Summary
This post is brought to you by Montmorency Tart Cherries. They can be bought at supermarkets or online. All opinions and healthy travel snack suggestions and recipes are our own.
Many people think putting together healthy travel snacks is time-consuming and inconvenient, but with a little preparation, you can have ready-made snacks at your fingertips to help keep your energy high and the pounds off when travelling.
Best Travel Snacks
We have been serious offenders in the past of indulging in rich and creamy food each day, drinking too much wine, and packing on weight during a trip. However, we made a conscious choice last year to prioritize our health and eat right, just like we do at home.
When we’re home, we are health-conscious; we eat and drink in moderation, and we feel great. Therefore, why let it all slip away while traveling? Just because you are in another country doesn’t mean you should abandon your healthy habits.
Here are our top healthy travel snacks that have helped us control cravings and maintain energy levels while exploring the world.
1. Kale Chips
We have become completely enamored with kale. Dave and I add kale to everything—from smoothies and juices to pasta and salads. Have you tried a kale Caesar salad?
We’ve enhanced our kale Caesar salad with dried tart cherries, making it a delightful experience akin to dining out at a top-notch restaurant.
Nevertheless, salads and pastas are not practical for travel snacks, so let’s focus on quick and easy options; thus, kale chips are a perfect solution.
Previously, we would opt for Ms. Vickies Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar chips for our flight snacks, but that choice wasn’t kind to our waistlines. Now, we prefer kale chips. It’s best to make them at home, as store-bought versions can contain high levels of sodium.
Our Recipe:
Simply place some kale leaves on a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil and apple cider vinegar, and dust with sea salt. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees, and you’ll have one of the most satisfying travel snacks available.
Pack them in a brown paper bag to replicate the satisfaction of eating real potato chips.
Pro Tip #1: Making your own travel snacks at home saves money. For instance, a fresh apple in the airport can cost a couple of dollars, while less healthy options are often cheaper. Therefore, prepare your own snacks to avoid overpaying.
2. Nuts
My dad lives on nuts; he’s vegan, makes healthy choices, and is always satisfied. Nuts are packed with protein, healthy fats, and they help lower cholesterol.
Years ago, my dad struggled with high cholesterol. Some sources indicated that peanuts could help, and while he overindulged at first, he now enjoys super low cholesterol and body fat after incorporating peanuts into his diet.
To avoid monotony, I enjoy mixing different types of nuts. My favorite nut mix includes:
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Pecans
Always choose unsalted nuts, and feel free to add sea salt to taste, instead of purchasing pre-salted varieties which may diminish the health benefits.
Pro Tip: One major advantage of creating your own healthy travel snacks is that you can control the ingredients, ensuring they are not overloaded with sugar and additives.
3. Trail Mix
To elevate my nut mix, creating trail mix adds a fun twist to travel snacks. It’s essential to allow room for treats; maintaining a sense of indulgence while focusing on health is crucial.
This is where Montmorency tart cherries shine yet again.
So, to your nut mix, add the following:
- Montmorency tart cherries – packed with potential health benefits.
- Dark chocolate – to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
- Sunflower seeds – like nuts, seeds are excellent sources of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Pumpkin seeds – rich in magnesium and zinc.
4. Homemade Bits and Bites (or Nuts and Bolts)
If you’re not Canadian (and over 40), you might not be familiar with Bits and Bites, a beloved snack from the 70s and 80s. Dave’s mom made homemade versions, and we’ve kept the tradition alive.
When selecting healthy travel snacks, we returned to this nostalgic recipe, crafting a blend of high-fiber ingredients to satisfy cravings.
Our Recipe:
Combine roasted Cheerios, Rice Chex, and Shreddies (Weetabix in the USA), adding pretzels, peanuts, and cheese stick crackers. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a kick.
Bake on a sheet with olive oil for 1 hour at 250 degrees, stirring periodically. Pack it in a zip-lock bag, and you’ve got a delicious healthy snack for your travels.
5. Peanut Butter
During our time in India, friends introduced us to traveling with jars of peanut butter—a fantastic idea! Peanut butter is rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, providing essential nutrients.
On long trips, a spoonful of peanut butter can quell hunger pangs. While you can’t carry peanut butter on the plane, it’s an excellent snack to have in your luggage for convenient snacking at bus or train stations.
6. Deli Meat and Cheese
Skip the bread and instead pack a small container of turkey or chicken wrapped around cheese. Add slices of avocado for your healthy fat intake; this combination is perfect for keeping hunger at bay.
Vegetarians can opt for boiled eggs instead, though I prefer to avoid boiled eggs on flights due to their odor.
Fast and Easy – Go-To Snacks
Sometimes, preparation time for healthy snacks is limited, which is entirely understandable. With the increasing availability of healthier alternatives, purchasing on-the-go snacks is still an option. Here are our top choices:
7. Meal Replacement or Protein Bars – When cycling often, we relied on protein bars, with Clif Bars being a favorite. They contain a solid 10g of protein, 5g of fat, and 5g of fiber.
8. Yogurt Parfait – Yogurt parfaits are increasingly available, combining yogurt, granola, and fruit. While they may lack substance for some, adding dried tart cherries boosts flavor and nutritional value.
9. Granola Bars – These are a handy alternative when homemade options aren’t possible. Always check for lower sugar content in bars offered at stores.
10. Jerky – When training for the Tour d’Afrique, jerky provided a quick protein fix. Look for varieties low in sodium for the healthiest option.
11. Popcorn – Many stores now sell seasoned popcorn, not just caramel or cheddar. Opt for varieties seasoned with natural herbs and spices.
12. Montmorency Tart Cherries
Caution is necessary when carrying fruit on planes, as regulations prohibit bringing fresh fruit and vegetables into many countries. However, dried or dehydrated fruits are usually acceptable. I admit, I’m not a fan of most dried fruits, however, dried tart cherries have changed that for me.
They resemble raisins but possess a uniquely tart flavor that’s hard to resist. We enjoy them as snacks, in trail mix, or as toppings on bland meals!
Why We Love Them:
Montmorency tart cherries can be found in grocery stores like Costco, Walmart, and Whole Foods. They serve as a wonderful alternative to other dried fruits, becoming quite addictive!
What Montmorency Tart Cherries Do:
Learning that Montmorency tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin for combating jet lag solidified my affection for them. Instead of consuming melatonin tablets, I can effortlessly enjoy the benefits of these cherries in my diet.
Research suggests that Montmorency tart cherries may aid in inflammation reduction, muscle recovery, heart health, and overall well-being.
As we age, recovery takes longer, and I require all the assistance I can get to bounce back from challenging travel experiences.
About Montmorency Tart Cherries:
Dried Montmorency tart cherries provide a balanced sweet and tart flavor, perfect for snacks and meals. We often consume them whole, toss them in yogurt, or add them to salads.
They are gaining traction among athletes for their recovery benefits, which I wish I had knowledge of during my rigorous cycling training.
Do you have any go-to healthy travel snacks that you take with you on flights or vacations? We’d love to hear your suggestions.
You can discover various ways to incorporate Montmorency tart cherries into your diet on their website.
Dried tart cherries are exceptional for travel as they can be carried on flights, plus they serve as a natural melatonin source, promoting healthy sleep. Visit their website for further information.
