Travel light, snack right: 7 Must-have bites for every journey

New Delhi: Travelling is one of the greatest joys of life, while it comes with joy, but also comes with the hunger of eating random things on your way to the destination. While shorter trips can be adjusted, long journeys require food as hunger pangs set in, and there are a lot of roadside food options, including unhealthy choices, one can make. There aren’t any healthy snacking options or food that goes a long way on the journey.

Long journeys often mean irregular meals and unhealthy food choices on the go. While you may be wondering that travelling has to be associated with unhealthy eating options, that is not true. The right snacks can keep you energised, light, and satisfied without the guilt. Here is a complete guide that can help you make the right choices and travel guilt-free with smart snacking options on the go.

Healthy snacking options for travel

1. Makhana

Light, crunchy, and rich in protein, makhana (fox nuts) is a perfect guilt-free travel munch. It’s low in calories yet filling, making it a healthier alternative to fried chips. Flavoured versions like peri peri, Himalayan pink salt, or pudina make snacking exciting without being heavy. You can opt for some great options available in the market, like SnackPure, Mr Makhana, Farmley, Too Yumm, that can make your snacking on the go much easier and tastier.

This may contain: a white bowl filled with roasted chickpeas on top of a table next to a napkin

2. Oat Chips

 If you’re someone who craves that crunchy bite, oat chips are the perfect alternative to fried potato chips. They’re baked, loaded with fibre, and provide slow-release energy, making them ideal for long journeys. Plus, they come in handy resealable packs—no oily fingers, no mess. SnackPure, Snackible, RiteBite Max Protein, Nourish Organics, and Happilo Oat Chips can be some great options to choose from for your go-to road buddies.

This may contain: a white bowl filled with oatmeal cookies on top of a blue cloth

3. Dry Fruits

Timeless and travel-approved, dry fruits are a powerhouse of energy. Almonds, cashews, and walnuts keep you full while raisins, figs, or apricots satisfy a sweet tooth naturally. The best part? They’re lightweight, non-perishable, and can easily be portioned into small travel pouches. There are a lot of local brands as well as well-recognised brands available in India to choose from for smart choices.

4. Mix Trails

The perfect snack for those who like variety in every bite. Trail mix combines dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and sometimes even dark chocolate or berries, giving you the right balance of protein, fibre, and taste. It’s also customisable, so you can pick mixes that lean sweeter or more savoury. The Whole Truth, True Elements and Yogabar can be a great choice to add mixes to your healthy snacking dabba on the go.

This may contain: mixed nuts and cranberries in a glass jar

 5. Protein Bars

 Compact, clean, and satiating protein bars are a lifesaver when you miss a meal or need a quick energy fix. With flavours ranging from chocolate brownie to peanut butter, they double up as both a snack and a dessert-like treat. Just toss one into your bag and you’re sorted.

This may contain: homemade granola bars on a cutting board with nuts and seeds

6. Dates Laddu

 Naturally sweetened with dates and often mixed with nuts or seeds, these laddus are a wholesome traditional snack with a modern twist. They’re nutrient-dense, travel easily, and provide a quick burst of energy, especially handy for long treks or late-night road trips. Opt for Farmley, Nourish Organics, Khari Foods, Happilo.

This may contain: a wooden bowl filled with chocolate covered donuts on top of a pink tablecloth

7. Popcorn

 Few snacks are as universally loved as popcorn. When air-popped or lightly seasoned, it’s a healthy, fibre-rich snack that satisfies cravings without weighing you down. Single-serve packs are perfect for journeys, keeping portion control in check while still letting you indulge. Snackible & Too Yumm, or 4700 BC, can be great options.

This may contain: a bowl filled with popcorn sitting on top of a table

These are some of the great options to add to your snacking list on your next trip to make sure you do not eat bad or unhealthy food while travelling and make your stomach sick before the actual trip and enjoy it fully.