Car Friendly Snacks Ideas

If your family is like many around the country, then you may feel as if you practically live in your car. From driving children to their practices, classes and appointments to long road trips and commutes, you can spend a lot of time in the car. Eating meals and snacks in the car, however, can be messy and sometimes even dangerous. Additionally, many on the go snacks are just plain unhealthy. The following car friendly snack ideas will help keep your car clean and your children happy and healthy.

#1 Sliced Fruit and Vegetables

Most children enjoy fruits and certain vegetables. It’s certainly a healthy snack. Discover what your child enjoys and create a few snack packs to take with you when you’re in the car. A little lemon juice on fruit will help prevent browning. Cut the slices small so they’re not a choking hazard for little ones. If you’re going to be in the car for a longer time, consider adding protein to the snack. Cheese slices or cubes are a good bet and will help your child stay full and energetic for a while.

#2 Dried Fruit and Nuts

If your children don’t have a nut allergy, then a homemade blend of dried fruit and nuts is a great option. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the snack is quite filling so you don’t need to pack much of it. Cashews, pecans, and walnuts are a nice change from peanuts. Dried cranberries, apricots, apples, and bananas are fun too.

#3 Jerky

Head to your supermarket’s health food section and you can often find a wide variety of jerky that is free from many of the chemicals traditionally found in this product. You can also find a huge variety of jerky, from turkey to wild boar. Jerky is rich in protein and makes a nice snack for the car. Be sure to pack something to drink because jerky is often high in sodium. You can also buy a food dehydrator and make your own low sodium jerky at home.

#4 Energy Bars

There are a few energy bars on the market that are healthy and taste great. Look on the ingredients list to make sure it’s not packed with added sugars and fats. You can also make your own energy bars and customize the flavors for your personal tastes.

#5 Mini Sandwiches

Finally, consider making a few small sandwiches ahead of time. You can customize the sandwiches to each family member’s preferences. If your children are young you can cut the sandwiches into shapes – who can resist a flower-shaped ham and cheese? These small snacks often work perfectly for both short and long car trips and they provide a well-rounded meal.

A little planning and preparation can help you make family car travel more enjoyable. Choose healthy options in small packages.