it. 

Use a Cooler

A traditional cooler is great for keeping some drinks cold and allow you to pack things like lunch meat and cheese. 

We have this Igloo cooler , it fits in our van well, has wheels and keeps things cold for quite a long time. This is an affiliate link, if you choose to purchase after you click the link I will receive a commission at no cost to you. 

I keep the cooler organized by adding drinks on one side and food on the other, I keep a shoebox sized tupperware in the cooler to help ensure that my lunchmeat and cheese do not get wet. 

This works well for us and makes it easy to grab out exactly what we need when it is time to make sandwiches. 

Plan Your Meals

I know, its vacation and you just want to relax, but having a plan will make it simple to put together meals. 

Planning meals does not mean you cannot eat out or stop at cool local stops, but you can have some options planned. 

You can use this printable road trip meal planner if you want to make sure you have all the bases covered.

I think it is important to plan some fun meals as well, those can be planned and packed or purchased on the road. We have a large family, so sometimes we buy a main like a big box of chicken nuggets, then eat chips on the side to save money. 

You can read a few more large family fast food hacks in the linked post. 

Backseat Trash 

When you pass back snacks to your kids, do not pass back anything that can turn into little pieces. Styrofoam is banned from the backseat in my car. We get the kids milks or juice boxes because it is just going to be picked into tiny pieces. 

Be careful not to pass back any trash unless you have a trash can in the back seat . Consider getting food baskets, like these on Amazon (affiliate link), and line them with a napkin to pass back food. 

We put a basket between the car seats and line it with a grocery bag so that there is a place to put the trash. 

Types of Road Trip Snacks

Remember the golden rule of road trip snacks: 

No matter how old you get, buying snacks for a road trip should look like an unsupervised 9 year old was given $100. 

In my survey 97 votes went to candy, and over 50% of the road trip favorites included gas station snacks. 

Well, you may be a crazed 9 year old snacker, or a high protein low carb, unprocessed, vegan or gluten free road trip snacker and if you are you will find inspiration in the list that came from the survey. 

Here is the oddly specific list of snacks recommended by real road trip fans. (You can find the printable version here.)

Fudge Rounds

Lemon Drops

Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

Dried Mango

Cereal Bars

Applesauce Pouches

Dried Cherries

Chocolate Covered Almonds

Mint Extra Gum

Jelly Bellys 

Golden Oreos

Watermelon Sour Patch Kids

Strawberry Lifesavers

Charleston Chew

Muddy Buddies

Sour Patch Kids

Rice Krispy Treats 

Black Licorice

Strawberry Licorice

Swedish Fish

Nilla Wafers

Brownie Brittle 

Reeses PB Cups 

Yogurt Covered Raisins

PB and Fluff Sandwich

Kettle Corn

Teddy Grahams

Pecan Log Roll

Mini Cupcakes

Sour Gummy Worms

Fig Newtons

Dry Honey Nut Cheerios 

Tootsie Pops

Strawberries

Mixed Berry Skittles

Nutter Butters

Little Debbie Cakes

Peanut M&Ms 

Cherry Turkey Jerky

Pumpkin Seeds

Cheese Curds

Beef and Cheese Sticks

Lime and Jalapeno Chips 

Costco Korean Pork Jerky

Road Trip Charcuterie Box

Roasted Vegetables

PB Crackers

Rolled Lunchmeat 

Cheese Whisps

Pimento Cheese with Celery

Sour Cream and Onion Chips

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Rotisserie Chicken 

Summer Sausage

Tuna in Oil

Chicharones

Chili Cheese Fritos with Bean Dip 

Fried Chicken 

Smoked Almond

Cool Ranch Doritos 

Pizza Combos

Dot Pretzels

Sesame Sticks

Cheeto Puffs

PB Filled Pretzels

Cheese Crackers

Chicken N Biscuit Crackers

Nacho Cheese Doritos 

PB Cheese Crackers

Hummus and Carrot Chips

Celery and Peanut Butter

Veggies and Ranch Dip

Sunflower Seeds

Beef Jerky 

Firecrackers (Sardines in Oil with Crushed Red Pepper)

Flaming Hot Cheetos

Wasabi Peas 

Hot Tamales 

Hot and Spicy Pork Rinds 

Bang Energy

Monster Energy

Iced Coffee

Diet Sprite

Sparkling Water

Cherry Coke

Firecrackers (Sardines in oil with red pepper flakes)

Cherry Turkey Jerky 

Carrot Chips

Cheese Curds 

Beef and Cheese Sticks 

Road Trip Charcuterie

Roasted Veg

Rolled Lunchmeat and Cheese

Chicharones 

Avocado with Everything Seasoning

Breakfast Sausage

Low Carb Protein Shake

Smoked Almonds

Boiled Peanuts

Bell Pepper Strips

Macadamia Nuts

Beef Sticks

Boiled Eggs

String Cheese

Rice Krispy Treats

Pimento Cheese

Banana Bread

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Bread

Raspberries

Mixed Berries 

Bell Pepper

Dried Fruit

Dried Mango 

Dried Apples 

On the Road

Buc Ee’s Nuggets

McDonald’s Sausage Egg and Cheese

Local Pizza

Local Jerky 

Golden Ribs

Fruit Snacks

Jelly Belly

Gummy Worms

Gummy Bears

Rum Butter Life Savers

Sour Patch Kids 

Peanut M&Ms

Reeses Cups

Pimento Cheese and Celery

Meat and Cheese with Crackers

Protein Bars

Protein Shakes

Bell Pepper Strips and Hummus

Almond Butter

Lay’s Honey BBQ Chips

Dots Pretzels

Trail Mix Bars

Lime Jalapeno Chips

Pretzel Rods

Dry Cereal 

Honey Nut Cheerios

Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Shredded Wheat

Baby Carrots

Flamin Hot Fritos

Brownie Brittle

Fruit Leather

Dried Apples

Shelf Stable (No Cooler)

Rice Krispies

Protein Shakes (powder)

Tuna Snack Packs

Wasabi Peas

Tuna in Oil 

Peanut Butter

Toddler Snacks

Nilla wafers

Yogurt Covered Raisins 

M&Ms (Or Peanut)

Rolled Lunch Meat and Cheese

Chocolate Chips

Apple Slices

Orange Slices

Grapes (Cut in Half) 

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12 Snackle Box Ideas That Will Reel in the Whole Family

Start snacking smarter with a snackle box filled with your favorite treats!

Kids are fickle, and adults like a selection of items to graze on when they become a bit peckish. This is what makes snackle boxes so incredibly spectacular! For those unfamiliar with this scrumptious snack system, we introduce you to the perfect way to pack your snacks!

Sweet and Savory Snackle Box Ideas

For the folks who have taken the bait and are looking to sink their teeth into a tackle box filled with treats, here are some spectacular snack spreads to consider!

• 30+ Healthy Back-to-School Snacks That'll Make Kids Happy
• 12 Easy School Lunch Ideas That Are Kid & Parent Approved
• 54 Fun Summer Activities for Kids to Keep Them Occupied All Season

Boushie Breakfast

Breakfast all day is simply the best! Grab your DASH Mini Waffle Maker , whip up some waffles, and then slice them into quarters. Next, slide in some fresh blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Pair this with individual containers of maple syrup, honey, peanut butter, and jam, and you have the perfect snackle box for breakfast lovers!

Classic Charcuterie Catch

Who can turn down a classic? Salami, prosciutto, and Spanish chorizo, along with cheddar, havarti, gouda, and gruyere cheeses, make for a protein-packed snack. Of course, you cannot forget the spicy mustard, crackers, a handful of olives, and candied pecans for a hint of sweetness! Snackle box charcuterie is a fantastic food choice for long road trips or hikes.

Fruicuterie Fare

Speaking of charcuterie , fruit lovers will fall for this colorful spread. Snag some berries, cherries, grapes, and apple slices, with a spritz of lemon juice to keep them fresh, and pair them with brie, crackers, Greek yogurt dip, almonds, pistachios, and chocolate-covered pretzels. This is a refreshing choice that everyone in the family is bound to enjoy!

Relish Tray

It's the perfect mix of saltiness and earthy sweetness! Stuff this snackle box with a tangy mix of pitted green, black, and Kalamata olives, pickles, green onions, radishes, banana peppers, parmesan Whisps, and salami. While this may seem like an odd snack for kids, many are surprisingly open to trying new flavors and even love sour and bitter bites!

Antipasto Appetizer

Mozzarella balls, parmesan, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, salami, prosciutto, black olives, marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, cheese tortellinis, and Italian dressing are a hearty choice that will keep everyone on the crew satiated. Oh, and don't forget to add in mini breadsticks for an added crunch!

Fantastic Fiesta

For the fans of Mexican fare, this is the snackle box for you! Spanish chorizo, Manchego cheese, chips, sweet peppers, pickled jalapenos, chili-seasoned pistachios, and carne seca make for a spicy selection that's bound to keep your family moving throughout a busy day! Don't forget your dips - you can package pico de gallo and guacamole in individual condiment containers that fit right in your box.

Mediterranean Mezze

Make Hercules proud with a mixture of pita bread, hummus, Kalamata olives, roasted chickpeas, sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, hearts of palm, cucumber slices, artichoke hearts, and fresh basil leaves. In terms of your meats and cheeses, salami, prosciutto, mozzarella balls, and feta cheese are a fine choice. Then, for a touch of sweetness, parents can throw in grapes, figs, berries, dried fruits, and mini baklava bars .

Willy Wonka Wonderland

This is quite possibly every kid's dream! A big box filled with the best chocolates, candies, gummies, cookies, mini marshmallows, and yogurt-covered pretzels will be quite the treat! For those headed to the movies, this is an easy snackle box to slide into the back of the diaper bag so that everyone has snacks for the feature film!

Parfait Parade

For the families who have room to pack disposable solo cups in their bag, consider crafting a parfait bar in your snackle box. Fill condiment containers with your favorite brand of vanilla Greek yogurt, and then pack your tray with granola, ground cookie topping, and fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Add in chocolate chips, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, and toasted or candied almonds, and your portable breakfast bar is complete!

Decadent Dessert

For the more discerning palates, elevate your sweet snackle box experience by filling it with chocolate-covered espresso beans, strawberries, and pretzels, white chocolate-covered cranberries, raspberries, green grapes, pirouettes, candied pecans, and caramel popcorn. This is the perfect mix of natural and artificial sweetness with just a hint of salty mixed in.

Asian Snack Spread

Edamame with a sprinkle of kosher salt, scallion pancakes, a condiment jar of soy ginger or peanut sauce for dipping, and roasted soybeans are all delicious choices! Add in sweet potato chips, dragon fruit slices, dried mango, and loquats, and you have a healthy dessert to pair with your snack. This is a wonderful option for older kids who are a little less particular about trying new foods.

Kiddie Classics

Crackers, meat, and cheese have made Lunchables a classic for over 30 years. Why mess with a system that clearly works? For the picky eaters, snag some Ritz and butter crackers, throw in some cheddar and colby-jack cheeses along with hard salami and pepperoni, and you have yourself a hit! Include some grapes, berries, and gummies, and this simple snackle box is guaranteed to have something for both kids and adults.

• Costco Snacks Make Snackle Boxes Easy

What Is a Snackle Box?

A snackle box is exactly what it sounds like - a mini tackle box filled with snacks. In other words, a charcuterie board in a perfectly organized box! Each compartment houses a different treat, which gives the user the ultimate snacking system.

These can be easily made by purchasing tackle box or bead organizers. Looking for individual portions? Bento boxes are also a great choice!

Is Using a Tackle or Bead Box Safe for Food?

Food is safe to store in tackle and bead boxes when you select containers made from PETE / PET, HDPE, LDPE, and PP plastics. These are all the same materials that make up your milk jugs, yogurt containers, bottle caps, and Ziploc bags! Just make sure to read the fine print on the bottom of these containers and hand wash them before use.

What Other Attributes Should I Look For?

When looking for the ideal snack box, other attributes to consider are adjustable dividers. This allows you to customize your snack options completely. Also, tackle boxes with secure latches and a watertight seal are optimal for preventing spills and leaks.

When Would a Snackle Box Benefit Me?

For the folks who like to skip big meals and prefer to graze all day, snackle boxes are made just for you! However, for the rest of society who doesn't like to munch on mini morsels for their meals, snackle boxes can still bring big benefits when you head off on a road trip , go to an outdoor concert or play, have to spend all day at your kid's swim meet, or are planning to spend a day at the lake.

For those couples looking to go on a romantic hike, planning to watch a drive-in movie, or simply have a picnic in the park, snackle boxes are also a great way to transport your meal items on fun dates !

How Do I Keep My Snackle Box Cold?

If your fare features items that need to stay on ice, then invest in a PackIt Freezable Grocery Tote . This is a simple solution that will keep your snackle box cold for hours, and it requires no ice packs. Best of all, there's room to throw in drinks to pair with your snack spread!

Snackle Boxes Are Completely Customizable

For the parents with picky eaters , it's important to remember that snackle boxes are completely customizable, so take the food options you like best and make the box your own! This is the best way to ensure that everyone stays happy and full!

60 Best Airplane Snacks For Toddlers: Happy Travel With Kids

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Getting ready for a long flight with your little one and wondering about the best airplane snacks for toddlers that will keep them happy and satisfied in the skies? I’ve got you covered. Whether it’s a quick hop or a long-haul journey, picking the right snacks can make all the difference.

Here’s a top recommendation to start: Peanut butter sandwich squares . They are a fantastic option for young kids. They’re not only packed with energy but also hold up well over long trips. Easy to handle and not too crumbly, these squares can be a tasty and filling snack without causing a huge mess. Plus, they’re a good source of protein and can be made with whole-grain bread for an added health benefit.

Remember to check for any allergy restrictions for the passengers around you, but if you’re all clear, peanut butter could be a great way to keep those little tummies full until you reach your final destination. For longer flights, consider pairing these with fresh fruit like apple slices – they stay fresh at room temperature and are a sweet treat for little kids.

Just a quick reminder: Always check the TSA website – or your local government equivalent for the latest guidelines on what you can bring. Baby food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding the usual limits for liquids, but they might require additional screening.

Now, get those carry-on bags ready with these tasty treats, and you’ll be all set for a smooth and snack-filled flight with your toddler!

60 Airplane-Friendly Snacks for Toddlers

When you’re high above the clouds with a toddler in tow, the best airplane snacks are those that don’t demand a cold pack and can withstand a bit of turbulence without creating a Picasso on the tray table. For those long flights, it’s all about convenience and keeping young children content, without the hassle of ice packs or the worry of food spoiling. Luckily, we’ve put together 60 great snack ideas for your toddler to take on the plane, here they are:

• Sliced cucumbers – cool and hydrating.
• Rice cakes – light and crunchy.
• Mini rice rolls – easy to handle.
• Dried fruit – naturally sweet.
• Rice puffs – melt in the mouth.
• Cheese cubes – packed with calcium.
• Graham crackers – less crumbly than cookies.
• Oatmeal cookies – a wholesome treat.
• Pretzel sticks – fun to munch on.
• Air-popped popcorn – without added butter or salt.
• Banana chips – crunchy and sweet.
• Freeze-dried berries – no mess, lots of flavor.
• Roasted chickpeas – a protein-rich bite.
• Baby carrots – a satisfying crunch.
• Whole grain tortilla chips – a better alternative to potato chips.
• Nut-free trail mix – safe for allergies.
• Edamame – packed with protein.
• Snap peas – crispy and nutritious.
• Sunflower seeds (shell-free) – for a bit of texture.
• Mini bagels – a filling option.
• Seed crackers – packed with nutrients.
• Sugar-free gelatin cups – wobbly and fun.
• Plain yogurt in spill-proof containers – for a dose of probiotics.
• Applesauce pouches – no spoon needed.
• Cheese strings – fun to peel.
• Raisins – in small boxes for easy handling.
• Natural fruit leather – sweet without added sugar.
• Whole grain waffles – soft and chewy.
• Pita slices – pair with spreadable cheese.
• Blueberry muffins – made with whole wheat.
• Baked sweet potato fries – soft and sweet.
• Quinoa puffs – a light snack.
• Almond butter packets – for dipping or spreading.
• Roasted seaweed snacks – crispy and salty.
• Pea crisps – a veggie snack with a crunch.
• Unsweetened shredded wheat – a fibrous choice.
• Spinach and kale chips – for a green veggie boost.
• Pear slices – juicy and sweet.
• Zucchini bread – sneaks in veggies.
• Cauliflower tots – tasty and trendy.
• Sugar snap peas – a sweet veggie treat.
• Hummus cups – for dipping veggies or crackers.
• Sliced bell peppers – colourful and sweet.
• Baked tofu cubes – a soft, protein-rich option.
• Mini cornbread muffins – a touch of savoury.
• Fruit cups in natural juice – no added sugar.
• Gluten-free fig bars – for sensitive tummies.
• Nut-free granola – sprinkle on yogurt or eat solo.
• Veggie straws – less greasy than chips.
• Guacamole cups – healthy fats and flavours.
• Pumpkin seeds – a nutrient-dense nibble.
• Baked apple chips – a naturally sweet choice.
• Watermelon cubes – hydrating and refreshing.
• Organic fruit snacks – made with real fruit juice.
• Coconut flakes – a tropical twist.
• Chia seed pudding – in a portable container.
• Homemade mini pancakes – easy to eat.
• Cherry tomatoes – a burst of juiciness.
• Soy yogurt – a dairy-free alternative.
• Whole grain English muffin – with a spread of your choice.

These snack options aim to keep your toddler content and nourished from takeoff to landing, providing a balance of flavour, nutrition, and convenience.

Best Healthy Snack Options For Toddlers

Healthy snack ideas are a cornerstone of a peaceful flight with toddlers, especially on those long-haul flights where options may be limited. Here are some top healthy travel snacks that are perfect for young children and easy for parents to manage in a confined space like an airplane.

Hard-boiled eggs are a solid food item rich in protein and can help keep your toddler’s hunger at bay. They’re a filling snack and can be a good option for parents looking for something wholesome and substantial. Just peel them in advance for mess-free eating.

For a dairy delight, consider packing some individual portions of cheese sticks . They’re mess-free, don’t require spreading, and don’t come with the extra cost of pre-packaged snacks you’ll find at the airport. Plus, the calcium and protein are great for young kids.

Dried fruit, like raisins or apricots , can be a great airplane snack, providing a natural sweetness without the spike in sugar levels. They’re easy to pack in small plastic bags and don’t create a huge mess. Remember to balance these with other snacks, as the concentrated sugar content can still be quite high.

Whole grain cereal or oatmeal packets can be a surprisingly convenient and healthy option. Many flights offer hot water, which can be used to quickly prepare oatmeal. For cereal, you can bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing airport security, add some milk from the flight attendants, and you’ve got a healthy snack. Plus, the whole grains will provide lasting energy for those long trips.

Sippy cups or spill-proof containers with your child’s favourite beverage can be a lifesaver. Fill them with water after going through airport security to ensure your toddler stays hydrated throughout the flight.

For a vegetable fix, snap peas or sliced bell peppers are refreshing, hydrating, and packed with vitamins. They also provide that satisfying crunch toddlers love.

Lastly, don’t forget about food pouches containing pureed fruits and vegetables , which are a great way to include baby food for younger children without the need for spoons and bowls. They’re a healthy snack option, easy to consume, and some are even designed to be served at room temperature, making them a hassle-free snack for air travel.

By selecting a variety of snacks, you’re not just catering to the nutritional needs of your toddler, but also keeping them engaged with different tastes and textures. This approach minimizes fuss and maximizes satisfaction for both parents and young travellers, ensuring a smoother journey to your final destination.

Tips for Bringing Snacks on a Plane

When flying with toddlers , being prepared with the right snacks can make your air travel experience far more enjoyable. Knowing the TSA regulations and best practices for packing can save you time at the security checkpoint and ensure you have a happy, well-fed little traveller on your next flight.

Understanding TSA Regulations

First and foremost, familiarize yourself with TSA rules regarding what snacks and drinks you can carry onto the plane. Solid food items like sandwiches, granola bars, and crackers can be packed directly in your carry-on bags . If you’re carrying liquids or gels for your young children, such as baby food or breast milk, the TSA allows these in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces, and they don’t need to fit within a quart-sized bag. However, they must be presented to the officers at the security checkpoint for additional screening.

Packing Strategies for Carry-On Luggage

When it comes to organizing snacks in your carry-on, clear plastic bags are your friend. They can be easily scanned by security and also allow you to see and grab snacks quickly during the flight. Using separate bags for different types of snacks can help keep things organized—think one for dry snacks, another for fruits and veggies, and a separate one for any liquids or gels.

Snack containers specifically designed for toddlers, such as the Munchkin Snack Catcher, can also be incredibly helpful. These not only prevent spills but also allow toddlers to help themselves, which is a great way to keep them occupied.

Quantity and Accessibility

When deciding on the quantity, it’s a great idea to pack more snacks than you think you’ll need. Delays are common, and the last thing you want is to run out of food with no access to additional supplies. A good mix of protein, carbs, and fats will keep energy levels steady.

Accessibility is key during a flight. Keep the most frequently needed snacks in an outside pocket or at the top of your bag so you can get to them without rummaging. This is where an empty water bottle can come in handy, too. Once you’re through airport security, fill it up at a water fountain so you’ll always have hydration close at hand.

Lastly, remember that while flight attendants can often help with basic needs, they might not always be available right when your toddler needs a snack. Having everything within arm’s reach means you won’t be caught off guard at the first signs of a hungry whimper.

By following these tips and preparing in advance, you’ll ensure that snack time is one of the smoothest parts of your journey, keeping both you and your young kids content until you reach your destination.

Toddler Travel Nutrition 101

Travelling with toddlers presents a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining a nutritious diet. It’s essential to prioritize travel-friendly foods that provide sustained energy and support overall health without causing discomfort during the flight.

Choosing the Right Types of Food

For young kids on the go, whole foods are the best option. Whole grain sandwiches with lean protein, like turkey or chicken, can be a great source of energy. Foods that are rich in fibre, such as fruits and whole-grain crackers, help maintain regular digestion, which is especially important during long-haul flights.

Hydration is another crucial element of travel nutrition. Dry airplane cabins can lead to dehydration much quicker than most realize. Encourage your toddler to drink water regularly throughout the flight. Bringing an empty sippy cup or a spill-proof bottle to fill up after passing through security can make this easier.

Foods to Avoid

It’s wise to avoid giving toddlers foods that are high in sugar, as these can lead to energy spikes followed by a significant drop, which might result in mid-air tantrums. Also, steer clear of overly salty foods, as they can exacerbate dehydration. Be cautious with new foods; a long trip is not the best time to introduce something unfamiliar that could upset your child’s stomach.

Additionally, try to minimize any foods that might create a huge mess. Stick to snacks that are easy to handle and won’t leave your seat looking like a battle zone. This will not only keep your toddler clean but also minimize the cleanup you have to do before disembarking.

Meal Timing

When planning for the trip, consider your flight schedule and how it aligns with your toddler’s usual meal times. A good strategy is to have a substantial meal before the flight to mitigate hunger during the journey. However, having a variety of snacks on hand to offer at regular intervals can help prevent hunger-related fussiness. Offering something to munch on during takeoff and landing can also help with ear pressure changes, with the bonus of keeping your toddler distracted during these critical times.

Remember, while air travel can disrupt regular meal routines, sticking as closely as possible to your toddler’s normal eating schedule can help maintain a sense of normalcy and prevent hunger from turning into hanger.

By focusing on hydration, nutritious food choices, and smart meal timing, you’ll be setting the foundation for a more pleasant travel experience for you and your young children, ensuring that you all arrive at your destination ready to enjoy the trip.

Pre-Flight Prep for Your Toddler

Preparing for a flight with a 2-year-old means considering how to best balance their meals and snacks before boarding. A little planning can go a long way in ensuring your toddler is content, well-fed, and ready for the adventure of flying.

Pre-Boarding Meal Suggestions

Before heading to the airport, aim to give your 2-year-old a balanced meal. This meal should include a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to provide sustained energy. For instance, a peanut butter sandwich on whole-grain bread with slices of banana offers both nutrition and appeal to young kids. The protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter will keep your child satiated, while the carbs provide immediate energy without too much sugar.

Balancing Meals and Snacks

The timing of this meal is crucial. Plan to have this meal finished at least an hour before you leave for the airport to allow for digestion and to prevent any discomfort during the journey to the airport. After this meal, avoid heavy foods that might make your toddler feel sluggish or uncomfortable.

When it comes to snacks, pack a variety of options. Fresh fruit like apple slices can be refreshing and won’t cause a sugar rush. Small portions of granola bars or yogurt tubes can also be good options, offering nutrition without filling them up too much before the flight.

Integrating Snack Time Into Pre-Flight Routine

Snack time isn’t just about eating; it’s an integral part of the pre-flight routine that can also serve as a distraction and comfort during the hectic process of getting to your gate. Having a snack before the flight can also help in situations where takeoff is delayed, and meal services are postponed.

Bringing familiar snacks from home can also provide a sense of comfort and routine, which is beneficial for toddlers when travelling. The familiarity can have a calming effect, which is always a plus before embarking on a flight.

Lastly, remember to use snack time as an opportunity for your toddler to hydrate. Offering an easy-to-drink-from sippy cup with water can keep them hydrated before the dry cabin air takes its toll.

With these pre-flight prep strategies, you can help ensure your 2-year-old is as comfortable as possible, setting the stage for a smooth takeoff to your next flight.

Creative Airplane Snack Box Ideas

Creating an engaging snack box for your toddler can turn snack time into an exciting activity on a flight. The key is to include a variety of textures and food groups, ensuring that it’s not just nutritious but also interesting for your little one.

Assembling a Visually Appealing Snack Box

Start with a colourful assortment of fresh fruit. Baby carrots and apple slices offer a satisfying crunch and are a hit with most young kids. For a dose of dairy, you can add cheese sticks or cubes – they’re a good source of calcium and protein, and their firm texture makes them easy to handle.

Variety is Key

Incorporating a range of textures and food groups keeps things interesting and caters to your toddler’s evolving palate. Soft foods like food pouches with pureed fruits or vegetables are mess-free and easy to consume, especially for younger children. Pair these with some whole grain cereal or cereal bars for a bit of crunch.

For protein, hard-boiled eggs can be a filling snack, or you can opt for granola bars that contain nuts (if allergies are not a concern). Peanut butter can also be a versatile addition – try spreading it on whole-grain bread or rice cakes.

Fun and Engagement

To keep your toddler’s attention, turn snack time into a game. Small containers or a Munchkin snack catcher can add an element of fun and minimize spills. They allow little hands to practice fine motor skills while they reach for their snacks.

Create little “snack packs” within the box using silicone cupcake liners or small, colourful containers to separate the snacks. This not only makes it visually appealing but also gives your toddler a sense of surprise as they discover what’s in each section.

Include a mix of familiar favourites and maybe one or two new snacks. The excitement of something new can be quite engaging for a toddler, as long as you’re confident it won’t cause any adverse reactions.

Finally, consider a ‘DIY’ element in the snack box. For example, provide individual portions of cream cheese and let your toddler spread it on a bagel or some crackers. This activity can keep them occupied and encourage them to eat.

By putting a little thought into your snack box, you not only provide nourishment for your toddler during the flight but also turn snack time into an entertaining diversion, keeping them occupied and content as you make your way to your final destination.

Packing Hacks for Toddler Snacks

Packing snacks for your toddler for air travel can seem daunting, but with a few hacks and the right materials, it can be a breeze. Efficiency is key, so here are some practical tips to make sure your snacks are packed in the best possible way.

Choosing the Right Containers

Invest in good-quality, spill-proof containers. Munchkin snack catchers are great for dry snacks as they prevent spills and give your toddler easy access.

For liquids or semi-solids like yogurt or applesauce, airtight containers with secure lids are a must. We’ve loved the Yumbox containers which we’ve used for years for our oldest’s school lunches. They do claim they are leakproof, but that isn’t always the case for super liquidy things like yogurt or applesauce but if you keep the case reasonably upright most of the time the contents do stay apart quite well. Silicone tubes or reusable food pouches are great for mess-free snacking and can be easily held by small hands.

Packing Materials

To keep snacks like fresh fruit or string cheese at a cool temperature, use small ice packs. They are TSA-compliant as long as they’re frozen solid when going through airport security. Wrap these ice packs with paper towels to absorb condensation and prevent other snacks from getting soggy.

Efficient Packing

Plan and prep your snacks ahead of the flight. Portioning out snacks into individual servings not only saves space but also makes it easier to hand a snack to your toddler without fuss during the flight. Utilize stackable containers that can neatly fit into each other to save space in your carry-on bags.

Organization Hacks

Use a separate bag or a compartment in your carry-on specifically for snacks. This makes it easier to find what you need without having to rummage through other belongings. Clear plastic bags can be handy for grouping together smaller items, and they allow flight attendants to quickly see what’s inside, making the security check a smoother process.

Accessibility

Pack the snacks you’re likely to use first on top or in an easy-to-reach spot. It’s a good idea to have a few snacks ready in your seat pocket if you can’t access your overhead luggage right away.

By planning ahead and packing your toddler’s snacks in an organized and efficient way, you ensure that you have one less thing to worry about during your journey. This preparation means you can focus on the excitement of the trip with your young kids, rather than the stress of rummaging for snacks mid-flight.

Wrapping Up The Best Airplane Snacks For Toddlers

Wrapping up, keeping your toddler happy and well-fed on a flight boils down to choosing the right snacks and packing them smartly. Remember, long flights demand snacks that are not only nutritious but also engaging. Peanut butter on whole-grain bread, fresh fruit, and individual portions of cheese and crackers can be both satisfying and entertaining for your little traveller.

Always check the TSA website for updates on what you can bring on board and use those ice packs to keep baby food and yogurt tubes cool. Explain to flight attendants that you have baby food and breast milk with you; they’re usually more than willing to help.

With your snack box filled with great airplane snacks and your carry-on bags organized efficiently, you’ll be ready for your next flight. And don’t forget to hydrate— bring an empty water bottle to fill up once you’re through security.

Finally, planning and prepping snacks ahead of your travel day will always be the best way to ensure a smooth trip. With these tips and a little bit of creativity, snack time can be a breeze, giving you more time to enjoy the journey and the destination with your young kids. Safe travels and happy snacking!

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Fun Dinner Party Themes to Level Up Your Next Event (or Holiday)

Forget the everyday dishes and get creative with these thematic menus, dinner party decor, and DIY ideas.

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The holidays and entertaining go hand in hand, but it doesn't have to be the holidays to throw a dinner party or get creative with it. Whether you're throwing a formal dinner party or doing some casual entertaining, dinner parties are a fun way to bring people together.

If you need a little inspiration, these creative starting points will guide you to the perfect dinner theme idea—there are even some specific themes (and recipes!) in each category that you can run with for your own culinary adventure.

Dinner Party Themes Ideas

If you're getting ready to host friends and family for a dinner party, picking a theme might feel overwhelming. First, consider your surroundings or situation. Be sure to consider factors like the occasion, time of year, weather, and location when deciding on a theme. With this in mind, here are some dinner party themes to explore.

Pick Destinations Around the Globe

Pick a favorite vacation destination (or something from your travel bucket list), research a menu from there (don't forget dessert!), and perhaps go a little further by playing music or watching movies from that country.

Don't be afraid to travel to more than one destination either; you can offer a trip around Asia with a dish from each destination, or opt to serve different cultures' versions of dumplings as appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Mexican food with mojitos
• Indian curry or a vegetarian masala
• Fish and chips and English trifle
• Italian lasagnas (and affogato!)
• Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches
• French crepes and clafoutis
• Greek-style orzo and shrimp with avgolemono soup
• Japanese okonomiyaki and udon
• Korean bibimbap and bulgogi with cucumber kimchi salad
• Middle Eastern falafel and hummus
• Chinese dumplings and fried rice

Want to keep it all American? Consider choosing delicacies from places you've visited or lived. Here are a few suggestions:

• New Orleans Cajun or Creole fare
• Chicago-style deep-dish pizza
• New York cheesecake
• New England lobster rolls
• Tex-Mex fajitas and enchiladas

Set Up a DIY Food Party

If you're looking for a fun dinner theme idea that's low-effort, high reward, choose a menu theme that's really interactive. Setting up DIY food bars may require a bit of prep and presentation, but your guests (or your family) will take it from there to build customized creations.

Bonus: This is an excellent option when your fellow diners have dietary restrictions or are simply picky eaters, as they can skip over any ingredients that don't work for them. Some make-your-own-dinner theme inspiration includes:

• Tacos , burritos, or nachos
• Mac-and-cheese (with fun toppings!)

You might even choose to turn your next dinner into a Chopped -style competition, where you give a set secret ingredient, open access to the kitchen or DIY bar, and offer a time limit to produce something awesome.

Think Outside the Dinner Box

Sometimes, the best dinner isn't actually dinner. Consider dining options that aren't usually served in the evening (or as a full meal). Some options to consider include:

• Breakfast for dinner (think egg dishes or waffles)
• Charcuterie boards (add enough veggies and fruit alongside the meat and cheese, and it's a meal)
• Hors d'oeuvres as a meal

You can also look for ways to minimize (or maximize!) your menu to have a little fun with your dinner. Consider serving all miniaturized foods (think sliders, French onion soup bites , mini hot dogs, and mini desserts ) or supersize (giant cookie for dessert).

Consider Time Travel

Take a trip back in time, whether you opt for retro favorites from a bygone era. Or maybe you want to take it way back to medieval times or the Victorian era. Dinner parties like this are even better if costumes are involved—think disco costumes and a menu with a 1970s vibe. A few dinner menu theme ideas include:

• 1970s style with cheese fondue , old-school casseroles, and a 1970s-style icebox cake
• Medieval with meat pies, hearty stews, and desserts with fruit and honey
• 1920s with deviled eggs (invented in the 1920s), tea sandwiches, canapés, and oysters with Roaring '20s cocktails like Tom Collins and French 75

Celebrate Minor Holidays

Obviously, there are the big holidays like Thanksgiving, New Year's, and the 4th of July. If your dinner party falls around the holidays, it might be fun to go with a holiday theme. But honestly, any day can be a celebration. Get inspiration from those fun food holidays like Ice Cream Day on July 16th, or National Hamburger Day on May 28th. Celebrate minor holidays (like creating a red, white, and blue something for Flag Day on June 14th). You can even make up your own holiday and make a menu perfect for it.

Be mindful of the presentation. The presentation of your dishes (and decor) can really enhance the guest experience—and it's half the fun for a holiday-themed dinner party.

Get Pop Culture Inspired

If you're plotting dinner party associated with a binge watch or movie marathon, take inspiration from what you're showing. Your book club may also love having a book-inspired menu. (I recently hosted my book club's discussion of Lessons in Chemistry, and I opted for a chicken pot pie and brownies , as they were featured in key plot points in the book.)

Or maybe you'll want to find a theme with a twist, like only serving TikTok famous recipes. (A dinner party is the perfect opportunity to revisit the viral baked feta pasta, cowboy caviar, upside-down puff pastry, or whatever TikTokers dream up next.)

Stick to the Season

Consider having a seasonal theme for your next dinner party (or do a dinner party every season!). A season theme offers you the opportunity to celebrate the flavors of the season with the freshest ingredients.

For instance, a summer dinner party might be a picnic theme with refreshing cocktails, barbecue, and vibrant salads with ripe tomatoes or even strawberries. Incorporating seasonal elements into the decor, like fresh flowers (perhaps with edible flowers as well!) for the spring or warm vanilla candles in the winter, adds to the memorable experience for guests.

The seasons don't have to do with the weather either; you can also consider sports seasons. For example, if it's football season and you're gathering for or before a game, a tailgating theme may also make sense for you.

Opt for creative menus, decorations, and mood music to match. Perhaps even what you wear can be part of the whole experience.

Pick a Color

A color dinner party theme might sound silly, but it can be lot of fun to get creative with different foods of the same color. For example, you might have a pink-themed dinner party to celebrate the birthday of your friend who loves the color pink.

For a pink-themed dinner party, you might have smoked salmon canapés or pink radish soup. A purple theme might incorporate veggies like graffiti cauliflower, beets, purple potatoes, or fruits like grapes, plums, blackberries, and elderberries.

For a color-themed party, experiment with food coloring. Make the cake for dessert blue. Top the brownies with green icing. Use red sprinkles on the ice cream. Whatever color you choose, there are tons of ways to get creative with adding it to your dishes.

Entertaining Preparation Tips

There are plenty of ways to make any dinner—regardless of the theme you choose—more fun. Here are some tips to keep in mind when thinking about your dinner party menu.

• Offer a range of options to suit all dietary restrictions. For example, you might include vegetarian or gluten-free options depending on your guests. Ask your guests if they have any allergies and label any dishes that contain allergens like eggs, nuts, shell fish, and other common kinds.
• Aim for a balanced meal. Your dinner party menu should include a variety of flavors and textures to create an exciting and satisfying experience for your guests. This might also mean including drinks that pair well with each dish.
• Choose dishes that you can prepare in advance. If that's not possible, at the very least, choose dishes that require minimal last-minute preparation. This way, you can spend more time enjoying the meal with your guests (and entertaining them) than cooking during the event.

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