10 Best Travel Snacks For Flights, Travel, and Work

Hunger always strikes at the worst possible moment, no matter if you are stuck in a seat at 35,000 feet, struggling through a long day at the office, or enjoying a cross-country road trip. Airport food is overpriced, airplane snacks sucks, and vending machines rarely offer anything nutritious. 

Most people like to pack their own bag filled with snacks that actually satisfy their cravings and hunger. This listicle covers the best travel snacks for flight comfort, travel snacks for work productivity, and on-the-go munching.

Instead of buying a $12 bag of M&Ms, here are 10 best options that are non-perishable, portable, and not overly smelly to fuel your journey.

1. Beef Jerky 

The undisputed winner of portable protein is beef jerky, which is highly popular all across the US. It requires no refrigeration, won't get crushed in a bag, and offers you a savory, salty satisfaction that is unmatched by sugary snacks. 

Beef jerky is dry, which is best for flight long work days and road trips. There are hundreds of options available in jerky types (beef jerky, turkey jerky, bison jerky, and plant-based jerky) and flavours (original, classic, glazed, and many more).

Our top suggested product is DYNO JERKY, which is marinated beef brisket jerky that comes in 4 classic, premium & bold flavours. 

This premium product is packed with iron, zinc, and minerals. Dyno Jerky offers you clean nutrition, bold flavour and zero compromise on health.

Every Dyno beef jerky pack has high protein, iron, and zinc for strength, USDA premium cut beef brisket (not trimmed mystery meat), well-marinated (not coated) with real spices. 

2. High Protein Snacks: Nuts and Seeds

Nature offers the best travel-friendly snacks in the form of nuts and seeds, including almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, which are nutrient-dense, shelf-stable, and provide a satisfying crunch. These high-protein snacks deliver healthy fats that keep you full longer than empty carbs.

Nuts and seeds are best for carry-on bags, hiking packs, and work desk drawers. You can buy raw or dry-roasted varieties with minimal salt. It is important to portion into smaller bags or reusable containers to avoid overconsumption without realising. You can also carry nut butter options such as almond butter or peanut butter paired with celery sticks or apple slices.

3. Protein Bars

Protein bars that have at least 10 g of protein, less than 10 g of sugar, and clean ingredients are best for long travel days and road trips. 

Not all protein parts are created equal, which is why careful consideration is important while choosing protein bars. Buy ones that are not disguised as candy bars, as they mostly contain sugar and chocolate. Opt for protein bars with egg whites, nuts, dates, nuts, and honey, and fruit and nuts only.

Valuable Read: Top 8 protein bars approved by dietitians

4. Fresh Fruit 

While fruits can be messy, certain varieties work exceptionally well in travelling, such as apples and pears, oranges and mandarins, which come in their own protective packaging, and bananas (fine for a day), although they bruise easily. 

Fresh fruits are best for short flights, car travel, or work lunch bags. Must avoid berries, peaches, and plums, and cut fruits as they can crush, oxidize, and get slimy. 

5. Roasted Chickpeas and Edamame

If you are not a sweet-tooth person, crunchy, protein-packed roasted chickpeas are the best alternative to chips. You just need chickpeas, oil, and a little seasoning, and they are best for work time snacking and flights. 

If you don't have time to make roasted chickpeas and edamame, you can opt for brands like Biena or The Good Bean, or make your own by roasting canned chickpeas with olive oil and salt. 

6. Cheese Sticks and Babybel

Cheese is a travel-friendly food, especially wax-sealed Babybel wheels and individually wrapped string cheese sticks that can last for hours without refrigeration and are best for road trips and flights. It is best to choose low-moisture cheese like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan. Avoid soft or blue cheeses.

7. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate satisfies your sweet cravings with less sugar than milk chocolate. It has antioxidant properties with a little caffeine. A square or two goes a long way and works best during afternoon slumps at work or a post-meal treat on an airplane.

Dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content in individual squares is best and easier to portion than breaking off a big bar. You can also pair dark chocolate with almonds or beef jerky (DYNO JERKY) for a sweet and salty combo.

8. Popcorn 

Popcorn is a whole grain that is low in calories when it's not drenched in butter. You can buy lightly seasoned pre-popped popcorn. These are crunchy and airy, leaving no greasy fingerprints.

Popcorn is best for work-time snacking or movie watching during a flight. Always use plain or lightly salted varieties and avoid cheese popcorns with added sugar and artificial ingredients.

9. Rice Cakes and Corn Cakes

These crunchy discs of rice cakes and corn cakes are lightweight and available in hundreds of flavours such as white cheddar, everything bagel, caramel and more. They are best for flights and work snacking. You can top them with avocado or nut butter during work and carry simpler ones during the flight.

10. Roasted Seaweed Snacks

Seaweed sheets are crispy, salty, and surprisingly addictive. They are extremely lightweight and provide iodine and other trace minerals. If you are craving something savory and crunchy other than chips, try roasted seaweed snacks by Annie Chun's, SeaSnax, or GimMe brands. Watch out for high sodium.

What to Avoid in Travel Snacks?

One must avoid melty items such as yogurt, soft cheeses, and chocolates (unless dark and solid) during travel. Crumbling items such as flaky pastries, powdered doughnuts, and crackers are also not preferable. Smelly food such as tuna, egg salad, broccoli, durian, and blue cheese is also not recommended. Any products that leave prints, such as cheese puffs, barbecue chips, or anything with loose seasoning, should also be avoided. 

Bottom Line

The best travel snacks are portable, non-perishable, and should satisfy your cravings more healthily. High-protein snacks like nuts and protein bars should be consumed during travel. 

You can also pair your savory snacks with sweet and crispy options such as a dark chocolate bar with beef jerky strips. If you want to control hunger and desperate airport food purchases, plan, pack smart, and never travel without snacks.