One of the quickest ways to blow your budget on an affordable family road trip is to stop for snacks at the drive through every time the kids are hungry. The same for days around town when we’re running errands and at the pool — store-bought and snack bar eats add up to a fortune. So to save some money — and eat a little healthier in the process — I like to bring snacks along with us.
These five travel snack recipes are easy to make, plus they will keep your kids full and happy without becoming a melty mess all over your car, whether you’re heading out of town or just running around all day without time to stop back home.
Top: Lemon Larabar Bites | I’m Hungry By Nature
Related: 9 awesome travel snack recipes your kids will love.
My favorite go-to snack are these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Bites at Bless this Mess. They taste just like an oatmeal cookie, and they’re perfect for a quick breakfast in the morning or a pick me up in the afternoon. Like the lemon bites pictured above, I make sure to always have a stash of these in my freezer.
You’ll need to store these Yogurt Cheerio Strawberries at The Girl Who Ate Everything in a cooler bag (along with drinks, because no hot water on these summer days!), but I have a feeling they won’t last long. Just pull them out for your first snack break and you get a little mix of sugar, carbs, fruit, and protein that will fill your kids up quick.
Related: The one tip that can make a huge difference when traveling with food allergies.
I’m planning to whip up a batch of these no-bake Cashew Quinoa Granola Bars at My Whole Food Life, because no bake! If you want even more ideas like this, check out our roundup of homemade granola bar recipes that make great travel snacks too.
My kids love snacking on chips and crackers, of course, but this Ranch snack mix at Life with the Crust Cut Off is a little bit nicer than the store-bought kind for all of us to dip into. Pack this mix in sandwich bags or reusable containers for quick bites while you’re on the go. Even if just running errands and hitting the play ground.
If you’re a big fan of the Larabar Lemon Bar, then try this recipe for Lemon Larabar Bites at I’m Hungry By Nature (above & top). You can make them in just 10 minutes in your food processor. Freeze to keep them fresh and then let them slowly thaw in the car for a perfect, filling snack. Plus, they’re Paleo, Whole 30, and gluten-free friendly.
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Thank you for sharing my Lemon Larabar Bites! They are addictive and seriously my favorite energy bite flavor ever!!