Summer is the season of road trips! With beautiful, sunny weather and the kids out of school, there’s no better time to travel. We’re definitely looking forward to going to the beach, driving up to the mountains, and visiting family and friends.
What’s a road trip without snacks, though? In our opinion, snacks are a non-negotiable element of any trip, especially when you’re driving long distances. No one wants to be a hangry traveler! And having snacks on hand will cut down on stops for food, helping you reach your destination as quickly as possible.
Now, when you think of road trip snacks, you probably think of unhealthy, processed foods. But it doesn’t have to be that way! It just takes a little planning and preparation, but you can fuel your body properly and stay on track with your health goals even while on the road. Here are a few of our favorite healthy snacks to make ahead of time and take with us on the go.
Superfood Fudge Balls
Chocolate lovers will be hooked on these rich, fudgy superfood balls. The recipe sneaks in a whole cup of kale, but you’d never know it. The cocoa powder is truly the star of the show here, with support from the sweetness of maple syrup, creaminess of almond butter, and seasoning of vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger. These balls do need to be refrigerated, so we’d suggest packing them in a cooler for your travels.
Chocolate Kale Zucchini Mini Muffins
These gluten-free, dairy-free, naturally sweetened mini muffins would be the perfect pick-me-up during a long drive. Plus, their small size makes them easy for little hands to hold while in the car. They’re made with fresh ingredients like zucchini, kale, and banana, and flavored with pumpkin pie spice and chopped chocolate.
Kale and Lentil Hummus
If you’re the kind of person who prefers savory snacks over sweet, this protein-packed dip is for you. Using lentils instead of the traditional garbanzo beans, it’s a unique hummus that is super simple to put together. Just add your lentils, olive oil, seasonings, and balsamic vinegar to a food processor or blender, puree until smooth, fold in your kale, and it’s ready to go. Serve with fresh veggies or your favorite crackers for a tasty bite to eat.
Sweet Greens and Seeds Popcorn
You can’t go wrong with popcorn on a road trip! This recipe jazzes it up with a sweet almond butter drizzle, chia and pumpkin seeds, and kale. It’s a light snack, making it a great choice for when you just need something to munch on. However, it’ll still provide you with plenty of nutrients.
Chocolate Cherry Kale Breakfast Cookies
These healthy cookies utilize the delectable combination of cherries and chocolate to form an irresistible treat. And with almond butter, oats, and almond flour, they’ll be filling enough to tide you over until your next meal. That makes them an ideal road trip choice!
Who’s ready to hit the road? No matter where your travels take you this summer, we’re sure you’ll find an excellent snacking option on this list. Each of them is packable, easy to grab, and brimming with nutritious ingredients. And whether you’re hungry and need a hearty snack to fill you up, or are simply in the mood to nibble, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, next time you’re loading up the car for a road trip, don’t forget your healthy, homemade snacks!