🥨 10 road trip snacks that don't make a mess
The best car snack is easy to hold, doesn't crumble, doesn't melt and doesn't need a napkin. These ten pass all four tests. For children under four, cut round foods like grapes into small pieces, as you would at home.
Pretzels
Salty, crunchy and almost crumb-free. Pack a handful each in a cup with a lid.
Cheese sticks or cubes
Filling and tidy. Keep them in a small cool bag for long drives.
Apple slices
Crunchy and not sticky. A squeeze of lemon keeps them from browning.
Grapes
Easy to eat one at a time. Cut them in half or quarters for little ones.
Crackers
Pick plain, sturdy ones; the thin buttery kind leaves a trail of crumbs.
Mini muffins
Bake them the night before. Less crumbly than a slice of cake.
Cucumber and carrot sticks
Crunchy, cool, and something to do with your hands on a long stretch.
Dry cereal in a cup
The classic. A cup with a lid stops the spill when the car brakes.
Bananas
Their own wrapper. Eat them early in the trip before they bruise.
Water, in a bottle with a lid
Not a snack, but the thing everyone wants after the pretzels. Sippy lids or sports caps spill least.
More road trip lists
- The 10 best car games for kidsThe ten best car games for kids, ranked by how long they last and how many ages can play, each with its rules and a play screen. No screens or supplies needed.
- 10 things to pack for a road trip with kidsTen things to pack for a road trip with kids that families forget: a car bag for each child, wipes, a spare outfit, a bag for rubbish, a printed game and more.