A road trip wouldn't be complete without snacks, but some of these treats can be messy and unhealthy. Choosing better food options, like popcorn, during your trip can satiate your hunger without being too calorie-dense. Below are some other delicious and nutritious choices that are easy to share in the car.

What Are the Best Road Trip Foods?

1. Trail Mix

Trail mix is available in a variety of assortments, with ingredients like peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pretzels, raisins, dried fruit, and chocolate candies in it. You can get some from most gas stations along your trip or you can make your own at home before you leave.

Mixing your own will allow you to decide what goes into the mix, which is handy for picky eaters or those with allergies. Since it's made of small, dry pieces, the only mess it will leave behind is an empty bag or stray crumbs.

2. Popcorn

Popcorn is similarly mess-free, is full of fiber, and can clean your teeth as you eat it. It's also full of antioxidants that can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses. 

While standard salted or lightly buttered options are delicious, you can also experiment with different varieties. Gourmet popcorn comes in everything from cheddar to pizza flavors.

3. Muffins

Muffins are available in healthy varieties, such as bran, whole grain, cranberry, and blueberry. They're a good source of fiber while still satisfying to those with sweet tooths. Their wrappings will catch most of the crumbs that fall.

4. Dried Fruit

You can buy dried fruit from the store or make your own if you have a dehydrator. Dehydrated fruit becomes gummy and chewy in consistency but retains its sweetness and nutrition. There won't be any juices, cores, peels, or seeds to dirty the car and it's a favorite treat for kids. 

If your road trip goes through Lander, WY, and you're craving popcorn, keep an eye out for the Cracker Box Caramel Pop food truck around town. They offer gourmet popcorn crafted from a family recipe over 60 years old, with flavors like caramel, white chocolate, spicy, cheddar, and buttered. They also sell cotton candy in flavors like lime and coconut, banana split, and strawberry shortcake. View their offerings online. Call (307) 335-7020 to see where the food truck is while you’re in town.