Traveling as a vegan can be an exciting adventure, especially when it comes to exploring new cuisines and flavors. However, finding suitable snacks that align with a vegan lifestyle can be a bit challenging, particularly in unfamiliar places. Whether you’re jet-setting around the world or embarking on a road trip, having a variety of delicious and nourishing vegan travel snacks at your fingertips is essential for maintaining your energy and savoring the journey.
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Traveling as a vegan has become increasingly easier over the years, with restaurants, cafes, and stores catering to plant-based diets in various parts of the world. However, having portable vegan snacks on hand ensures you’re prepared for times when vegan-friendly options might be scarce or expensive.
Not only are vegan travel snacks important to keep on hand when vegan options are hard to find, but it’s also a budget-friendly way to travel so you don’t end up splurging on expensive airport food or up-charged snacks at gas stations.
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Dried Fruits and Vegetables
If fresh fruit isn’t readily available or practical, opt for dried fruits like dates, figs, apricots, or mango slices. They are compact, lightweight, and provide natural sugars and fiber to keep you energized throughout your journey.
Fresh Fruit
Fruits are a classic, refreshing travel snack. Depending on your location and the season, you may have access to a variety of fresh fruits. Apples, bananas, grapes, and oranges are easily portable and don’t require refrigeration.
Granola Bars and Energy Bites
When it comes to vegan travel snacks, granola bars or energy bites are always a reliable choice. You can either buy pre-packaged vegan granola bars or make your own granola bars at home.
Energy bites made from a mix of oats, nut butter, seeds, and sweeteners like maple syrup or dates are not only delicious but also provide a quick energy boost. Roll them into bite-sized balls and pack them for your journey. These bliss balls travel well and are easy to make.
If you’re on an extended trip and need a quick snack, most convenience stores will have granola bars or protein bars available. Many of them are vegan-friendly. Some great options are Lara bars, Clif bars, KIND, Made Good, and Lenny & Larry’s. Just make sure to check ingredients to ensure they don’t contain any animal products.
Homemade Trail Mix
Trail mix is a versatile and convenient snack for any travel adventure. Creating your own mix allows you to customize it to your taste and dietary preferences. Check out the bulk bins at your local grocery store, which often have a great variety for creating a custom trail mix combination.
Start with a base of your favorite nuts and seeds—almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are popular choices. Add some dried fruits like apricots, raisins, or cranberries for natural sweetness.
For an extra burst of flavor and energy, include dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or crystallized ginger. Mix them all together and portion them into resealable bags or containers for an easy-to-grab snack during your travels.
Nut Butter Packets and Rice Cakes
Nut butters, such as almond butter or peanut butter, are convenient and provide a good source of protein and healthy fats. Pair them with whole-grain rice cakes for a satisfying and energy-boosting snack. These packs are easily portable and can be enjoyed on the go, making them ideal for travel.
Veggie Sticks with Hummus
Preparing a batch of fresh vegetable sticks like baby carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber is a great way to have a healthy snack on hand. Pair them with small containers of homemade or store-bought hummus for a satisfying and nutritious treat.
Hummus is rich in protein and fiber, making it an excellent vegan dip to keep you full and fueled during your travels. The combination of crunchy veggies and creamy hummus is both delicious and refreshing.
Hope this inspired you to pack some healthier snack options! If you are traveling with others, I highly recommend getting more than one bag of the freeze dried edamame because you won’t want to share 😉
Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a light and portable snack that’s easy to make ahead of time and bring along on your travels. You can flavor it with various seasonings like nutritional yeast, cinnamon, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a tasty, guilt-free treat.
Wraps and Sandwiches
Prepare wraps or sandwiches with your favorite vegan fillings before your trip. Opt for whole-grain wraps or bread and fill them with vegetables, hummus, avocado, tofu, or vegan deli slices and vegan cheese. These pre-made meals can be wrapped and stored for convenient snacking during your travels.
Muffins
One of the best vegan snacks that travels well is a vegan muffin. It’s an easy snack that can be stored at room temperature for a few days without issue. You can easily prep them ahead of time for your next road trip or travel day. If you have a sweet tooth, try vegan chocolate chip muffins, raspberry lemon muffins, or vegan blackberry muffins. If you prefer savory, these savory vegan muffins are full of veggies and make a great healthy snack.
Kale Chips
Kale chips have emerged as a popular and nutritious vegan snack, offering a delightful crunch and a wealth of health benefits. Made from one of the most nutrient-dense leafy greens available, kale chips are not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet, especially when on the go. Store them in a reusable snack bag for the perfect road trip snack.
Potato Chips
Potato chips are a timeless and convenient snack enjoyed by many, including vegans. While traditional potato chips often contain added oils or flavorings that may not align with a strict vegan diet, there are numerous plant-based alternatives available that capture the same satisfying crunch and savory taste.
Avoid chips that contain animal-derived ingredients like cheese, sour cream, or any meat-based flavorings. Tortilla chips are usually a safe option, as are plain potato chips.
Plant-Based Jerky
Plant-based jerky is a tasty and protein-rich snack that mirrors the texture and flavor of traditional meat jerky without the need for animal products. Made from various plant sources, including soy, seitan, mushrooms, and jackfruit, this snack is perfect for vegans seeking a satisfying and savory treat during their travels.
Staying Prepared and Nourished
As a vegan traveler, being prepared and carrying an assortment of vegan travel snacks is essential. It ensures you’re well-nourished, energized, and ready to immerse yourself in the experiences of your journey. With these vegan snack options at your fingertips, you can focus on enjoying your travels while maintaining a plant-based and ethical lifestyle. Happy snacking and safe travels!
I really like LARABARS and I like it is something I can share with my son for a snack. RXBars and Quest Bars are yummy too.
I’ve never tried those but bars are definitely a great snack to share 🙂 Thanks for contributing!
I always pack bananas and keep them on hand. We almost always have them in the car with us.
Another plane snack I like is carrot sticks, they keep your mouth busy when you’re bored.
Oh carrot sticks are a great idea! Do you pack them with an ice pack? I believe they should be refrigerated but on a long flight it’d definitely be worth it to bring something like that.