Nutritionists Swear By These Tasty Road Trip Snacks

Snacks aren't just a tasty part of your family road trip, they're an essential element. Of course, they'll keep any kids you have in tow happy and satiated, but they also help adults stay awake en route, which is crucial for drivers.

"During a long drive, it’s ideal to fuel up with steady forms of energy, which means balanced meals and snacks that don’t contain empty carbs, like refined grains and added sugars," says Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, nutrition and wellness expert. "It’s also important to stay hydrated, since a low fluid intake can make you tired."

Though the classic candy selection or that bag of potato chips at the gas station may be calling your name, you're better off buying or making yourself something healthy before you hit the road. "Heavily processed foods that contain added sugars and other empty carbs can produce fatigue and leave you feeling less focused. What's more, heavy fast-food meals are harder to digest, so your body needs to spend its energy on that process, which can leave you drowsy," says Cassetty.

If you stop for munchies or meals, do the best you can by seeking options that have some veggies and whole grains. Short on time (read: not interested in studying nutrition labels) or need a little more guidance than that? These nutritionist-approved healthy road trip snacks—for both kids and adults alike—provide a great place to start. But don't worry, these junk food alternatives are still delicious enough to distract you from the long drive.