Easy Road Trip Snack Ideas for the Whole Family

Everyone gets hungry, especially on a family road trip. But what snacks can you pack? Here are some ideas to keep the fun high and the mess low.

You have included the entertainment for the kids, but they will get hungry. If you are on a budget, bring food along with you to cut down on costs. Visiting every drive-thru window can sap your money before you know it’s gone.

Here are some tips for bringing nibbles in the car.

* Keep them accessible – There is nothing worse than packing the cooler in the back under the luggage and then hearing your child ask for something to drink. Avoid constant stops by keeping a smaller cooler with essentials between your seat and a larger one in the back, but also in an accessible place.

* Avoid messy snacks – Candy bars and Gummi snacks can be sticky and messy. Kids like to hold things in their hands for long periods of time. Melted chocolate can end up on their clothing, the seats and the windows.

* Bring filling foods – Kids will constantly snack if you let them. Choosing snacks that are going to fill them will have them concentrating on their activities and not on their stomachs. Besides, too many snacks can lead to tummy aches and no one wants that on a road trip.

* Keep it simple – Bringing foods that have to be kept cold or hot can pose problems. Ice can melt and foods can get warm. You don’t want your food to cause stomach aches. Stick to spoil-proof snacks.

So now that we know how to police those nibbles, what types of nibble should you bring to keep everyone happy?

# Pre-packaged snacks – These already come in their own bags so all you have to do is open them for the kids. Choose 100-calorie snacks and those that are filled with fiber.

# Chopped veggies – Raw is nutritious and also less messy. Travel with carrot sticks, celery sticks and some dip. It takes longer to chew these root vegetables which can tire the jaws and limit snacking.

# Sweet fruits – Instead of sugar-laden candy, try naturally sweet treats. Fruit provides just the right amount of sweetness without the hyperactivity in tow. Try strawberries, apple slices, grapes, raisins and other dried fruits.

# Trail mix – Make your own and include ingredients that the entire family likes. Pretzels, dried fruit, nuts and even small chocolate chips are good choices. Using dark chocolate cuts the sweetness and keeps the chocolate taste. Serve it in small snack bags to avoid mess.

Are you planning on a road trip? Car snacks are a must. Use the guidelines above for choosing snacks and also the snack ideas to help make eating fun and easy.