The 50 Best Healthy Snacks And Sips To Pack On Your Next Road Trip

As coronavirus cases decline and restrictions lift across the country, we’re feeling more optimistic than ever as head into summer. And what better way to celebrate the sunny season than with a road trip? So whether you’re craving a gluten-free cracker or a canned craft cocktail (for passengers only, obviously), ahead are 50 healthy snacks and sips listed alphabetically that’ll brighten up your travels for months to come.

AHA Raspberry+Acai Sparkling Water

Even if you haven’t seen the new TV commercials starring comedians Lauren Lapkus and Colton Dunn, you’ll understand why they’re gushing (or more accurately, dropping the word “aha” as much as possible) over Coca-Cola’s first new brand in over ten years. The cans are inviting and colorful, and there’s lots of carbonation. Plus, the flavors like are bold and unexpected, like the new Raspberry+Acai.

Aura Bora Lemongrass Coconut Sparkling Water

It’s tough to believe that something so thirst-quenching and unique tasting can have zero calories. That’s how satisfying this herbal-based sparkling water is. While it’s lovely drinking as is, the creamy coconut and citrusy lemongrass flavors make it just as good mixed in cocktails and zero-proof drinks.

Banana Wave Non-Dairy Banana Milk

Being sensitive to dairy, I’m a fan of all the plant-based alt milks out there. But this one tastes so singularly spectacular it almost feels decadent. Blended with bananas and oat milk, it’s smooth, creamy, and subtly sweet. Drinking right out of the carton is a no-brainer, but try adding it to cereal and coffee for an unexpected treat.

Bella Sun Luci Teriyaki & Cracked Pepper

This plant-based snack has everything I love about beef jerky (flavor, texture, and portability) with nothing I don’t (excess salt and preservatives). And what’s the key to its success? Whole sun-dried tomatoes, which surprisingly recreates the same satisfying chew and chaseable, umami-packed flavor as its meaty counterparts.

Brazi Bites Garlic Asiago Brazilian Cheese Bread

If you’ve ever been to Brazil, you understand the simple pleasures of pão de queijo, small cheese rolls typically eaten for breakfast or as a snack. And this handy bag makes it a breeze to enjoy them anytime you want. They’re cheesy, garlicky, and delightfully gooey and chewy – thanks to gluten-free tapioca flour.

Brew Dr. Love Kombucha

When it comes to kombucha, why not drink something that tastes wonderful and does something wonderful for the planet, too? That’s the thinking behind this uniquely floral and herbaceous kombucha by the Portland-based brand. Crafted with lavender, chamomile, and jasmine green tea, 1% of this flavor’s revenues of this flavor are being donated to The Trevor Project.

Canteen Spirits Vodka Soda in Pineapple

Canned cocktails radically shifted drinking culture with their convenience and drinkability. But since many are made with cheap malt liquor and artifical sweeteners, Canteen Spirits unveiled a line of zero-sugar and zer0-carb vodka sodas in 2019. Unsurprisingly, they were an instant hit. And the brand’s newest flavor, pineapple, is primed to be just as popular for hot-weather sipping.

Cantina Grapefruit Paloma Tequila Soda

From the founders of Canteen Spirits, the Austin-based company specializing in quality RTD cocktails, comes Cantina. But instead of vodka, they’re now putting the spotlight on tequila. Clocking in just 99 calories per can with zero sugar and one gram of carbs, the Grapefruit Paloma is refreshing, balanced, and not sweet at all.

Carbone Marinara Sauce

If you’ve had trouble scoring a table at New York’s Carbone, you’re not alone. So to help you recreate its nostalgic, old-school flavors at home, the buzzy restaurant just unveiled a collection of versatile tomato sauces. The marinara is exceptionally rich with a slow-cooked state (and no added sugar), and works beautifully in travel-friendly pasta salads.

Clio Snacks Strawberry Granola & Greek Yogurt Parfait Bar

Next time you’re craving something sweet but nothing too heavy, unwrap one of these new refrigerated bars. They’re layered with crunchy granola and creamy cheesecake Greek yogurt, and enrobed in even more Greek yogurt. They’re definitely sweet, but not overly so, making them perfect for noshing on any time of day.

Cool Beans Tikka Masala Plant-Based Wrap

At long last, a frozen burrito that ticks all the boxes. It’s wallet-friendly. It’s ready to eat after a few quick minutes in the microwave or air fryer. It’s perfect for all kinds of eaters, including those who are vegan and gluten-free. But most importantly: it’s scrumptious, conjuring up the savory-spicy-sweet flavors of my favorite Indian dish.

Cusa Tea & Coffee Jasmine Green Tea

As a dedicated tea drinker, I appreciate the little details (like water temperature and steeping time) that contribute to a perfect cup. But sometimes I want to drink my tea, well, now. That’s when these handy packets – just mix with water – come to the rescue. While you can drink this floral green tea hot, I prefer it iced with some sweetener.

Diane’s Kitchen Daily Crunch Snacks Just Sprouted Almonds

Plain almonds are the go-to choice for healthy snackers across the world, but turns out – there’s a way to unlock even more flavor and health from them. And that’s with sprouting in water. The result? Almonds that boast even more hearty crunch, digestiblity, and nutrition.

Elenita Strawberry Mule Sparkling Mezcal

While most people drink mezcal neat with orange slices and worm salt, turns out it’s terrific in cocktails, too. And this new flavor from the hip RTD company showcases its versatility, by mixing 100% Agave Espadín Mezcal from Oaxaca with ripe strawberries and spicy ginger for a bracing and deeply refreshing drink.

Fry Family Food Co. Chick’N Patties

Honestly, it’s tough to tell the difference between these plant-based patties and the real thing. And they couldn’t be easier to prepare. I like to spray them with a little cooking oil, and toss them into my trusty air fryer. Within minutes, I’ve got a crispy, golden, and savory patty ready to be used in sandwiches and salads.

Health Ade Strawberry Glow Kombucha

The latest flavor from the Los Angeles-based wellness beverage company brings together juicy strawberry, tart kiwi, and skin-healthy bamboo and biotin. So in addition to supporting gut health, each bottle will help you look and feel your best from the inside out.

Hippeas Bohemian Barbecue Organic Chickpea Puffs

While these chickpea puffs are made with straightforward ingredients and suitable for all sorts of eaters (including vegan and gluten-free), the best part is how they taste. The barbecue flavor balances savory and sweet, and the airy texture is irresistible Even better? I always feel great after eating them, never weighed down.

Hope Foods Vanilla Bean Cashew & Almond Dip

This new vegan dip is the perfect way to indulge in your sweet tooth without going overboard. The texture is fluffy, creamy, and light, and the flavor is pure, dreamy vanilla. (You can even see the vanilla bean flecks.) While dipping fruits in it is a no-brainer, try swapping out your usual frosting with this. Yes, it tastes that indulgent.

Humboldt Distillery Organic Vodka

If you’re playing passenger on your next trip, consider prebatching a cocktail ahead of time. That way you can simply pour, sip, and kick back. As for what to use, it’s tough to top this Californian small batch, organic vodka that uses a sugarcane base. It’s incredibly silky and smooth, and makes for a terrific base for all types of cocktails. (I find it especially good in Moscow Mules and Vodka Lemonades.)

Kind Dark Chocolate Almond Oatmeal

From the company that brought more nutritious snack bars to the masses comes new frozen pints, frozen smoothie bowls, cereal, and last but not least: oatmeal. And as it did with snack bars, Kind is revamping the breakfast staple by pairing healthy 100% whole grain oats and almonds with generous chunks of real dark chocolate.

Lasto Foods Natural Peanut Butter

Natural peanut butter is a kitchen staple for me. It’s convenient, nutritious, and versatile. The problem? What a messy hassle scraping a jar can be. To remedy that, Alicia Torres Candè launched Lasto, a line of silky, squeezable nut butters that couldn’t be any easier to use. So whether you need a drizzle or a dollop, it’s never been easier to portion out.

Lemon Perfect Just Lemon

What’s better than a cool sip of lemonade on a hot summer day? How about a version with zero sugar, lots of electrolytes, and a full day’s supply of vitamin C? While it’s terrific for casual everyday sipping, it’s especially helpful after a grueling workout or for those painfully early mornings that follow rowdy late nights.

LikeMeat Like Grilled Chick’n

Like most people, I’m trying to eat less meat these days. And these “chik’n” pieces make the choice more than easy with their fork-tender texture, savory flavor, and endless versatility. Use them in any dish where you’d use the real thing, from pastas to salads to sandwiches.

Loverboy Spritz Espresso Martini

Legend has it that model Kate Moss asked British bartender Dick Bradsell to whip up something that would “wake me up and f@ck me up.” Thus, the espresso martini was born. But to meet the demands of today’s health-conscious sipper, Loverboy launched its own RTD version. Made with orange wine, maple water, and espresso extract, it’s got everything you love about the real deal – and nothing you don’t.

Lunar Yuzu Hard Seltzer

Started by Asian-Americans and New Yorkers Kevin Wong and Sean Ro, this hard seltzer brand spotlights fruits and other ingredients sourced from Asia. For its Yuzu flavor, Lunar uses fresh fruit from Japan’s coastal Shimane Prefecture. As for how it tastes? It’s pleasantly tart and not too sweet, with a wholly singular citrus flavor.

Mighty Swell Spiked Seltzer in Pineapple

Not all hard seltzers are equal. Take, for example, this indie brand from Austin, which only uses natural sweeteners (white grape juice) and naturally-derived cold-brewed sugar alcohol, with nothing artificial. And the sun-ripened pineapple flavor feels especially fitting to drink with summer right around the corner.

Moonshot Tomato Basil Crackers

This visionary company founded by Julia Collins is on a mission to help us shift from mindless to mindful snacking. And how? With these crackers, which are non-GMO, carbon-neutral, packaged in a 100% recycled box, and baked with regeneratively-grown Edison wheat. And for the taste and texture? They’re light, crispy, and super savory.

Olipop Strawberry Vanilla Soda

Imagine combining the fizzy, sweet flavors of traditional sodas with the gut-healthy benefits of kombucha, and you’ve got Olipop. Though the cheefully-packaged sparkling tonics come in a range of nostalgic flavors (like vintage cola and orange squeeze), I’m partial to Strawberry Vanilla. It’s gently sweet and creamy, and almost drinks like a dessert.

Peckish Eggs in Everything

Hard-boiled eggs are a workhorse in the world of nutritious snacking. They’re an excellent source of protein, and fill you up without packing in too many calories. But since they’re bland on their own, Peckish smartly packages together two free-range, certified humane eggs with a fun, crunchy dip. My favorite flavor is inspired by the flavors and textures of everything bagels.

Pop Zero White Cheddar Popcorn

The thing that blows my mind over the cheesy, umami-packed flavor of this popcorn is that it’s made with only five ingredients (like extra-large kernels for a fluffy texture and nutritional yeast to keep things vegan). In addition, each serving provides fiber, protein, and iron so you can feel good about snacking away to your heart’s content.

The Republic of Tea The Mandalorian™ Blueberry Bounty Iced Tea

This limited-edition product launched just in time for summer. Taking inspiration from the hit Star Wars series, each unbleached pouch makes a full quart of colorful, thirst-quenching iced tea. As for how it tastes? Imagine ripe blueberries mingling with tart hibiscus, with a subtly sweet finish. In short: you’ll want to sip this for months to come.

Rip Van Wafel in Birthday Cake

I didn’t think the traditional Dutch stroopwafel – the cookie comprised of two thin waffles filled with caramel – could be improved on. Then I tried Rip Van’s cleaner, low-sugar versions last summer and was immediately hooked. And they’re continuing their winning streak with a new birthday cake flavor. It conjures up the nostalgic fun of one of my favorite childhood treats with zero guilt.

Rowdy Mermaid Ashwagandha Blackberry Adaptonic

Functional wellness beverages are everywhere lately, but this new one stands out from the pack for several reasons. First: it stars reishi mushroom extract, which boosts immunity. On top of that, herbs like ashwagandha can alleviate stress and anxiety. Last but not least: it refreshes deeply with light effervescence and a fruit-forward berry flavor.

Quinn Peanut Butter Filled Nuggets

Quinn is based on the notion that snacking can be clean, delicious, and kind to our planet as well. In addition to using regenerative agriculture –which improves soil health and help reverses climate change – the company uses whole ingredients for these super-crunchy, salty-sweet treats that also happen to be gluten-free.

Real Food From the Ground Up Ranch Purple Carrot Crackers

Just unveiled this month, these eye-catching snack crackers are shaking things up with the use of purple carrots. The result is a striking color, and lightly sweet flavor that gets bumped with ranch seasoning. Even better? They’re certified vegan, gluten-free, with each serving including a generous 50 crackers.

Ruby Hibiscus Water

It’s a fact: drinking lots of water and staying hydrated is crucial to our health. So to help make reaching out daily goals easier, Ruby was launched earlier this year. Each reyclable glass bottle contains unsweetened hibiscus water that’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the palate. It’s bold, crisp, and refreshingly tart, and has electrolytes and antioxidants, to boot.

Seasnax Wasabi Seaweed Snacks

As a Korean-American, one of my favorite foods growing up was roasted, seasoned seaweed. The issue? The time it took basting the sheets with oil, roasting them, and finishing them with salt. These pre-portioned packages make it easy to snack when the craving hits, and the wasabi provides a pleasant spicy burn.

Setton Farms Premium Crafted Jalapeno Pistachios

Easily, pistachios are my favorite nut. They have a distinctive creamy-sweet taste, and a just-crunchy-enough texture. They’re nutritional powerhouses as well. They’re a complete protein when roasted, and loaded with fiber to help you feel full longer. This new launch from Setton Farms makes my favorite nut even more enticing with the spicy kick of jalapeno.

Siete Grain Free Churro Strips

Founded by Veronica Garza, Siete specializes in healthy and convenient Mexican-American foods. Taking inspiration from the beloved street treat, these churro strips boast a distinctive, bold flavor belying the short list of ingredients (think cassava flour, coconut sugar, and avocado oil). They’re especially terrific atop vanilla ice cream or dunked in hot chocolate.

Snow Days Pizza Bites

I’m fanatical about all styles and forms of pizza. So obviously, pizza bites are no exception. The downside? All the icky, unpronounceable ingredients found in most. These are made with all-natural ingredients (think cassava, olive oil, and carrot), no grains or sugar, and most importantly – are a knockout in the taste department.

Sound Yerba Mate with Citrus & Hibiscus

Yerba Mate is a popular South American beverage that’s got caffeine like coffee, and health benefits like tea. It’s also absolutely delicious. But if you don’t have the time to steep and strain it, reach for this organic drink. Bubbly, super crisp, and fruit-forward, it provides a clean boost of energy – making it ideal for drinking anytime of day.

Swoon Lemonade Half & Half

Also known as Arnold Palmers, half and halfs rank up there as one of my favorite hot-weather drinks. Equal parts black iced tea and lemonade, there’s little wrong with this classic – except for the high sugar content. Swoon resolves the issue by swapping it out with natural monkfruit. The result? A deeply refreshing beverage clocking in just ten calories.

Three Wishes Honey Cereal

I’ve never really been a fan of cereal until I tried Three Wishes Honey. It’s just sweet enough (reminding me of a childhood favorite), super crunchy, gluten-free, and packed with protein. Satisfying with a splash of almond or oak milk, it also makes for a great light snack right out of the box.

Truff Black Truffle Oil

As you already know, not all truffle products are created equal. Truff, which started out with heady, truffle-infused hot sauces in 2017, has since expanded with mayos, pasta sauces, and most recently, oil. You only need but a few drops of this blend of real black winter truffles and olive oil to elevate everyday snacks, from popcorn to pizza.

Wildwonder in Peach Ginger

This effervescent drink is so bright and thirst-quenching, you just might forget that it’s actually wonderful for your health as well. Each bottle brims with prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary fiber to improve gut health. On top of that, it’s sweetened with maple syrup and monk fruit extract instead of sugar.