Any traveler knows the importance of Travel snacks, which rings true on multiple levels. First, long days of driving or navigating airport and train terminals will involve the need to eat. The challenge, of course, is that mealtimes don’t always coincide with access to food. This is why it’s essential to up your snack game with the best travel snacks.

The basics of hunger aside (no one wants to see you when you’re hangry), packing a variety of snacks can help manage personal dietary preferences or requirements – aspects of travel that can get frustrating. Finally, packing good quality snacks will help save you money, leaving more of your travel budget for the good stuff like immersive experiences and cocktails.

1 – Freshé Meals

A small tin of protein, like these Freshé Meals, can save the day while traveling. Eat it on its own as a healthy snack, or add it to an airport salad for a heartier meal. The tuna-based tins include Thai Sriracha, Provence Nicoise, Sicilian Caponata (with squash and almonds), or Aztec Ensalada. Packable protein like this is among the many worthwhile travel hacks for budget-conscious travelers.

2 – Backpacker’s Pantry

Camp-style meals aren’t just for hiking. Keep one of these pack-flat pouches from Backpacker’s Pantry on-hand – in your suitcase or the car –because you can usually access hot water from a coffee counter at the airport or a gas station. If you know you have a long, late-night layover (when coffee shops might be closed), ask a flight attendant to add hot water before you deplane.  

3 – Wedderspoon’s Manuka Honey On The Go Packs

Not only is honey a natural little pick-me-up when you start to lose steam during your travels, but it can also help with acid reflux. With this in mind, having one or two individual honey packets with you is a great idea, and Wedderspoon’s Manuka Honey On The Go Packs are non-GMO certified as well.

4 – Armored Fresh Almond Cheese

Some cheese requires refrigeration, like this Armored Fresh fermented almond-style option. If you don’t want to carry an insulated lunch bag, you can still bring it along as a snack; just eat it within a few hours. The cubes are especially handy for dairy-free snacking on the go.

5 – Steeped Coffee

Sometimes airplane coffee tastes like a dirty coffee filter; there we said it. Toss one or two single-serve coffee packets from Steeped Coffee into your carry-on bag as a backup. Or – maybe you’re headed to that non-coffee-drinking relative’s house for the holiday; you’ll be ready with options when they buy that on-sale coffee-ish swill at the Dollar Store.

6 – SmartSweets

Traveling – in any form – is better with some sweet treats, and SmartSweets is the next generation of taste bud-pleasing goodness we all deserve. All of the yummy options are made with reduced sugar recipes, and options include everything from Sweet Fish to Caramels and Gummy Worms. SmartSweets candy is the snack your travel buddies might try to hone in on, though, so pack extra.

7 – Wilde Protein Chips

Why did creating a crunchy, crave-worthy chip made from high-quality protein like chicken take so long? Regardless of why, we’re jazzed to find these chicken, egg white, and bone broth chips from Wilde Protein Chips, which satisfy the urge for crunchy-salty snacks but also keep us feeling full. Varieties include plain, BBQ, Buffalo, and Chicken & Waffles.

8 – Whoa Dough

A plant-based, gluten-free on-the-go cookie dough treat? It’s almost reason enough to plan a trip. The list of dietary hoorahs on these fun bars is impressive – vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free, egg-free, dairy-free, and kosher. Whoa Dough varieties include Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Oatmeal Cookie Dough, and Brownie Batter.

9 – Blooming Lollipops

Imagine you’re stuck in holiday traffic or on the tarmac, waiting an overly long time for your flight to take off. This elevated sweet treat will help lift your spirits. The Blooming Lollipops from Uncommon Goods come in lovely edible flower and herb varieties like Peach Marigold and Sage Marshmallow. Plus, this is perfect if you ever want to offer a little thank you to a flight attendant.

10 – Solely Fruit Jerky

Sure, bananas are an excellent snack, but they’re just so darn delicate. You can hardly leave the house before your banana is dented and bruised. Try Solely Fruit Jerky instead; you get the same tasty goodness, just a sturdier version. There’s no junk in these either, just fruit – and no added sugar.

11 – Kroma’s Travel Kit

If you travel frequently, Kroma’s Travel Kit is a cool resource for convenient superfood nutrition. The kit includes a shaker bottle and six packets of smoothies, including hydration elixirs, superfood goji berry porridge, and a veggie broth protein snack. Use them between meals when traveling or as a nutritional boost after a long day of flights, driving, or adventuring.

12 – gimMe’s Grab & Go Seaweed Packs

Seaweed snacks are one of the few packable foods that satisfy the craving for an umami flavor profile. These individual seaweed packs from gimme are just the right size and are great on their own or added to that bagel and cream cheese you bought at the kiosk. Plus, seaweed contains a lot of antioxidants – a bonus when your travels have you feeling a bit run down.

13 – Mary's Gone Crackers

Crackers – what’s not to love, right? They’re hearty and hold up well, especially these thick seed-laden morsels from Mary’s Gone Crackers. Not only are they satisfying on their own, but you can usually buy single-serve portions of cheese at most airport convenience stores – making it easy to create a light meal.

14 – Superfood Smoothie Bombs

Ultra-light packers will love this extremely compact smoothie idea. Yes, they come in a tube, but you can pack just a few and save a lot of space. When you need a snack, or you’re feeling hungry, and there are no options, you can always add one of these smoothie bombs to a water bottle and give it a shake. Choose from Peanut Butter, Super Berries, or Super Greens.

15 – Harmony Trail Mix

Trail mix is a travel munchy classic and a trail favorite, of course. Diamond Harmony Trail Mixes are walnut-based snack mixes with options for Keto-centric lifestyles and folks who love a traditional trail mix with little chocolate bits. Eat by the handful or add to an airport yogurt.

16 – Ocean Spray® Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Bites

Two snack-making legends have teamed up on this one. Ocean Spray and Hershey decided to upgrade a classic – chocolate-covered fruit. They’ve managed to make cranberries taste even better by dipping them in beloved Hershey’s chocolate. The ziptop pouch ensures the chocolatey orbs don’t spill and make a mess.

17 – Festive Chickpeas

Often chickpea snacks are whole, round chickpeas. Festive Chickpeas are halved, which might not sound exciting initially, but it’s part of the crave-worthy equation. The halved chickpeas end up being a little ragged around the edges, making the texture extra delightful. The sea salt flavor also boasts a buttery taste, so good luck trying to make these last the whole trip.

18 – Awake Chocolate

Your flight has been delayed three times; it’s late, and you’re exhausted and a bit cranky. When you land, you need to get the rental car and drive to the hotel, so you’re looking for a little caffeine boost. As luck would have it, the coffee shops are closed, but you have a trick up your sleeve – Awake Chocolate. Invest in a pouch of individual packages, and you’ll be ready for whatever adventures come your way.

19 – BelliWelli Bars

Traveler's tummy is a bummer, so plan to stack the odds in your favor. BelliWelli' Bars are probiotic treats loaded with TLC for your tummy. Unlike grainy drink mixes, these bars deliver their digestion benefits as a tasty, dessert-like treat. Choose from Chocolate Chip, Fudge Brownies, Strawberry Shortcake, Blueberry Muffin, Peaches & Cream, and more.

20 – Stonyfield Probiotic Smoothies

Travel snacks help achieve various on-the-go goals, and these Stonyfield Probiotic Smoothies are just the thing for getting out of the door quickly on the way to the airport. Keeping with the good digestion theme, these smaller bottles pack a hearty helping of probiotics. If your agenda includes a road trip cooler, you can keep them cold for a mid-day snack.

21 – Endangered Species Chocolate

Because sometimes you just need chocolate. Packaging your travel chocolate in a reusable ziptop bag eliminates the chances of a mess. However, those wanting to up their packing prowess can bring a few individual packets of Endangered Species Chocolate; a one-and-done solution reduces the chances of a chocolate oopsie.

22 – Jet-Puffed Marshmallows

Here's the thing about Jet-Puffed marshmallows. They're incredibly versatile, but you can't always find them when you want them. First, they can tumble around in your carry-on without worry, often bouncing back. If they get distorted, who cares? They're delicious. Traveling with marshmallows also empowers you to make a creative travel s'more out of whatever else you have kicking around. Sandwich a good ol' fashioned mallow between cookies, peanut butter cups, or even Stroopwafels, which are common in airports. When all else fails, add them to your store-bought hot chocolate.

23 – LesserEvil Snacks

Puffs and popcorn, hooray! LesserEvil’s No Cheese Cheesiness Paleo Puffs taste like Willy Wonka got ahold of a magic wand and took the savory snack world by storm. Adding to the profile, though, the brand also makes tasty popcorn – traditional and fun seasonal flavors like watermelon hibiscus. Both hold up well in backpacks and beyond.

24 – Chomps Meat Sticks  

The folks at Chomps know a thing or two about the evolving needs of travelers. Although most people like a little treat while heading out on vacation, it’s common for people to balance that with healthier choices. These meat sticks contain high-quality goodness like grass-fed beef and skip the yucky fillers and sugar. That aside, who can resist a taco-seasoned beef stick or salt and pepper-venison?

25 – Fringe Bars

One of the biggest benefits of Fringe Bars is the protein; the Coconut Cashew bar, for example, has 15 grams of protein. This is critical when traveling or adventuring because protein helps you feel full longer. Fringe Bars look to balance big-time superfood and plant protein with scrumptious flavor. The texture is a creamy-dreamy scenario, and the sugars are from natural sources like dates.

26 – Immi Ramen

A new spin on traditional ramen has finally landed on the foodie scene. Immi Ramen is plant-based and boasts over 20 grams of protein and lower carbs than most instant ramen. It’s popular with athletes like Naomi Osaka and Apolo Ohno, who prioritize nutritionally-dense foods. If you want to keep your travel food budget more manageable, Immi Ramen is an easy solution. Pack a collapsible bowl and get hot water from a coffee and tea display. Vegetarian flavors include Black Garlic “chicken” and Tom Yum “Shrimp.”

27 – Toblerone Milk Chocolate

Toblerone has long been an adventurer’s favorite due to its easy-to-break-apart triangular bars. With a nod to packability and ease, however, the famed Swiss chocolate treat is now offered in pre-packaged, bite-sized pieces – perfect for that mid-trip chocolate craving. For those looking for a new chocolate obsession, Toblerone is milk chocolate with honey nougat, and it’s sublime.

28 – 4505 Pork Rinds

Typically, when people think of pork rinds, they envision a delicious but unhealthy treat. You can toss that right out the window because 4505 is here with humanely raised pork rinds with zero carbs. Nowadays, many crunchy snacks on the market are f