Spring Break Essentials

By Ashley Martens

The month of March kicks off the spring break season, which beckons many of us to warmer weather as we look for ways to escape the cold and the last lingering days of winter. For many of us, that means boarding a train, catching a flight, or piling into the car with family and friends for spring break. Many of us may already have our bags packed, but do not forget the most important spring break essential – snacks!

Travel, especially road trips, is all about embarking on epic adventures, exploring new locations, and enjoying road trip snacks. In all honesty, aren’t snacks one of the best parts? Before heading out for spring break, pack some delicious and nutritious snacks to share with everyone in your car or caravan. Here are ten travel-friendly snacks perfect for spring break or any time of year.

#1 Cheese and Crackers

If you are traveling by car and have access to a cooler, you may want to consider cheese and crackers. Pre-slice your favorite variety of cheeses before hitting the road and grab a box or two of crackers for a perfect snack time pairing. Who said road-tripping could not be classy? Cheese and cracker charcuterie anyone?

Note: Make sure you have enough ice for all of the cheese to stay cool at a safe temperature so it is still safe to consume.

#2 Coconut

Crazy about coconut? Shredded and unsweetened coconut is a delicious road trip snack. Whether you grab a handful straight from the bag or add some to a batch of homemade trail mix, coconut pairs well with almost anything. Remember to look at the label and choose brands that do not contain any added sugar.

#3 Dried Jerky or Plant-Based Protein

Dried jerky is another super simple snack that goes great with getting away for spring break. Packed with protein, jerky is a great snack that can keep you satiated if mealtimes are impacted by travel schedules. These days, there are a variety of jerky options available including beef, chicken, or even fish. If you prefer plant-based jerky options, try jerky made from coconut, jackfruit, or mushrooms.

#4 Energy Balls or Bites

Recharge your batteries after a long drive with a batch of homemade energy balls or bites. Small, but mighty, energy balls or bites are sure to give you enough energy to last for hours or at least long enough to get you to your spring break destination.

#5 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Sticks

Before you head out the door, take a look at the fruit bowl sitting on the kitchen counter and grab it all. Apples, bananas, and clementines pair perfectly with individual packets of nut or seed butter. Give the refrigerator a once-over and snag all of those fresh vegetables you just bought. Bell peppers, carrot sticks, and celery sticks are easy ingredients that can be paired with hummus, nut or seed butter, even salsa. 

#6 Granola

Handcrafted granola, granola bars, and granola cookies are another easy road trip snack to pack for spring break. Whether you enjoy classic granola or grain-free granola, a bag of granola or a variety of granola bars are super simple to pack no matter where your spring break adventures take you.

#7 Nuts, Nut Butter, Seeds, and Seed Butter

Nuts, nut butter, seeds, and seed butter are all perfect options for a quick and easy spring break snack. Stock up on your favorite nuts like almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, and some seeds like pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds for a variety of spring break snack options perfect for sharing.

Enjoy a spoonful of nut or seed butter on its own or spread atop your favorite fruit and vegetable sticks. 

#8 Popcorn, Pork Rinds, and Pretzels

Before you hit the road, pop a bag of popcorn or grab a bag of pork rinds and pretzels so you and your road trip companions can enjoy a crunchy and salty road trip snack. Need something sweet to balance out the salt? Pack some artisan chocolate bars.

#9 Sandwiches

If you and your spring break companions are looking for a heartier road trip snack, make some handcrafted sandwiches. Some great go-to options include classic peanut butter, ham, or turkey. Traveling with young children? Cut sandwiches out in fun shapes using cookie cutters inspired by your spring break destination.

#10 Trail Mix

Whether you create your own original handcrafted batch or buy a bag or two, trail mix is the ultimate salty and sweet snack perfect for travel. Need some trail mix ingredient ideas? Try mixing together your favorite snack staples like almonds, cashews, cocoa nibs, sunflower seeds, and walnuts drizzled together with a spoonful of honey or maple syrup. Add a dash or two of your favorite herbs, seasonings, or spices to create a one-of-a-kind culinary creation that is as epic as your spring break.

No matter where your spring break travel takes you, you and your stomach will be set for your next big adventure with these ten road trip-friendly snacks all perfect for spring break. Safe travels everyone!

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