The 10 Best Vegan Snacks for Road Trips

Road trips are not complete without snacks. Especially with long-distance journeys, they are a must-have for a fun and enjoyable trip. If you’re a vegan or enjoy plant-based snacks, it can be hard to find suitable options for your travel.

5 Best Vegan Snacks for Road Trips That Are Ready to Eat

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best vegan snacks for road trips. This list includes:

• 5 ready-to-eat vegan snacks that require no preparation.
• 5 vegan snacks that may need a microwave for heating.

Each snack is a protein-packed, travel-friendly treat that you can take on your road trips. Having nutritious, high-protein vegan snacks can make your road trips more enjoyable. Here are five ready-to-eat vegan snacks that are nutrient-packed and ideal for any long drive.

Mixed Nuts & Seeds

Mixed nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense vegan snacks, perfect for road trips. They are full of essential nutrients, protein, and healthy fats. These nutrients help keep you energized during long drives. The most popular choices for nuts are almonds, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Nuts and seeds contain fibre, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. They support heart health, digestion, and brain function. Nutritional benefits:

• Almonds: High in vitamin E and magnesium, good for heart and muscle health.
• Cashews: Rich in iron and zinc, it supports the immune system.
• Walnuts: Contain omega-3 fatty acids that support brain health.
• Sunflower seeds: Contain vitamin B6 and selenium. They help the brain and immune system.
• Pumpkin seeds: A good source of magnesium and zinc. They are important for nerve function and immunity.

You can store mixed nuts and seeds in reusable silicone bags or airtight containers to keep them fresh. Choose raw or lightly salted varieties to avoid too much sodium. Some roasted nuts contain added oils that may reduce their health benefits.

Vegan Protein Bars

Vegan protein bars are plant-based snacks made from nuts, seeds, fruits, and grains. They are a great choice for road trips because they give quick energy and help keep you full. The best vegan protein bars are made with whole-food ingredients. They are low in added sugar and high in protein. Larabars are a popular choice. This brand uses only a few ingredients, like dates, nuts, and spices. Its bars are naturally sweet and gluten-free. Protein Pucks are made with nut butter and come in four flavours, like cocoa-cinnamon and coconut-flax. These protein-packed snacks are high in calories and nutrients, providing long-lasting energy. Some bars have added sugar (5-6 grams per serving). It may not be suitable for people limiting refined sugar. These bars are available in grocery stores and stay fresh for long trips without refrigeration.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits are lightweight and naturally sweet snacks. They retain essential vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants from fresh fruit. Common dried fruits include dates, apricots, raisins, mangoes, cranberries, figs, and apples. Each has a unique texture and flavour. For example, dates provide natural sugar and fibre that help maintain stable energy levels throughout the day. Dried apricots and figs contain iron and potassium that support hydration and muscle function. Raisins are rich in antioxidants and support heart health. For a more filling option, dried fruits can be paired with nuts and seeds. Trail mix with almonds, walnuts, cashews, and sunflower seeds adds protein and healthy fats. Pre-packaged options like Bare Apple Chips and Made in Nature Dried Mango ensure a natural taste without added sugars or preservatives. To keep dried fruit fresh, choose resealable packaging during a trip.

DIY Trail Mix

DIY trail mix is a nutrient-dense snack for road trips. It combines unsalted nuts, seeds, and unsulfured dried fruit for a balance of healthy fats, protein, and natural sugars​. It combines nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate. This combination is both tasty and healthy. A well-made trail mix has a balanced combination of ingredients. Some ingredients to include are:

• Nuts: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pecans are good sources of protein and healthy fats.
• Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds add fibre.
• Dried fruit: Raisins, goji berries, or dried cherries provide natural sweetness.
• Extras: Dark chocolate chunks, coconut flakes, or cacao nibs enhance the flavour.

It’s important to keep your trail mix fresh. Store it in a reusable container or bag to prevent spills and maintain its crunch.

Hummus and Pretzels

Hummus and pretzels are a protein-rich snack for road trips. Hummus is made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It provides plant-based protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Pretzels are crunchy snacks often made from whole grain flour. Hummus pairs well with veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. These vegetables add nutrients and help balance the snack. Store-bought, single-serving hummus cups help avoid spills and make portion control easier. Some brands also offer flavoured hummus, like roasted red pepper or spicy sriracha. Each serving of hummus and pretzels provides 5-7 grams of protein and 3-4 grams of fibre. Studies show that legume-based snacks like hummus help keep the heart healthy and improve digestion because hummus is high in fiber. Pretzels have fewer grams of protein but provide quick energy from carbohydrates. For an healthy road trip snack, choose hummus that does not need to be refrigerated. If a fridge is not available, mixing dehydrated hummus powder with water can be a healthy choice.

5 Vegan Snacks That May Need a Microwave for Heating

Quick and easy vegan snacks help you stay full of energy on a road trip. Some snacks taste good cold, but others are better when they are warm. If you find a microwave at a rest stop, hotel, or already have it in your RV, you can enjoy these five snacks. They are simple to heat and great to eat on road trips. All you need to carry a microwave cookware set with you.

Instant Oatmeal Packets

Instant oatmeal packets provide an easy way to make vegan snacks. All you need is hot water or a microwave to prepare them. These packets come in a box with eight servings and different flavours. Making a bowl of oatmeal takes only a couple of minutes. Add water or plant-based milk, then microwave for one to two minutes. For a creamier texture, stir in a little more liquid. Oatmeal tastes great on its own, but adding fresh or dried fruit makes it even better. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a spoonful of nut butter adds extra flavor. Add chia or flax seeds for added nutrition. Instant oatmeal is lightweight, easy to carry, and does not need refrigeration. It is a great vegan snack for road trips.

Microwaveable Vegan Soups

A warm bowl of soup feels comforting, especially on a long road trip. Many grocery stores sell microwaveable vegan soups in single-serving containers. Heating them up is simple. Remove the lid if it’s plastic, stir the soup well, and follow the microwave instructions on the package. Most soups take two to four minutes to heat properly. Some soups contain preservatives or artificial flavours. So, check the ingredient list before buying. For a more filling meal, add cooked rice, quinoa, or canned beans. Extra seasonings, like black pepper, garlic powder, or nutritional yeast, improve the flavour. Small changes like these make a basic soup more satisfying and flavourful.

Pre-Cooked Quinoa or Brown Rice Packs

Pre-cooked quinoa or brown rice packs provide a filling snack or meal without much effort. These packs usually contain just quinoa or rice, but some may have added seasonings, so checking the label is a good idea. To heat them up, simply pop the pack in the microwave for about 60 to 90 seconds. You can use a Collapsible Silicone Microwave Bowl to mix in extras like steamed veggies or hummus. It helps with portioning and keeps your meal neat and easy to eat. Sometimes, they can feel a bit dry. You can make them tastier by mixing some hummus, avocado or a splash of soy sauce. Another great option is to combine them with heated soup or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Vegan Mac and Cheese Cups

Vegan mac and cheese cups are a tasty and fun snack for kids.They come in microwaveable containers, so they’re easy to make. Inside the cup, you’ll find pasta and a creamy, dairy-free cheese sauce. To make your mac and cheese extra creamy, just follow the instructions on the package. You’ll usually need to add water and microwave the cup for about three to four minutes. Then, stir well to mix in the sauce. If you have food allergies, be sure to check the label. Some brands may contain soy or gluten. To make your vegan mac and cheese even tastier, try adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also add black pepper for some spice or a splash of hot sauce for a kick. This way, you can easily turn a simple snack into something more exciting.

Steamed Veggies

Microwavable steamed vegetables are a healthy and nutritious meal. Many grocery stores sell pre-cut vegetables in special steamable bags that can go straight into the microwave. For better results, you can use a Sistema Microwave Steamer. It ensures even cooking and retains more nutrients. In just two to five minutes, you can enjoy perfectly steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots or green beans. Some of the best options for steaming include broccoli, carrots, green beans and cauliflower. To keep them from getting too soft, you should follow the cooking instructions . Avoid leaving them in the microwave for too long. Overcooking can make them mushy and less enjoyable to eat. Plain steamed vegetables may not have much flavour on their own, but there are ways to make them taste better. You can add a sprinkle of seasoning, a scoop of hummus or a drizzle of tahini for extra flavour.

Conclusion

Packing tasty and nutritious vegan snacks can make your road trip much more enjoyable. You can bring mixed nuts, protein bars, dried fruit, trail mix, or hummus with pretzels. These snacks are easy to store, mess-free, and full of nutrients like protein, fibre, and healthy fats. For longer trips, you can bring microwavable vegan soups or pre-cooked quinoa. These meals provide a warm, hearty choice. Plan your meals ahead of time, and be sure to drink plenty of water or electrolyte drinks throughout the trip.

With the right vegan snacks packed, you'll be ready for a smooth and enjoyable journey!

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ABOUTME

We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.