Best Snacks to Keep in Car for Long Road Trips

Snacking on the go has become a part of our daily routine, especially when we’re out on the road. Whether you’re running errands, commuting to work, or embarking on a long road trip, having a stash of snacks in your car can come in handy. However, not all snacks are created equal, and some are better suited for car travel than others.

When selecting the best snacks to keep in your car, there are a few critical things to consider. Firstly, you want snacks that won’t melt or spoil in the heat, especially during the summer months. Secondly, you want snacks that are easy to eat with minimal mess and won’t leave crumbs all over your car. Finally, you want snacks that are healthy and provide sustained energy, rather than just a quick sugar rush.

After researching and testing various snacks, we’ve identified the best options for keeping in your car. From protein bars to trail mix, these snacks are not only delicious but also practical and healthy. So, whether you’re on a long road trip or just need a quick pick-me-up during your commute, these snacks will keep you satisfied and energized.

Best Snacks to Keep in Car

As avid road trippers and snack enthusiasts, we know the importance of having the perfect snack on hand during long drives. Whether you’re driving cross-country or just running errands, having a satisfying snack can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best snacks to keep in your car. These snacks are easy to store, won’t make a mess, and will keep you fueled up for your journey. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our top picks for the best snacks to keep in your car.

Westspark Car Seat Back Organizer

If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to keep your car organized, the Westspark Car Seat Back Organizer might be a good option for you.

Pros

• The multi-pocket design allows for easy storage of various items, including water bottles, snacks, and even face masks.
• The insulation feature helps keep drinks and snacks cool during long car rides.
• The portable design makes it easy to remove and take with you on the go.

Cons

• The material is not the most durable and may not hold up well over time with frequent use.
• The size of the organizer may not be sufficient for larger families or those who need to store a lot of items.
• The product is not fully insulated and may not keep items as cool as expected.

Overall, we think the Westspark Car Seat Back Organizer is a decent option for those who need a simple and affordable way to keep their car organized. While it may not be the most durable or spacious option out there, it does the job and is easy to use. If you’re looking for a more heavy-duty organizer, however, you may want to consider other options.

My Travel Tray Round, USA Made. Easily Convert Your existing Cup Holder to a Tray and Cup Holder for use in a Car Seat, Booster, Stroller, Golf Cart and Anywhere You Have a Cup Holder! (Beige) Biege

We highly recommend purchasing the My Travel Tray for anyone who frequently travels with children. This product is a game changer when it comes to keeping snacks and drinks within reach and preventing spills.

Pros

• The My Travel Tray fits securely into most cup holders, making it versatile and easy to use in a variety of settings.
• The included cup attachment allows for adjustment to almost any cup holder, ensuring a snug fit.
• The tray is top rack dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean and maintain.

Cons

• The tray may not fit in all cup holders, so it’s important to measure before purchasing.
• Some users have reported that the tray can be difficult to remove from the cup holder, especially if it’s a tight fit.
• The tray may not be large enough to hold larger snacks or drinks, so it’s best for small items.

The My Travel Tray is a must-have for parents on the go. It keeps everything you need within arms reach and out from between the seats, making for a much more comfortable and enjoyable ride. The tray is easy to install and remove, and the cup attachment ensures a secure fit. We particularly appreciate that it’s made in the USA and free of BPA, PHT, and PVC.

The tray is versatile and can be used in cars, car seats, strollers, outdoor chairs, and even movie theaters. We found that it fits snugly in most cup holders, but it’s important to measure before purchasing to ensure a proper fit. The tray is also top rack dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean and maintain.

While the tray is generally easy to remove from the cup holder, some users have reported difficulty with tight fits. Additionally, the tray may not be large enough to hold larger snacks or drinks, so it’s best for small items. Overall, we highly recommend the My Travel Tray for anyone who frequently travels with children.

KAFEEK Car Seat Organizer

If you’re looking for a compact and convenient car seat organizer, the KAFEEK Car Seat Organizer is a great option.

Pros

• The large storage space can hold magazines, CDs, tissue boxes, drinks, and more.
• The insulated main compartment keeps hot things hot and cold things cold.
• The tissues dispenser at the bottom of the bag helps keep clean tissues close at hand.

Cons

• The strap that holds it to the headrest may not be very durable.
• The material is not very sturdy.
• The zipper on the insulated compartment may not be very strong.

We recently used this organizer on a road trip and found it to be very helpful in keeping our car organized and our passengers comfortable. The large storage space was able to hold all of our essentials, including snacks, drinks, and entertainment. The insulated compartment kept our drinks cool, and the tissues dispenser was a nice touch.

However, we did notice that the strap that holds the organizer to the headrest may not be very durable. It also felt a bit flimsy overall, and we weren’t sure how long it would hold up with regular use. Additionally, the zipper on the insulated compartment didn’t seem very strong and we were worried it might break with frequent use.

Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and convenient car seat organizer, the KAFEEK Car Seat Organizer is a good choice. Just be aware that it may not be the most durable option out there.

My Travel Tray Round, USA Made. Easily Convert Your existing Cup Holder to a Tray and Cup Holder for use in a Car Seat, Booster, Stroller, Golf Cart and Anywhere You Have a Cup Holder! (Hot Pink)

If you’re looking for a convenient snack and drink holder for your car seat, booster, stroller, or golf cart, My Travel Tray could be a great option for you.

Pros

• The patented design makes it easy to use and slip into any standard cup holder.
• It reduces mess and spillages in your car and keeps snacks and drinks within easy reach for your child.
• It’s adaptable to fit most cup holders and comes with a complimentary cup adapter and “Grippi.”

Cons

• It may not fit some car seats and cup holders, including Nuna Rava -amp; Nuna Exec, Chicco NextFit, Graco TurboBooster, Graco SlimFit, Evenflo Symphony, and Recaro Performance Sport.
• The tray is small and may not hold a lot of food.
• The product is only available in one color (hot pink).

We recently used My Travel Tray on a family road trip, and it was a game-changer for keeping our toddler’s snacks and drinks organized and within reach. The tray was easy to install and fit snugly in the cup holder of our car seat. The cup adapter and “Grippi” allowed us to adjust the size of the tray to fit different cups and bottles.

One thing to note is that the tray is on the smaller side, so it may not hold a lot of food. However, it’s the perfect size for small snacks like crackers, grapes, and cheese sticks. The tray is also dishwasher-safe, which makes cleaning up a breeze.

Overall, we highly recommend My Travel Tray for anyone looking for a convenient snack and drink holder for their car seat or other travel gear. Just make sure to check the compatibility with your car seat and cup holder before purchasing.

Car Seat Snack Tray – Travel Tray for Kids Car Seat, Stroller, Booster and Anywhere with a Cup Holder, Toddler Road Trip Essentials Food Plate for Snacks, Toys, Entertainment (Pink)

If you’re looking for a convenient way to keep your child’s snacks and drinks within reach during long car rides or stroller walks, the Car Seat Snack Tray by BlueOrigin is a great option.

Pros

• The tray is made of sturdy and durable ABS plastic, which can withstand regular use.
• It features a cup holder that can fit most cup sizes, ensuring your child’s drinks won’t spill.
• The tray can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing you to adjust it to the perfect angle for your child.

Cons

• The tray may not be compatible with certain car seat models, so make sure to check the compatibility list before purchasing.
• The tray may take some time to install, especially if you need to use the included rubber band to secure it in place.
• The tray’s pink color may not be suitable for all children or parents.

We recently used the Car Seat Snack Tray during a long road trip with our toddler, and it made a huge difference in keeping him entertained and fed. The tray was easy to install in our car seat, and the cup holder was able to hold both his sippy cup and a small water bottle.

One of the things we appreciated most about the tray was its rotating feature, which allowed us to adjust it to the perfect angle for our child. He was able to easily reach his snacks and toys without having to strain his arms or neck.

While the tray’s pink color may not be suitable for all children or parents, we found it to be a fun and whimsical addition to our car. We also appreciated the included cleaning brush, which made it easy to wipe down the tray after use.

Overall, if you’re looking for a convenient and durable snack tray for your child’s car seat or stroller, we highly recommend the Car Seat Snack Tray by BlueOrigin.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best snacks to keep in your car, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting the right snack:

Nutritional Value

It’s important to choose snacks that provide nutritional value. Look for snacks that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Avoid snacks that are high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats.

Convenience

Snacks that are easy to eat and don’t require utensils are ideal for car trips. Look for snacks that are individually packaged and easy to open.

Shelf Life

Choose snacks that have a long shelf life to ensure they won’t spoil quickly. This is especially important if you live in a hot and humid climate.

Taste

Of course, taste is also an important factor to consider. Choose snacks that you enjoy and that will satisfy your cravings.

Examples of Snacks

Here are some examples of snacks that meet the above criteria:

By considering these factors and looking for snacks that meet your needs, you can find the perfect snacks to keep in your car for your next road trip or commute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of snacks are safe to leave in a hot car?

It is best to avoid leaving any snacks in a hot car for an extended period of time. However, if you must, choose snacks that are not easily perishable and are not sensitive to temperature changes. Examples of snacks that can withstand heat include nuts, trail mix, and beef jerky.

Which non-perishable food items are ideal for long-term storage in a vehicle?

Non-perishable food items that are perfect for long-term storage in a vehicle include granola bars, dried fruits, and crackers. These snacks have a long shelf life and are perfect for on-the-go snacking.

What are the best healthy snack options to keep in your car for road trips?

Healthy snack options for road trips include fresh fruit, veggies, and hummus, or nut butter. These snacks provide a boost of energy and are easy to store in a cooler or insulated bag.

How can I store snacks in my car during winter to prevent spoilage?

During the winter, it’s important to keep snacks in airtight containers to prevent moisture from building up. You can also store snacks in an insulated bag or cooler to keep them from freezing.

What are suitable snack choices to have in your car for emergencies?

Suitable snack choices for emergencies include protein bars, canned fruit, and crackers. These snacks provide a quick source of energy and are easy to store in your car for long periods of time.

Which snacks are recommended for maintaining freshness overnight in a vehicle?

Snacks that are recommended for maintaining freshness overnight in a vehicle include trail mix, nuts, and dried fruit. These snacks are not easily perishable and can withstand temperature changes.