Embarking on a long flight can pose several challenges, especially if you’re bringing kids, but many of them can be alleviated with the right snacks.
Let’s answer the most important question first: Can you bring snacks on an airplane? Yes! As long as the snacks are solid foods (like a bagged PBJ or a packaged trail mix), you’re good. If you have gel or liquid snacks, they can’t be larger than 3.4 oz to make it past the TSA security checkpoint.
Your next question is probably: what snacks can you bring on a plane? Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up 11 best travel snacks for adults and kids alike. Keep these handy for the next time you’re planning a trip in the sky.
How to Pack Snacks for the Plane
When packing snacks for the plane, what’s most important is to choose things you like and make sure they’re TSA-compliant (so you don’t have to throw them away at security).
But, if you're not traveling by plane, you're in luck! We've compiled a list of our favorite healthy road trip snacks, perfect for your next journey.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when getting your airplane snack plan together:
- Plan ahead as much as possible to reduce stress
- Prioritize snacks with a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration
- Make sure you pack them in appropriate containers, like plastic storage ware or reusable bags with zippers
- Choose snacks that don’t require utensils, in case you forget to pack some
- Don’t forget the wet wipes to clean your hands
- Pack a variety of flavors and textures to prevent boredom
The Best Airplane Snacks
Now that you’re prepped and ready to build your snack arsenal, here are 11 fantastic ideas for snacks on a plane as you plan your next trip.
Crackers and Almond Butter
Crackers are lightweight and durable, providing a satisfying crunch. Paired with almond butter, they offer a delicious balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. This combination keeps you full and energized, perfect for long flights or layovers.
Need a nut-free version? Try sunflower butter or hummus (if you’re going to eat them within a few hours) instead.
Chomps Meat Sticks
Chomps meat sticks are a flavorful and satisfying snack to toss in your carry-on. They come in multiple flavors, like Salt & Pepper Venison, several turkey varieties, or you might want to grab a snack-sized Chomplings variety pack — which includes 18 mini versions of Original Beef, Italian Style Beef, and Original Turkey.
Each healthy meat stick provides 10-12 grams of protein, 0g sugar, and 80-100 calories.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is easily portable and has a long shelf life. Options like raisins, apricots, pitted dates, and apple slices offer natural sweetness and a quick energy boost. Rich in fiber and vitamins, dried fruit is a healthy, mess-free choice, perfect for satisfying cravings on the go.
Another option is to toss dried fruit in a bag with some cereal, dark chocolate pieces, nuts, and seeds for a simple and satisfying homemade trail mix. Or, grab some dried fruit in the form of fruit leathers for a totally different appeal.
Rice Cakes
Maybe you’re looking for lighter snacks for airplane trips. If so, rice cakes are a perfect fit. Available in various flavors, they have a satisfying crunch without excessive calories.
Their versatility allows for pairing with toppings like nut butter, hummus, or cheese. Rice cakes are a convenient, mess-free option for on-the-go munching during trips.
Cheese Sticks
Cheese sticks are convenient and tasty, providing a good source of protein and calcium. Individually wrapped, cheese sticks are also easy to pack with minimal waste.
Perfect for a quick bite, cheese sticks help keep you satisfied and energized between meals throughout your plane ride.
You might choose a cheddar stick, string cheese, or a non-dairy variety like these from Daiya. Alternatively, you could opt for a cheese wheel in wax.
Fresh Fruit
Fruit is a healthy, high-fiber, naturally sweet snack option that works well for air travel. Choose fruits that come in their own convenient packaging, like bananas, oranges, or clementines. You could also bring apples, pears, grapes, or berries.
Pretzel Sticks
Pretzel sticks are an excellent airplane snack, with a satisfying crunch and a salty flavor. They can also be ideal for dipping in hummus or having it alongside a cheese stick or piece of fruit, or original beef jerky.
Pistachios
You might be thinking, “I don’t want to have a bunch of pistachio shells on the plane,” — but you’re in luck! You can also buy pre-shelled pistachios so there’s no mess to clean up.
Pistachios come in a variety of flavors, too, whether you prefer original, salt and pepper, vinegar, or something spicy like these from The Wonderful Company.
Plus, pistachios are a natural source of melatonin (the highest of all the nuts), which might help you get a good airplane nap in before you land.
Not a big fan of pistachios? Any nuts will do if you prefer something like walnuts, cashews, or almonds instead.
Veggie Chips
Veggie chips are made from vegetables like kale, sweet potatoes, or beets. They may be flavored and offer a satisfying crunch with the added benefit of vitamins and fiber.
Easy to pack and less greasy than regular chips, veggie chips are a healthy and simple option for on-the-go snacking. For example, get your greens in with Brad’s Kale Veggie Chips or Gimme Roasted Seaweed snack sheets.
Granola Bar
Whether you buy them in a pack or prepare a homemade batch, granola bars are a nice, nutrient-packed airplane snack. Packed with oats, nuts, and dried fruits, they provide a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and energy.
If you’re not into nuts and seeds, try That’s It! fruit bars, made with fruit only.
Popcorn
Popcorn is light and airy and easy to pack in a bag. Choose whether you prefer original air-popped popcorn or perhaps a flavored variety.
Either way, popcorn is a perfect low-calorie option for munching and keeping your mind occupied during a long flight.
Even if you don’t think you’ll need a snack on a flight, you might want to pack a couple. You never know when you’ll experience a longer delay than anticipated or find yourself needing an energy boost. These airplane snacks can come in handy!
References
- Meng X, Li Y, Li S, et al. Dietary Sources and Bioactivities of Melatonin. Nutrients. 2017;9(4):367. Published 2017 Apr 7. doi:10.3390/nu9040367
