Traveling as a vegan can be an exciting adventure, but finding the right snacks can sometimes be a challenge. Whether you’re taking a long flight, embarking on a road trip, or exploring a new city, having vegan-friendly snacks on hand is key to staying energized and satisfied. In this guide, we’ll share some of the best snacks for vegan travelers that are portable, healthy, and delicious.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are some of the most convenient and nutrient-dense snacks you can carry with you. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, they make for an excellent travel snack to keep you fueled throughout the day. Some popular choices include:
- Almonds: A great source of vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats.
- Cashews: Rich in iron and copper, they provide a creamy texture and delicious flavor.
- Pumpkin seeds: High in protein, magnesium, and zinc.
- Chia seeds: Great for adding to smoothies or oatmeal when you need a snack with omega-3 fatty acids.
For easy portability, consider pre-packaged servings or make your own trail mix by combining nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
Granola Bars or Energy Bars
Granola and energy bars are classic travel snacks for a reason. They are easy to pack, filling, and available in various vegan-friendly options. When selecting a granola bar, be sure to check the label to ensure it’s free from animal products (like honey). Look for bars made with whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, providing an energy boost while keeping you full. Some great vegan-friendly brands include:
- LÄRABAR: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like dates, nuts, and fruit.
- CLIF BAR: Many varieties are vegan, containing oats, protein, and plant-based ingredients.
- GoMacro: Known for organic, vegan-friendly bars made with nutritious ingredients.
These bars can be lifesavers when you need a quick and satisfying snack.
Fruit (Fresh or Dried)
Fruit is an excellent snack for vegan travelers, providing vitamins, hydration, and natural sweetness. Fresh fruit can be a bit tricky to carry depending on your mode of travel, but dried fruit offers a great alternative. Some easy-to-carry options include:
- Apples: Perfect for road trips or flights, apples are crunchy and hydrating.
- Bananas: Portable and easy to peel, bananas are a great energy booster.
- Dried Mango or Pineapple: Natural and sweet, these dried fruits are light and easy to pack.
- Dates: High in natural sugars, dates provide a quick energy burst, especially if you’re feeling fatigued.
Just be cautious of any added sugars or preservatives in dried fruit. Opt for organic or minimally processed options when possible.
Vegan Jerky
For savory snack lovers, vegan jerky is a tasty and satisfying alternative to traditional meat jerky. Made from soy, mushrooms, or even peas, these plant-based options provide the same satisfying chewiness and flavor without animal products. Popular vegan jerky brands include:
- Primal Spirit Foods: Offers a variety of flavors, including Teriyaki, Hickory Smoked, and BBQ.
- Noble Jerky: A soy-based jerky available in flavors like Sweet & Spicy and Hickory.
- Loma Linda: Known for their plant-based meat alternatives, Loma Linda also offers tasty vegan jerky.
These savory treats are compact and perfect for long flights or road trips when you crave something salty and satisfying.
Vegan Crackers and Chips
Sometimes, you just need something crunchy to snack on, and vegan crackers and chips are a fantastic option. Look for whole grain crackers, baked chips, or plant-based chips made from lentils or chickpeas. Some good options include:
- Mary’s Gone Crackers: Made from organic whole grains and seeds, these crackers are nutritious and filling.
- Boulder Canyon Chips: These chips are made from simple, plant-based ingredients and come in various flavors.
- Bare Fruit Chips: Made with only fruit, these chips are a healthy, crispy alternative to traditional potato chips.
Pack these snacks in resealable bags to make them easy to carry and snack on throughout your trip.
Vegan Protein Balls
Protein balls are a great way to fuel up on the go. They’re easy to make at home or buy pre-packaged, offering a mix of healthy fats, protein, and carbs. Ingredients often include oats, nut butter, seeds, and dried fruits, which provide sustained energy. Many protein ball recipes are vegan and customizable based on your taste. Some popular brands to try include:
- Bhu Foods: Offers vegan protein balls made with clean, plant-based ingredients.
- Squarebar: Organic protein bars made from simple ingredients like nuts, seeds, and chocolate.
- No Cow Protein Bars: A vegan protein bar made with plant protein and no added sugar.
Protein balls are perfect for when you need an energy boost before a long hike or as a midday snack during travel.
Conclusion
Traveling as a vegan doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice tasty, nutritious snacks. With a little planning, you can easily pack a variety of vegan-friendly options to keep you energized and satisfied while on the go. From nuts and seeds to vegan jerky and protein balls, the possibilities are endless. With these snack ideas, you’ll be well-prepared for any travel adventure.
