Ultimate Road Trip Snacks to Reduce Fatigue

Road Trips can be fun, adventurous, and exciting. However, this adrenaline rush means we can forget the fatigue and stress that comes with the territory.

Travelling, especially long distances, can become quite stressful when you aren’t prepared. Combined with the fatigue of focusing on the road for an extended period, it can quickly take away the fun of a road trip.

However, long drives and road trips don’t have to be a bore. Just like you prepare the ultimate Spotify playlist to entertain you, preparing the perfect combination of snacks can also make or break your journey.

So, we have provided a comprehensive and tasty list of the ultimate snack options to keep you full, satisfied and energised for your long road trip ahead.

Importance of Snacking

Reduce fatigue

While falling asleep at your work desk isn’t necessarily the biggest deal, falling asleep at the wheel certainly is. Fatigue isn’t just about falling asleep while driving, even brief lapses in concentration can have serious consequences when operating a vehicle.

To avoid fatigue during road trips, it is well known that taking regular breaks for at least 15 minutes every two hours is beneficial. While you stop for a break, having a snack is a great way to boost your energy.

Natural energy foods are high in healthy protein and fat content and low in sugar, meaning they are absorbed slowly by the body and give you, as the driver, longer-lasting energy. If you eat too much of the wrong foods, you are likely to fatigue much faster.

Avoid discomfort

Eating the wrong foods won’t only negatively impact your energy levels but can also cause significant digestive discomfort. Stomach aches can be unbearable at times and definitely something you would want to avoid when stuck upright in a car for hours.

We are all guilty of reaching for the closest snack for a quick dopamine hit when we are bored, and unfortunately, boredom tends to happen during long drives down an empty highway.

Forget the sugar-packed protein bars at petrol stations and the sodium-filled chips, and pack your car full of healthy alternatives filled with protein, fibre, healthy fats and low sugar.

Characteristics of a Great Road Trip Snack

Excellent road trip snacks consider the logistics of travelling, cravings, and human requirements. Characteristics to look out for include:

• The ability to be stored in an esky if required,
• The ability to be stored without spillage or spoilage,
• Is easy to consume with little preparation or utensils,
• Contains a variety of energy-boosting nutrients

Top 10 Road Trip Snacks

1. Nuts

Nuts are a great alternative to chips or lollies. Not only are they crunchy, tasty and satisfying, but they are packed full of healthy fats and proteins.

Make your own trail mix customised to your taste by mixing in cacao nibs, sultanas, or coconut flakes amongst your preferred nuts and seeds for a delicious combo. You can also find great mixed nuts prepackaged at supermarkets—just look out for any added sugars or salts.

2. Fruit salad

Fruit salad, everyone’s favourite refreshing summer snack. Consuming some of nature’s candy is another excellent way to increase your energy levels while also boosting your vitamin and nutrient intake.

Fruit is an ideal road trip snack as it provides anti-inflammatory benefits with vitamins A, C, and K, reducing the risk of any digestive discomfort.

Simply pre-cut your favourite combo of fruits and store them in a cooler bag or esky in your car. Melon, grapes, strawberries and apples are excellent choices as they aren’t messy to eat and won’t spoil quickly throughout the drive.

Watermelon specifically is 92% water and contains vitamin C and A, making it a great form of hydration. Proper hydration increases mental alertness and general wellbeing, helping you stay safe and enjoy your drive.

3. Chopped vegetables

Just like fruit salad, but with your favourite vegetables instead. Simply chop up a variety of nutrient-dense veggies and pack them in a container.

Carrots, celery and capsicum are great choices. All delicious, easy to eat, and pair perfectly with your favourite hummus.

4. Natural protein bars

Protein is a great way to provide a feeling of fullness and help increase energy levels. However, while a sirloin steak may be an excellent source of protein, it’s probably not the best snack option for your road trip.

Natural protein bars are a perfect alternative to give you that protein boost in an easy to digest manner. Be sure to steer clear of any bars packed full of sugar, and opt for ones with minimal and natural ingredients.

5. Popcorn

Without buckets of butter or salt, popcorn is a rather delicious and healthy snack that gets the distinguished Heart Foundation’s tick of approval.

If you are craving more flavour to your popcorn, opt for cinnamon or garlic powder to taste without compromising health.

6. Nutritious banana muffins

Not all baked goods have to be packed with preservatives and sugar. If you enjoy baking, preparing your own muffins before your trip can be a great way to ensure you have some delicious, nutritious and enjoyable snacks to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Healthier muffins generally have minimal ingredients. So take this as a perk, as it makes them faster and easy to bake.

7. Crackers and dip

Crackers and dip go together like vegemite and toast. Salty, crunchy, and delicious, this combo is perfect for any occasion, especially a road trip.

Opt for crackers that are higher in nutritional value by looking for ones loaded with grains and seeds. Foods like quinoa, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds can be found in so many store-bought crackers and make for an excellent source of energy.

In our humble opinion, hummus is the ultimate dip option. Not only is it delicious, but it is also packed with protein from chickpeas.

8. Roasted chickpeas

If hummus isn’t your style, give roasted chickpeas a go. Chickpeas are a healthy, crunchy and tasty snack that are an excellent replacement for any overpriced snacks at the service station.

Roasted chickpeas are a great source of protein and fibre and can be flavoured to your liking with almost any seasoning. Garlic or honey spices are popular options, or if you are looking for something with anti-inflammatory benefits, try a spice like tandoori.

9. Greek yoghurt

Greek yoghurt isn’t a popular breakfast food for no reason. It is protein-rich, helps keep you fuller for longer, and reduces the need to snack throughout the day.

Pack a serving of greek yoghurt in your cooler bag, and all you need is a spoon. For extra nutrients, energy, and flavour, top with some fruit or nuts.

10. Dark chocolate

If you are truly craving something sweet and delicious on your drive, opt for some dark chocolate. It is rich in antioxidants, packed with nutrients, and more likely to keep you satisfied than dairy milk.

Any dark chocolate 70% or higher contains antioxidants, fibre, potassium, calcium, copper, and magnesium and lowers the risk of heart disease while also increasing brain function.

To Sum It Up

To stay safe while driving and avoid any damage to you or your vehicle, staying energised and alert is crucial. Packing an assortment of delicious and nutritious snacks can ensure you avoid skipping meals, energy level dips, and overeating and help keep you hydrated.

Novus Autoglass is determined to help keep you safe and optimise your experience with your vehicle. So whether it is keeping your car roadworthy, finding the optimal snacks to keep you energised, or repairing your cracked windscreen, we are here to help. Contact us today for any inquiries or windscreen services you may require.