Great Travel Food
Whether you are hitting the road or traveling by plane, going anywhere takes on a whole new meaning when you throw little ones into the mix. I’m not the type to overpack, quite the opposite actually, but now that I’m a mom, even weekend trips look like we’re flying to the other side of the world. I see you nodding. With everything you need to pack and get done prior to leaving, I hope this list of easy, nutritious, and less messy foods will help ease your load! With some planning ahead of time, you can rest easy knowing that your children will stay nourished and happy during the trip! You will be well prepared for when the hunger strikes. Not to mention you’ll save a ton of time and money by not having to purchase foods from the gas station, fast food restaurants, or airport. And all these ideas are great not just for traveling, but also for playdates, picnics, and school snacks!
Food Storage Essentials
Reusable containers – These bento boxes are great because they are already divided into compartments so there’s no need for extra sandwich bags or multiple containers. They are also lightweight and very sturdy. I recommend packing one for each of your family members. Reusable bags – cute and inexpensive for travel. Snack Catcher – I like to pack a big bag of dry cereal or puffs and I can easily fill into these cups. Can really help minimize mess, too. Refillable water bottle – You will save so much money and it’s good for the environment. You can fill them up at gas stations, hotels, restaurants, airports, etc. This water bottle is our favorite for toddlers and kids.
The Ultimate Road Trip Snack Ideas
(Pictured: veggie nuggets, cantaloupe, cooked pasta, cheese) Here’s a list of best foods to pack! They are my less messy and easy-to-pick-up options. Be sure to modify the food size according to your child’s age and chewing ability.
Vegetables
(Pictured: banana carrot muffin, raw zucchini and bell pepper, frozen edamame)
Raw
Bell peppers Carrots Cherry or grape tomatoes (quartered) Cucumber
Tip: IF you have time, try cutting them into fun shapes using cookie cutters. My toddler is much more prone to eat them this way vs. chopped or sliced. Perhaps yours may too!
Cooked
These are really great for babies, especially since the texture has to be soft. Root vegetables and winter squash are best for packing.
Acorn squash Butternut squash Carrots Kabocha Parsnips Sweet potatoes Zucchini
Protein Car Trip Snacks
Pictured: vegetable omelette, roasted sweet potatoes, freeze dried strawberries
Peanut butter – individual packets are super convenient as it allows you to simply squeeze some right on top of raw veggies, bread, etc. Nut butter Nuts and seeds (trail mix is great) Hard-boiled eggs Tofu Cheese Squeezable yogurt tubes (tip: freeze them!) Edamame (also add frozen!) Milk Carton (yup. Freeze) Individual portions of hummus Beans Cream cheese wedges Canned seafood: I almost always take a can or two just in case. Mash and spread on top of toast or mix into pasta (definitely not for the plane!) Shredded or diced chicken (here’s how to cook chicken perfectly every time!)
Carbohydrate Snacks on the Go
I recommend whole grains whenever possible!
Bread Cereal bars Cooked pasta – If your child likes legume-based pasta, like chickpea and lentil, it’d be an easy way to boost protein and iron. Granola bars Fruit and Nut Bars (e.g. Larabars) Dry Cereals Store-bought crackers or homemade cheese crackers, sweet potato crackers, graham crackers Rice cakes Sandwiches
Homemade Road Trip Snacks (Easy to Freeze)
Pictured: sunflower butter and jelly sandwich roll ups, carrots, parsnips, vanilla wafers All of these are easy to make and travel well! Combine these with any of the finger foods above for a healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Baby Led Weaning Travel Food Ideas
Pictured: vegetable waffles, tofu, sweet potatoes, raspberries All of the above recipes are suitable for babies 6 months and up. And here’s a list of best finger foods and how to prepare them according to their age. You may also be interested in this list of best first foods for baby.
Safety Tips for Snacking in the Car
If you are on the road, be sure to make a short snack stop. It is dangerous for babies to eat in their carseats as they are not seated in the fully upright position. And eating in a moving car poses an even greater choking risk. Seat them on someone’s lap or a portable chair, like this one! It’s compact you can store the tray under the seat. Be sure to cook and cut the foods appropriately so they are safe for babies. This goes without saying, but avoid anything that could pose a choking risk.
Hope this was helpful! And I’d love to know what your family’s favorite road trip snacks are!
