Hitting the open road for an adventure? The soundtrack might be epic, the scenery breathtaking, but let's be honest, a road trip truly thrives on a great mix of phenomenal snacks.
Fear not travelers, because Trader Joe's is your one-stop shop for a variety of deliciousness to fuel your journey. Here we've put together a list of Trader Joe's road trip snack all-stars, guaranteed to keep your taste buds happy and your energy levels soaring, mile after mile.
What are the Best Trader Joe's Road Trip Snacks?
Trader Joe's makes hundreds of products that are great for any road trip, so what makes for the best Trader Joe's road trip snacks? While the definition of "best" will vary from one passenger to the next, we think that the best Trader Joe's road trip snacks are a mix of sweet, savory, indulgent, and the occasional healthy option.
When planning your best Trader Joe's road trip snacks shopping list, you'll want to keep in mind the individual taste buds of your fellow passengers, and it's always a good idea to pack a diversity of options. Think: salty, sweet, crunchy, chewy, healthy, and guilty pleasures. If you can check off all those boxes, you'll have a car full of happy snackers.
To help you, we put together this shortcut list of 12 best Trader Joe's road trip snacks. Feel free to customize this list to meet your car's taste buds, or shop this list from top to bottom as you stock up for the road!
1. Trail Mix
No road trip snack arsenal is complete without a trusty trail mix. Trader Joe's offers a delightful variety of options, from the classic trail mix with a medley of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips, to their more adventurous varieties bursting with unexpected flavors and ingredients like pumpkin seeds or freeze-dried fruit bits.
If you're feeling creative, craft your own masterpiece for the road by customizing the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy to suit your cravings.
2. Peanut Butter Pretzels
Peanut butter and pretzels are a dynamic duo and a perfect combination, ready for any road trip or destination. The salty crunch of the pretzel perfectly complements the creamy richness of peanut butter, offering a satisfying and nostalgia-inducing snack.
Trader Joe's peanut butter pretzels come in convenient-sized containers holding lots of pretzel bites, making them perfect for sharing with everyone in the car (although, we won't judge if you keep the whole bag to yourself).
3. Dark Chocolate Pretzels
Craving a more sophisticated sweet and salty experience? Look no further than Trader Joe's dark chocolate pretzels. The rich, bittersweet chocolate perfectly complements the salty bite of the pretzel, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
This grown-up snack is perfect for indulging your inner gourmand on the open road. Trader Joe's sells chocolate pretzels in a variety of shapes, sizes, and even additional ingredient toppings, making it easy for you to choose an option that meets your tastes.
4. Sliced Apples
While this may not be as exciting as dark chocolate prezels, sometimes, simplicity reigns supreme. Sliced apples from Trader Joe's offer a refreshingly healthy and satisfying snack.
Pre-sliced for convenience, they provide a satisfying crunch and a good dose of vitamins and fiber, keeping you energized and your taste buds happy. Plus, they pair perfectly with a dollop of creamy nut butter for an extra protein boost.
5. Scandinavian Swimmers
The Trader Joe's Scandinavian Swimmers are a classic chewy, sweet candy in a variety of fruity flavors and shapes. They're guaranteed to give your taste buds a delightful wake-up call with their sweet flavors and fun sea-shaped gummies.
Feeling extra adventurous? Opt for the Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers for an intense alternative!
6. Mini Sandwich Crackers
These bite-sized organic crackers are the perfect bite-sized, salty snack. Just be careful, as they're easy to throw back and you'll find that you've eaten the entire box in no time!
The sandwich crackers are available with multiple filling options. Our favorite are the classic cheese-filled sandwich crackers, but we also give high ranks to the peanut butter and everything bagel versions. A road trip classic!
7. Peanut Butter and Jelly Snack Duo
Remember those after-school peanut butter and jelly treats? Trader Joe's PB&J Snack Duo captures that nostalgic flavor in a convenient, on-the-go format. Trader Joe's describes this snack as "crispy, rolled wafer sticks are packed with a salty, peanut butter filling, and then paired with their very own sidecar of delightfully sticky-sweet raspberry fruit dip."
Individual packs make portion control a breeze and ensure mess-free snacking, no matter how bumpy the road gets.
8. Cashew Butter Cashews
Need a protein and healthy fat boost on the road? Look no further than Trader Joe's Cashew Butter Cashews. These crunchy cashews come pre-coated in a smooth and creamy cashew butter, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Plus, they're a great source of essential nutrients to keep you feeling energized and satisfied between stops.
9. Spanish Cheese Tapas Sampler
Elevate your road trip snacking experience with Trader Joe's Spanish Cheese Tapas Sampler and get a taste of Spain, even if you're just headed down the highway.
This gourmet selection features a variety of delicious cheeses, offering a taste of Europe right from your car seat. Pair it with some grapes, crackers, and cured meats like prosciutto for a truly decadent and satisfying snack that feels like a celebratory pause on your road trip.
10. Spicy Porkless Plant-Based Pork Rinds
Calling all vegan road trippers! Trader Joe's Spicy Porkless Plant-Based Snack Rinds offer a delicious and cruelty-free alternative to traditional pork rinds.
Packed with flavor and a satisfying crunch, they're seasoned to perfection with a kick of spice that will keep your taste buds entertained. Plus, they'll keep you feeling full and energized for the miles ahead.
11. Hard-Cooked Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a classic road trip snack for a reason – they're protein-packed, portable, and require no prep work. Trader Joe's cage-free hard-cooked and peeled eggs take the convenience a step further by being pre-peeled and ready to eat straight from the package.
A healthy and satisfying option, they'll keep you feeling full and energized throughout your journey. Alternatively, you could also buy a carton of fresh eggs from Trader Joe's and boil your own, but we find the packaged version to be so much easier to transport.
12. The Brookie
Imagine a brownie and a chocolate chip cookie joining forces in a harmonious dance of flavor. That's the magic of Trader Joe's Brookies!
Half fudgy brownie, half chewy chocolate chip cookie, these decadent treats are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth on the road. They're best enjoyed shared (or not, we won't judge!), and are sure to become a favorite road trip tradition.
Final Thoughts on the Best Trader Joe's Snacks for Road Trips
With this carefully curated selection of Trader Joe's road trip all-stars in your vehicle, you're guaranteed to have plenty of delicious snacks to fuel your next road trip adventure. From sweet and salty to more healthy and indulgent options, there's something for every taste bud and craving. So, pack your bags, grab your snacks, and hit the open road – your taste buds and your journey await!
Bonus Tip: Don't forget the drinks! Trader Joe's has a fantastic selection of sparkling waters, cold brew coffee, and juice boxes to keep everyone hydrated throughout your adventure. With a little planning and a stop at your local Trader Joe's, you can ensure that your road trip is a delicious and memorable experience for everyone on board... and keep everyone hydrated!