Best On-the-Go and Road Trip Snacks

Longer days on the horizon, beautiful weather for hiking and biking, Spring Training games and spring break all lend themselves to getting outside or hitting the road! Whether planning a get-away or simply getting out into nature this season, Sphinx Date Co. offers some easy, portable and delicious on-the-go and road trip snacks to take along!

Fresh fruit — Fruit is nature’s perfect take-along food! Many fruits, such as bananas and oranges, don’t need to be refrigerated and even come with their own natural packaging.

Nuts — Nuts are easy to share and generally pack a great balance of protein, fiber, healthy fats and other nutrients. Nuts can help control blood sugar, lower LDL cholesterol and even improve heart health, in addition to offering a bevy of other health benefits. Consider roasted almonds, shelled pistachios, cashews and macadamia nuts.

Dried Fruit — For an all-natural sweet treat that also packs a punch of healthy vitamins and nutrients, bring along some dried fruit. Dates, for example, are high in fiber, potassium and magnesium and are a good source of antioxidants. 

Seeds — Seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin and chia all boast healthy benefits and offer a salty crunch to enjoy while road tripping or taking a hike break at the summit. 

Roasted Chickpeas — With a little pre-planning, chickpeas can serve as an excellent on-the-go snack. Here’s how to make them:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas; pat dry and remove loose skins.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Spread the chickpeas on the baking sheet.
• Drizzle with olive oil, a pinch of salt and other desired seasonings.
• Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from oven and let cool.
• Store in an airtight container for traveling.

Beef Sticks — Beef sticks are convenient, tasty and also provide a powerful source of protein for road trips or long trails. For the best quality, choose brands that are minimally processed, use grass-fed beef and that do not have ingredients such as MSG, nitrates and added sugar. The ingredient list should be simple, short and easy to pronounce. Turkey sticks are an option, too!

Baked Cheese Crisps — Another easy-to-prep on-the-go snack is baked cheese crisps. Once baked, these cheesy, crunch snacks do not require refrigeration and they serve as a great cracker-alternative to pair with beef sticks, fruit and nuts for an on-the-go charcuterie of sorts. Here’s how to make them:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• If using shredded cheese, make tablespoon-sized piles; if using pre-made slices, cut them into one-inch squares.
• Space them out like cookie dough, as they will spread.
• Sprinkle with seasonings, if desired. 
• Place baking sheet on a center rack in the oven and bake for five to seven minutes until the edges start to brown. 
• Make sure they are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove pan from oven and allow to cool.
• Store in an airtight container for on-the-go experiences.

Protein Bars — Not all protein bars are made equal, so do some research before selecting a brand to go with. As with the beef sticks, choose a brand that uses whole food ingredients and bars that are minimally processed. Watch for added sugars and artificial sweeteners, too. 

Of course, as the weather heats up in the Valley of the Sun, it’s always a good idea to pack some water. Whether traversing the open road or taking on urban trail, hydration is essential. Happy trails!