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21 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’m sure there will be no shortage of delicious where ever you’re going, however it’s important to pack some strategic, nutrient dense snacks for planes, trains and all those other moments when you just need something in between meals.

I was also recently quoted with my picks for the best things for a quick travel breakfast in this Huffington Post 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 trip or vacation. While you can’t control what curveballs might come your way while traveling, you can control what snacks you pack to have on hand for any travel situation! A little planning a head of time to pack snacks is to key to fueling up and feeling your best while traveling.

Airports have definitely come a long way when it comes to food choices. At O’Hare airport there are a few different local Chicago restaurants and a couple of Cibo Express locations throughout the airport that stock many of the snacks on my list of healthy travel snacks below and I know a lot of other airports are expanding their options which is great.

4 Key things to Look For in a Healthy Travel Snack

1. protein content.

Snacks with protein take longer for our body to digest vs. carbs. That’s the reason eating a snack that is all carbs doesn’t work to keep us full for that long. Packing high protein snacks will help ensure that the snack will keep you fuller for longer and fueled up for travel and activities.

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. I would say it’s even more important while traveling because long flights and adjusting to new time zones can mess with our digestion and cause constipation.

To prevent constipation while traveling make it a point to incorporate fibrous foods like fruits, veggies and nuts and seeds. And for packaged snacks, anything above 3 grams of fiber is considered a good source of fiber, and 5 or more is considered “high in fiber”.

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.

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 !

21 Dietitian Approved Healthy Travel Snacks

These 20 dietitian approved travel snacks include ones that are high in protein, low in sugar, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo-friendly options. They’re easy to stash in your bag and take with you whenever your travels take you!

• Nut Butter Packets
• Purely Elizabeth Individual Oatmeal Cups or Plain Oatmeal Packets
• CHOMPS Meat Sticks
• KIND Zero Added Sugar Bars
• That’s It Fruit Bars
• Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers Snack Packs
• Nuts or Low-Sugar Trail Mix
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Portable Fruit & Veggie Slices
• Olive Pouches
• 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
• Tuna Pouches

1. Nut Butter Packets

A good source of plant-based protein and fat for staying power, I love stashing these in my bag for a quick snack. Pair with a piece of fruit or add to oatmeal to make it a bigger snack / smaller meal.

2. Purely Elizabeth individual oatmeal cups or 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

A great on-the-go source of protein that you can eat while walking, 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’re also gluten free, dairy free, AIP friendly, whole30 approved and low carb.

4. KIND Zero Added Sugar Bars

With around 7 grams of fiber per bar and 5 grams of protein these are a no brainer to stash in your bag for any type of travel. I love the caramel almond sea salt flavor!

5. That’s It Fruit Bars

Made from fruit, these bars are a good option to pair with a snack that contains protein like nuts or a meat stick for a well rounded snack that’s bright and flavorful from the fruit bar.

6. Simple Mills almond flour crackers

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 any kind of dip or hummus.

7. Nut packets or low-sugar trail mix

Think pistachios, almonds, or walnuts. You can find Wonderful Pistachios at most airports and I really like these pistachio snack packs that are easy to stash in any purse.

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 also known as the calming mineral can help with calmness and relaxation which we could all use while traveling, you know?!

9. Portable Fruit & Veggie Slices

Think apple slices, berries, or a banana. Cut them up ahead of time and store in a stasher bag to snack on in flight or in any other on-the-go travel situation. Prepare some carrots, celery, or pepper slices in a bag ahead of time to snack on on-the-go.

10. Olive Pouches

If you love a salty snack these olive pouches are perfect plus they’re a good source of healthy fat. Pair with crackers and cheese for the start of an adult lunchable.

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! Target has a great selection of dried fruit from their Good & Gather line.

12. Air Popped Popcorn

Popcorn contains about 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein per serving depending on the type and is another easy one to pack to satisfy the taste for something a little salty. I like these individual bags from Pipcorn .

13. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Eating hard-boiled eggs on a plain might be controversial (!!) but if you’re in a travel situation where you feel like you can bust them out, go for it because they’re a great source of protein (around 7 grams per large egg) and other essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and B vitamins to help you feel your best.

14. Ella’s Flats

Getting enough fiber while traveling can be hard, plus it’s normal for our digestion to be off after a long flight, little sleep and time zone changes. These high fiber seed crackers are great to have on hand when travel constipation strikes. Dress them with hummus or avocado for a good high fiber snack.

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 or fage.

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 hummus.

17. Low Sugar Granola

Granola can make for a good snack but it’s important to be aware that many are packed with added sugar. I love Purely Elizabeth granola because it’s lower in sugar than most.

18. Nut Butter Stuffed Dates

Dates make for a great travel snack because they’re high in fiber and easy to take on-the-go. Opt for pitted dates, and fill with almond or peanut butter for a balanced snack with staying power.

19. Roasted Chickpeas

A good snack that contains plant-based protein and fiber if you’re sick of nuts are roasted chickpeas . They’re also easy to make at home, so you can make a big batch and share with your travel partner.

20. Baked Cheese Crisps

With 9 grams of protein per serving, these baked cheese crips are a fun snack with staying power. Perfect to pair with a meat stick for a savory snack situation or toss into a homemade trail mix for some flavor and texture diversity.

21. Tuna Pouches

I recently discovered these very inexpensive and convenient tuna pouches that make for a great pantry staple and travel snack. Pair with some crackers for a quick, protein packed snack (15 grams of protein per pouch!) and I didn’t find that these omitted a fishy smell when opened so that’s a plus!

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:

• CHOMPS meat sticks
• Pistachio Packets

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

Hydration Essentials for Healthy Travel

• Electrolyte packets. For international travel, I recommend one packet per day plus a couple extra. I cannot stress enough how important it is to travel with these to help prevent dehydration and in case you start to not feel good while traveling. The European sun is no joke in the summer and when you’re walking around all day dehydration can definitely happen. I recommend this brand and this brand .
• Empty Water Bottle. BYO bottle to refill at the airport to help with hydration. Sometimes it’s hard to drink enough water especially after a long flight and when your first adjusting to a new time zone so having a water bottle with you is a great way to help keep hydration up.

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

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

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17 Dietitian-Approved Healthy Travel Snacks to Pack on Your Next Trip

Pack these dietitian-approved, healthy travel snacks on your next trip. Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, these are some of the most nutritious, filling, and tasty snack options to bring with you.

Never, and I mean never, travel without healthy snacks – that’s my motto. Snack options on the road or in flight can be unpredictable and aren’t usually the most nutritious. So, when “hanger” strikes mid-road trip or plane ride I like to be armed with some nutritious and filling, healthy travel snack options. Planning for and packing nutritious snacks is also proven to reduce hanger-induced fights with your travel companion. 😉

Why pack healthy travel snacks?

Picture this: you’re two hours into your road trip, your stomach is making more noise than the radio, and you have zero snacks in the car. What happens next? You find the next gas station, buy any and all snacks in sight, and devour them in ten seconds flat.

What happens after that? Thirty minutes to an hour later you’re craving more snacks! Why? When you wait for hunger levels to skyrocket and find yourself in the snack aisles of a gas station, you’re more likely to choose the Cheetos and Oreos over one of the few nutritious options.

Although tasty, these refined, fiber-less and sugar-rich snacks send your blood sugar levels on a roller coaster. You might get a quick boost of energy, which is inevitably followed by a steep crash in blood sugar levels, leaving you tired, moody, and craving more junk food.

That’s why planning for and packing some healthy travel snack options is a gamechanger when travelling! It’ll help you make more nutritious and less impulsive choices when you’re in a pinch.

What to look for in a healthy travel snack

You’re on board, you’re ready to plan some healthy travel snacks for your upcoming trip, but you have no clue what to buy. What makes for a healthy travel snack?

First, I typically avoid using packaging claims like “organic”, “natural”, or “non-GMO” to guide my snack choices. There’s a health-halo surrounding these claims – we assume they must mean the product is a healthy choice, when in reality, the claims have little to nothing to do with the nutritional value of a food.

Instead, I use a food product’s built-in cheat sheet, the nutrition label (when it applies)! I look for 4 things:

• Calories: Ideally you want a snack that’s around 150 to 250 calories. This is one of the few times I use calorie counts as a dietitian and that’s because I do feel it serves as a good measure of portion control here. If it happens to be slightly under or over, no biggie. Use this as a general guideline.
• Fiber: Fiber is my favorite f-word! It helps fill you up without filling you out, and helps keep blood sugar levels stable so you’re not hungry every 30 minutes of travel. I look for at least a few grams of fiber OR at least a 10:1 ratio of total carbs to fiber. For example, if something has 20 grams total carbs, at least 2 of those grams should be coming from fiber.
• Protein: Fiber and protein are a powerful, satiating and hunger-squashing duo. Look for at least 5 to 10 grams. If there’s more, great!
• Added sugar: Added sugars are the sugars added to foods and beverages during the manufacturing process. They are different from natural sugars – those found naturally in foods like fruits. The new nutrition label requires manufacturers to call out grams of added sugar, and most brands have adopted this new label by now. The closer to zero here the better, but ideally try to keep added sugar to no more than 5 grams.

In general, aim for a combo of protein and fiber in your healthy travel snacks – whether the snack item inherently has both (like roasted chickpea snacks) or you have to piece together more than one food to get both (like a banana with almond butter). 

Best Dietitian-Approved Healthy Travel Snacks

Keeping the guidelines above, plus convenience and portability in mind, here are my top X favorite healthy travel snacks.

First, let’s start with an easy one, fruit! I typically recommend fresh fruit when possible but understand eating some fresh fruits can get messy. If traveling with fresh fruit isn’t your thing, try unsweetened dried fruit instead.  It’s much easier to find unsweetened varieties than it used to be. You can find unsweetened dried fruits at many grocery store chains, like Trader Joe’s and even these tasty Good & Gather Unsweetened Dried Apple Rings from Target.

Even though fruit is rich in filling fiber and you can certainly eat it on its own, I always recommend adding some protein to it. Adding protein can help satiate you even more and can help slow digestion and buffer blood sugar spikes.

What are some good proteins to pair fruit with? See the next 6 snack choices listed!

Nuts are full of protein and fiber on their own but can also add a protein boost when paired with carb sources like fruit. Almonds and cashews make for great snacking options, but my personal favorite snack nut is pistachios. One serving of pistachios is 49 nuts – that’s a lot of nuts!

I recommend buying them in shell because taking the time to open each nut serves as a mindful eating technique and helps you slow down your snacking. I love these salt and pepper seasoned Wonderful Pistachios.

Nut Butter Packets

I repeat, nuts are a good source of protein and fiber, so this still holds true of them when blended into nut butter form. Just be sure to lookout for added sugar on the nutrition label. You can bring a whole jar with you or look for the individual nut butter packets which are very convenient for travel.

My favorite nut butter is the RXBAR Vanilla Almond Butter . It’s got an extra boost of protein from egg whites and it’s lightly sweetened naturally from the natural sugars in dates.

String Cheese

Is it string cheese or cheese sticks? Whatever you call them, they’re cheese in one of its most portable forms! Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium – a mineral that’s often lacking in the average American diet.

You can enjoy this protein-rich snack on its own, but if you need a little energy boost (hello, carbs), this is a good one to pair with some fruit!

Whisps Cheese Crisps

Cheese in portable form part 2. These cheese crisps are a newcomer to the cheese market. They’re essentially baked cheese that’s turned hard and crunchy. Whisps have at least 10 grams of protein per serving and are made from one ingredient: cheese!

You can enjoy this protein-rich snack on its own, but if you need a little energy boost (hello, carbs), this is another good one to pair with some fruit!

Hard-Boiled Eggs

So many great things to say about the incredible egg. Eggs are another excellent, yet smelly protein source. Just be sure to warn your travel companion about the smell before eating one! One egg has a whopping 7 grams of protein. Travel tip: peel the eggs before you pack them.

If you’re feeling fancy or simply bored of plain hard-boiled eggs, try these Peckish eggs. They’re convenient and portable pre-hard-boiled eggs served with delicious and crunchy seasonings!

To be honest, I don’t really like the taste or texture of jerky. But if YOU do, it can make for an excellent healthy travel snack option. Jerky is usually just protein and some fat, but be sure to check the nutrition label for  added sugars. Many jerky brands add sugar to their jerky to improve flavor and increase the weight of the final product (sugar costs less than meat by weight). Chomps sticks are not only free of added sugar, but also keto, paleo, and Whole30-approved. They’re also portable and very convenient to travel with.

Roasted Chickpea Snacks

Chickpeas are my go-to snack ingredient because of their impressive nutritional profile – a serving of cooked chickpeas (1/2 cup) has around 7 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. The protein and fiber combo helps fill you up, keep blood sugar levels stable, and satiate you until you get to your destination (or until your next meal).

You can now find chickpeas in conveniently pre-roasted and seasoned snack form at most grocery stores. Look for brands like The Good Bean, Biena , Saffron Road, and more. 

Hummus & Dippers

Speaking of chickpeas, did I mention they make for a very versatile snack option. When blended with a handful of other ingredients, they turn into beloved hummus. You can either portion out a big tub of hummus into small meal prep containers (like the salad dressing sized ones), or buy the single-serve ones for travel, and serve with one of the next two snack options listed (Simple Mills Crackers and Beet Chips).

It wouldn’t hurt to throw in some sliced veggies or baby carrots as dippers if you can, too. But I realize they aren’t always convenient for travel.

Simple Mills Crackers

These crackers are crackers minus the “ers”. Seriously, they taste almost too good to be true. They’re one of the few cracker brands out there without added sugars, plus they’re grain-free and gluten-free, making them paleo-friendly. One serving of their sprouted seed crackers has 3 grams fiber and 3 grams protein. 

If you love beets, it’s safe to say you’ll love them even more in chip form. Beets are surprisingly rich in protein and fiber – one serving of these Bare Beet Chips has 4 grams protein and a whopping 8 grams fiber. Plus, they’re made from just two simple ingredients: beets and sea salt.

You can also find Just Beets chips at Trader Joe’s, which, as the name implies, are made from just beets. 

Freeze-Dried or Roasted Edamame Snacks

Edamame are a type of soybean. Much like other legumes, edamame are rich in both protein and fiber, and are one of the most protein-rich among the legumes. Plus, they’re lower in total carbs compared to other legumes, like beans and chickpeas, making them the perfect snack for anyone following a lower-carb diet.

You can find roasted and seasoned shelled edamame snacks, or these new Good & Gather freeze-dried and salted edamame at Target! One half-cup serving has 12 grams protein and 4 grams fiber for just 130 calories.

DIY Snack Mix

Store-bought snack mixes, trail mixes, and granola can be loaded with added sugar and lacking filling fiber. That’s why I recommend making your own simple, easy, and filling snack mix! Start with a base of some pre-popped and lightly-seasoned popcorn, which has a little protein and fiber and provides a lot of volume for little calories. Next, add some freeze-dried fruit (Target, Trader Joe’s and Aldi’s have great selections) and nuts of your choice for an extra protein and fiber boost.

Then, get creative! Add spices, like cinnamon, for more flavor and maybe even a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips or Lily’s stevia-sweetened baking chips. 

These crunchy, cheese curl-like snacks are gluten-free, vegan, and made from plant-based proteins like chickpea and brown rice flours. They’re so tasty and come in a variety of delicious flavors like vegan white cheddar, bohemian barbecue, and nacho vibes. Even though they’re flavored, they only have one gram of added sugar per serving. 

Single-Serve Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the new Greek yogurt. Although it may not be ideal for all modes of travel, if you’ve got a cooler packed for a road trip you can easily slide a few of these single-serve containers in there. C ottage   cheese  is packed with nutrients, including B-complex vitamins, like vitamin B12, and calcium. It’s an excellent source of protein, with 1 cup of small curd  cottage   cheese containing nearly 25 grams of protein.

I recommend topping a plain one with a handful of berries (for some fiber). But if you can’t handle plain, Good Culture has a few flavored varieties that don’t have too much added sugar. 

Birch Benders Microwaveable Cups

Birch Benders’ Cups have protein and fiber, zero grams added sugar, are low in net carbs, and are grain- and gluten-free, making them paleo- and keto-friendly! Obviously, you need a microwave to make these, so they may be more of a snack you bring with you to keep at your hotel (although some gas stations and 7-Elevens have microwaves you can use). All you have to do is add water, microwave for 60 seconds, and voila!

They come in seven delicious varieties, but the brownie is my personal favorite. 

Protein & Snack Bars

Protein and snack bars are probably the most convenient, portable, and dependable travel snack out there, but buyer beware. Some bars can be high in added sugar and low in fiber. Here are my travel favorites:

Pressed Fruit Bars

These bars are essentially fruit that’s been dried and pressed into a bar shape. Like fruit, they’re rich in fiber, but lack protein. So, it’s a good idea to pair with one of the proteins listed earlier (i.e. string cheese, nuts, etc.). Look for brands like That’s It bars, KIND whole fruit bars , and Trader Joe’s fruit bars.

RXBARs are my personal favorite! They are also made up of fruit (dates in this case), but have added protein in the form of nuts and egg whites. 

Health Warrior

These Health Warrior chia bars are more like a mini snack (they’re only 100 calorie each). They’re perfect for when you just need a little something to hold you over. 

These original KIND nut bars have come a long way since they first entered the market. They’re relatively low in added sugar and are a good source of protein and fiber. Plus they’re straight tasty. 

Let me know what YOUR favorite travel snack is in the comments section below!

posted by Charlotte Martin on February 22, 2020

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6 comments on “17 Dietitian-Approved Healthy Travel Snacks to Pack on Your Next Trip”

YESS!! Haven’t tried Birch benders microwaveable cups, but I buy and eat all of the other snacks all the time. THESE SNACKS REALLY ARE THE BEST.

They have some of the BEST products don’t they?! Definitely try the brownie microwaveable cup if you can, it’s so tasty 🙂

LOVE this list! Whisps, nuts and dried fruits are all go-tos when I travel. I haven’t tried the Simple Mills crackers before, so I’m interested to try them out, thank you!

Hi Amanda! Glad you found the list helpful 🙂 Whisps are my FAVORITE! So addicting! Definitely get your hands on some Simple Mills crackers they are soooo good you won’t regret it

This is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing these, I am a big snack person. One of my go-to snacks is the Enlightened Bada Bean Bada Boom snack size packs!

Hi Bevan! I still have yet to try those! You just reminded me that I need to go snag some 🙂 Thank you!

Hi, I’m Charlotte!

I’m a Registered Dietitian who’s made it her mission to educate, inspire, and empower you to SHAPE your eating habits and relationship with food!

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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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• What to Buy
• Entertaining

The Best Travel Bar Sets for Mobile Mixology

We selected kits for backpackers, martini lovers, and everyone in-between

The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis

Whether you’re camping, glamping, on holiday, or just picnicking in a park , you deserve bar-quality cocktails . But how do you tote a bar’s worth of tools, plus a few essential bottles? With a handy travel bar kit.

Travel bar tools wrap up mixers, shakers, jiggers, and bar spoons, all into one easy carrying case. They range from camp-ready backpacks to bartender-approved bags to Bond-ready suitcases. Most have room for a bottle or two for an effortless setup. With one in hand, you have all the fixings to create excellent cocktails—just add alcohol. 

• What to Look for

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Best overall, legacy by picnic time hamilton portable cocktail bar.

Wide range of bar tools and glasses

Slots to store spirits

Sturdy, durable construction

This travel bar kit is outfitted with everything you need to host an elegant cocktail hour . The front and top open up to reveal an arsenal of mixology tools. There are the standard ones: a shaker, a strainer, a double jigger, and a stirrer. Then there are a few that will really come in handy for more elaborate drinks: a small cutting board (yes, really), a knife, ice tongs, cocktail picks, and a muddler. 

The set also includes four modern rocks glasses and three slots to store your favorite bottles of spirits . Everything gets safely locked up in a 14 x 10-inch hard case outfitted with padded dividers that you can take anywhere without having to worry about broken glass or spilled liquids. This is your perfect secret weapon to bring to parties and on vacations—and not to mention gifting as a housewarming present. Plus, for those living in a smaller-sized apartment, this is an excellent alternative to a bar cart. 

What’s Included: Four glasses, four cocktail picks, jigger, shaker, paring knife, cutting board, strainer, tongs, stirrer, muddler | Bottle Storage: Three | Size: 14 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches

Best Budget

Pepe nero 27-piece professional bartender kit.

Rust-resistant tools

Easy to transport

No bottle storage

Pepe Nero 27-Piece Professional Bartender Kit and Cocktail Shaker has it all at a great price. Perfect for professional and amateur mixologists, it comes with two cocktail shakers, a wine opener, a wooden muddler, 3 kinds of strainers, a double-sided jigger, ice tongs, liquor bottle pourers, a lemon juicer, a lemon zester, metal straws, and a mixing spoon. Basically, every kind of cocktail you could want can easily be made with the tools in this kit.

With so many tools, it’s essential to stay organized. Fortunately, there is a slot for each tool. When you’re finished cleaning up, just roll up the kit. Two buckles click in to assure everything can be stored easily and transported safely.

What’s Included: 27-ounce cocktail shaker, 20-ounce cocktail shaker, wine opener, bottle opener, wooden muddler, shaker towel, fine strainer, Julep strainer, Hawthorne strainer, double-sided jigger, ice tongs, four bottle pourers, lemon juicer, four metal straws, a lemon zester, mixing spoon | Bottle Storage: None | Size: 11.69 x 6.65 x 5.47 inches

Best for the Serious Cocktailer

Mixology & craft travel bartender 17-piece bar kit.

Rolls up small

Stylish and sturdy

Pro-level bar tools

No room for bottles

Bar tools may tarnish over time

For expert cocktails or serious entertainers, this kit comes stacked with a bartender’s toolbox (yes, literally—there are 17 different tools). There are strainers (three in total, including Hawthorne, Julep, and Fine), a double-ended opener, a Boston shaker, two liquor pourers, a juicer, beechwood muddler, 10-inch cocktail stirrer, zester, double lever corkscrew, ice tongs, and a Japanese jigger. There are 27 different pockets that will perfectly fit your favorite tools, small bottles of syrups , bitters, and bags of garnishes. There’s even a Lewis bag tucked into the slot for crushing ice for mint juleps .

All of this wraps up into an easy-to-carry canvas bag complete with shoulder strap and handle. Smart leather straps with brass buckles add a rustic flair. Just add booze bottles and mixers , and you’ve got portable cocktail heaven—making you the star of any party. All of the tools are dishwasher safe and made with premium stainless steel.

What’s Included: Bag, shoulder strap, Boston shaker, wooden muddler, three strainers, wine opener, tongs, double-sided jigger, beer opener, juicer, two pourers, Lewis ice bag | Bottle Storage: None | Size: 16.1 x 5.35 x 5.16 inches

Best Backpack

Summit51 bartender bag.

Made with water-resistant material

Padded shoulder straps

Mesh waist padding

Needs more tools for a full kit

Thinking about using a backpack to tote around your bar tools? The Summit51 Bartender Bag is an excellent choice. This backpack is designed with multiple detachable dividers to create pockets for up to six bottles. So, there’s plenty of flexibility, whether you plan to pour from a 750ml bottle or a 1.75-liter bottle. Better yet, because the dividers are padded, you don’t have to worry about the bottles knocking into each other or clanking on the go. 

No need to leave any of your favorite bar tools at home because the front section of the backpack has plenty of pockets to fit whatever you need. Made of high-quality nylon, the bag has a waterproof bottom to prevent accidental leaks, making this a durable choice that will last for years to come.

What’s Included: Martini shaker, cocktail spoon, jigger, muddler | Bottle Storage: 6 | Size: 10.5 x 12 x 17.25 inches

Best for Camping

Sky fish cocktail travel set.

Lots of tools

Pocket for ice

Easy to carry

Doesn’t include glasses

If you’re looking for a cocktail set to take with you camping or on picnics, the Sky Fish Cocktail Travel Set has it all and more. This set includes two cocktail shakers, a double jigger, a Hawthorne Strainer, two liquor pourers, a stainless steel muddler, a mixing spoon, ice tongs, a corkscrew, a bartender knife, and a wood bar board. With pockets for each tool, it's easy to stay organized. 

Best of all, everything is packaged in an insulated bag (just add ice) that has a Bluetooth speaker, another necessity when drinking around a campfire. With room for three full-size bottles, you can make a wide variety of cocktails with this kit, even in the middle of the woods. One downside here is that you will need to provide your own drinkware.

What’s Included: 26-ounce cocktail shaker, 16-ounce cocktail shaker, double jigger, Hawthorne Strainer, two liquor pourers, stainless steel muddler, mixing spoon, ice tongs, corkscrew, bartender knife, wood bar board, Bluetooth speaker within insulated bag | Bottle Storage: 3 | Size: 16.54 x 5.91 x 12.6 inches

Best for Martinis

Franmara martini travel bar set with case.

Perfect for martini lovers

Extra padding to avoid breakage

Includes lock

Not for all cocktails

For all martini lovers, here is a travel case for you. Whether you like this classic cocktail with gin or vodka, dirty or dry, this case has you covered. While you’ll need to supply your own gin, vodka, or vermouth, this kit contains everything else you need to bring your favorite drink on the go. It includes two martini glasses, a stainless steel flask for easy alcohol transportation, a jigger, a funnel, and an 8-ounce stainless steel shaker. It even includes two reusable olive spears to dress your martini the way a bartender would. 

The travel case itself has a black exterior and a velvet interior—an elegant look that belongs in an upscale martini bar. The kit locks up with two keys for safe travels. Just don’t forget the olives.

What’s Included: Lockable box, flask, jigger, funnel, shaker | Bottle Storage: None | Size: 7 3/4 x 8 x 7 inches

Best for Gifting

Aberdeen oak travel bartender kit.

Very complete set of tools

High quality

Easy to clean

Doesn't include glasses

Struggling to figure out a birthday or holiday gift for the cocktail lover who already has every possible tool on their home bar? Give them the gift of cocktails on the go with this attractive and functional set from Aberdeen Oak. Featuring eighteen different cocktail tools all wrapped up in a canvas carrying bag, this is a thorough kit that's versatile enough to create all manner of cocktails, so you don't even need to know your gift recipient's favorite variety of tipple.

The Aberdeen Oak Travel Bartender Kit includes a printed cocktail guide, so it's also ideal for aspiring bartenders who might not have all of their favorite drink recipes fully committed to memory yet. Best of all, the kit is delivered in a handsome blue cardboard box, which makes wrapping a cinch.

What’s Included: Boston shaker, muddler, ice tong, bottle opener, mixing spoon, peeler, jigger, Hawthorne strainer, julep strainer, pour spouts, corkscrew, citrus squeezer, canvas travel bag | Bottle Storage : None | Size: 19.7" x 12.4" x 0.1"

Viski Travel Bar Tool Kit

Stainless steel and wood tools

Good for on the go

Attractive design

Could use more tools

Tools must be handwashed

Do you travel with bar tools or like to take them on vacation? The Viski Travel Bar Tool is small and portable, but mighty. It comes with a Cobbler cocktail shaker, Hawthorne strainer, jigger, bottle opener, muddler, and bar spoon. Packaged in an attractive canvas storage bag, you can roll everything right up. With a storage compartment for each tool, clean-up is nice and fast.

This set is so compact, you can even bring it in a tote bag, weekender or suitcase. While there aren’t a ton of extras, tools, or space for bottles, the basics are certainly covered.

What’s Included: Canvas bag, Cobbler cocktail shaker, Hawthorne strainer, jigger, bottle opener muddler, bar spoon, muddler | Bottle Storage: None | Size: 4.6 x 11 x 5 inches

For a large and in charge setup that holds a wide range of bar tools, glasses, and up to three bottles, we recommend the Legacy by Picnic Time Hamilton Portable Cocktail Bar . If you're in charge of tending bar on an upcoming camping trip, the Sky Fish Cocktail Travel Set will transport your supplies from A to B.

What to Look for in a Travel Bar Set

A well-stocked travel bar should contain everything you need to make your favorite drink. Maybe that’s as simple as a bar spoon, shaker, and jigger. If you’re looking to seriously entertain on the go, opt for a travel bar packed with everything from Hawthorne strainers to corkscrews to olive spears. 

“I suggest purchasing a bar tool bag that has slits that fit most tools, including strainers, jiggers, bar spoons and shaker tins,” says Ashly Levi , bartender and mezcalier at Miss Agave. “If you don’t have one available, you can store the jigger, smaller bar spoons, bottle openers and julep strainers inside the tins to keep it all together."

Portability

Consider how portable your travel bar is. Working bartenders may want a roll-up bag, so they can tote their tools from home to shift (this is also a great option if you’re headed to a hotel or party where all your bar tools will be needed). Boxed options are great for train travel or picnics and do a great job of protecting the contents, but they can be cumbersome to carry. 

Bottle Storage

Some travel bars are outfitted to carry just a small flask, while others have the capacity to store up to three or four of your favorite bottles. Pick a travel bar accordingly. If you simply want to sip a dram on the go out of decent glassware, the former type of travel bar will suffice. If you’re looking to craft Negronis, martinis, or other cocktails, consider a travel bar with a capacity that can hold all your ingredients.

What is included in a travel bar set?

A travel bar will include all the tools you need to craft cocktails on the go. Depending on the size of the bar, that can include a shaker and jigger or a full spate of bar tools. Often the travel bar set have space for bottles, too. 

How portable is a travel bar set?

Travel bar sets are designed to be toted around. Some will be like small, hardshell suitcases complete with handles and locks. Some come in the form of a backpack, while others are rolled up and can be carried around like a briefcase.

Why use a travel bar set?

Travel bar sets are excellent in a range of situations; bring one on a picnic, take it on your next vacation, or pack it for your next backyard drinks. These tiny bars also double as an excellent option for those living in small spaces and don’t have room for a full setup.

How do you clean a travel bar set?

"To keep your bar tools clean, simply rinsing and washing with warm water and a bit of Dawn soap can do the trick when you’re on the go,” says Levi. “You can bring this in a travel-size container. The key is to dry it all really well using a microfiber towel, which is easy to keep on you when traveling.”

Some of the other experts we consulted get extra points for the unique methods they employ to keep their bar tools sparkly, such as Ervin Machado , Certified Sommelier and Beverage Director at Big Time Restaurant Group. "I use soap and water to clean my tools on the go," he says, "but I always polish them with vodka for extra shine."

Kate Dingwall  is a sommelier and spirits writer. She has been writing about the bar and spirits world for five years and has her BarSmarts and WSET certification. She loves a good martini—wherever she may be.

This roundup was updated by Amanda Lauren , an experienced lifestyle writer who loves a good cocktail no matter where she is. She prefers bourbon to vodka.

• Drinks Buying Guides & Reviews

15 Healthy Travel Snacks You Can Take On The Plane

Traveling by plane? It’s simple to pack healthy snacks for your trip. This post shares my top 15 healthy travel snacks, including protein bars, nuts & seeds, fruit, veggies, trail mix, jerky or dried meat, dark chocolate, breakfast cookies, and more!

15 Healthy Travel Snacks You Can Bring On the Plane

Scroll down for my favorites and lots of variations!

Water (see my work-around)

Snack bars (like granola bars, fruit bars, Kind bars)

Protein or meal replacement bars (Quest, Clif or Balance bars)

Protein powder.

Fruit – fresh, dried and freeze-dried add almond butter

Jerky/dried meat

Dark chocolate

Granola or dry cereal

Go Picnic Kits

Fresh food options purchased at the airport

Breakfast cookies

But first, what makes a great healthy travel snack?

Choose a snack that is portable, will stay fresh, is sturdy and easily packed.  An energy bar can be crammed in a carry-on, a ripe pear cannot.  I look for gluten free snacks without added crap like artificial flavors, colors, high fructose corn syrup, etc.  I aspire to paleo eating - most of the time - though I definitely make exceptions and I'm not ultra picky when traveling.

Here are 15 healthy travel snacks...

You obviously can’t bring water from home, but you CAN either bring your own (empty) water bottle or thermos and fill it after you go through security or purchase a bottle of water .  I am happy to shell out $5+ for an over-priced bottle of water once I clear security so I have it just in case.   It’s not that I’m worried about drinking my 64 ounces of water – I just want my own water if I need it.  If a headache strikes, I can take a Motrin with no worries.  If I’m thirsty, I don’t have to wait for in-flight beverage service.

Buy water or bring your own bottle and fill it.

[Tweet "Check out these 15 healthy travel snacks you can take on the plane."]

2. Snack Bars

A snack bar to me is one low in protein, so it would not be a good choice for a meal replacement.  If I’m flying over lunch or dinner time (and you’re lucky if you get a pack of peanuts on the plane) then a snack bar might be a part of my meal.  Or, just something to grab if I’m hungry.

There are literally TONS of snack bars, from old school granola bars, fruit bars, nut bars, crunchy bars, soft bars...  I’d recommend trying several brands in advance of your trip. Then stock upon your favorites.

I like these:

Kind bars ..

What I love about Kind bars is that you look at the bar and can SEE what you are eating.  They are incredibly beautiful and made from real fruit, whole nuts, seeds and grains.  No unpronounceable ingredients and they are gluten free, dairy free, no GMO's.  I use Kind bars as a quick snack, dessert or treat.  I am currently obsessed with the Dark Chocolate Almond Mint , which tastes pretty dang close to a Girl Scout Thin Mint. Not that I remember what one tastes like, ha ha.  This bar has 200 calories and 5g protein.

Fit & Active Fruit Bars

I found these in the checkout aisle of Aldi .  My favorite is Blueberry & Hemp seed which is 110 calories and 3 g protein. The bars are slightly chewy, sweet and very fruity.  Reminds me of a fruit roll up for grown ups.

I discovered Rawxies Mint Chocolate Chip bar at a local health food store.  These are vegan, gluten free and made from “real” ingredients like GF oats, seeds, nuts, coconut and dates.  But, best of all, each “cookie” is in the shape of a heart!  I totally wish I had invented these because I often cut homemade protein bars into cute shapes.  The mint chocolate chip variety has 130 calories and 4 g protein.

Melissa’s brand Pumpkin Seed Clean Snax was a grocery store impulse purchase yesterday and I may have to add these to my “trigger” list.  They are so good!!  These are crisp nuggets that are slightly sweet and you made with chia, flaxseed, sesame seeds and honey.  One serving is 5 pieces for 150 calories and 6 grams of protein.  (Luckily if you put the words “flax seed and chia” on a package in my house, no one will touch it.  More for me!)

These are just a few of my favorites.  Explore your local grocery or health food store to see what you discover!

3. Protein or Meal Replacement Bars

Protein bars are more substantial and filling, so they can be used to replace a meal in a pinch.  Just like with snack bars, there are TONS of varieties.  Have some fun shopping at your local grocery or health food store. Or check out Amazon and read reviews.  Sample some bars and choose your favorites for travel.  Here are some of my favorites…

It's no secret I love my Quest bars.  My absolute favorite is White Chocolate Raspberry followed by S'Mores and Double Chocolate Chunk.  Most bars are around 200 calories and 21 grams of protein.  I’ll use a Quest bar as a quick breakfast on-the-go. They’re always cheapest on Amazon and you can check the current price here: Quest Bars .

I wasn’t sure whether to classify Epic Bars as a protein bar, or jerky.  They are 100% grass fed animal-based paleo protein.  I like the Turkey Almond Cranberry Bar which has 14 g. protein and only 150 calories.  (This is a little low in calories for a meal replacement so I'd combine it with a shake, fruit, nuts or homemade trail mix.)

Core Meal Hearty Oatmeal to Go

I discovered these bars at a local Terra Health Food store.  I tried the Banana Walnut Core Meal Bar and was surprised to find it was soft and moist; very slightly sweet with a hint of banana.  It's almost like an oatmeal cookie, with gluten free oats, raw nuts, bananas, raisins, flaxseeds, vanilla beans.  Definitely a meal replacement at 350 calories and 11g protein.  The cool thing is these are perishable.  It will last 1 week on the go, 2 months chilled, and 9 months frozen.   These bars are very satisfying and filling, so they are a great choice for air travel.

Paleo Thin Protein Bar

I tried the Caramel Paleo Protein Bar .  This has a whopping 20 g protein (from egg whites) and 180 calories.  I'll be honest, I am not a huge fan.  The bar is hard and has a slight caramel taste, but it was just OK.  I wouldn’t buy these again but I recognize that we all have different tastes so YOU might like them.

Balance Bars

One of my friends recommended I include Balance Bars in this article and she likes the peanut butter variety (200 calories and 15g protein).  Balance bars are dense and sweet – almost like a healthy candy bar!

4. Protein Powder

Making a protein shake on an airplane takes only slightly more effort than ripping open a protein bar, but it’s easily doable if you enjoy drinking shakes.  Remember the water you are going to buy at the airport? (Or fill your own water bottle?) Just combine in a shaker cup with your protein powder and voila!  Meal done.

I drink Chocolate Vegan Shakeology because not only do I get protein, but also superfood nutrition, probiotics, prebiotics, anti-oxidants and all sorts of good stuff.  My normally healthy diet might slip a little while on vacation, but drinking my daily shake means I am totally covered nutritionally.

Quest Protein Powder

If you just want a delicious protein powder, Quest Nutrition has lots of choices for you.  I especially like the peanut butter flavor, and sometimes I’ll add 1/3 scoop of peanut butter to my chocolate Shakeology instead of PB2 for an extra protein boost.  You can purchase individual packets or a bulk container.

Low Carb Protein Powder

If you prefer a lower carb protein powder, Orgain Organic protein powder and P erfect Keto Chocolate Protein Powder , are very highly rated on Amazon.

Fruit is a great healthy travel snack - choose from fresh, dried or freeze dried.

Fresh Fruit

When traveling by plane, choose “study” fruit like apples, bananas or grapes.

Dried Fruit

I love dried fruit and always carry some when traveling.  Read the labels when making a purchase – I make sure there is no added sugar – fruit is sweet enough on its own!  Some of my favorite dried fruit choices are:

Dried apples

Dried pears

Dried apricots

Dried Cranberries

Dried peaches

Just grab a bag and pop it into your carry-on, or mix a few of your favorite varieties together.

Freeze Dried Fruit

Freeze dried fruit removes the water from fruit so you are left with a crispy product, versus soft and chewy like dried fruit.  But you also have lots more options and bananas and strawberries are two of my favorites!

You can purchase freeze dried fruit in large containers or individual serving bags.  Just Bananas (or Just Strawberries, etc.) is one brand; Target has Archer Farms Simply Balanced, and Amazon has mini bags of freeze dried fruit .

Ok, so I don’t routinely carry veggies when I travel by plane, but it IS an option.  Great choices would be baby carrots, baby bell peppers and celery.  You can find travel packets of hummus which would make a great dip or spread.  (Be sure to put the hummus packets in your quart size ziploc bag when going through security.)

7. Jerky/Dried Meat

Back in the day you had Slim Jims – now there are great jerky choices made from a variety of meats, from beef to bison to turkey and good ‘ol bacon!

I personally am not a fan of super hard, rip-your-teeth-out jerky, but I do like meat sticks, especially ones made with ingredients I can pronounce.

For an upcoming trip I choose Vermont Meat Sticks .  I like the BBQ Beef and Turkey Uncured Pepperoni (though only one lasted long enough to photograph!)  These meat sticks are relatively soft, are gluten free and are made from meat raised without antibiotics.

I actually have made homemade jerky in the past and this is a good reminder for me to make a batch or two!

Again, you have limitless possibilities.  While I prefer eating sweet or salty roasted nuts, I almost always choose raw nuts because if they are too tasty I will over eat them!  Buy nuts in individual-size packages or save money and portion nuts in snack baggies.  I usually try to stick to around 100 calorie portions.

Good choices are:

Raw almonds

Macadamia nuts

Peanuts (though I usually avoid peanuts – throwback to my paleo days)

Brazil nuts

No-shell pistachios

Make your own mixture!

I like to mix seeds with nuts, coconut and dried fruit for trail mix, but you can eat them on their own as well.  Try:

Pumpkin seeds (no-shell, pepitas)

Sunflower seeds (no-shell, kernels)

10. Dark Chocolate

Because why would you travel without it??  Dark chocolate has anti-oxidants, it is low in sugar and relatively low in calories and it feels like a treat!  I like 85%, but will go as low as 72% and as high as 90%, depending on the selection.  I usually buy bars and split them into squares, but for travel I will splurge on individually wrapped squares.  Lindt and Ghiradelli are my faves. If you shop at Aldi they have Moser Roth brand 85% dark chocolate.  What I like about this brand is that it comes in a bar (easily portable) but when you open the cardboard wrapping, you have individually wrapped mini bars - each 2 square's worth.)  (Once again, I ate the entire bar without taking a picture …. Oops!)

11. Trail Mix

You can purchase trail mix (I love the Power Up! Mega Omega mix ) or make your own homemade.  My basic formula is a combination of unsweetened coconut flakes, dried fruit and nuts. Sometimes I add dark chocolate just for fun!

12. Granola or Dry Cereal

I’m adding this as an option because it works for many people, particularly if you choose a healthier brand like Bear Naked or gluten-free granola like Udi’s .  There’s even low carb granola like Keto Nut Granola with Blueberries.

I absolutely CANNOT eat granola – or any dry cereal – in moderation so it is permanently crossed off my list, lol.  I once ate an entire box of Archer Farms Chocolate Chunk Hazelnut Biscotti granola in one sitting, sooooooo….

13. Go Picnic Snack Kits

I am a huge fan of Go Picnic snack kits .  They are a little pricey but I use these as a back up if I don't know I'll have time to grab a meal in the airport or want to be sure it is something I can eat (gluten free).  I like the Turkey Pepperoni & Cheese pack which includes:  turkey pepperoni slices, Asiago cheese spread, multi-grain crackers, sweet + spicy fruit & nut mix, and a caramel lollipop for dessert.  This particular kit has 330 calories and 14g protein and will keep you busy eating for a while! You can pick up these kits at your local grocery store (likely in the health food section), and I’ve seen them at lots of airports as well.

14. Fresh Food Options at the Airport

Don't rule out airport food because many airports have fresh "travel ready" options after you pass through security.  You can find healthy options like hard boiled eggs, fresh fruit cups, salads, sandwiches and yogurt.

I don’t want to rely on picking up fresh food for the plane just in case , but if something looks good trust me I’ll snap it up and pop it in my carry on.  The only drawback is sometimes the packaging.  I remember wrestling with a plastic cup of hard boiled eggs on a plane for a good 20 minutes.  I couldn’t get the dang thing open!

Another option is take out from some airport restaurants. There’s almost always a Starbucks and they have delicious Egg Bites. Depending on the restaurant selection in your airport you can find yogurt, fruit bowls, bagels, subs, sandwiches, salads, gluten free pizza and more!

15. Homemade Bars, Cookies or Treats

I don’t often make homemade snack bars for travel, but my breakfast cookies are very travel-friendly.  Just be sure whatever recipe you choose is pretty sturdy to withstand being bumped around in your travel bag.

Try Gluten Free Double Chocolate Chunk  or   Banana Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chunk Breakfast Cookies.

Bonus:  Packing Travel Snacks Tips

Ziploc baggies are your best friend.  Use snack baggies to portion out snacks like raw nuts, homemade trail mix or dried fruit.  Use snack baggies for scoops of protein powder.  Use quart size bags to keep your bars or protein powder packets together inside your carry-on.   Use gallon size bags to keep snacks together in a suitcase.

Do you pack snacks when you travel by plane?  Have I missed any great healthy snacks?

Be sure to PIN this post so you can find it again!

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7 Best Travel Bar Sets In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

February 15 2021

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. For more information on how we conduct reviews,  click here .

Traveling and bars are two of life's greatest luxuries. But when you combine the two, you would have a vacation like no other. With travel bar sets, you can whip up a glass of your  favorite cocktail  wherever you go.

If you’re currently interested in buying one, check out the list below for the best travel bar sets you can get your hands on.

Our Top Picks

1.  mixology & craft store travel bar set.

What Customers Have To Say 

An Amazon customer commented that she was disappointed when she received the product because it does not have a good color payoff, although the tools inside were useful, and her husband, to whom she gave the kit, liked it. She wrote a review about it and unexpectedly received another bag to replace the first one. She is satisfied and stated that Mixology & Craft cares about their customers. 

Another Amazon customer loves his copper bar tools, and he’s been making almost every cocktail in the alphabet since he got this set. 

Why We Think It’s Great

With 17 pieces of bar tools inside, there is almost nothing you can't make with this product. Boston cocktail tins? Double-sided jigger? Ice bag? This travel bar set has it all! It is not only impressive for the tools but also its canvas bag with sturdy full-grain leather.

Who Should Buy It

This travel bar set is perfect for those passionate about bartending and cocktails that don't mind paying extra. It is also ideal for events and parties and those who love to give the crowd a show.

2.  Jillmo Waterproof Bartender Travel Set

A customer bought this  bartender bag  on the spot after he came across it. He couldn't be happier with his choice. He states that the bag is well-put-together, and the bar tools in the front pocket are a perfect fit.

Meanwhile, another buyer loves the travel bag, and it has met her every need. She says the bag is spacious, sturdy, convenient, and the backpack straps are comfortable. 

The main compartment can fit up to 6 bottles with padded and adjustable inserts and cardboard to ensure your bottles' and glasses' safety. The bag is made with a lot of pockets you can put the tools and extra stuff in.

If you're one to carry a lot of booze, this travel bar set is for you. It does come in one color only, so if you're not too particular about the design and just value the functionality, this is what you should get.

3.  Root7Professional Travel Bar Set

A shopper stated that the product is terrific and profoundly built well. He likes how the tools weigh. He just wishes that the opening where the Boston shaker sits is wholly enclosed. Another customer was amazed by the travel bar set, and the cocktail shaker fulfilled all his needs with the perfect size. The bag's quality is excellent and can fit more bar tools.

This bartender kit is compact but versatile. You can carry this around like a purse, and it is easy to store in kitchens. It contains six stainless bar tools with a titanium finish which makes it look so elegant and unique. It is also effortless to clean up since the fabric repels water. 

This is perfect for those who only require the basic tools. It may have lesser bar tools than other travel bar sets out there, but it surely will not hinder you from making the perfect cocktail.

4.  Franmara Martini Travel Bar Set

What Customers Have To Say  

A buyer thinks this product is a perfect gift for travel if you adore martinis. She states that the set is light and compact. Moreover, another buyer bought this set and gave it to her daughter as a present. Her daughter loved it, and she highly recommends this travel bar set. 

The leatherette-covered hard case will surely secure everything inside and keep it intact as there is an attached separator board. On top of that, the case comes with two lock keys. 

This travel bar set is made especially for all the martini lovers who will always choose martini over any other drink. 

5.  Jillmo Waterproof Bartender Travel Bar Set

A shopper opened the box and set it up right after it was delivered. She felt that the product was worthy of a review even though she usually doesn't write one. Another Amazon customer purchased this bag for the spring training games in Florida, and he’s thrilled he can carry multiple beverages, mixers, and cups.

The bar bag is very versatile and is excellent for traveling, camping, or daily use. The bag has ten small bar tool pockets, two big foldaway pockets, three foamed wine protectors, one big long mesh zipper pocket, and even a laptop compartment. It can fit a lot. The bag is made of durable materials and is designed to last for a long time. 

This travel bar set is perfect for people who always like to have complete tools and keep many things in one place. It is also ideal if you engage in part-time jobs as a bartender.

6.  Jillmo Bartender Travel Bar Set

A buyer loved this product. He took this to Vegas and held up well. He says it is sturdy, strong, and well-designed. Another customer also thinks the travel bar set’s compartments are convenient and great for all the needed accessories. 

With ten small bar tool pockets, two big foldaway pockets, three removable and adjustable inserts, one big long mesh zipper pocket, and one big zipper pocket on the backside, you can fit anything here! It also includes 11 essential bar tools. And they offer a lifetime warranty and a full refund for the bag. 

If you're a big fan of being organized, like to carry your booze around with the tools, and want to keep the bottles secure, you should get this travel kit. 

7.  Barmasters Pro Bar Travel Set

A customer remarks that the travel bar case is durable. He purchased this and gave this to his friend, who loves the product. Meanwhile, another buyer comments that the set's quality is decent, the necessary bar tools are complete, and the case is perfect. The tools aren't the fanciest on the market, but it's durable enough. 

There are seven essential bar tools inside the leatherette hard case and are enclosed by two velcros. The design is elegant, and the tools are durable enough.

This travel bar set is excellent for people who are looking for a travel bar set in a compact, handy, but robust case. 

Travel Bar Set Buying Guide

Every travel bar set is unique because they differ in design, size, tools, etc. Choosing one can get a bit overwhelming. So, before you purchase a travel bar set, you should know well what to be considered. Here are some factors you should look into.

Portability

Since travel bar sets are designed for carrying around during travel, choose one that you find most comfortable carrying. Some travel bar sets are designed to include bottles, so if you’re going for a lighter pack, choose one that doesn’t have a bottle compartment. 

Also, go for travel bar sets with tight and secure straps to keep the tools in place. You can choose whether you want the exterior to have a handle or a strap.

Travel bar sets can get a bit pricey. To make your purchase worth the money, check the materials used. If you want your travel bar set to last long, you should opt for sets made of genuine black leather and a hard case. Also, check the quality of the tools inside. You wouldn’t want to buy a  flimsy product that’ll last for a couple of months.

Stolen tools or liquors inside the travel bar set are possible. To avoid this kind of misfortune, consider getting a travel bar set with a case that includes a combination lock. It is much safer from thieves, and your liquors should be protected in a case, whereas if you choose to keep them outside, it might break.

Most importantly, you need to look at the tools inside the kit or case. The tools that come with the set are different for each product. Some products contain more tools in various materials.

While it is unnecessary to buy a travel bar set that includes many tools, it would be smart for you to know what is contained inside. Make sure the product you want has the right tools you need.

Make your travel experience even better with the company of a travel bar set. Owning one is both fun and satisfying, so you get to enjoy your favorite drink anytime, anywhere. It feels superb to carry a whole bar in one hand, shaker, jigger , and muddler . 

Do you own a travel bar set? How is your experience so far? Let us know in the comments.

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Our Favorite Travel Bar Sets

Let’s All Welcome The Rise In Popularity of the Travel Bar!

With all the changes over the last several months, the interest in vintage travel bars and suitcase bars has really spiked. And that’s an great thing! Up until recently I bet many people didn’t even know the you could even buy a mini bar that fits in a suitcase, well you can and I have some of the best ones for you to try out.

Some experiences are hard to replicate. The buzz of a night out with friends going from club to club. Squeezing into a seat at a crowded bar to join in the camaraderie. Dining with a large group of family or friends in a bustling fully occupied restaurant.

If you are looking for some beginner cocktails to try out,  here  are some of our favorite!

Maybe we won’t be able to do those things for a while and must adapt to a new normal. But there are ways to keep the party going and still stay safe. We need to be flexible and approach things with an open mind. In that vein I am going to throw you a lifeline.

Despite the anxiety and disruption people are still looking for activities to relieve the stress if only for a short period. Triple A estimates that 1 in 3 families will take an extended trip this summer. Many more will picnic, go to the beach and hike in the mountains.

Yes people are still renting beach houses, cabins, reserving hotel rooms. Still going on outings. Having friends over for backyard, patio and pool gatherings. And what does everybody need at all these places? A good cocktail off course.

You NEED A Travel Bar Set

Now, more than ever, you should have a travel ready bar set that gives you a taste of home while you’re on the road. Over the years, I have had many and have always found them indispensable, and perhaps even more so in our present times.

Going away this summer? Maybe you will stop at a hotel. Most cocktails in hotel bars are pricey (and might add chintzy). Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a bar in your room? Away from any crowds, saving some money. Hopefully you have a balcony. Or maybe your hotel doesn’t have a bar and you don’t want to go out. No need to go out if you have a travel bar set.

Renting a beach house or cabin? Nothing like sipping your favorite cocktail while soaking up the beautiful natural surroundings.

Travel Bars & Wine Bags Never Go Out Of Style

Once football season starts you can up your tailgate game. Instead of just some beer and wine in a cooler, elevate your refreshments by adding some cocktails.

Staying home? Invite some friends over for an outside get together. You know the distancing drill, but you can enhance the gathering and show your friends how much you care with some classic cocktails. I don’t know about you, but I’ve raised a few glasses the last few months at virtual cocktail parties with friends and my travel bar set has allowed me to change rooms at each “party.”

Need a special gift for family or friends? A travel bar set makes a fantastic gift for any budding mixologist or veteran connoisseur.

Travel bar sets come in many shapes and sizes to cover nearly any type of need from toolsy martini bar sets to ideal wine travel totes. These grab-and-go solutions are a welcome addition to everyday life.

What Makes A Good Travel Bar Set?

So these are my top picks for travel bar sets. They are in no particular order. All are excellent but each stands out in a different way. It is up to the user to decide what is critical to have on hand. Hopefully this list will lead you to make an informed choice. Any purchase should include the following considerations:

Tools  – Make sure your travel bar has the tools that you use consistently. If this is your first purchase and you are new to making cocktails, I’ve included a high quality starter set in the list. Remember, it’s not always easy to add tools that didn’t come with the set, as they might not fit in the case/bag or could prove difficult to secure.

Portability  – This is a personal choice. A travel set should be a grab-and-go item that’s convenient, but everyone has a different idea about ease. Some might be comfortable with a four bottle set others with a two bottle set. It depends on your needs.

Durability  – You don’t need breakdowns with a travel bar set. I have found synthetic material to be the most reliable. A lot depends on how you treat your set in terms of wear and tear.

Security  – For some especially frequent air travelers this might be a concern. Depends on the libations. If carrying high end liquors, it might be wise to purchase a set with a lock. Also in this category, it’s important that any set carrying bottles has secure placements.

Price  – Up to you. My advice is always fit the purchase to your lifestyle and needs.

Jilmo Cocktail Shaker Set, 14 piece Bartender Kit with Waterproof Bartender Travel Bag

This is not for the faint of heart. It has everything but the kitchen sink. A big capacity travel bag with the added perk that it folds up into a padded, waterproof 13x16x5 inch shoulder bag. It contains 14 stainless steel tools to make any cocktail.

If you want a set that allows you to carry up to four bottles of spirits and still have some room for smaller bottles of mixers, aperitifs, bitters and simple syrup, then this can be your meal ticket. The set is quality throughout especially the tools. Want something more….it is less than $100 on Amazon. Amazing! If you are into serious entertainment then this is the set for you.

Barimaster Pro Bar Travel Set

This is a condensed and stylish set with its 11-inch black cylinder, leatherette casing and a black velvet interior lining. All the basics are included in a seven tool set: cocktail shaker, ice tongs, double jigger, bar spoon, muddler, cocktail strainer and a corkscrew. Does not contain any space for alcohol or glasses. Contains a strap which allows you to carry it over your shoulder. To me, this is a great starter kit. If you are just getting into mixology this could be for you.

All the basics are there, just add the spirits and glasses. Great for home. Ideal for a picnic where you can pack alcohol and glasses with your other provisions. Also this set is an affordable option at just under $75 on Amazon.

Atterstone Travel Bar Cocktail Set

For those that are looking for more options and a greater selection of tools, this kit has it all. A solid case with segmented  compartments to hold all your accessories. What we love most is the professional look when all folded up, it’s like your the bartender the party is waiting for!

LEGACY Bar Backpack – 16 piece Portable Cocktail Set, Grey/Black

Everything you need in a traveling bar set. Durable, waxed canvas backpack. Holds three 750ml bottles securely. Extensive tool set: six cocktail picks, classy Hawthorne strainer (my favorite kind), ice tongs, cocktail spoon with hammer (hammer is a nice addition for muddling and breaking ice), muddler with plastic head (triangular head for even mash), double sided jigger (1 oz, 1.5 oz), cork screw (waiter-style, very useful), 2 piece shaker set (16 oz, 24 oz)), serrated paring knife, combo bottle/can opener, cutting board.

The manufacturer suggests that this is the travel bar set that Ernest Hemingway would have taken to Africa for his big game hunts. Having used this set on a camping trip and having read enough Hemingway, that statement is not mere hyperbole. This is the real deal. There is even a separate compartment to carry your phone, wallet and other necessities. This is a top-shelf bar set for entertaining and is conducive to any cocktail occasion.

Cost factor comes to play, as this set has a higher price tag. This is a personal decision but if this set fits your pocketbook, I can assure you that you will be more than satisfied.

Franmara Martini Travel Bar Set with Case

If a martini captivates you (and nothing else matters) then this is the case for you. You need to supply your own martini ingredients, but you’re covered for everything else. The set includes two martini glasses, a stainless steel flask for trouble free alcohol transit, a jigger, funnel, and a shaker.

A nice touch is the two reusable olive spears. The 7 3/4 x 8 x 7 inch black case has a velvet interior. This is the perfect “shaken but not stirred” travel set for the martini aficionado. A little over $70.00 on Amazon.

Concession Express PortableTravel Bar – Black

Classic touches such as a gold latch, stylish case, and a three digit combination lock set the stage for this elegant yet simple rendition of a travel bar set. It consists of two small martini glasses, bottle opener, jigger, silver serving tray (classy) and two speed pourers to place on the mouth of your liquor bottles for accuracy in amount and neatness. A plus is the compartments that can hold three 750ml bottles, securely held in place by elastic straps.

This set is a little shy in tools, but perfect for straight forward tipples. Sometimes we want a satisfying drink without being involved in all kinds of mixing and straining. THis one is ideal when you want to bring variety in spirits to a get together or outing, and durable enough to bring on your next plane trip. This set is $85.00 on Amazon.

LEGACY  – Hamilton Travel Cocktail Set

A travel set with an abundance of barkeep tools in a compact 14×10 inch hard case. The impressive array of tools includes a shaker, strainer, double jigger, stirrer, cutting board (always a useful addition), ice tongs, muddler and olive picks. Four rock glasses is a pleasant surprise and the three slots to store your spirits brings a smile to my face. 

All you need to mix some refreshing cocktails with the luxury of variety. Whenever I take this set on the road it’s always a crowd pleaser. If you are looking to go glamorous, yet utilitarian, then look no further. But glamor does cost, as this set is priced at $253.85 on Amazon. All in all, I find it at that price to be an exceptional value.

Tirrenia Insulated Wine Carrier Tote

Some days you might not want the hard stuff, but you still need a grab-and-go because the party, get together, dinner, picnic etc. needs wine. If that’s the case, then this tote rings all the bells. A sturdy, good-looking carrier that features two separate compartments for your vino. The spaces are ample and your bottles are secure. Insulated, in addition to a cool pack, so that your wine or champagne will stay chilled for hours.

An outside pocket has enough space for a corkscrew (included), phone and keys. This is my go to bag when eating at a BYOB. It can also be a great addition to your night at a drive-in movie. An adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying and a pocket friendly price on Amazon.

Four Bottle Wine Carrier by Tirrinia

Some days you need more and this carrier is there for you. Size – check, Portability – check, Durability – check, Performance – check. The individual wine compartments are big enough to fit a few cool packs so as to enhance the insulated bag. My only caveat – when not at full capacity the separators shift and the bottles sometimes knock together. But shouldn’t I be filling it with 4 bottles?

Oh well, if you only have 2 or 3 here is a tip: fill the other spaces with cheese, snacks etc. I found this eliminates any problems and what better than wine and cheese? Great for picnics and potlucks when you are the designated wine provider. A friendly $26.98 on Amazon.

You never know what life holds. But purchase a travel bar set, and you’ll always be ready to enjoy the party!

Author: Rory Witkowski

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The best healthy travel snacks, according to nutritionists and dietitians

My motto is: Never travel without snacks ! Just as traffic and weather are unpredictable when traveling, so is the snack selection. Some airports and convenience stops are well-stocked with plenty of healthy items while others — even in big cities — leave you with few nutritious options. Plus, bringing your own food means you can avoid the over-priced airport and rest stop fare.

Whether you’re hitting the road, railways, or the skies , travel can take you long stretches between meals and a healthy snack can help nourish you and satisfy hunger between stops. You might even find that by snacking well, you’re less irritable during those unpredictable delays.

Even when you’re heading out on vacation , it makes sense to stick to your (mostly) healthy eating routine. You’ll find it easier to offset vacation weight gain and you’ll feel better during your trip. So, on top of your sneakers , sunscreen , and clothing, add healthy snacks to your packing list. Here are some nutritionist-approved picks to choose from.

What makes a healthy travel snack?

Travel snacks need to be easily portable for road trips and airplane travel, and if the latter, they must be able to make it past TSA inspection. Yogurt, nut butter, and certain dips (like hummus and guacamole) are considered “liquids and gels” and would therefore need to meet size requirements to make it through US security. (Rules may vary if you’re entering the US from a foreign country.) Fresh foods need to travel well, meaning they’re easy to tote and not too messy to eat on the go. Beyond that, here are some guidelines the registered dietitians (RDs) considered when suggesting snacks that get the green light:

• Primarily made with whole food ingredients (think: beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies, whole grains).
• Any grain-containing items should be made with whole grains
• Controlled (if any) amounts of added sugar and sodium

Ask an RD A better way to think about 'clean eating'

Fresh snacks.

Fresh produce, like an apple, banana, or some baby carrots are easy options to tuck into your travel bag. “I’ll pack veggies I can eat with my hands, like sliced cucumber and red bell pepper, a little container of dip made from healthy fat, like guacamole or seasoned almond butter or tahini, and a handful of oven-roasted chickpeas for plant protein and fiber-rich carbs. This combo is chock full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is a fresh change of pace from the packaged options for sale at airports, gas stations, etc.,” says Cynthia Sass , MPH, RD, a New York and Los Angeles-based performance nutritionist

Sass also recommends making overnight oats for a filling meal to take along. “I combine old fashioned rolled oats with plant protein powder, then add hot water, stir in seasonings like a bit of maple syrup, ginger and cinnamon, then fold in shredded zucchini, fresh fruit, and chopped nuts, and chill in the fridge overnight. This nutrient-rich complete meal is an ideal option if you have a chilled lunch sack to keep it cool.”

Maya Feller , RDN, who has a private practice in Brooklyn and a cookbook forthcoming this fall, shares a similar strategy. “In general, I do my best to have a balanced meal when I travel — either purchased before arriving at the airport or brought from home. My favorite travel snacks are always paired with a large bottle of water. I’m big on water simply because airplane travel is so dehydrating. Mixed raw unsalted nuts and fresh fruit are a usual go-to of mine. The nuts are a nice combination of satiating protein and fiber that do an effective job of bridging the gap between meals without additives. Simple and straight forward,” she says. (And remember if you’re traveling on a plane, fill up your water bottle after you make it through security.)

NYC-based RD, Natalie Rizzo agrees. “I like to snack on nuts when traveling because a small amount is really filling,” she says “But since some packaged nuts are coated in unhealthy toppings, like tons of sugar or salt, I make my own " Cinnamon Roasted Almonds " with just a little bit of cinnamon, agave and salt. All nuts contain healthy fats, protein and fiber, so you can use whatever type of nut you like best. Just try to stick to a one-ounce portion size so you don’t eat too many calories in one sitting,” suggests Rizzo.

Pro Picks Nutritionist-approved snacks your kid will actually want to eat

Frances Largeman-Roth , RDN, nutrition and wellness expert and author of "Eating in Color" says grapes are her go-to travel snack for the whole family. “They’re refreshing and hydrating (at 82% water) and are super portable as well.” Largeman-Roth explains that all grapes (green, red and black) are a great source of polyphenols and other antioxidants. “I like to bring them on car trips in a small cooler. They help my kids stay hydrated without extra potty breaks, which makes travel more fun for everyone!” she says.

Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area makes her " Healthy Roasted Chickpeas " for her travels. “I love traveling with this filling snack because the chickpeas are filled with plant protein to help keep you fuller for longer. They're perfect for long plane rides or road trips. The chickpeas are crunchy and delicious — and you can flavor them however you like. They can be easily packed up in a zip-top bag for when you hit the road!”

Like these RDs, I travel with fresh produce and nuts, and often take some boiled eggs along for the ride, particularly when I’m traveling through meal time. For easier eating (and to reduce mess), peel them in advance, and be sure to stick them in a bag with a small ice pack if they’ll be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. If you have the option, store the ice pack in the fridge where you’re staying and re-use it to keep fresh fruit and veggies cool on your trip home. Another pro tip: You can easily pick up small packets of salt and pepper at an airport eatery or gas station stop — perfect for seasoning your eggs on your travels!

Packaged snacks

Packaged snacks definitely make the cut with these nutrition pros, provided they meet some healthful standards. “If I’m purchasing an item at a kiosk, I usually look for a fruit and nut-based bar with 5g of added sugar or less per serving and no added salt,” says Feller. “I generally look for options that have a short ingredient list with recognizable names and limited additives. When flying, I like to be mindful of my added sugar and added salt intake. I’ve found that my post-travel digestion is much better when I stick to snacks without refined grains and additives,” she says.

Amrita's high protein chocolate chip coconut bar scores high marks with Sass. “It's delicious, made with real food ingredients, including dates, quinoa, sunflower and chia seeds, and contains no added sugar,” she says, adding, “It satisfies my choc-o-tooth while providing 15 g of plant protein and 6 g of filling fiber.” Sass says the balanced macro ratio leaves her feeling energized for about three hours. “To make it a meal replacement I’ll combine it with an organic green juice.”

Amrita High Protein Gluten Free Bars

If you were intrigued by the roasted chickpeas but don’t have the time or inclination to heat up the oven, you can purchase them instead. Joan Salge Blake , EdD, Clinical Professor, Boston University and the host of the hit health and wellness podcast, SpotOn! , recommends Biena Chickpea Snacks . “They’re high in fiber and flavor and are light as a feather so they don't weigh down your travel bag,” she says.

Biena Chickpea Snacks

“For an easy, on-the-go travel snack, I tend to bring a string cheese and a serving of baked chips, such as Beanitos Black Bean Chips ,” says Keri Gans , RDN, nutritionist and author, "The Small Change Diet". “The individually-wrapped cheese is portion controlled and provides the protein needed to help with satiety. And since the Beanitos are made from black beans, they also provide protein, plus are a good source of fiber, another important nutrient for a well-rounded snack,” she explains. It turns out dietitians have a salty tooth, too. “The chips totally satisfy my craving for something salty, without actually being too high in sodium.” If you want to pack a similar snack, Gans shares this this pro tip: Pre-portion the chips in a small container rather than eating straight from the bag.

Beanitos Black Bean Chips

If you’re hitting the road or railways instead of the skies, Gorin recommends taking Dole Spoonable Smoothies (and a spoon) along for the ride. “These are a really fun snack to bring with you on a road trip. You have a smoothie bowl made with real fruit that you can eat on the go — and it comes with a little packet of granola to sprinkle on top for crunch,” she says. “The smoothie takes 35 to 40 minutes to thaw, so if you stick it in your travel bag before you get in the car you should be good to eat it on the road or train.”

If you’re looking for more portable fruit options, Largeman-Roth says she brings a bag of RIND dried fruit with her whenever she travels. “The Orchard Blend is my favorite. I love that they keep all the skins and peels on their dried fruit, which provides more nutrients, as well as more fiber. Fiber is important when you’re traveling because most of us don’t get enough and that can lead to constipation. This stuff really helps me stay regular, just saying! The dried persimmon is especially delicious and my kids love it too.”

Dried Mango from Peeled Snacks is another RD-approved option. “When I have a hankering for something sweet, I like to snack on fruit,” says Rizzo who notes that fresh fruit doesn’t always pack well. “That’s why I carry bags of dried mango with me when I travel. These naturally sweet treats contain no added sugar and are an excellent source of vitamin C. Plus, they come in small flat bags that are easy to throw into your purse or suitcase,” she says.

Peeled Snacks Organic Dried Fruit, Mango

What a nutritionist wants you to know.

• Bad nutrition advice dietitians want you to forget
• The best way to lose weight boils down to these three things
• What you need to know about going vegan
• What is healthier: natural sugar, table sugar or artificial sweeteners?
• The healthier pick: a hot dog or a hamburger?

Want more tips like these? NBC News BETTER is obsessed with finding easier, healthier and smarter ways to live. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

" > The Carnivore Bar

On the move nutrition without compromise.

The world’s only high-fat, grass-finished beef bar that replaces a meal while on the move, and stores for years. Get your travel autonomy and freedom back.

The Breakdown of the Carnivore Bar

Our goal is to get a travel-friendly, whole-food product into the hands of people who struggle with the logistics of doing these diets on the go. We aim to support you on any low carb or ancestral journey you find yourself on.

THE CARNIVORE BAR IS PERFECT FOR:

• Carnivores on the go
• Ancestral, paleo, keto, and animal-based eaters
• Busy families looking for healthy fuel
• People with demanding work schedules
• Outdoor adventurers and cross-country or internationals travellers
• Peace of mind when the power goes out; stockpiling and energy reserves

sourcing & regenerative ranching: joyce farms

The secret to making a high quality pemmican starts with high quality ingredients. Joyce Farms creates a superior flavored beef by focusing on what makes grasslands regenerative as well as what brings out the flavor of their beef. As we transform their grass-finished beef into Carnivore Bars, we end up inadvertently concentrating the flavor, which is strongly influenced by the genetic profile of their heritage Aberdeen Angus beef that Joyce Farms found is best for the planet and your palate.

Carnivore Bar Box, 6-Pack

The Carnivore Bar is a high-fat meal replacement bar made of regeneratively-raised, grass-finished beef. It provides the ultimate freedom and autonomy for carnivores and those alike who are on the move. 

All items are final sale and are ineligible for return or exchange. We highly recommend purchasing a single bar sample before placing a larger order.

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• Shipping & Return
• Carnivore Bar Comparison
• Perfect for giving on-the-go autonomy and freedom for meat lovers, keto carnivores, ancestral eaters, and everyone in-between
• Meal replacement bar with 400-420 calories of grass-fed, grass-finished superior meat from Joyce Farms
• Shelf-stable, no need for refrigeration
• Each bars weighs 2 oz + contains approximately 1/2 pound of dried beef
• The perfect combination of crunchy and creamy texture
• The healthiest meal replacement bar out there
• Calories: 420
• Protein: 20g
• Calories: 400

FULL INGREDIENT LIST

• Salted : Grass-finished beef, grass-finished tallow, Redmond Real Salt®
• Unsalted : Grass-finished beef, grass-finished tallow
• Zesty Garlic : Grass-finished beef, grass-finished tallow, Pluck organ seasoning, Redmond Real Salt®
• Honey salted : Grass-finished beef, grass-finished tallow, raw honey, Redmond Real Salt®
• Honey unsalted : Grass-finished beef, grass-finished tallow, raw honey
• Honey BBQ : Grass-finished beef, grass-finished tallow, raw honey, Pluck organ seasoning, Redmond Real Salt®

Currently only available in USA. Military discount available - verify with SheerID to instantly unlock your savings.

All items are final sale and are ineligible for refund/return or exchange. Please contact us with any questions or concerns. 

*The Carnivore Bar has a theoretically indefinite shelf-life, and we are on our way to proving 25 years.

carnivore bar community reviews

I love The Carnivore Bar because it’s the perfect ratio of fat and meat on-the-go. Most jerkies and packaged meats have little fat and a lot of additives. The Carnivore Bar has been a main staple in my diet and the only reason I recommend the bars to my community. It’s a savory and crunchy snack or small meal without giving up on quality.

Judy Cho | Nutrition With Judy on nutritionwithjudy.com

The Carnivore Bar is one of the most nutritious, simple, clean-ingredient bars I’ve ever seen. I read A LOT of ingredients labels, I’m always trying to find a healthy snack, (especially when traveling) and The Carnivore Bar’s ingredients label is 10/10 perfect. I prefer the honey salted Carnivore Bar which is a great combo of savory & sweet. This is a great bar for traveling, snacking, and for a meal-on-the-go!

Lillie Kane | Certified Keto Nutrition Health Coach

I’m a highly competitive athlete who competes in elite Obstacle Course racing, high intensity strength training, and running. I take on lots of crazy challenges as well, like breaking the Guinness World Record for the Most Chest to Ground Burpees (1 hour for females). Being a high-level athlete, it’s crucial to have good digestion and well sourced ingredients in order to perform well. It’s important to me to not have anything that will sit too long and heavy in my stomach (especially with burpees and running).

When I’m out traveling for races and competitions, sometimes bringing cooked meat can be tricky. Having The Carnivore Bar saves me huge during those times, especially since its shelf stable. It not only saves me time but saves me from all the mental stress of having to prepare meals. I love the crunchiness of the bars and they really are unlike anything I’ve ever tasted.

I’m super proud to represent a brand that shares a passion for regenerative agriculture, high-quality, and nutrient dense food. The bars are simple, yet so effective.

Issy Watson | Athlete & Guinness World Record Holder

The Carnivore Bar is such a treat! It’s wonderful to have a nutrient-dense snack to grab when I’m in a hurry or if I’m in a situation where I don’t have access to a fridge, like on hikes, a long day out and about, or during airplane rides. I prefer them fresh out of the fridge, but it’s amazing l that they can be consumed at room temperature too. I love being able to eat meat without having to worry about refrigeration. My personal favorites are the salted bar and the honey bar. I’d recommend the salted bar if you’re purely looking for nutrients/fuel and want to stay away from sugar. I’d recommend the honey bar if you want something a little sweeter. The sweetness from the honey was not too overpowering…just enough to enhance the flavor of the beef. The first day I had a honey bar, I actually woke up the next morning and craved another first thing! If you’re looking for a yummy, nutrient-dense, shelf-stable snack, I’d highly recommend giving The Carnivore Bar a try.

Ashley R | Animal-Based Eats on ash-eats.com

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• 15 High-Protein Travel Snacks

Take these snacks with you on the road to help avoid junk food temptations.

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Traveling can make it tough to stick to your clean-eating diet. When you’re at home and you have access to your stove and fridge, planning a high-protein meal is rather simple, by comparison. Take away those essential appliances and you can feel like you don’t stand a chance at maintaining your diet. Don’t fear, all it takes is a little planning.

Here are some snacks that travel well. If you can bring a cooler on the road, then all of these snacks are an option. If you can’t, just focus on the non-refrigerated items. Always remember that once you reach your destination, it doesn’t hurt to stop at a grocery store to pick up refrigerated items that you can toss into your hotel fridge.

SEE ALSO:  13 Portable Protein Snacks

Non-Refrigerated Items

1. vacuumed packed tuna/salmon packets.

Skip the mess of canned tuna and having to bring a can opener. These tuna pouches are a convenient way to take protein with you. Add it to some bread or rice or just get a fork and eat it straight out of the package.

Add some variety and grab several kinds of nuts to take along. Nuts are a great source of essential fatty acids and protein, too. Also, they’re filling, so when you’re hungry they make a great snack.

3. Protein Bars

Be careful, though. Protein bars can be tricky. Depending on where you are in your training, some that are packed with calories and sugar can either make or break your goals. Opt for a low-sugar, high-protein choice to stay on the safe side.

4. Ziploc Baggie Protein

You can’t beat bringing your own protein powder on a trip. Put individual portions in Ziploc baggies. All you need is water and a cup, and you’ve got yourself an easy protein snack.

5. Beef Jerky

High in protein and portable, beef jerky is an excellent source of protein.

6. Peanut Butter

If you’re not too thrilled about lugging around a whole jar of peanut butter, grab some individual packets to make it more convenient.

7. Roasted Edamame

Protein doesn’t only have to come from meat sources. Edamame is a great vegetarian source of protein. You can find the dry roasted option for easy portability.

8. Protein Water

Don’t confuse this with throwing a scoop of protein powder into water. Protein water is actually bottled water that happens to have protein in it. It comes in clear and a variety of fruity colors for your choosing. Grab a few bottles from a health food store before hitting the road. This option will not only give you the protein you’re looking for, but it’ll also keep you hydrated.

Refrigeration Required

1. greek yogurt.

An individual container of Greek yogurt is one of the easiest ways to get in protein. Be sure to skip the ones high in sugar and opt for plain or one that has low-sugar.

2. Protein Packs

A few of these packs give you deli meat, cheese and nuts — great sources of protein in one prepped package.

3. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Before your trip, take some time to grab some turkey meat and cheese slices. Roll these up and store in a plastic container. These are easy to grab and eat quickly. You can also do a low-carb version by rolling up deli meat with lettuce.

4. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs are an easy go-to protein option. Boil as many as you may need, peel and store in a cooler or refrigerator.

5. Grilled Chicken Pieces

Ahead of time, grill some chicken, cut it up and store it in individual servings. When you need a quick snack, grab a container, pop off the lid and there you go: an easy and quick protein snack.

6. Pre-Made Protein Shakes

Having a protein shake that’s already made is convenience at its finest. There are a lot of brands to choose from to fit your fitness goals. Keep these refrigerated or in a cooler and you have protein at your fingertips.

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5 Must-Have Travel Bar Sets for Sipping Around the World

Get ready globetrotters! Discover the 5 must-have travel bar sets to take your sipping game to the next level. Let's wander and sip, together!

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Have you ever dreamt of sipping on a classic martini or a refreshing mojito in some of the world's most renowned bars?

Well, your dream is about to come true. We've curated a list of the top five travel bar picks that every globetrotting mixology aficionado must visit. Each bar we've chosen not only offers a unique array of cocktails but also stunning views, rich history, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Let's embark on this intoxicating journey and quench our thirst for the best travel bars around the globe!

1. Jillmo 13-Piece Bar Set with Bartender Travel Bag

Why we pack it.

Take your bartending skills on the road with the Jillmo 13-Piece Bar Set with Bartender Travel Bag! This well-equipped kit features everything you need to shake, stir, and serve your favorite cocktails wherever your travels take you.

With a complete set of bar tools, ample storage space for glasses and other supplies, and a durable, water-resistant design, this travel bag is perfect for anyone who loves to mix drinks on the go. Plus, it's padded to keep your bar accessories safe and scratch-free, making it the perfect companion for your mobile mixology needs.

2. Barillio 17-Piece Bartender Bag

This stylish, functional, and portable bartender kit effortlessly combines aesthetics with practicality. The robust waxed canvas exterior not only gives a nod to classic elegance but also offers a high level of durability, developing a distinctive, weathered patina over time.

What's more, the bag's interior boasts dedicated compartments for each tool, from the mojito muddler to the Hawthorne strainer, ensuring your bartending gear stays organized and protected. In addition, this set features the finest quality stainless steel barware to keep rust at bay, allowing you to serve your guests with panache wherever your travels take you!

3. Jillmo 10-Piece Travel Bartender Kit

This deluxe all-inclusive set features 10 essential high-quality stainless steel bar tools, providing both seasoned professionals and aspiring bartenders with everything they need to skillfully craft their favorite cocktails, no matter the location.

With its spacious and well-thought-out design, this set offers multiple pockets and compartments, ensuring you have ample space to organize not just your tools, but also your collection of hand-picked spirits, mixers, and garnishes. Take your bartending skills to the next level with this comprehensive and convenient set.

4. Aberdeen Oak Deluxe Travel Bartender Kit

The Aberdeen Oak Deluxe Travel Bartender Kit is an adventurer's best friend, bringing the sophistication of a home bar to any location your wanderlust may lead you. Every tool within this kit is made from high-grade stainless steel, promising longevity and a professional touch to your drinks.

The kit's compact and robust design makes it an ideal companion for travel, never missing a beat in providing the comfort of your favorite cocktails, regardless of the destination.

5. SOING Mixology 24-Piece Bartender Kit

Experience the joy of mixology with the SOING 24-Piece Bartender Kit, a comprehensive set designed to bring out your inner bartender wherever your journey takes you. This durable, high-quality set is made of rust-proof SS304 & SS430 materials, promising longevity and consistent performance.

Whether you're an experienced cocktail connoisseur or a beginner eager to explore, this kit has everything you need. Its inclusive design ensures you can try your hand at any cocktail recipe available in the accompanying booklet.

Travel Bar FAQs

Are you often puzzled by the practicality of a Travel Bar? Wondering about its usage or the best way to pack your favorite spirits for a trip? You're not alone. These are common queries we encounter.

Whether you're a frequent traveler or an occasional adventurer, a portable bar kit can be a game changer, providing the familiar comfort of your cherished drinks, anywhere, anytime.

Let's take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about Travel Bars, and dispel your doubts once and for all.

1. What is a travel bar, and how is it used?

A travel bar is a portable kit designed to carry all your essential bar tools and accessories. It typically includes equipment like a shaker, strainer, stirrer, and even glasses. It's like having your happy hour home bar, but on the go. Simply pack your kit, add your favorite spirits and mixers, and you're ready to mix cocktails wherever you are!

2. Can a travel bar fit in a standard suitcase?

Yes, most travel bars are designed with portability in mind. They are compact enough to fit into a standard-sized suitcase or carry-on. However, it's always best to check the dimensions before purchase.

3. What materials are travel bars typically made from?

Travel bars are often made from durable materials like high-grade stainless steel or heavy-duty canvas to withstand the rigors of travel. These materials are also easy to clean, ensuring your tools stay hygienic and ready for use.

4. What kind of tools do travel bars usually come with?

A standard travel bar kit will include tools like a stainless steel shaker, jigger, muddler, strainer, bottle opener, and stirrer. Some kits may even include a few whiskey glasses and a corkscrew.

5. Is a travel bar a good gift for a cocktail enthusiast?

Absolutely! A travel bar is a fantastic gift for anyone who enjoys making and serving cocktails. It allows them to transport their hobby wherever they go, making it a hit at parties, picnics, or camping trips.

6. Do I need any special skills to use a travel bar?

Not necessarily. While some knowledge of cocktail mixing is helpful, many kits come with handy guides and recipes to get you started.

7. How do I clean and maintain my travel bar?

Most bar tools are dishwasher safe, but it's best to check the manufacturer's instructions. For the bag or case, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth should suffice.

8. Is it legal to travel with a bar set?

Yes, it's legal to travel with a bar set, but remember that each airline has its own rules regarding alcohol in carry-on baggage. It's always a good idea to check the airline's policy beforehand.

9. Can I customize my travel bar?

While most travel bars come pre-packed with tools, there's always room to add your own touch. You can add your favorite spirits, mixers, and even a few garnishes to personalize your travel bar.

10. Are travel bars expensive?

The price of travel bars varies depending on the brand, quality of materials, and the number of accessories included. There are options to suit every budget, from basic kits to luxury sets.

Final Thoughts About Travel Bar Sets

In conclusion, these five top-notch travel bar sets perfectly embody the concept of portable mixology - bringing the art of cocktail crafting to any location your heart desires. Each one is unique in its design and features, yet all share high quality, durability, and the ability to turn any spot into your personal pop-up cocktail bar. From the compact and practical Jillmo 13-Piece Bar Set to the comprehensive and robust SOING 24-Piece Bartender Kit, there's a travel bar set out there to meet every budding mixologist's needs and preferences. So, the next time you set off on your travels, don't forget to pack your portable bar. After all, there's nothing quite like sipping on your favorite cocktail under the stars, in the comfort of your campsite, or with panoramic views from your hotel balcony. Safe travels and cheers to great cocktails on the go!

Looking for a way to spice up your upcoming trip? Look no further than Amazon! With a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime Music , you'll have access to over 2 million songs to soundtrack your adventure. Or, if audiobooks are more your speed, try out Audible Plus for two free books . And for those looking to streamline their packing process, a FREE 30-day trial of Amazon Prime ensures that everything will arrive in just two days - perfect for those last-minute additions. Don't miss out on these unbeatable offers and make your journey one that you'll never forget! 

Happy Travels! 😄

16 of the Best Healthy Snack Bars for Traveling

Soothe your cravings with this top 16 of the best healthy bars on the go. Once you try one of these treats, you won't want to stop eating. 

Hunger can strike anywhere. While it isn’t a problem when you are lying comfortably on your couch, it surely is when you are on the road, especially if you are traveling down on a deserted road with no signs of anything closely related to food.

To satisfy such unexpected hunger pangs, it’s best to carry food along with you. And instead of carrying some unhealthy food items, what about a tasty snack bar? Find here 16 of the best healthy snack bars for traveling.

What Is a Healthy Snack Bar Exactly?

A healthy snack bar is a nutrition bar that satisfies your hunger and provides energy and nutritional value. A healthy snack bar can be a protein, energy, or granola bar. These contain healthy, natural ingredients, low carbohydrate, high protein, fat, and fewer added sugars than other snacks you can find to satisfy your cravings.

We know that eating healthy while traveling is challenging, especially when you’re on a plane or driving for long hours. At such times, choosing the right snack will help you keep your diet and give you the boost you need to arrive at your final destination.

What Makes a Snack Bar Healthy?

To determine whether a snack bar is healthy or not, try to look for bars that meet the following five criteria:

• Low Carbohydrates
• High protein
• Moderate fats
• Less natural and added sugars

However, just because you see these items listed on a snack bar doesn’t necessarily make the bar ‘healthy.’ To be considered healthy, a snack bar should meet some minimum nutritional criteria. Find out what the best healthy snack bars should include below.

Nutritional Criteria for the Best Healthy Snack Bars

As discussed above, just having the five items on the list is not enough. You must also ensure that the items meet the minimum requirements of a healthy snack bar. 

Carbohydrates

Generally, a good and healthy snack bar should have less than 12 grams of carbohydrates. For this, manufacturers use nuts , as they are low carb and high in protein and vitamins. Make sure to check them if you have any allergies.

Normally, the ideal protein intake should be about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. The best healthy snack bars usually contain about 7-12 grams of protein, which is perfect, as less than 8 grams isn’t enough for our body.

To qualify as a healthy snack bar, it should have a minimum of 3 grams of fiber. However, don’t opt for bars that contain more than 10 grams of fiber as they are likely to have isolated fibers that can cause stomach issues.

A healthy snack bar has good, unsaturated fats. It should contain 2-4 grams of saturated fats, which you can find in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils like sunflower, canola, or corn.

You should avoid bars with added sugars. However, if you don’t have an option, choose a snack bar that contains less than 24-36 grams of added sugar, as this is the minimum recommended by the AHA .

The Ingredient Criteria for the Best Healthy Snack Bars

A healthy snack bar has quality, natural ingredients. From nuts to chocolate chips, all these ingredients have a specific function in the best healthy snack bars to give your body all it needs to keep going.

Ingredients

Ensure that the snack bar has natural, whole-food ingredients and not artificial ones. If you are allergic to certain food items (such as nuts), make sure they aren’t present in the bar. Nuts, seeds, and fibers are the ones that should be more abundant in the ingredients list.

Protein Sources

A healthy snack bar should have high-quality protein sources. The protein can be high-quality isolates and concentrates or whole food ingredients. Some common protein sources you should look out for include egg whites, nuts, whey protein, and seeds.

As mentioned earlier, the snack bar should have zero to minimum added sugars. Similarly, the bars should also be free of sugar alcohol. Opt for snack bars with natural sugar sources like sugarcane or fruits.

Now that you clearly understand what a healthy snack bar should contain (and whatnot), let’s look at 16 of the best healthy snack bars for traveling.

16 of the Best Healthy Snack Bars

Rxbar real food protein bar.

The RXBAR Real Food Protein Bar comes in a variety of options一the Chocolate Sea Salt variant is our favorite. This 52gram bar is made up of natural and easily-recognizable ingredients. You can find them mentioned on the packaging in big, bold letters. The ingredients include egg whites, almonds, cashews, and dates.

The bar is high in protein (12 grams) and contains just 2 grams of saturated fats. That makes the RXBAR is an excellent choice to have on your trips. The best thing about the bar, however, is its taste. It is made of rich chocolate and makes you feel like you’re eating a decadent salted brownie.

Kind, Breakfast Bars

Like the RXBAR, Kind Breakfast Bars , too, come in different flavors. The bars are available in dark chocolate cocoa, honey oat, peanut butter, almond butter, and blueberry almond flavors. We know your mouth is watering already!

They are made with healthy, non-GMO ingredients and provide 6 grams of protein and high fibers to satisfy your hunger needs. The best part is that the products are dairy-free, making them accessible to a large number of people. They also taste more like a candy bar than a protein bar and are a good option for kids too.

ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Bars

Say ‘Hola!’ to a toned, fit body with ALOHA Protein bars . The bars are made from organic plant-based ingredients. They contain 14 grams of protein, 5 grams of natural sugar, and just 2.5 grams of saturated fats. 

The bars are packed with power features. They include:

• Gluten-free
• No artificial ingredients.

ALOHA Protein Bars can be an excellent ready-to-eat option to have on your long travels.

GoMacro MacroBar Organic Vegan Protein Bars

The GoMacro Vegan Protein Bars , too, are made from organic ingredients like brown rice, almonds, sunflower seed butter, and cocoa. The 65-gram protein bar provides 10 grams of proteins per serving. They come in a variety of flavor options like dark chocolate plus almonds, Maple sea salt, Oatmeal chocolate chip, peanut butter, and Mocha Chocolate Chip, to name a few.

GoMacro bars are certified by multiple institutes and organizations. Their certifications include:

• USDA certified organic
• Vegan certified
• Kosher certified
• Non-GMO project verified
• Certified CLEAN
• Certified R.A.W

They are one of the tastiest snack bars out in the market and have a chewy texture.

Health Warrior Chia Bars

Health Warrior Chia Bars , as the name suggests, are made from real ingredients like chia that help keep you full. The 25-gram bars pack a punch with 100 calories per bar. 

The protein content, however, is less compared to other bars on this list. They provide only 3 grams of protein.

The bars are Plant-based, Kosher Certified, no gluten, no soy, no dairy, and non-GMO.

Think Thin Super

Think Thin Super Protein Bars come in 40-gram variants. Each bar packs a whopping 20 grams of protein. They are available in a variety of flavors like a chocolate almond brownie, salted caramel, cookie and creme, and white chocolate, among others.

The bars are Gluten Free and Non-GMO.

EPIC Bison Bacon Cranberry Bars

The EPIC Bison Bacon Cranberry Bars are paleo-friendly and made from 100% grass-fed bison and hormone-free pork. The 43-gram bar provides 8 grams of protein. They are Certified Gluten-Free and contain no artificial ingredients. There’s nothing more to talk about these bars.

CLIF Nut Butter Bar

These organic chocolate snack bars provide 7 grams of protein per serving. The CLIF Nut Butter Bars are made with wholesome oats and have fillings made with real peanut butter, hazelnut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. They are available in flavors like Chocolate & Peanut Butter, Maple & Almond Butter, and many more.

The bars are non-GMO, and USDA Organic certified.

Go Raw Pumpkin Seed Bars

The Go Raw Pumpkin Seed Bars are made with only five simple, easy-to-understand organic ingredients. The ingredients are sprouted and dried and not baked. The 52-gram bars provide 13 grams of protein per serving. They are made in a 100% nut-free and gluten-free facility and sweetened with dates.

The bars have received various certifications. The certifications of Go Raw Pumpkin Seed Bars include:

Epic Beef Apple Bacon Bars

Like the earlier product from EPIC, the Beef Apple Bacon Bars are paleo-friendly and are made from beef and hormone-free pork. They provide 8 grams of protein per serving. They, too, are Certified Gluten-Free and contain no artificial ingredients.

Bulletproof Coconut Chocolate Dipped Collagen Bars

The Bulletproof Coconut Chocolate Dipped Collagen Bars have protein derived from grass-fed cows. They are gluten-free, non-GMO, and keto-friendly. The bars have no added sugar and provide 7 grams of protein per serving.

The bars also contain MCT oil that can satisfy your hunger and can prevent long-term weight gain. Bulletproof collagen bars are available in three delicious flavors – double chocolate, vanilla cookie, and coconut.

KetoBrownie Bars

The KetoBrownie Bars are catered especially towards people who follow a keto diet. That being said, everyone can enjoy the deliciously baked, soft, and chewy brownie bars.

 The bars provide 12 grams of protein and have just 1 gram of sugar. They are also packed with collagen that provides health benefits.

NUGO, Bar Box Dark Mint Chocolate Chip

The NGO Dark Mint Chocolate Chip Bar is a vegan, gluten-free energy bar that contains 13 grams of protein. The bar is made from soy protein and contains non-GMO products.

Safety information: Manufactured equipment that also processes products containing peanuts, tree nuts, milk, and egg.

The Dark Mint Chocolate Chip taste is delicious. However, some people may not like it.

FIT CRUNCH Snack Size Protein Bars

The FITCRUNCH Snack Size Protein Bars were created by co-founder and celebrity chef Robert Irvine. They are the world’s only 6-layered baked bar, having a soft cake core. The 46-gram bar contains 16 grams of protein and just 3 grams of sugar. They are made from whey protein and are gluten-free. 

The bars come in delicious flavor combinations like lemon, milk and cookies, peanut butter, and mint chocolate chip, to name a few.

No Cow Protein Bars

No Cow Protein Bars , as the name suggests, is completely dairy-free. They are made from a blend of brown rice and pea protein to provide 21 grams of pure plant-based protein and are completely vegan. Moreover, the bars have only 1 gram of sugar, are low on carbs, high on fiber, and contain natural sweeteners. All that a good, healthy snack bar should be.

The snack bars are also keto-friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, and Kosher. They are available in flavors such as chocolate fudge brownie, peanut butter chocolate chip, mint cacao chip, and lemon meringue pie.

Power Crunch Whey Protein Bars

The Power Crunch Whey Protein Bar is literally a powerhouse as it packs 13 grams of protein and 220 calories per serving. They are made from Whey protein and other natural ingredients.

However, the bars also contain milk, wheat, and soy. If you are allergic to any of these, switch to any of the products we mentioned before.

Staying healthy while traveling isn’t as complicated as it seemed before, right? Next time you hit the road, you have plenty of options to choose from and give your body tasty, healthy, and fun snacks. If you constantly have cravings while traveling, check out our take on non-refrigerated healthy road trip snacks to complement these flavorful nutrition bars.

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Road Trip Food List: Easy to Pack Meals & Snacks

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Are you looking for a road trip food list that includes the best road trip snacks and other food to bring on a road trip?

Road trips can range from being budget-friendly to out-of-this-world expensive if you do not plan ahead, especially when it comes to eating food.

The temptation to grab a snack at every gas station, as well as to eat out at restaurants or gorge on fast food, can really start to add up in terms of money and wasted time.

One way to save money and time while road tripping, however, is to bring your own food!

By making a road trip food list and packing fun road trip snacks, you’ll avoid having to stop and spend as much.

Our road trip food list includes easy road trip snacks, as well as portable breakfast, lunch, and dinner options – plus, a FREE Road Trip Food List printable to take with you to the grocery store.

The links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Road Trip Food List: Breakfast

One of our absolute best family road trip tips is to leave bright and early in the morning when starting a long road trip.

As the most important meal of the day, luckily, having breakfast on the road is the easiest meal to eat cold and on the go.

If you decide to hit the road early, or if your hotel en route doesn’t offer a free breakfast, plan ahead by bringing along these simple road trip breakfast foods.

Our tried-and-true road trip food list awaits!

Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

• Yogurt tubes and granola bars
• Muffins, donuts, and scones
• Bagels and cream cheese
• Squeezable applesauce
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Peanut butter, banana, and granola wrapped up in a tortilla
• Make-Ahead Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits

Additional planning tip: For added morning fun, use the category “breakfast foods”, “brands or cereal”, or “types of fruit” while you play a road trip word game .

Road Trip Food List: Lunch

When it comes to planning for lunch and beyond, your road trip packing list should always include a reliable portable cooler .

Whether you chill made-ahead sandwiches, salami & cheese, fruits, or veggies, there are so many awesome road trip food ideas when it comes to having lunch on the go.

What we love about these road tip lunch ideas is that they keep us out of congested cities and fast-food drive-thrus during the busy noon hour.

Road Trip Lunch Ideas

• Premade sandwiches with deli meat and cheese (make them extra fun by using shaped sandwich cutters !)
• Peanut butter sandwiches (skip the jelly to avoid sogginess)
• Pita pocket with mozzarella, tomato, basil, turkey, cheese, hummus, cucumber, and/or tuna salad
• Home-ade Lunchables with summer sausage, cheese, and crackers
• Tortilla with cream cheese, sliced olives, and pepperoni
• Veggies and single-serve packs of ranch dressing, hummus, or guacamole
• Pre-assembled Salad In A Jar

Road Trip Food List: Dinner

If there is one meal that you choose to splurge on, I recommend stopping to have dinner at a roadside restaurant or cafe.

Though this may not be your final destination, experiencing another city in this way will help you check more places off of your family travel bucket list !

If you’re not keen on stopping, however, here are the road trip foods we enjoy that are tasty and hearty enough to serve as dinner.

Road Trip Dinner Ideas

• Cold rotisserie chicken, chunked and served with a garden salad (package in a disposable salad container )
• Pre-made pasta salad, such as Pizza Pasta Salad
• StarKist ready-to-eat tuna salad in an avocado half or on a bun
• Chicken and pickled veggies in pitas
• Hummus veggie wrap

Additional planning tip: If you’re road tripping in the winter when driving conditions are much more unpredictable, packing extra road trip food is an essential component of your winter road trip packing list .

Road Trip Food List: Snacks

In my opinion, snacks   are the No. 1 way to keep everyone (including you!) happy on a family road trip.

Homemade snack mixes and individual pre-purchased snacks are also a great way to help cut costs associated with buying food on the road.

For this reason, I suggest assembling an entire tub filled with fun and appetizing snacks and surprises that you know your kids will love.

We use these  16-quart storage tubs from Sterilite  that are the perfect size, price, and durability!

Road Trip Snacks Ideas

• Chips and pretzels
• Animal crackers (Suprise them with Barnum’s Originals !)
• Filled crackers (peanut butter, cheese)
• Nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts)
• String cheese, Babybel, Laughing Cow cheese wedges
• Fresh or dried fruit
• Healthy no-bake cookies
• Candy and gummy candy

Be extra organized for your family road trip by clicking the following image to get your FREE family vacation packing list that is both customizable and printable!

Travel Snacks for Toddlers

Road tripping with toddlers presents its own set of challenges and requires additional thought when it comes to toddler-friendly road trip activities and food.

(It’s much harder to keep a close eye on them when they’re in the backseat, and you’re in the front.)

When considering toddler road trip foods, the most important thing is to avoid giving them anything to eat that could be deemed a choking hazard.

In addition, opt for healthy versus overly sweet options that may give them a tummy ache.

Our favorite healthy toddler car snacks and road trip foods include:

• Graham crackers
• Snap pea crisps
• Applesauce and/or yogurt pouches
• Cheese sticks
• Soft mini muffins
• Whole-grain crackers
• Bananas and/or this apple slices

9 Essential Tips For Traveling With Food

As seasoned travelers, we’ve assembled a list of tips for traveling with road trip foods and make-ahead hotel room meals.

• Use up your most delicate fruit first when on long-haul road trips.

In other words, start by eating bananas and berries, then move on to more sturdy produce such as apples and oranges that don’t spoil as easily.

2. Every family needs an organized packing strategy !

When it comes to road trip food, tortillas, pitas, or other sturdy flatbreads work better to bring along than do loaves of bread. They take up a lot less room and do not risk getting smashed.

3. When packing a cooler with items that need to stay chilled, be sure to lay the ice on the top, versus the bottom of the cooler.

This is because cold air sinks and will, therefore, disperse itself more evenly if laid on top of the food.

4. Aim to open the cooler only 1 or 2 times a day in order to maintain its refrigeration and keep the ice from thawing.

5. Also, make all food, including snacks, easily accessible throughout the duration of your family road trip.

This prevents someone (likely mom or dad!) from having to constantly bend over the back seat or stop to open the trunk every time hunger or boredom hits.

6. Avoid bringing anything made of glass on your road trip, including glass food containers. Glass is heavy, bulky, and very dangerous when broken within the confines of your family vehicle.

7. Assemble and bring along a road trip kit with the following road trip essentials for spills, clean-ups, and car sickness:

• Anti-bacterial wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Garbage bags
• Ziplock bags
• Napkins/paper towels
• Saltine crackers and motion sickness medicine

8. Each time you stop while on a road trip, don’t forget to pitch any garbage that has accumulated.

This prevents build-up and smelliness.

9. Head to the grocery store with our FREE printable checklist and purchase all of your road trip food in one shopping trip!

If you enjoyed reading our best Road Trip Food List , click here to check out our Related Posts:

• Top 10 Tips for Planning a Family Road Trip (And Enjoying it Too!)
• 7 Road Trip Word Games to Play in the Car With Kids
• 18 Amazing “Are We There Yet” Road Trip Activity Bags
• Top 16 Tips for Flying With Kids & Ways to Keep them Calm
• The Ultimate Guide for International Travel with Kids
• 8 (Unexpected) Benefits of Traveling With Kids

*Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find our exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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Thank you for the road trip food list and travel tips.

You’re welcome! Was there something you saw that you hadn’t thought of before? Happy travels!!

This is a great list as we also big in road trip. Snacks is so important especially to keep them from asking are we there yet. Haha… I myself like peanuts to keep me awake when it’s my turn to drive.

Thanks for reading and for sharing your favorite road trip snack!!

This is such a comprehensive list and it is so helpful as I predict a lot of us will be going on more road trips once we can. Prepping these meals will definitely save some money and help the kids feel less bored. I know that my kids are usually pleased munching stuffs during road trips. I also like that it is more likely for the road trip snack to be more healthier than what you’ll buy elsewhere.

Thank you! Yes, the health factor of pre-packing is a big one, as is the enormous cost savings 🙂

I like to have a good mix of healthy (kids like apples, those are easy to eat) and snacky/salty. I am also very particular. about road trip drinks. Big coffees, la croix, iced tea!

I like your ideas! We’d be good road trip buddies!

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105+ Easy Road Trip Meals & Snacks: Best Road Trip Food

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Road trips are exciting adventures to take with your friends, family or solo. However coming up with a list of the best road trip food & easy road trip meals and snacks can be hard.

Which is where our ultimate list of the best food for road trips comes in handy. To help you avoid hangry companions, outrageous food costs, and unhealthy gas station food stops.

We’ve taken our share of cross country & multi-day road trips over the years, both as adults, and with kids from months old to teenagers. So we know quite a few tricks when it comes to road trip meal planning.

Our list includes easy ideas for healthy snacks, breakfasts, lunches & dinners, for all ages we love. As well as gluten-free, and vegetarian options too.

Plus we provide essential packing tips and a list of non-food items to bring along, at the end of this post. Hop in the car, & let’s go!

Table of Contents

ULTIMATE HEALTHY ROAD TRIP MEALS LIST

If you plan ahead and pre-make some yummy snacks and meals, your family will be well fed on the road. Whether you are heading on a Southwest USA road trip or a coastal road trip from Boston to Acadia National Park or elsewhere.

Healthy road trip food & easy meals the whole family will love.

Why Bring Make Ahead Meals For Road Trips?

Before I get into our epic food list, I’ll quickly go over a few reasons why we bring our own make-ahead road trip meals and snacks. And why you should too:

• Road trip meal planning is a great way to reduce fast food temptation, junk food and save money for your family road trip .
• Bringing good food for road trips frees up some of your hard earned cash to splurge on meals you will actually look forward to . 
• We find our own make-ahead meals & road trip food tends to be healthier.
• If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, creating a road trip meal plan will allow you to have safe meal options on the road.
• Have fun picnics at rest stops, parks, or in your hotel room along your long drive.
• Avoid hungry kidlets with healthy road trip snacks , so they can focus on road trip activities , not driving you crazy with whining. I know you feel me on this one!

Bringing your own food is well worth the time and money you can save on your adventure. Use our road trip planner to help organize your trip.

I love how make ahead easy travel meals are great for cutting down on the mess, stress and time it takes to prepare and clean up on the road. Because as a parent anything I can do to make my life easier is golden.

Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

We’ve found it’s easy to take these road trip breakfast ideas to go, or quickly eat hot in the morning.

As long as we’ve made them ahead of time, and brought them in our cooler. Or if we have access to hot water or basic kitchen facilities or a microwave.

Grab tasty breakfast recipes .

Cold, Non-Perishable Road Trip Breakfast Ideas

• Granola 
• Cereal Bars & Granola Bars
• Breakfast Bars
• Fruit & Veggie Pouches 

⭐️ PRO TIP : Bring a reusable coffee mug and water bottles for each family member. They’re a great option for filling up with hot water, tea, coffee and water on the go. We’ve found they’re less likely to spill in the car if you use a spill-proof refillable cup and snack cup for the littles.

Cold Breakfast Ideas for Road Trips

• Yogurt – Tubes, Drinks
• Fresh Fruit
• Rye Crisp Breads & Goat Cheese
• Chia Pudding – Make the night before
• Granola & Overnight Oats – Make the night before
• Muffins & Peanut Butter (or other nut or seed butters)
• Egg Muffins or Mini Quiches (To heat or not to heat. That is the question)
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Breakfast Cookies 
• Vegan Blueberry Muffins
• Bagels and Cream Cheese
• Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap
• No Bake Oat Bites 
• Apple Pie Oat Bliss Balls
• Croissant, ham, cheese
• Croissant, jam & cream cheese
• Pancake Sandwiches – nut butter / jam between two mini pancakes (make ahead)

Hot & Quick Breakfast Ideas

• Instant Oatmeal 
• Cup of Soup or canned soup
• Pre-made Mini Quiche (just heat up)
• Egg, Cheese, & avocado tortilla wrap
• Haloumi Cheese and Bacon Breakfast Sandwich
• One Pan Chickpea Hash (fried chickpeas, veggies, herbs) & Fried eggs

More kid friendly breakfast ideas here .

Road Trip Lunch Ideas

Road trip lunch ideas are probably the easiest for most people to come up with, when it comes to thinking of meal planning for road trips . We like to think of them as picnic lunches.

What is the first thing that comes to mind, but sandwiches. Sandwiches are such a staple we’ve given them their own section below. 

To be honest, I often just prepare and pack foods I would usually take for lunch at work, for the first day or two.

Then I add easy road trip lunches to grab and prep along the way, like sandwich fixings. Or cheese, meat  and cracker plates for a longer trip.

Easy Non-Refrigerated Road Trip Lunch Ideas

• Canned Tuna & crackers – The mini pull tab tins come in many flavours
• Protein Bars , Energy Bars
• Sardines or Mackerel canned with avocado, crackers or bread
• Snacks for lunch: Beef Jerky, Trail Mix, Smoothie Pouches, Nut Butter Pouches
• Peanut Butter (or other nut & seed butter) & Jam Wraps
• Canned grape leaf rolls

Cold Road Trip Lunches

• Sushi / nori rolls – sweet potato, cucumber and avocado,  smoked salmon, cucumber and avocado, smoked salmon & cream cheese
• Sandwiches (see Road Trip Sandwiches below for ideas) 
• Tortilla Pinwheels
• Meat Kabobs
• Pasta Salad
• Corn & Zucchini Fritters
• Fruit (apple slices, cantaloupe, grapes), cheese and bread or crackers
• Charcuterie plate – cheese, deli meats, olives, dried fruit
• Chickpea or Bean Salads
• Quinoa Salad
• Mason Jar Salad – keep the dressing separate
• Pre-made Quesadillas – Refried beans and cheese. Keep salsa & sour cream separate in small leak-proof containers

Sides to Add to Lunch Ideas

• Cut up veggie sticks and hummus
• Fruit – apple, berries, melon, grapes
• Homemade cookies or energy balls
• Cucumber, cherry tomatos & peppers salad

Road Trip Sandwiches

What’s a road trip, without a sandwich or two. In fact sandwiches are so iconic, portable, easy to make and ideal for lunch and family vacation dinners they deserve a section, all on its own.

For easy,  awesome sandwiches we’ve found you will only need a few things to mix and match:

• Bread: First you’ll need some kind of hearty bread (kaiser bun, wraps, pita, baguette, ciabatta)
• Protein: Pair with protein such as deli meat, sliced chicken or beef, bacon, eggs, tofu, nut butters
• Extras: Add on the extras such as cheese, lettuce, pickles, fruit 
• Condiments: mayo, mustard, olive tapenade, other sauces

Tasty Sandwich Ideas for Traveling:

• Cheddar and Jam
• Egg Salad 
• Cream cheese and cucumber
• Spicy Tuna and Cucumber – leave out the spice if it’s not your thing
• Pesto Egg Salad Baguette
• Ham & Cheese Baguette or Wrap
• Turkey and Cheese Baguette or Wrap
• Turkey Club Sandwich
• Turkey, Pear, Feta Wrap
• Apple, Cheddar and Mustard Sandwich
• Roasted Red Pepper & Hummus Sandwich
• Curry Chicken or Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Tips for Packing Sandwiches on Road Trips

• Start with heartier bread or toast it first . Put a layer of mayo, or mustard on each side. It actually helps prevent soggy sandwiches.
• I often toast the bread, and then wait until it’s completely cooled before making and storing the sandwiches.
• Keep wet sandwich ingredients separate like tomatoes. We add them right before eating.
• Pack each ingredient separately . Then everyone can assemble their sandwich how they like, on-the-go. We’ve found this helpful with our pickiest eater.
• Pack sandwiches in a hard sided container . Either use reusable individual sandwich containers or larger leak-proof containers for multiple sandwiches. We also love silicone sandwich bags to cut down on plastic.
• Keep the sandwiches on top of the cooler for easy to grab meals on the road.

You may also like 50+ Easy to make, healthy road trip snack recipes

Easy Road Trip Meals Dinner Ideas

Dinner is the one meal we often splurge on, and choose to eat out at a local restaurant, instead of on the road when possible. 

I like to do a bit of research and see what the area is known for, or if there are special meals we can’t get at home. Also after a few days of packed road trip meals, it’s nice to sit down at a restaurant and have someone else clean up and organize.

However, there are times I find when you need a few dinner in the car ideas on hand. You can always re-use the lunch or even the travel breakfast ideas , because they are all tasty anytime of day. 

Check out our favourite easy vacation dinner recipes .

Cold Road Trip Dinner Ideas

• Pasta Salad & Greek Salad
• Cobb Salad 
• Other Cold salads – Potato, bean, egg, chickpea, salmon, tofu, quinoa, rice and bean
• Sandwiches – check out ideas in sandwich section
• Chicken salad / caesar wrap
• Falafel Wrap
• Rice Paper Rolls & Peanut Sauce
• Chicken wings & pre roasted veggies
• Grilled or roast chicken, rice and veggies
• Tortilla Chips, Bean Dip and Salsa
• Egg roll pinwheels with spinach, and cheese 
• Mason Jar grain + protein + roast veggies (pre-made)

Salad Tips – Keep the ingredients & dressing separate. That way each person can assemble to their liking, and the lettuce doesn’t get soggy from swimming in the dressing all day.  

KOA has 10 fun on-the go recipes to try.

Mason Jar Meal tips

Mason Jars are a fun and easy way to store pre-made meals.

They are fairly sturdy (I’ve dropped them many times without breaking them) and come in different sizes. The 500ml and 250 ml are perfect for individual meals.

Choose a grain + a protein + roasted, steamed or stir fried veggies and you have a delicious meal to go.

• Pre-cook a grain: brown rice, basmati rice, white rice, quinoa,
• Choose a protein : roast chicken or beef, curried chickpeas, tofu
• Cooked veggies: stir fries, steamed broccoli, curries, stew,

Hot Road Trip Dinner Ideas

One pan or pot dinner ideas are perfect for travel, camping and road trips. Especially if you ‘ve been entertaining the kids with road trip conversations all day.

As long as you remember the hot plate, or cook stove. I’ve been there, done that, forgetting the stove. Another option is to choose motels, or places to stay that have basic kitchen facilities. 

I’ve also gone the route of meal prepping ahead of time and putting individual meals in separate containers that are easy to reheat and clean up. 

If you are a camping family, what you plan for pre-made camping meals is similar.

Think easy camping type meals:

• Baked Beans
• Cup of Soup or Canned Soup
• Frozen Homemade Soup (use the first day or two after it defrosts. Bonus it helps keep the cooler cold)
• Bacon or Sausages and Eggs
• Quesadillas
• Rice and beans or ground beef for tacos or wraps
• Chickpea Curry and Rice (pre-make and heat up)
• Spaghetti 

ROAD TRIP SNACK & DRINKS LIST

We have a full article on our favorite road trip snacks to bring that both adults and kids will love. Good food for long journeys.

Here are a few snack ideas to get you started:

• Energy Balls
• Baby Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes, Snap Peas, Celery Sticks & Dip 
• Cheese and Crackers
• Apple Pear Muffins
• Jerky, Beef Sticks
• Potato Chips
• Plantain Chips
• Moon Cheese
• Cheese Crisps
• Seaweed Snacks
• String cheese
• Sunflower seeds
• Gluten-Free Bars –  We like these mini Gluten-Free Bars  

Who doesn’t drink too much on the road because they are avoiding using restrooms at pull-outs or gas stations?  

I’m guilty of this too, but this often leads me to crankiness and wicked headaches, sooo…… Do as I say, not as I do (said Parents everywhere).

Staying hydrated is super important. While water should be the number one choice, sometimes you need a little something different like:

• Coconut water
• Water with crushed berries, or cucumber slices, or lemon
• No sugar added fruit juices 
• Flavoured Sparkling water 
• Almond / Oat / Soy Milk

🚙 More road trip ideas 7 day Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon itinerary

Road Trip Food & Meal Planning Tips

Meal Planning Tips

When meal planning healthy road trip foods, I think it’s important to consider a few key important things:

• What road trip meals you want to bring, and which one’s you’d like to buy.
• If travelling with kids, which foods do they already like. They aren’t going to magically start liking raw broccoli and raisins on your long trip. Adapt your food for road trips with kids.
• Road trip meal ideas – Make a list of food ideas for breakfast , lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. Make sure they’re easy food to travel with.
• Creating a road trip grocery list is a good idea, so important items don’t get forgotten. But don’t stress, as usually you’ll be able to pick up ingredients along the way if needed.
• How to pack food for your road trip, so it doesn’t get squished, and stays cool longer.

With so much to do when planning a road trip, it’s sometimes hard to be prepared when it comes to traveling food.

Road Trip Food Tips

Beyond throwing a bunch of items into the cooler and food bag and hoping for the best. Let’s give you a few of my top tips to make packing a bit easier:

• Bread: Bring wraps, pitas and flatbreads – we find they take up less room, and won’t get squished like bread loaves
• Perishables: Eat your perishables and more fragile fruits first (bananas, raspberries, pre-cut fruit like melons, pineapple, mango etc.)
• Freeze Water bottles: When hot out, freeze a couple of the water bottles the night before. They’ll keep your cooler cold, and we love that they give us cold water to drink as they melt.
• Pre-Make Meals & Portion Out: Pre-make meals, and portion them out in mason jars or reusable plastic or glass containers.
• Place your cooler somewhere cool the night before, or pre-chill the cooler for up to 12 hours with ice / ice packs you won’t be using on your trip. 
• Lay solid blocks of ice or reusable ice packs on the bottom, plus put a layer of ice on the top
• Pack the cooler full – too much space helps the inside heat up faster
• Freeze food you won’t need for a couple of days, and use frozen water bottles to help keep the inside colder, longer
• Try to limit the number of times you open the cooler in the day.
• Pack your food in order of when you want to eat it, leaving the next day or two’s meals on top. 
• Garbage Bag for the car: We always have a designated garbage bag for the car. It helps to keep the garbage contained, and the car organized.
• Clean-Up Kit :  Bring a clean up kit. Kids, adults, toddlers all on occasion make messes. Having a clean-up kit handy just in case is good practice. Include wipes, paper towel, extra water, and an easily accessible change of clothes.
• Storage: To keep things organized, we usually use small stackable Rubbermaid containers to pack our non-perishables.

🚙 More Road Trip Ideas: 4 Day family friendly itinerary in Acadia National Park

Road Trip Essentials

Now that we’ve got the meals all planned out, and the best road trip SNACKS organized  let’s move on to the non-food items you’ll need to add to your road trip packing list. 

Reusable Items

Our goal is to reduce our impact on the earth whatever mode of travel. Bringing reusable items on our trips to cut down on waste is one simple way to do this. If you make it part of your routine, you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it becomes.

Here are some other reusable items to pack for your road trip:

• Plastic, glass or stainless steel containers – Can be used for leftovers, as dishes, hold snack packs, or even small toys, art supplies
• Cutlery – knives, forks, spoons, 
• Dishes – Cups, plates, bowls
• Coffee Mugs – Our favs are Yeti Mugs or the Klean Kanteen  
• Reusable Straws
• Water bottles for the kids
• Water bottles for the adults
• Cloth fruit bags 
• Bento Boxes
• Garbage bags – reuse grocery bags

Storage & Cleaning Supplies

• Reusable Ice Packs 
• Hand sanitizer
• Paper Towels & Wet Wipes 
• Biodegradable Soap

Travel Backpacks

You will definitely want to make sure you and your kids have their own travel backpack for the trip.

A good travel backpack can be multipurpose, for hiking, storing road trip activities and entertainment, plus give easy access to a couple of snacks, and a handy change of clothes.

There’s been numerous times my “safety first” approach & extra clothes has saved us on long trips. From puking children, to epic diaper blow outs, and unexpected spills, with kids it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Best Road Trip Coolers

Coolers provide more flexibility with the types of meals and snacks  you can bring on your trips. We think they are a road trip essential, without a doubt. Before choosing one, there are a few things to consider:

• How long is your trip?
• Which meals will you be packing from home?
• How often will you have access to a grocery store?
• How much space do you have in your vehicle? Where do you want to put the cooler?

Answers to these questions will give you an idea of the size and cooling ability needed from your cooler. We’ve put together a list of the best coolers to try, that are easily available on Amazon.

Best Overall Cooler – Yeti Roadi 24 Cooler

The Yeti Roadi 24 Cooler is narrow, so it easily fits behind the seat, is well insulated, which holds the cold, and is lighter than previous versions.

It can also be transformed into a stool if you buy the cushion. It’s a bit of an invesment, so a good buy if you are planning on using it a lot.

Best Afforable Family Cooler – Coleman 316

The Coleman 316 Cooler is a top pick for size, flexibility and price. It can hold a lot of food and ice, which can be kept cool at higher temps for 2-3 days.

Perfect for shorter trips, or if you plan on replenishing your food / ice every few days.

Best Soft Sided Cooler – TOURIT Leak-Proof Backpack

The Tourit Leak Proof soft-sided backpack is an excellent option for shorter road trips or if you are planning a picnic or day at the beach. This leak-proof high-density insulated backpack can keep food cold for up to 3 days. It also has side pockets for extra storage.

Tips to Prepare For Your Next Road Trip

Anything you can do the day or two beforehand to prep your food, and pack your non-perishables, do it. This will save rushing around at the last minute, and forgetting important things like your water bottles.

We recommend doing the following ahead of time:

• Make a Shopping list and meal plan.
• Check off the items as you pack them. 
• Wash and cut veggies and fruit
• Prepare sandwiches, meat slices, cheese slices
• Freeze meals and water bottles the night or two before
• Prepare the snack bags or snack tote 
• Prepare your Clean up kit
• Pack non-perishable foods in small totes or bags
• Pack your perishable foods in the cooler, & an airtight container, right before you leave.

PRO TIP: Pack your car the night before you leave, to make sure everything fits. Make sure your cooler and essential road trip snacks are easily accessible. 

Conclusion: Ultimate Easy Road Trip Meals & Snacks List

With over 100 delicious and easy road trip meal ideas, you will find a party in your cooler for all taste buds or your next long journey.

 Plus don’t forget that a little pre-trip planning can go a long way towards a stress free vacation.

Grab a great road trip snack or two and head on out on the open road. I hope this helps you have an epic road trip.

Related travel tips and destination articles:

• Easy ways to take a frugal road trip
• Epic RV Gift Ideas: Gifts RV Owners will love and use
• Epic Gifts for Beach Lovers – prep for your beach vacation
• Best Walkie Talkies For Road Trips
• Complete Road Trip Packing List For Families

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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For decades, the good ol' traditional cooler was our saving grace when it came to transporting beverages for beach days, tailgates, camping, and more—but now there's something even niftier for housing and storing your favorite boozy drinks on-the-go.

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While it's not the most straightforward project we've ever seen (you'll need a angle grinder and rotary tool to do this one), it's nothing an experienced DIYer couldn't accomplish over a weekend. We have a feeling this would make the perfect gift for the gearhead or whiskey drinker in your life.

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How to Pair Airline Snacks and In-Flight Cocktails, According to Bar Pros

We asked seven bar and restaurant experts for advice on how to make the most of airline cocktails. These are their go-to tips.

An airplane can feel like a surprisingly difficult place to get a decent cocktail. Far removed from the golden age of commercial air travel, modern in-flight offerings often feel relegated to a shot of liquor mixed with simple sodas, tonics, or juice, but very little by way of classic modifiers like bitters, syrups or liqueurs.

Still, whether celebrating the start of a vacation, the end of a business trip, or just trying to ease your way through stress-inducing travel, few situations necessitate a decent drink as much as a flight. However, unless you’re willing to MacGvver a seatback cocktail program , you may need to adjust your expectations. Chances are, few airlines will have the ability to provide you a world-class Martini with the tools they have in the air, so it’s often best to lean into low-fuss mixed beverages.

Also, as anyone who’s ever been on a flight next to a passenger who’s had one too many drinks can attest, it’s important have something to snack on while you sip. Those tiny bags of mini pretzels the airline provides probably won’t quell the hunger pangs, so it’s often best to stop by a proper snack shop in the airport to stock up before boarding.

So, when you’re miles in the air, what should you be sipping and snacking on? We asked 6 drink experts how they hack the airplane mini bar.

Food & Wine / Getty Images

Bourbon and Soda + Salted Almonds

Author and chef Alon Shaya oversees restaurants in New Orleans ( Saba , Miss River and Chandelier Bar ), Denver ( Safta ), the Bahamas ( Silan ), and Las Vegas ( Safta 1964 ), which means spending a lot of time in the air. When he’s traveling between the four destinations, he sticks to a bag of salted almonds and classic bourbon-and-soda highball , with two lime wedges.

“It’s a drink that works well with watching a movie and taking my mind off of work for a bit plus, it’s soothing on a late-night flight,” says Shaya. He suggests asking for soda and lime on the side so you can mix the drink to your taste.

Gin and Juice + Olives

“My go-to plane cocktail is super simple,” says Ivy Mix, who co-owns Leyenda , Fiasco Wine and Spirits , and Whoopsie Daisy , and globe-trots for Speed Rack events. “I love gin and juice while flying. You get that vitamin C from the orange juice and a little juniper blast from the gin. I also put a tiny pinch of salt in.” Mix recommends pairing the drink’s herbal notes of gin with a plate of olives.

Bloody Mary + Jetlag

MasterClass host and Delola partner Lynnette Marrero’s go-to plane cocktail is a Bloody Mary . Lately she’s seen more airlines stock up on craft mixers, like those from Filthy, that help to increase the quality of the brunch classic. But she also advises taking measures into your own hands.

“I like to bring some travel-size Tajin to add some extra zing and some baby Tabasco to add more spice,” says Marrero. “I ask for a lemon or lime to rim the glass with Tajin, then squeeze it into the cocktail. I love pairing these with pretzels.”

Tess Posthumus, the owner of several top Amsterdam bars, including Flying Dutchman Cocktails, Dutch Courage, and Belly of the Beast, agrees. “Bloody Marys are my favorite drink on a plane, for when you crave that much-needed savory note,” she says. If you’re not a vodka person, Posthumus recommends trying gin to create a Red Snapper , or tequila for a Bloody Maria.

Kalimotxo + Mezze Platter

Mix also loves a no-fuss Kalimotxo , an equal-parts red wine and cola cocktail from coastal Spain. “It's a fantastic way to mask the flavors of a not-so-premium red wine while getting a sugary pick-me-up,” she says. The Basque drink also works well with the mini platters of cheeses, olives, almonds, and other mezze essentials offered on most flights. (Though if she has foresight, Mix says she’ll sometimes bring a travel-sized bottle of vermouth for making Manhattans or Martinis at her seat.)

Tom Collins + Tiny Pretzels

Drew DeLaughter, the co-owner and general manager of Saint-Germain in New Orleans, finds that “old-man drinks are back and there’s no better opportunity to lean into it than on a flight.”

Specifically? He’s sipping a Tom Collins — sugar, lemon juice, gin, and club soda — while snacking on a bag of mini pretzels. DeLaughter knows finding fresh lemon juice and simple syrup during a flight is tricky but has a workaround. “I like to get a lemonade at the airport, bring it on board, drink about half, then doctor it up with a mini of gin and some soda water,” he says.

Mimosa + Sunchips

Ian Alexander oversees the bar at The Dead Rabbit ’s New York City, Austin, and Washington, D.C., locations, and swears by mid-air Mimosas. “If the airline you’re flying makes them, well, happy days,” says Alexander. “If not, order yourself a glass of OJ and a prosecco and combine them to taste. It’s perfect with any bag of salty snacks, though I tend to reach for almonds or Sunchips.” His preferred ratio is one part juice to three parts wine.

Tequila Sunrise + Breakfast Sandwich

W Philadelphia director of bars and lounges Isai Xolalpa Blake’s drink of choice depends on the flight’s time of day.

“If it’s on the earlier side, I make an in-flight take on the Tequila Sunrise, ” says Blake. “It’s an easy combination: tequila, orange juice, cranberry juice, a pack of brown sugar (instead of grenadine), and a scoop of ice. The addition of brown sugar brings the cranberry juice closer to the flavors and sweetness of grenadine, typically, in this cocktail.” If he’s flying later in the day, he opts for Ranch Water, a hassle-free combo of tequila, soda, water, and lime.

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A Complete Guide to Every Food You Can (and Cannot) Fly With

Figuring out how to pack souvenirs can be a tricky business, especially when you're taking home anything remotely edible. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stringent rules for liquids , you may be surprised by how many things you can bring along in your carry-on, including hard cheese, frozen seafood, and even fresh eggs.

Confused? To help you avoid having to toss out your purchases at the airport, we've broken down the regulations for common foodstuffs. Certain creamy or liquid foods, such as peanut butter , olive oil, and salsa, simply have to comply with TSA's 3-1-1 rule or be placed in a checked bag. Bear in mind that while the organization has a handy list of foods you can and cannot fly with on its website, in practice it's often the TSA agent in your security line who makes the call about a particular item.

Take It With You

The following foods are all TSA-approved, so you should have no issue taking them in your carry-on. Just note that some items, like baby formula, require extra screening. If you want to be on the safe side, make sure you label any food items that may not be easily recognizable, such as protein powder or spices.

Vacuum-sealed Meats and Hard Cheeses

Since both of these items are non-liquid, they are perfectly fine to fly in your carry-on or checked bag. To be safe, ensure they're in vacuum-sealed packaging. Shops all over the world have pre-sealed products or even equipment to seal them for you, according to My Recipes . Creamy cheese products can be carried on if they're less than 3.4 ounces.

Since spices are dried, they're generally good to go. Make sure they're clearly labeled and unopened, so they're not mistaken for other substances. Pro tip: Only buy spices that you can't find at home if you're looking for a good souvenir for a foodie. These can be in your carry-on or checked bag.

Dried Goods

This includes pasta, dry beans, grains, and other pantry items that contain no liquid. These can be in your carry-on or checked bag.

Packaged Snacks

Good news for travelers who want to bring home interesting snacks from great food destinations around the world : as long as everything is sealed, you're good to go. Unopened snacks such as granola bars, nuts, chips, crackers, and cookies are safe in your carry-on or checked bag.

Chocolates and Candy

Confectionary candy and chocolate (hardened) are perfectly alright to carry on your flight. Keep everything neat and packaged, and feel free to pack the sweets in your carry-on or checked bag.

Yes, you can even take home that baguette. Ask the bakery to give you some packaging so you can avoid crumbs in your bag, but otherwise, bread of any kind is good to fly in both carry-on and checked luggage.

Coffee Beans and Tea Leaves

Coffee beans, loose tea leaves, or dry tea sachets are all considered dry goods, so the same rules apply.

Cooked Food (Non-liquid)

Tell your family that you're happy to take home extra Thanksgiving turkey, but leave the gravy in your checked bag. Cooked foods of any kind, as long as there are no liquids, are safe to fly in both carry-on and checked bags.

Dried Fruit

Fresh fruits and vegetables can be a little tricky, but in their dried form, they're officially A-OK. The same rules for dried goods and packaged snacks can be applied here.

Yes, even fresh eggs are okay in both carry-on and checked bags, oddly enough. Even though they're technically liquid on the inside, they're still solid food by TSA standards. It can be a little risky to take them, though, for obvious reasons.

Juice and Baby Formula

There are special guidelines for parents traveling with baby formula and juices in carry-on bags. These items are fine in checked luggage, but if you want to bring them on the plane with you, they will need a special screening .

Feel free to take that extra-large pepperoni pie with you, because TSA is pizza friendly. It might be a little messy to pack as a souvenir, but this is good news for people who want to pick up a quick bite before getting into the security line.

Pies and Cakes

Pies and cakes are cleared for take-off as well, so holiday travelers can breathe a sigh of relief. It's unclear how TSA feels about fruit filling, but according to its website, these items are OK in both carry-on and checked bags.

Protein and Energy Powder

Even though these need to be mixed with liquid to be consumed, they are still a dry product, much like a spice. Therefore, the same rules apply here. Just make sure everything is labeled and sealed properly.

That episode of "30 Rock" where Liz had to scarf down an entire Teamster sub is accurate, but only because she couldn't give up the dipping sauce. Feel free to stop by the deli for a sandwich before getting on your flight, but leave the liquid dipping sauce behind (if it's over 3.4 ounces, that is).

Pack It, Ship It, or Leave It

If you want to travel with something on the list below, your only option might be to pack it in your checked luggage. In some cases, there are items you are not allowed to fly with no matter what, such as high-proof alcohol.

High-alcohol Liquor

Anything over 70 percent alcohol (140 proof) is not permitted on planes. This includes liquors like Everclear, grain alcohol, and certain types of whisky, vodka, absinthe, and rum, so make sure you know what you're buying before you fly. When in doubt, just ship it home.

Canned Food

Canned goods are fine to fly in a checked bag, but they are usually subject to TSA's 3-1-1 rule. This can be a big problem because most cans are more than 3.4 ounces and they would require additional screening. It's best to check it or ship it home.

Oils, Vinegars, and Honey

Olive oil, special cooking oils, vinegars, honey, and similar items make excellent foodie gifts , but there's just one problem: They're all liquids. Feel free to put them in checked luggage, but if you want to carry on you'll have to buy the small size to comply with the 3-1-1 rule.

Dips, Jams, Creamy Cheese, and Spreads

Sadly, the 3-1-1 rule isn't just for liquids, it also applies to creamy or spreadable items, since they have a soft consistency (like a gel). Salsa, creamy cheese, dips, peanut butter, jams, preserves, and other items like these are all OK to put in checked luggage, but can only be carried on in containers less than 3.4 ounces.

Yogurt, Gravy, and Other Liquid Food

If you can bring these in solid form (by freezing them, for example), that's great. But if not, liquid foods like yogurt or gravy aren't allowed in carry-on luggage if they're in containers larger than 3.4 ounces and are best put in checked baggage or shipped home.

Fresh Fruits or Vegetables

Packing these items needs to be done with care. Fresh fruits and vegetables are cleared by TSA in checked bags, and most of the time TSA is OK with bringing solid, fresh foods in carry-ons. If they are soft, mashed, or liquid, they are subject to the organization's 3-1-1 rule. Passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot travel with most fresh fruits and vegetables. These rules may change for people traveling internationally.

Fresh Meat or Seafood

According to TSA, these foods must be packaged properly and completely frozen at the time of screening. This rule also applies to ice and ice packs used to keep the food frozen in its container. If you comply with these rules, you should be able to bring these items in both carry-on and checked luggage.

Wine or Other Alcoholic Beverages

Beverages, including wine, that are over 24 percent alcohol (but under 70 percent alcohol) are fine in checked luggage only. However, there is also a limit of five liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger. Mini bottles are okay to bring in your carry-on as long as they are under 3.4 ounces and fit comfortably in your single, one-quart bag. But remember that the FAA restricts passengers from drinking alcohol on board planes unless it is served by a crew member.

International Travel

If you are entering the United States from another country, you will have to go through customs where your bag might be screened. The rules and regulations about what you can and cannot bring into the U.S. are different from what TSA allows. Check the latest regulations from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a list of permissible items. If you want to know what foods you're allowed to travel with outside of the U.S., you will have to check the regulations for your destination country.

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Churro cheesecake bars.

By: April Woods On: 7/10/24 • This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Churro cheesecake bars are a delicious homemade cheesecake layered between crescent rolls and topped with a burst of cinnamon sugar flavor!

This churro cheesecake bar recipe tastes just like a delicious churro paired with a creamy homemade cheesecake! This is perfect paired with nacho fries , cinnamon toast crunch poke cake , and a brown derby .

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Why you’ll love this recipe!

📌 Creamy homemade cheesecake.

📌 Cinnamon sugar brushed with butter for the topping.

📌 Simple crescent roll crust for easy baking.

Churro Cheesecake Bar Ingredients

• Crust – Packaged crescent rolls.
• Cream cheese – Softened.
• Sugar – Granulated white.
• Cornstarch – 100% pure cornstarch.
• Vanilla – Real vanilla extract.
• Egg – Large
• Topping – melted butter, cinnamon, white granulated sugar.

Crescent dough, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, cream cheese, butter, cornstarch.

How do you make cheesecake churro bars? (step-by-step directions)

⭐ First, preheat the oven and grease a baking pan. Open a can of crescent rolls and place in the bottom of the baking pan. Make sure to fill the entire pan, press to close the seams.

⭐ Next, with a mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Mix in the granulated sugar and cornstarch until well incorporated. Add the vanilla and egg and mix well. Spread the cream cheese mixture into the pan in an even layer.

⭐ Then, open the second can of crescent rolls and place on top of the cheesecake mixture. Make sure to cover to the edges of the pan and close up any seams. Use a brush to spread the melted butter on top of the dough. Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl and sprinkle on top of the butter.

⭐ Finally, bake until the crust looks golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Then chill the bars in the refrigerator until the cheesecake is completely set.

Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions. 

Layer: dough, cheesecake mixture, dough, cinnamon + sugar.

Preparation

Can you make churro cheesecake bars ahead of time.

Yes, because these need to be refrigerated for at least 3 hours, they are a great make ahead dessert! Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

What to use for the cheesecake crust?

The best way to get that crispy crust on top and bottom is to use canned crescent rolls. Make sure to roll it out all the way to the edges of the pan.

Bake until golden brown.

Leftovers and storage

How long do churro cheesecake bars last.

These will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store in an airtight container.

Can I freeze churro cheesecake bars?

Yes, store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Allow to set fully in the refrigerator before slicing.

Tips and tricks

✅ Add a layer of fruit or jam between the cheesecake and the top crust for added flavor.

✅ Make sure to let the dessert cool completely before chilling in the fridge to prevent condensation.

✅ Roll the crescent rolls out on a piece of wax paper to close up the seams and stretch it to the size of the baking pan.

✅ Top with fresh fruit like raspberries, strawberries or peaches.

Try adding other flavors like nutmeg, pumpkin spice , or apple pie spice .

Frequently asked questions

Can i use a different type of dough instead of crescent rolls.

Yes, you can use puff pastry or phyllo dough as an alternative. Just ensure they are rolled out to fit the baking dish and the seams are sealed.

Can I add any other flavors or spices to the cheesecake filling?

Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for extra flavor.

Do I need to use a specific type of sugar for the topping, or can I use alternatives like brown sugar or coconut sugar?

While white granulated sugar is recommended for the classic churro flavor, you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different taste and texture.

Is there a gluten-free option for the crescent roll dough?

Yes, there are gluten-free crescent roll dough options available in some stores, or you can make your own gluten-free dough at home.

What’s the best way to cut and serve the churro cheesecake bars for neat squares?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean, neat squares.

What to enjoy with churro cheesecake bars (serving suggestions)

These dessert bars are a flavor blast of creamy delicious cinnamon and cheesecake. We like to make them with instant pot quinoa , cheez-it chicken , and bbq chicken pasta salad !

This is so good for dessert with a hot cup of coffee.

More great cheesecake recipes

• No bake oreo cheesecake
• Cheesecake dip
• Instant pot Baileys cheesecake
• Chocolate cheesecake
• Caramel apple cheesecake
• Rocky road cheesecake
• No bake blueberry cheesecake
• Key lime cheesecake
• Pumpkin cheesecake
• Caramel cheesecake
• See all our easy cheesecake recipes !

Other cinnamon favorites

• Cinnamon toast crunch poke cake
• Apple cinnamon overnight oats
• Cinnamon bread
• Apple cinnamon baked oatmeal
• Bacon cinnamon rolls
• Cinnamon twists
• Crescent roll cinnamon rolls
• See all our easy cinnamon recipes !

😍😍😍

Tools we love

• Electric mixer – You can use an electric mixer to whip it together quickly. 
• Glass casserole dish with lid – I love this dish, it can go from freezer to oven! 

Get our FREE Easy Casseroles Ebook!

Delivered to your inbox💌 (we will never ever sell your email), follow us below use #mamalovesfood on instagram, how to make churro cheesecake bars.

Ingredients

• 2 tubes crescent roll dough (seamless, if available) 8 ounces each

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

Cinnamon Topping

• ¼ cup butter melted
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar

Instructions

• Roll out one tube of crescent dough into a prepared* 9x13" dish, pinching seams closed if necessary.
• In a medium-large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add 1 cup of sugar, and cornstarch before continuing to beat. Finally, add the vanilla and egg, beating just until fully incorporated.
• Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over your bottom layer of dough in the baking dish then cover with the second layer of crescent dough, again pinching the seams together if necessary.
• Brush dough with melted butter, then mixt together remaining cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over top.
• Bake in a 350℉ preheated oven for about 35 minutes, until top has turned golden brown. Allow bars to come to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to set fully, about 3 hours.

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About April Woods

April is an expert foodie and consummate traveler who has honed the craft of developing simple delicious recipes and finding fun places to explore! You can find her content featured on MSN, Huffington Post, News 6, BuzzFeed, and more! (read more...)

July 10, 2024 at 3:30 pm

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July 10, 2024 at 11:41 pm

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9 Best Bar Soaps for Men

We found the best-smelling, best-for-your-skin bar soaps for the modern man.

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.

Best Overall

Dr. squatch men's natural bar soap.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar

Best Oversized

Duke cannon supply co. big brick of soap.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab, we rigorously test and evaluate a variety of self-care products, including bar soaps , to recommend the best ones. To put together this list of the best bar soaps for men, our selection criteria included examining formulas for quality ingredients; our in-house testers also looked at cleansing efficacy, lather quality, scent and skin feel, ensuring these soaps will keep your skin nourished and healthy — no matter your skin type or scent preference.

This bar soap strikes the perfect balance for cleansing and care. The grit is just right, gently buffing away dead skin cells without causing any irritation. Packed with natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, it hydrates and revitalizes your skin, preventing dryness in the process. Our Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn 's brother swears by it, calling it the "only soap he will use." He highlights its effectiveness and fresh scent, stating it “leaves my skin feeling clean after every use, smells amazing and exfoliates . "

Suitable for shoppers on a budget or men with sensitive skin, the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar is a fragrance-free soap that contains ceramides to help retain skin moisture.

Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann says it leaves the skin feeling soft and clean without leaving behind residue . Although our testers remarked that it has a sandy texture upon initial scrubbing, it smooths out after the initial grittiness and is still gentle enough for face washing. This option works well for all skin types, but given its hydrating properties, it’s an excellent match for folks with dry skin.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Why Beauty Experts and Dermatologists Rave About CeraVe

Modeled after the hefty soap bars soldiers used during the Korean War, the Big Brick of Soap weighs in at a whopping 10 ounces. That's about three times the size of your typical bar, so you can lather up for over a month before needing a replacement.

Infused with a long-lasting yet subtle oak barrel scent, this sulfate-free soap cleanses gently but thoroughly, evoking the rich heritage of Kentucky bourbon without overpowering the senses. The military-inspired grooming brand also donates a portion of its net profits to veterans.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Body Bar Soap

If you’re looking for the best deodorant bar soap for men, you’ve found your match. This option harnesses the power of tea tree oil to neutralize fungus and bacteria , keeping you feeling fresh and odor-free throughout the day while promoting healthy skin. "Tea tree oil can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation while controlling excess oil," Wizemann says.

Online reviewers rave about the soap's thick lather and unique tingling sensation, which is sure to elevate your morning shower.

Dove Men+Care Sandalwood + Cardamom Oil Restore Cleansing Bar

Dove’s Beauty Bar is a shower staple, praised by experts, consumers and editors alike (including myself!). However, if you crave a more masculine fragrance and a touch of exfoliation, Dove Men+Care offers a range of cleansing bars specifically formulated for men's skincare needs.

Our tester, a longtime fan of the original Dove Men+Care bars, put the new blood orange and sandalwood variants to the test. He particularly enjoyed the exfoliating properties of the new bars, noting the “little abrasive bits” (which are actually made from coconut shell powder). However, he did find the rectangular shape less comfortable to hold compared to the original saddle-shaped Dove Men+Care bars. On the plus side, Dove's new soap is gentle and versatile enough for cleansing your face and shaving.

Baxter of California Exfoliating Body Bar Soap for Men

This invigorating body bar tackles rough skin with jojoba meal and olive seeds for smooth and soft results. It’s made with skin-conditioning glycerin and hydrates without drying, but due to its exfoliating power, it shouldn’t be used on the face. The long-lasting, 7-ounce bar has a woody and mossy scent and is suitable for all skin types . This soap is perfect for gifting or treating yourself since it comes packaged in a handsome box.

Kala Swedish Dream Sea Salt Soap

Swedish Dream’s Sea Salt Soap brings the beach to your bathroom with its invigorating scent and gentle exfoliation. It's packed with mineral-rich sea salt crystals that buff away dead skin cells , leaving your skin feeling refreshed.

Customer reviewers universally love its subtle, clean-smelling fragrance that’s neither masculine nor feminine and has salty undertones. The long-lasting bar offers a touch of luxury without breaking the bank and comes packaged in a nautical-inspired box, making it perfect for gifting.

RELATED: We Found the Best Body Lotions to Keep Skin Hydrated

Papatui Enriching Bar Soap

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson clearly understands the struggle of finding the perfect bar of soap. Inspired by his own slightly mischievous past of sniffing every bar in the drugstore aisle , his new men's skincare line, PAPATUI, offers a clever solution: a handy hole in the packaging so you can smell the soap before buying without breaking open the box.

Our Beauty Assistant's brother enjoyed the fresh, masculine scent and noted its impressive size and longevity — "a little goes a long way," he said. Most importantly, it left him feeling thoroughly clean. He also appreciated another unique touch — depending on the chosen scent, the bar comes in a different color to elevate your shower’s aesthetics and go beyond a basic, boring white bar.

RELATED: The Best Face Washes for Men According to Skincare Experts

Glossier Body Hero Exfoliating Bar

Glossier’s Body Hero is a premium bar of soap that’s a feast for the senses. Trust us, you’ll want to use the hefty pink brick until just a tiny sliver of it remains. Reviewers are divided on the intensity of its orange blossom neroli fragrance — some find it subtle, while others find it delightfully strong. The brand itself describes the bar as smelling like “an instant vacation.”

Reviewers can agree that the soap delivers a satisfying scrub without any irritation or annoying filmy residue . That’s thanks to finely milled bamboo power, which works hard (but not too hard) to satisfyingly buff away dead skin for softer and smoother skin.

How we choose the best bar soaps for men

The Good Housekeeping Institutes’ Beauty Lab embarked on a comprehensive selection process to identify the best bar soaps for men. Our team meticulously dissected the formulas and ingredient lists of a wide variety of bar soaps, prioritizing those formulated with high-quality ingredients suited for different skin types, from oily to dry to sensitive.

We tested five options from four leading men’s soap brands to evaluate cleansing efficacy, lather quality, their ability to clean and how specifically the soap affects and feels on the skin, both during and after use.

To ensure we were recommending not just high-performing bar soaps but also those aligned with best practices for men's skincare, for our recommendations that we didn’t test, we carefully selected bar soaps that have been vetted by leading beauty experts, dermatologists and clinical researchers in the industry. That way, you can find your next shower staple to revitalize your skin, not irritate it.

What to look for when shopping for men's bar soap

Depending on your skin type, each soap bar's ingredients and formulation can affect your individual experience with the product. Here's how to choose the best bar soap for men, according to our skincare experts.

✔️ For dry skin: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin in soap bars. These ingredients help attract and lock in moisture for hydrated skin. Oil-based soap bars are also helpful for dry skin.

✔️ To achieve refreshed skin: Choose an exfoliating soap bar with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These acids gently remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter and smoother skin.

✔️ For sensitive skin: Fragrance can irritate sensitive skin, so be sure to look for fragrance-free soap bars that don't contain masking scents or other potentially irritating ingredients.

✔️ For eczema: Since eczema disrupts the skin barrier, we recommend choosing a soap bar with ceramides to help repair and strengthen it.

✔️ For acne-prone skin: Look for a soap bar containing salicylic acid, which helps clear breakouts by exfoliating dead skin cells and unclogging pores.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

GH Contributing Commerce Editor Brandon Carte wrote this guide. He has over a decade of experience testing and researching products, from appliances to home goods, men’s fashion and skincare. Brandon suffers from eczema and urges the people reading this to go beyond the bar and moisturize after showering.

To write this piece, he teamed up with GH Institute Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann who has extensive knowledge of skincare ingredients and regularly writes science-backed roundups of body washes , cleansing oils and more. She has touched, researched, tested and evaluated thousands of products — including bar soaps to verify product claims.

Brandon Carte has been covering technology at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been writing about the latest gadgets, appliances, and scouring the internet for the products that make life easier. His reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com , Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify, and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.

Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.  

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Neighborhood to watch: midtown manhattan, new york city.

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Luxury developments have become synonymous with Midtown Manhattan.

The Midtown Manhattan neighborhood finds itself in the midst of what can be described as a 'renaissance.' A hub in the center of Manhattan, Midtown is drawing crowds away from traditional neighborhoods in order to call the iconic Fifth Avenue corridor home between Bryant Park and Central Park. In fact, Fifth Avenue is no longer just for shopping, but has become a destination that the young, hip generation is making their primary residence. Luxury developments are popping up along the corridor including the brand new 520 Fifth , that will offer upscale residences designed by AD100 Vicky Charles and a private members club, Moss, as well as The Aman Residences and the Mandarin Oriental Residences , resulting in a hub for design aficionados and fashion lovers alike.

Upscale residences are selling at record rates.

In effect, Midtown has become a neighborhood that strikes a balance between the 'cool kid aesthetic' and quiet luxury vibe that is so popular across the board from millennials to Gen Z. The Fifth Avenue corridor offers the latest in New York City dining including Le Rock, Polo Bar, 53 and the new Cafe Boulud, as well as buzzing nightlife at establishments like Casa Cruz, The Jazz Club at Aman and the always popular King Cole Bar. Midtown is drawing interest from all over the New York boroughs as a central location for all things entertainment, dining and shopping.

Midtown spans the entire island of Manhattan along an east–west axis, extending from 34th Street to 59th Street and from the Hudson to the East River. Busy Midtown Manhattan is home to venerable attractions like Times Square and the Museum of Modern Art and landmarks including the Chrysler Building, Grand Central, the Flatiron Building and the Empire State Building.

Josh Rabina, President of Rabina.

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“Throughout history, cities have always had a center of gathering for commerce, for culture, for people to connect over food and to enjoy the arts,” says Josh Rabina, President of Rabina , a New York-based, family-owned and operated real estate investment and development firm. “In New York City, that center is Midtown, where a melting pot of people traverse among the world’s most iconic buildings, cultural institutions and parks. When you’re in Midtown, you feel the heartbeat of New York City. Also, 520 Fifth, which once complete will rise 1,000 feet over Fifth Avenue, is a mere stone’s throw away from the green space of Bryant Park, two blocks from Grand Central Station and right next to all that makes living in Midtown Manhattan as exciting and desirable as it is. Central Park, the Theater District, Fifth Avenue, The Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, world-class dining, the list goes on.”

520 Fifth will offer 100 condominium residences that each range from one to three bedrooms as well as a collection of boutique luxury office floors, a new private member's club, best-in-class hospitality, recreation, athletics, wellness and more. Rabina says, “The building launched residential sales in April, and we have seen extraordinary sales velocity, which is a testament not only to the unique nature of the development, but also to Midtown’s renaissance.”

520 Fifth will rise 1,000 feet over Fifth Avenue.

Midtown real estate, extending from 57 th Street down to Bryant Park, is among the most valuable real estate in the City, and it’s likely the neighborhood will only grow in value is it continues to evolve into a thriving, transit-rich, mixed-use district. The burgeoning development shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Michael Shvo, Founder, CEO & Chairman of Shvo , a New York City luxury real estate development company, adds, "The Crown building was transformed into Aman New York Hotel & Residences and opened to great acclaim in 2022. We also redeveloped 711 Fifth Avenue , which is one of only 20 boutique office buildings along Fifth Avenue, under the direction of world-renowned design architect Peter Marino offering a work experience unlike any other. Mandarin Oriental Residences, Fifth Avenue opened last year and evokes quintessential New York glamour through the legacy of the Beaux Arts building which was previously the Gucci headquarters."

Michael Shvo, Founder, CEO & Chairman of Shvo

"Midtown Manhattan is the center of the world, a place where culture and commerce are knitted together, and you can really feel the wonder of it all,” says Rabina. “Post-pandemic, there has been a deep need for people to connect again, to experience life’s moments and events in person, to work together, to eat meals together and to enjoy art and music and theater again. This desire for connection is synonymous with Midtown and that is what underlies its renaissance wherein retail, restaurants, businesses and New Yorkers just want to be and feel connected to the center again. 520 Fifth aims to capture a bit of the magic of Midtown and to re-imagine how the building’s occupants can live, work and socialize at the center of this incredibly vibrant neighborhood that is always reinventing itself.”

“Mandarin Oriental Residences, Fifth Avenue, offers luxurious accommodations.

Shvo says, "Fifth Avenue, New York City’s most iconic street, offers an energy that simply cannot be found anywhere else in New York City. The avenue is famous for its luxury retail, department stores, architectural landmarks, museums and cultural attractions, as well as its proximity to New York City’s biggest amenity - Central Park. Fifth Avenue has long been a destination if you needed to buy something glamorous, and a lucky few have the privilege of working here, but now there is a whole new residential renaissance taking place. At the heart of that transformation is Mandarin Oriental Residences, Fifth Avenue. We developed this landmark property so residents could have the very best of New York City right at their fingertips; walk outside and be in front of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Saks Fifth Avenue, MoMa and indeed Central Park. It doesn’t get any better or more New York than that."

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The 11 Best New Bars in the US

I’d heard the refrain about a million times: Queer bars are going extinct. The thinking goes they just aren’t needed anymore amid the rise of online dating and social media. Yet here I was, sipping a disconcertingly delicious concoction of Jägermeister, lime juice, and triple sec in the purple glow of Mother, a new lesbian bar in San Francisco. Good luck telling the regulars the golden age was over. Great bars like Mother do more than meet an obvious need. They bring new life to our neighborhoods, create portals to other worlds, and give meaning to the sometimes shapeless hours after 5 p.m. And there are so many great new bars.

A tiny Miami den with a monster obsession and trading cards for a menu? Why not? A pink-lit East Village hot spot turning out mole Negronis and adobada slushies? Absolutely. And how we ever lived without the Seattle bar blending imported teas with the eye-watering Chinese liquor baijiu, I’m not sure.

Some bartenders are taking this moment to reinterpret classic historic cocktails while others are charting entirely new paths. Whatever you’re into, these are boom times for bar lovers. So start with one of these 11 spots and see where the night takes you. — Elazar Sontag, restaurant editor

Bartenders are turning out inspired milk punch, going all-in on savory cocktails, and taking the zero-proof movement to new heights.

Equipment Room

1101 Music Ln, Austin Down some stairs and through a hallway padded with sound-absorbing foam is Austin’s most exclusive new bar. At Equipment Room, conversation exists at a respectfully low murmur as a DJ spins more than 1,200 records. The bar takes cues from Japan’s jazz kissa, where patrons gather to listen to vinyl and sip cocktails, but while Equipment Room may flirt with that tradition, it grounds itself in Texas; the voices of Willie Nelson, Beyonce, and other local legends fill the room. The menu is similarly two-pronged, offering A Sides—classics including a Martinez and New York Sour—and B Sides—inspired cocktails incorporating ingredients like green plantain and aged white tea. These drinks are whisked through the room and presented with panache: a smoldering piece of palo santo to go along with one, a cloud of mesquite smoke enshrining another. It’s easy to forget your hushed surroundings as all this plays out and let an audible gasp escape. — Elazar Sontag

The Coral Wig

In the alley, 2 E Read St, Baltimore This moody, tropical-but-decidedly-not-tiki lounge from Baltimore restaurateurs Lane Harlan and Matthew Pierce is a shapeshifter of the highest order. Meant to evoke the Manila officers clubs of Harlan’s mother’s youth, one’s experience of the meticulously curated space depends entirely on what time of day you visit. Duck in early, while the late afternoon sun still streams through amber-stained windows, and the Philippine mahogany-paneled walls and hand-painted checkerboard floor glow golden. Sip an Estate Martini—a rum-based riff on the ’90s pineapple martini, bearing the faintest kiss of Madagascar vanilla—and you’ll swear you can feel a warm, salty breeze at your back. A few hours later the tiny space goes thrillingly dark. Order something a bit more ponderous, like the aged rhum-based Carabao, and by the time it arrives, you’ll have given up on squinting, letting a single table votive circumscribe your world for a few intimate hours. Whether you’re here at happy hour or last call, you’re in the capable hands of Charm City’s preeminent vibesmiths, simultaneously far, far away and very much at home. — Amiel Stanek

Birds of Paradise

525 Western Ave #12, Brighton, MA Stepping into Birds of Paradise feels like entering the first-class lounge of some mythological airline. Fitting for a bar inspired by the heyday of mid-20th-century travel. Owner Ran Duan, who also opened Boston’s Blossom Bar, created the cocktails with managers Will Isaza and James Sutter. The menu is divided into two parts, the first inspired by a single location—currently Guadalajara, where Duan and Sutter recently traveled. Think cocktails like the Pare de Sufrir, a vegetal martini with notes of tomatillo and soursop, or the Pennies del Cielo, a drink inspired by the Mexican street food elote and featuring nixtamalized corn. The other half of the menu offers drinks meant to whisk you away to iconic cities around the globe. Each cocktail fuses influences and flavors from two destinations; cachaça and wasabi in Rio to Tokyo; rum, vermouth, and olive whey in the Kingston to Milan. A pressing question always hangs over an evening at Birds of Paradise: Where to next? — Sam Stone

216 W Cermak Rd, Chicago To enter Nine Bar, step through the kitchen door at the takeout-only Chinese restaurant Moon Palace Express. Except there’s no kitchen: Instead, you’ll find Lily Wang and Joe Briglio’s neon-lit, self-described Asian-ish bar. Before a remodel in 2022, this was the dining room of the original Moon Palace, a Chinatown mainstay Wang’s parents purchased in 1995 and passed down to her and her partner during COVID. Though the restaurant’s menu is relatively unchanged from the ’90s, Nine Bar is decidedly modern, a window into how a new generation is keeping the spirit of Chinatown alive but making it their own. A DJ streams hip-hop in the back corner under floating white umbrellas, and bartenders mix drinks like a mai tai fortified with an orgeat syrup. That sweet syrup, made with cookies baked at a local Chinese bakery, injects nostalgia into the classic drink. It’s one of many charming ways Nine Bar creates something new without boxing out the past. —Kate Kassin

Stay Zero Proof

425 Gin Ling Wy, Los Angeles Stay Zero Proof has all the markers of a nightlife magnet. You’ll find dim, vibe-y lighting, impossibly pretty regulars, and enough espresso martinis to render blinking entirely optional. But something is very different: There’s not a drop of liquor behind the bar. Those martinis are a combination of espresso syrup, foamy aquafaba, and brûléed brown sugar worked up by alcohol-free mixology wizard Derek Brown. Though the zero-proof movement has thoroughly gripped the country, this is LA’s first entirely no-booze destination, and founders Summer Phoenix and Stacey Mann don’t take that lightly. The drinks—which average around $20—are mixed with all the seriousness found at a craft cocktail bar, tapping an apothecary’s worth of herbs, shrubs, and aperitifs to achieve their complex, surprising flavors. Stay Zero Proof has a lot to say about divorcing “going out” from getting sloshed—and we should all listen. But don’t let anything distract from the main event: a legitimately great bar with cocktails you’ll want to drink all night. — Elazar Sontag

8300 NE 2nd Ave 2nd floor, Miami Tucked away on the mezzanine of a Little River food hall is a monster’s den: Bar Kaiju. Inspired by owner Derek Stilmann’s singular obsession with the world’s many strange beasts—“kaiju” in Japanese—the bar leans into the fantastical, from anime posters and projected monster movies on the walls to the 15 monster-inspired drinks printed on the trading card menu. Mechagodzilla—the nemesis of one similarly named iconic monster—takes shape here as a highball of Japanese whisky and cherry-blossom-infused vermouth. Meanwhile, Rodan, a giant fire demon, is embodied by a peppery margarita with a spicy lollipop finisher. Apart from the occasional whiff of pizza or jerk chicken from the food hall below, this watering hole will claw you into a mystical new world. — Kate Kassin

13 1st Ave., New York At Superbueno, a rowdy party is always around the corner. The Mexican American bar glows with moody pink light and is decorated with cactuses, the Mexican flag, a beach umbrella, and a winking piñata. Bartenders and rowdy regulars swing the hanging globe lights that hang like pendulums above the bar. If there’s a birthday, a staff member’s last day, or really anything worth drinking about, shouts break out over the din of salsa and reggaeton. Co-owner Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez himself is probably passing out shots. Don’t let all this playfulness give you the wrong idea: Superbueno takes its drinks seriously. The Vodka y Soda is deceptively simple in name but a thing of beauty: a highball of clarified guava purée, pasilla chile-infused vodka, and a splash of Velvet Falernum with a guava salt rim. It transforms the unassuming well drink into something complex and nostalgic—nodding back to Nacho’s favorite childhood refresher of guava nectar. If you make it until closing at Superbueno, you and a new friend might just end up raising a shot of mezcal. — Kate Kassin

The Houston Blacklight

2100 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR I still remember ordering my first martini, overcome by the anxiety of trying to figure out whether vodka or gin was “right” and if I’d get weird looks for requesting an olive and a twist. Sometimes that sort of prescriptive, solemn bar environment is exactly what I’m after. Mostly, though, I yearn for a place like The Houston Blacklight, where wrong choices don’t exist and it’s never that serious. The bar’s walls are painted with wonderfully odd murals of beasts in boxing matches and sexy luxuriating horses (you sort of have to see it). The drinks are every bit as quirky and upbeat: Jell-O shots come in rotating flavors like guava-Midori or peach-amaretto, and coconut-pandan slushies taste like something straight out of a beach vacation. The Houston Blacklight’s psychedelic more-is-more vibe isn’t without precedent in Portland. Owners Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly are also the brain trust behind maximalist Southeast Asian restaurants Gado Gado and Oma’s Hideaway. Now they’ve dreamed up exactly the sort of dangerously pleasant neighborhood bar we all pray will open on our corner. — Elazar Sontag

3079 16th St, San Francisco The moment I sidled up to the bar at Mother, the bartender offered a gentle but firm introduction to the space: “This is a lesbian bar, please be respectful of that.” There are fewer than 50 lesbian bars left across the US, and though this one welcomes queer people and their friends of all stripes, it is a space for women and femmes. That’s a distinction worth protecting. In the middle of San Francisco’s Mission District, the bar is relatively bare. With its worn wood floors, tasty but unfancy $13 cocktails, and a custom-built photo booth, the bar isn’t concerned with reimagining the old-school queer dive as a stuffy cocktail lounge or trying to update the concept for a new generation. Mother does something even more exciting: revive a precious piece of community that came too close to being snuffed out. — Elazar Sontag

Paper Fan Cocktail Bar

601 E Pike St Unit 100, Seattle Paper Fan Cocktail Bar evokes a 1960s speakeasy in Hong Kong, right down to the obscure location. Draped in red velvet curtains and tucked above a bustling noodle shop in Capitol Hill, the 18-seat space is a tribute to co-owner Alison Deng’s grandmother—Ms. Zhang, as she was known—who fell in love with an American soldier in the 1950s while selling paper fans in Hong Kong. When duty called, the soldier gave Ms. Zhang all of his money. She never learned what happened to her American love, but their tale is immortalized in this dimly lit space, adorned with ornate glass lamps and colorful fans. As you snack on Shin Ramen doctored up with mapo tofu or tongue-tingling mala beef, you’ll be transported out of the bustling Seattle neighborhood. Unique cocktails pair tea and baijiu; do not miss the Game of Ming, bursting with tangy passion fruit, jasmine green tea, lemon, fruity baijiu, and frothy egg whites. Weekend reservations are essential; space is as fleeting as the far-off encounter that inspired this intimate hideaway. — Ali Francis

11022 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS Everything at this suburban Kansas bar is just a little bit extra. A cotton candy cloud hovers over the Little Storm, a riff on the rum-based Hurricane. Banana-themed cocktails—when on offer—come in glasses resembling the fruit’s peels, brown spots and all. On the rare occasion the garnish or glassware is restrained, at least one element of the drink is likely to be clarified, toasted, or otherwise tinkered with. Owner Jay Sanders’s dedication to doing the most extends to a substantial zero-proof menu where classics like the Negroni and espresso martini feature spirits he strips of alcohol via atmospheric distillation. Consistently kind staff, warm wood paneling, and more than 50 pretty plants will make anyone feel welcome in this world of pure imagination. — Emily Farris

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