Hey, hey MONDAY!
Buckle up, it’s another edition of TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE!
Today, I’m sharing my TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE ROAD TRIP SNACKS.
I can already feel the passion.
As someone who gets motion sick doing anything but looking forward in the car, stopping for road trip snacks is just about all I have to look forward to when in the car.
Quick question before I share my faves (and least faves)…how long do you have to be in the car to qualify it as a “road trip” where snacks are involved? In my head, I’m thinking three hours…but that might be a really silly answer. I would LOVE to know how long you think the trip needs to be in order to call it a road trip and require snacks.
Alrighty, here we go,
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: ROAD TRIP SNACKS
#5: TWIZZLERS
Random, I know. I don’t normally want a Twizzler. It’s not my “go to” when I’m stealing candy out of my kids’ Halloween sacks, but if I’m in the car on a drive, it hits the spot for me. Does anyone else remember the ’90s when Twizzlers came in a variety of flavors? I used to really like those too. I think because they’re hard to chew and take a little longer to consume, they make a great road trip snack. Plus, they’re not messy. I’ll pass on a random week day, but please pass me one if I’m in the car with you.
#4: CHOCOLATE COVERED ALMONDS
Well for starters, it’s basically health food, right? It’s an almond. The fact that it’s wrapped in rich (hopefully dark) chocolate is meaningless. It’s protein. These guys win the #4 spot in my heart because they also pair perfectly with both coffee and a sparkling water. No matter what I’m drinking in the car, these almonds complement. They’re sweet, they’re crunchy, they’re a little salty…yes and please.
#3: PEANUT BUTTER CRACKER SANDWICHES
Extra bonus points if said cracker is one of those square shaped cheese ones.
#2: SOUR PATCH KIDS OR GUMMY BEARS
Yesssssss! My candy of choice will forever be something gummy.
#1: TRAIL MIX
The perfect snack. It’s sweet. It’s salty. It sometimes has an M&M thrown in or maybe a peanut butter chip. I can justify these in the AM, in the PM. Trail mix can be a quick breakfast or gas station dinner. Without a doubt, my favorite.
And now for my…
#5: PORK RINDS
I don’t even think this needs an explanation. No. Absolutely no. It’s gross. It smells. The car smells. No, no, NO.
#4: POWDERED MINI DONUTS
This is my dad’s road trip snack of choice…and I just don’t get the appeal. First of all, who likes a stale donut? That’s what these taste like…stale donuts. Second of all, that powder gets all over everything. Your face, the steering wheel, the car, your lap…it’s a never ending mess of subpar mediocracy.
#3: CRUNCHY GRANOLA BAR
Never in the history of the world has anyone not made a gigantic mess with one of these. Or chipped a tooth. Or thought they were better than a chewy one.
#2: CORN NUTS
I do not want to smell my corn nuts or your corn nuts or anyone’s corn nuts for the next six hours in the car. They’re too loud, they smell too strong, and they’re not even good. I’m out. Out, out, out.
#1: CHEETOS
Where do I even begin? Just where? NO. NO. NO. They have a smell that I just can’t take in the car hours on end. They are extremely messy (that cheesy coloring just does not come off ones fingers no matter how hard said person is licking them off…gag me). Ugg, just thinking about being in the car with someone eating Cheetos makes me nauseous. No. Unless you’re looking for the poorest tasting, messiest, orange-iest, ickiest thing to put in the car with you and your luggage, my answer is no.
Now…
It wouldn’t be a TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE without Andrew weighing in too.
When Andrew emailed me his response, he added a “I know, I’m boring” to the email. I’m glad he said it because as I was reading over his answers, I was like “dang, this guy should really try a Sour Patch Kid” next time. Yawn, Andrew. 😉
Here they are…
ANDREW’S TOP FIVE ROAD TRIP SNACKS:
5: BEEF JERKY
4: SUGAR FREE ICE BREAKER MINTS
3: PEANUT BUTTER THINK BARS WITH JUSTIN’S ALMOND BUTTER ON TOP
2: STARBUCKS AMERICANO WITH A TURKEY BACON BREAKFAST SANDWICH
1: LIGHTLY SALTED ALMONDS
ANDREW’S BOTTOM FIVE ROAD TRIP SNACKS:
5: ICE CREAM
4: SOFT DRINKS
3: CANDY
2: POP CORN
1: FAST FOOD
I cannot wait for you guys to weigh in too 🙂 .
Now, don’t forget to check out these other TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE blog posts:
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CONDIMENTS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HOLIDAY HOLIDAY THINGS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: STORE-BOUGHT COOKIES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: THINGS ABOUT A FAIR/CARNIVAL
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: ICE CREAM FLAVORS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SPRING CLEANING
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: TRAVELING BY PLANE
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: SKIING WITH YOUR FAMILY
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS MOVIES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HALLOWEEN CANDY
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CEREALS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: HOUSEHOLD CHORES
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: CHRISTMAS SONGS
TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE: THANKSGIVING FOODS
I feel like you guys are going to have A LOT of thoughts and opinions. I cannot wait to read the blog comments below!
Please comment and share!
Have the best Monday, friends! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I would say a road trip that requires snacks is 3 hours or longer. My top snacks are trail mix (love me sweet and salty) and any gas station unique item. Bottom ones would be anything messy or with strong smells, i hate the smell of fast food in the car.
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sarah Nienhuis says
As someone who has done more roadtrips than I can count, definitely no car snacks for under 4 hours. And I gotta say, Andrew is a kill joy with the car food…please slip him a sour patch gummy next time! Lol
Sheaffer says
Corn nuts and pork rinds were always my dad’s favorites on road trips! Haha! I love Cheez-Its and a Dr. Pepper.
Laura says
I think you should reconsider with the truffle Cheetos from Trader Joe’s… and have baby wipes in the car for fingers because I 100% agree with you on that one!
Kari Miller says
I’m definitely more Shay than Andrew! Both solid lists tho! Ice cream?? Who in God’s green earth is eating ice cream on a road trip?! 🤣🤣🤣
I blogged my Top 10 Road Trip Snacks last summer!! Check it out if you need any more ideas- my #1 is the GOAT!
https://karimillerblog.com/top-ten-roadtrip-snacks/
Lynn says
The soft serve ice cream at McDonald’s is pretty good. When the machine is working. 😂
Alison says
Jack Link’s Peppered beef jerky! I have to pace myself with this stuff. In fact, I love it so much that I packed a family-sized portion in my hospital bag to enjoy after I delivered each of my children. I ate the entire bag before I was discharged both times. 🙈
Honorable mentions: sour patch watermelons and Pure Leaf peach tea
Tara says
I think persoective necessitates what qualifies as a “road trip,” so the net is wide. I mean, as a young mom with a deployed husband, wrangling 3 kids to the grocery store felt like a road trip. 🤷♀️😉
Beth Bowling says
Top Five
5. Chewy gummie sort of thing
4. Crunchy non messy pretzels or chips
3. Cheese cubes
2. Nuts-cashews honey roasted peanuts
1. Ice-like sonic or Chick-fil-A
Bottom Five
5. Similar smelly snacks like Cheetos corn nuts and pork rinds
4. Sweets that melt-chocolate type
3. Jerky-need floss picks too often
2. Hard candy-I just want to chew!
1. Twizzlers-once my FAV go to. Until I had to go to ER to have a sliver of one removed from my tonsil as my throat closed over….cant even look at them without PTSD now.
Nancy Granger says
I do love pretzels, salty and crunchy. With that, a big cup of diet coke with lots of ice.
Nicole says
I used to tell my kids that they could not watch the tv in the car unless they can finish an entire movie. I guess my road trip is anything over an hour and a half!!! Love the answers. Top 5: 5) peanut butter bar 4) beef jerky 3) peanut M&m’s 2) sour patch kids 1) hot tamales
I like your idea of peanut butter crackers but one bite and the cracker is all over the place. I can ride for weeks with my car slightly messy and dirt on the ground. The minute I know I will be in there for an extended period of time I climb in with a grocery bag and organize the whole dang vehicle 🤪
Susan Jeffries says
I always pack a cooler for road trips because I am super picky and my husband usually stops at random ethnic restaurants so he can try new foods. I pack a lot of fruit, protein bars, and sometimes a PB sandwich. Yeti bottles filled with water and Arbonne fizz sticks. That way I don’t end up starving while my husband eats mystery road side food. lol.
Kelly Sites says
We like popcorn with a bite of twizzler as a snack. It tastes like a popcorn ball. A road trip is anything an hour or more 🙂 And do not eat crunchy things in the car- the loud chewing sounds gag me. 🙂
Amy Heinl says
Love when you do top/bottom 5. Here are mine….
Top 5:
1. Twizzlers especially chocolate
2. Pringles
3. Slushy frozen icee
4. Favorite candy ( kit kat, m &m, hersheys)
5. Ice cream novelty treat
Bottom 5:
1. Cheeze it’s
2. Goldfish
3. Orange crackers with peanut butter
4. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
5. Powdered donuts
Denise says
LOL road trips with Andrew would definitely be boring in the food department!
Top Five
1. Twizzlers
2. Crackers with cheese and pepperoni
3. Grapes
4. Donuts
5. Dots pretzels
Bottom Five
1. Granola bars
2. Any Jerky
3. Hard boiled eggs
4. Tuna packets
5. Oranges
Can’t wait to read other responses! I’m hoping for ideas since we will be on a road trip from Florida to New Jersey next week!
Mix and Match Mama says
I completely agree that hard boiled eggs and tuna have no business being in the car for extended periods of time.
Kara says
Gummy candy for sure! Powdered donuts make me cringe at home.. I could never with that mess in the car! And WHAT exactly is a pork rind!?! A bid NO on those! We are big on chex mix, lays stax, and my boys all eat beef jerky!
Kathy says
Oh I do love twizzlers Shay! Those would be my #1. Great beach snack!
Andrea says
I love combos. and i only eat them when on road trips!
Kirsten says
Combos are the absolute BEST road trip snack!
Kristen says
This is bizarre but I take road trips all the time to my hometown in NJ which is about a 6 hr drive and I never pack any snacks and never have? I just stop for drive through one time for lunch and that’s it. lol! Even on long flights I don’t pack anything, I guess I am not much of a snacker! I never have fast food on a regular basis so I guess it’s a treat for me.
Diane Moore says
I’m with you on this one. I used to live snacks (yes cherry pull & peel twizzlers!), but as I’ve gotten older and slashed carbs, no more fun food. Sigh.
Kelli says
This is a fun one! I’m not a snacker in my normal day to day, but put me in the car for a day and within a couple hours i’ve already broken into the Cheezits and E.L. Fudge cookies. I literally only buy them when we have a long trip! 😂 My bottom snack would be the beef jerky my guys all want to eat. I can’t with the smell in the car!
Savannah Chaviers says
Oh EL fudge cookies , haven’t thought about those for years. They are so good !
Tish says
Love Twizzlers for road trips! I think if you’re driving, I like that they take time to eat. Helps keep me awake. But favorite snack would be kettle popcorn. Salty sweet treat! I’m laughing at Andrew! Curious what you guys drink. If not soda and you aren’t drinking coffee, what would be your drink of choice for the road trip?
Julianne says
Well Andrew’s bottom 5 are pretty much my top 5! LOL
Paige says
Are sugar free ice breakers even a snack Andrew? Hahahaha!! This totally made my day 😂
Lisa says
Yes Twizzlers! I don’t eat them any other time, just on a road trip. Also the little ones in the kids candy bags-not the same! I, too, will pass those up.
Kristin says
My husband will eat Cherry Twizzlers for any reason, but they are definitely his top road trip snack. I like Choco Liebniz Dark Chocolate biscuits if I can find them. I just grabbed the Aldi brand for an upcoming road trip!
Nicole says
TOP FIVE:
1. Rawr protein bar.
2. Chomp stick and pistachios.
3. Starbucks egg white bites and black coffee.
4. Jimmy John’s lettuce wrap, double protein.
5. Dried mango and roasted, salted cashews.
BOTTOM FIVE:
1. Jerky. It smells diabolical.
2. Fast food. Gross.
3. Ice cream.
4. Kids eating anything in the car.
5. Husband chomping on anything in the car.
😜🤣😇
Ashley Slagel says
Best-Combos: the pretzel kind with pizza flavor filling. Paired with a Dr.Pepper. I never consume these unless on a road trip.
Worst-Beef jerky…I can’t even be in the car. It smells SO bad.
Kathy says
Oh, for the good ole days when I could eat peanut m & m’s on a road trip.
We still swing in for a Starbucks, though🩷
Sarah DeWald says
I never reach for chocolate during road trips – I’m afraid I’ll forget about it and they will melt!
But sour patch kids are the best!
Allison says
Three hours + is exactly right! Two hours isn’t enough, three+ hours hits the spot! And amen to the pork rinds, blegh!! Trail mix always hits the spot. I LOVE me some Cheetos but they are 100% a gross, orange, chemical explosion lol!
Michelle says
My bottom 5: 5. corn nuts 4. corn nuts 3. corn nuts 2. corn nuts 1. C.O.R.N. N.U.T.S.
And of course my husband loves them. Who wants to eat something that smells like feet? I don’t get the appeal!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes and Amen, bahahaha!
Mandy Stephenson says
Twizzlers, but for the baseball tournament after the road trip there!! The only ones are the pull n’ peel – perfect for calming nervous energy! I peel while he’s batting, when he’s in the outfield…..if the score is close, I’m anxiously pulling and eating Twizzlers!
Beth Valenta says
First said, I just went on a roadtrip with my husband and besties. Our first “allowed” stop was Buc-ee’s on our 6 hour trip to Charleston. Women walked in and walked out with cheese cubes. The anxiety producing panic that place produces was unreal. Our husbands walked out with a chicken sandwich and brisket sandwich, with jerky. OMG gag. I would have had many stops following if I ate that. My standard go to: sparkling waters plain, cheese and crackers, and almonds. I will eat when I get there with a nice glass of something. I can wait.
Kathy says
Because of finances we were never allowed gas station snacks on a road trip as a kid. As an adult it was so fun to walk in a gas station and buy whatever I wanted! I love gummies and pringles!
Sharon says
All I know is top road trip snack is definitely a Little Debbie zebra cake! I remember only eating those driving home from college and getting in the gas station. Now I also love gas station taquitos. Sounds gross but they are so good. Ha!
Jennifer P says
Anything over 45 minutes is a road trip to me!! Give me all the swedish fish, sunflower seeds and iced coffee!!
Laci says
I love a good diet coke and peanut butter crackers!
Brooke says
I feel very much in line with most of your choices and reasons except the peanut butter crackers. I will pass on those. My odd one that I would add is Fig Newtons. I don’t buy them any other time but they are an easy sweet treat from the gas station.
Sandra Roberts says
Andrew’s icebreaker mint is making me car sick just sitting at my desk. No sir!
I’ll take gummy bears/worms and cheese crackers. Something sweet and salty.
MelanieL says
I’ll go about 1 hour 45 minutes until we get to our favorite truck stop that sells really fresh doughnuts and I’m getting a gigantic apple fritter and coffee every time. 🙂 Give me chicken salad on a croissant if we’re stopping at Buc-ees though! I hope Cheetos doesn’t read your blog, I’m dying laughing! They are the worst!!
Michelle Etheridge says
Top 5 has to include nerd clusters. Bottom of the barrel is sunflower seeds which involves spitting into an empty bottle
Mix and Match Mama says
Okay, my kids and even Andrew LOVE Nerd Clusters, but my gummy loving heart thinks they’re gross. I’ve tried them several times and for whatever reason, I cannot get excited about them. What’s wrong with me?
Kacey says
I love these post so much! They always make me LOL!! I’m so with you – chocolate covered almonds, pb crackers, sour gummies, trail mix – YES!! Also can jump on to the turkey bacon breakfast sandwich train. It’s almost always my airport breakfast. I’m also boring and love a pretzel! =)
Bottom: for sure all of those messy snacks! Who the heck wants that in the CAR! I’d probably get in an accident trying to clean the powder from those donuts off of my pants because Lord knows that’s where all of it would go – NO THANK YOU
Blake says
Wait?! What’s wrong with popcorn, Andrew?
Sam’s sells individual bags of Dots pretzels and those are my go-to! Everyone in my family loves them and everyone gets their own bag- an important thing with kids 😅
Hanna Humphreys says
Andrew’s picks are giving serial killer vibes! 😛 For me, it’s those Fritos Honey BBQ Twists, Pizza Combos, or Chex Mix Bold. I’m pretty sure you’d hate the smell of all three of these lol!
Mix and Match Mama says
Literally laughing out loud!
Robin says
😂
Ranisa Brletich says
Haha! This is so funny! A couple summers ago we were talking a road trip with our three youngest boys. They were 4, 9, and 12. At the first gas station stop I mentioned I had always thought it would be fun to grab everything you wanted and not just a snack or two til the next stop. My husband thought it sounded fun for the boys too. So while my husband pumped gas the boys and I went in and left our loot on the counter then he went in added his item and brought them out to the car while I was getting the boys settled. He came out spitting and sputtering about how expensive it was. Needless to say we really did end up with enough snacks for the entire trip. It really was a ton of fun and lots of gas station bags.
lee ann vicary says
Buc-ee’s Beef Jerky is amazing – so many flavor choices.
~B~ says
I commute about an hour to work morning and evening…does that qualify as a road trip as I typically bring a little stash of snacks with me, just in case heaven forbid, I can’t get to/from work without a snack? 😉 For pre-post work, it’s typically some almonds or cashews, maybe an apple, or maybe a beef stick post work (but the smell is so strong). But! On a road trip, must have Twizzlers! What is it about them, that for any extended drive (my family lives in a range from 4-7 hours away), Twizzlers is a must??!
Happy May, Shay! Had a super fast trip down to Florida and was at WDW where I got some serious walks 🤪 in every day. The weather is gorgeous here in the Midwest, so looking forward to being able to walk outside!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so jealous you were at WDW! That’s my favorite place to get my steps in!!
Brittany Swain says
I love combos only on road trips, but only the nacho cheese pretzel ones!
K.K. says
Well, hmmm… This is a tricky one. I always want to go healthy with this, but road trips always seem to call for something in the candy category.
Top would include a Twix (but just on road trips), cashews, smoothie, and something chewy but not too sticky – like an Airhead, maybe?
Bottom would include any sticky candy that pulls on your teeth or gets too stuck: taffy or anything in that family! UGH.. Can’t stand super sticky.
Scarlett Spangler says
I can get on board with all of these answers (from both of you)… except for breath mints! Those are not a snack, Andrew! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
RIIIIIIIIGHT?!
Rebecca Penn says
GASP! Andrew’s bottom five! If only my tastebuds agreed! 🤣
Marisa Patel says
I do think that 3 hours is a decent duration for a road trip and I agree with all of yours except I would substitute Peanut M&M’s for Trail Mix and a PayDay for the Sour Patch Kids. Andrew’s list is a bit of a bummer LOL
Mix and Match Mama says
I do LOVE a Peanut M&M!!
Patt says
About 5 years ago, I was going through breast cancer. My surgeons were an hour to an hour and a half away ( one was my breast cancer surgeon and one was my plastic surgeon for reconstruction). I had a lot of appointments and my husband and I turned them into road trips and he would pack our snacks for every one. He liked Clif bars and Smart Start cereal, and I liked Lucky Charms and mixed berry fruit and grain bars, with some gummy bears here and there, but they have to be Haribo brand. Incidentally, in the past year I have upped my gummy bear eating, which coincided with a rise in my A1C. I knew the gummy bears were the culprit, and I was right. I quit eating them and my numbers went down. My doctor couldn’t understand why anyone would want to eat gummy bears. So I appreciate that you understand! Now when I want something sweet, I have a few Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips. Much lower in sugar, but not great for a road trip in hot weather.
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! That’s an incredible story! I hope and pray you’re doing really really well right now! Sending you so much love. xx
Katie Hahn says
Your bottom fave made me chuckle! I would love to hear what some of your top and bottom picks are from your kiddos! I have to agree that trail mix is my go-to. The “monster” trail mix from target makes my heart oh so happy. Happy Monday!
Jenn says
Mine are cheddar cheese pretzel Combos (do NOT give me the cracker ones…they must be pretzel), chewy Mini Sweettearts, Junior Mints, and sour neon worms.
I say one hour qualifies as a road trip ha! My snacks, my rules 🙂
Jessica says
Well, after reading this I know two things….. I can definitely be Shay’s rood trip buddy but I most certainly cannot be Andrew’s…. no candy, no soda? Where’s the fun in that haha!
DANIELLE MARIE BRYANT says
I am the Queen of road trip naps! Something about being in the car and having my seat heater on puts me right to sleep. That being said, I also love a good snack! My go to road trip snack will always be Bugles, Chicago Style Popcorn, and a large Dr. Pepper with pebbled ice! There’s nothing better!
katie says
Andrews list appears he just left the nursing home!! Shays list is MUCH better! I always have snacks in my car for toting kids to and from activities but to purchase specific snacks for a road trip it has to be 3 or more hours. For me i never ever buy them unless we are on a road trip and that’s pizza combos and life saver gummies!
Lindsey says
3 hours to qualify for a road trip?! Oops, I pack snacks for driving around town 😂. Beef jerky is not allowed in my car because it stinks! I have to have salt and vinegar chips (I like the Good Crisp brand). They help me when I get nauseous. Also, cinnamon mints or gum are a go-to for nausea! My favorite Buccee’s snack are the little dark chocolate waffle cones (it’s just the end of the cone filled with chocolate- no ice cream!).
Suzanne Bjortomt says
Combos (but only the nacho cheese pretzel ones) are our go to snack for road trips. And I don’t know why, but I always crave an Egg McMuffin from McDonald’s on a road trip. But I always take the slab of ham off and hand it to my husband. 🙂 I don’t ever eat McDonald’s otherwise, but I always need that Egg McMuffin! haha
Katie Compton says
I love an Egg McMuffin on a morning road trip too! I always order them “no meat” and they leave off the ham. You should try that! But it might make your hubby sad, ha!
Kellie Bowers says
Okay I am always buying Twizzlers for road trips too. We always have to get Combos too and Bugles too. That’s the only time we eat those two snacks! Oh and gummy candy too. 🙂
Please tell Andrew that mints are not snacks. Hahahaha
Christina says
Yes! any gummi bears, sour patch kids, lifesaver gummis. Always hit the spot.
Jill Snethen says
Perfect timing – we are leaving on a 14 hr road trip to Colorado in 2 weeks. I always start out a long road trip with Healthish snacks but by the end it is “anything goes”.
Carolyn says
Definitely peanut butter pretzels. I can’t keep them at home for fear of ODing. And SkinnyPop popcorn. Messy but vacuums up fast. 😂
sandi says
Anything over two hours is considered a road trip in our book.
Top Five:
5/ Bite sized chocolate covered anything… almonds, peanuts, caramel, sunflower seeds I’m not picky
4/ Kettle Brand Honey Dijon chips
3/ Apples – easy to eat and then throw the core out the window for the wild animals
2/ Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
1/ Trail Mix – a little bit of everything in one bag
Bottom Five:
5/ Pork Rinds
4/ Funyuns
3/ Crunchy granola bars
2/ Cheetos
1/ Veggie straws – just gross
PS: I had to google corn nuts because I have never heard of them.
Mary Jane McNeill says
MINTS?? Really, Andrew?? Give me Twizzlers ANY day!
Kim says
Love these posts. I agree that three hours on the road qualifies needing a snack. My top snacks would be a Coke Zero with lots of ice cheez its and buckees roasted pecans. I’ve tried to like gummies and twizzlers but I just can’t do it. My bottom snacks to have in the car are definitely nacho cheese Doritos jerky and heaven forbid pork rinds. My daughter was on her way back from a field trip in high school and had to sit next to a girl eating salt and vinegar pork rinds 😩. No maam and no thank you.
Candy Poels says
My daughter swears by the motion sickness glasses in Amazon! Look crazy but if you get motion sickness you will do anything!
Pam says
Jerky! Ugh!!!! It makes the car smell like road kill. My husband gets it when we stop at Buc-ees and I have to crack the window. No! Just no!
Faith says
I don’t want pork rinds or corn nuts any day.
Top snacks – agree on twizzlers! Peanut butter or peanut m&m’s, goldfish for a salty snack that is easy to eat.
Bottom – anything that makes a mess or crumbles as you eat it
Jodi says
Sign me up for a road trip with you dad! I never ever buy powdered donuts BUT on a road trip they are perfection and I am OCD about mess in my car. Can’t explain it, they are just perfect for a road trip.
Jodi says
Oh and…a mint?! LOL. That is not a road trip snack, it isn’t even a snack.
Rebekah Holland says
Awesome road trip snacks: Cow tails, carrots, apples, sliced square Vermont sharp cheese with triscuit crackers, and bubblicious gum.
Not so great: sunflower seeds (with the shell), tic tacs, and applesauce in a pouch.
Kandi Barber says
Anything an hour or more deserves snacks!! Your bottom 5 reads like my top 5. Powdered sugar donuts are the best – less messy if you put a whole one in your mouth 🙂 That’s my morning snack and yes my car looks like a sugar bomb went off. Afternoon snack is cheetos but I do love me a corn nut. Sad to say we won’t be roadtripping together I guess
Marie ' says
Sorry, totally unrelated here. But my husband (who is from Germany) just asked me if I want to go to Vienna in December for a week! He’s never been there and neither have I! Does Mix and Match Travel have any experience with Vienna in December?
Mix and Match Mama says
We do! What a beautiful time of year to visit! We would love to help. Please email us at info@mixandmatchtravelagency.com 🙂
Marie says
Ok! I will do that!!!
SS says
Shay… I was shocked because I didn’t think you were much of a road tripper!!! LOL!!!
We have only travelled by car!!! For one we do try to make stops to eat larger meals, but mainly like at Cracker Barrel (we don’t have any by us now). We are ones who always load up the car with lots of water to drink. We are not big snack people on trips, but we do have some treats with us.
Our faves in no order…. jerky, yogurt covered anything (pretzels, raisins, nuts), cinnamon almonds, hard candy/gum, trail mix in individual bags you can rip and pour. I will probably add twizzlers… most of my family loves them… I do not.. I am a red vine person!!!
Bottom- anything crumbly, sticky (like on your hands), nothing to smelly (corn nuts ugh).
Connie says
My go to car snack is Goldfish, Cheezits or Trail mix. Maybe a chewy chocolate chip granola bar, peanut butter crackers or chocolate kisses thrown in at times! I agree with your bottom five except I do like Cheetos once in a blue moon. But agree they are messy.
Heather S says
We travel very frequently for hockey so we quantify anything over 2 hours a road trip.
Top 5
1.Twizzlers
2.Dots Pretzels
3. Raisinets
4. Lays Sour Cream & Onion Chips
5. Snyders Honey Mustard & Onion Pieces
Yolanda McLean says
I really enjoy the Love’s beef jerky – has to be Love’s store brand. It seems to not have an offensive smell. It also seems to be real beef, lol. Don’t judge but I often want a Funyun on a road trip. I do enjoy a Bugle too. Regular Lay’s chips are my most often purchased because my husband will share that with me. A Snickers really does take away the hanger! I have NEVER been one to get into Twizzlers, but I really should give them another try as they seem so well liked.
Funny, I work primarily from home and go in the office one day a week. On that day I treat the 1.5 hour one way like a road trip. There will be iced coffee and some type of snack. I also eat lunch out that day. That one day in the office can get expensive. Someone told me yesterday that Buccee’s has great iced coffee for just $2, I will be trying that on my next drive into the office.
Shannon Proctor says
Twizzlers are my go to as well! I also agree with the trail mix! You get the best of both worlds. I’m a little embarrassed to say, but I do love a slim jim too!
Alicia says
Well… I guess no one likes to road trip with Andrew…
I only eat twizzlers on road trips!
Christa says
The Cheeto bit had me laughing out loud. As someone who is very sensitive to loud eating and strong smells, I must agree. No Cheetos in a confined space.
We recently drove to Disney and my favorites were Nerd clusters, buffalo almonds, trail mix and all the pretzels (PB pretzels, sourdough pretzels, pretzel thins.)
Denise says
I always pack a few snacks for the car, even for a shorter 1.5 HR drive!
Top roadtrip snacks:
Trail mix / chocolate covered nuts
Puppy chow (messy, but so so good!)
Protein bars
Applesauce pouches
Fruit strips/fruit snacks
Uncrustables
Beef jerky
PB filled pretzels
Bottom:
Yogurt (there’s just something about eating yogurt in the car that makes me queasy)
Chex mix
Pork rinds (these could not be more disgusting)
Corn nuts (the smell & the sound both drive me crazy!)
Arika says
Twizzlers are pretty meh flavor-wise. If you ever want to kick it up, try the Sweet Tart Ropes – the cherry punch flavor. Blows Twizzlers out of the water if you’re looking for a guilty indulgence! 🙂
Erika Slaughter says
NOW I understand why you two don’t like a road trip! Because you’re doing the snacks ALL WRONG! After reading your lists, it’s all making sense!!
Jen says
Such a fun topic – but ANDREW, road trip snacks are supposed to be guilty pleasures!
Love (in no particular order) Cool Ranch Doritos, ice cold fountain Diet Coke, White Cheddar SmartPop or homemade popcorn from the stir crazy, Dot’s pretzels, and maybe some sour chewy candy of sorts (a local convenience store has these sour cherry balls that are really good!).
Stef says
It’s funny the difference in air travel snacks vs road trip snacks. Air travel is protein bars or almonds. Road trips include some gummy candy and ranch Doritos. I rarely eat those at home. Anyone else?
Kristen Smith says
My road trip snacks have changed over the years now that I am allergic to nuts. My favorites are Cheez-its and (hard-to-find) Pretzel M & Ms. They are the best alternative to peanut M & Ms I have found. The bottled Starbucks Mocha Frappuccinos in the gas station refrigerator are also a must for me. Love a good road trip! Start the audio book and take me away, lol!
Lindi says
It looks like Andrew doesn’t have fun with his road trip snacks! I prefer yours, Shay!
Erin says
Doritos, Cheez-Its, Pringles. It’s gotta be crunchy and salty. We don’t eat this day everyday, so it better be pure crack.
Michelle B says
I love sweet tarts mini chewys when I am roadtripping by myself. With others my favs are peanut m&ms, Reese’s peanut butter cups, pringles, cheez it’s and Funyuns.
Joanna says
What is the deal, Andrew?? lol, no fast food, no soda??? And please reconsider cheese puffs…the natural Annie’s Smiles are delicious! Also, the peanut butter filled pretzel bites from Costco are the best road trip food. And beef jerky. 🙂
Alison says
I would agree on the at least 3 hours justifies as a road trip that needs snacks. I’m cracking up at your description of the powdered donuts and cheetos. I can just see your dad eating those donuts and loving it! Haha! Always love your Top 5 Bottom 5 lists!
Alison says
I don’t think Andrew understood the assignment. 😉😂
kristen says
Well, I have zero desire to ever go on a road trip with Andrew Shull, but I call shotgun to ride with Papa Jay and we can share our powdered sugar donuts!!
Andrea says
Oh Andrew…bless him for participating, but the only way an unsupervised 9 year old is buying any of those “snacks “ is if they are training for the Olympics with some very overbearing Russian coaches that track every calorie 🤣
Debra E says
Road trip requirements for me are red Swedish fish, a large tootsie roll and a McDonalds Diet Coke with extra ice. Every time!!
Deb says
Someone please explain to Andrew road trip calories don’t count 🙂 I try to balance something with some protein (Chomps or jerky) with a guilty pleasure (Dot’s Pretzels). Throw in a Diet Dr Pepper for good measure. I would agree Cheetos are normally a “No” for me too, but the jalapeño cheddar ones are delish!
Laura says
Goldfish used to be our go to for road trips until my then toddler child got carsick…let’s just say I can’t look at goldfish the same way anymore 15 years later! Give me a vanilla sweet cream cold brew and a Gouda/bacon/egg sandwich for early morning road trips and I am a happy passenger!
Dee says
We always bring sandwiches, fruit, water, and I buy a pack of the small bags of different types so we can bring them for snacks. I also get some sodas since we don’t drink them anymore at home. If there’s a 2nd day, we get a quick lunch on the way. I love Doritos Cool Ranch or Fritos (plain or chili cheese) and don’t usually get them so that’s big on my list. Anything like gummies would top my bottom 5. I can’t stand anything that sticks to my teeth. I do like Trail Mix because it has a little sweet to go with the salty.
Alyssa Norman says
Such a fun post! Not going to lie, a road trip at this stage of my life sounds like a NIGHTMARE, however we do frequently make the trip up to Steamboat from Denver, which is about 3 hours. I literally laughed out loud reading that powdered donuts are on your bottom 5 because they were hands down my favorite road trip snack growing up. Granted, I haven’t had one in years but they feel so nostalgic to me 😉. One I didn’t see in comments as a favorite are specifically Gardettos snack mix. So salty and yummy and not too messy. Also those Dots pretzels, although they can be a mess on your fingers.
Lisa N says
Twizzlers, Sunflower Seeds, Trail Mix and Great Value Teryaki Beef Jerky😋
Sharon says
Funny anecdote — I live in Boston and my fam lives in NJ. My sister and BIL refuses to drive up to visit me in the same car as my parents because their road trip snacks are ALWAYS hard boiled eggs and lox. Imagine being trapped with those smells!
Deb says
On top 5, I agree with chocolate almonds and peanut butter crackers – I always have peanut butter crackers with me because I am a grazer! I think 3 or 4 hours minimum for road trip snacks! On bottom 5, I agree with all except Cheetos – guilty occasional pleasure for me, but I get that you cannot get the orange off your fingers!
Jinjer says
If you like sour gummies you NEED to get Nerds Gummy Clusters. They’re the best!! I also have to have HOMEMADE Chex Mix. I’ll also take some Extra Toasty Cheez It and YES to the square, cheese peanutbutter crackers and also the white squares Frito Lay Munchies Jalapeno Cheddar.
Janna says
Red licorice (sorry, Twizzlers taste like plastic), sour patch kids, hot tamales, trail mix, Nugo protein bars and goldfish.
I cannot handle pork rinds in or out of the car.
Lauren Priddle says
100% agree with anything sour or gummy!
Jessamyn Peace says
I love a Cajun trail mix — the sweet and spicy!! Also dried mango is a go-to. I’m surprised you feel so strongly about corn nuts since you love corn! Have you ever tried the Inca puffed corn from Trader Joe’s though?! You know TJ’s can redeem even the most eh snacks!! They’re so good! Pretty loud though haha