The Best Airplane Snacks In 2023: Delicious and Nutritious

Are you looking for the best airplane snacks that are both delicious and nutritious? If so, you have come to the right place! In this blog post, we will be discussing some all-time favorite options that both kids and adults will love.

These airplane snacks are healthy, delicious, mess-free, and long-lasting, so you won’t have to worry about giving your in-flight neighbor a fright.

These snack ideas will help reduce your body’s stress level while traveling, keeping you well-fueled and your blood sugar balanced. Packing snacks ahead of time will also help you save money.

It’s no secret that airport food and in-flight options cost more than what you would pay at your local grocery store. This summer I paid $1.50 for a banana at the airport, which would cost me around $0.15 at a normal store! With just a few extra minutes of planning, you’re guaranteed to save some $$ with any of these airplane snacks.

So whether you are traveling with your family on a vacation or flying on a business trip, I’ve got you covered!

What are the Best Airplane Snacks?

When I think of good airplane food ideas, a few things come to mind: I want something nutritious, mess-free, and something that won’t go bad during a long flight.

It’s also important to keep in mind TSA and international flight rules about bringing liquids through security, which means your favorite protein smoothy is a no-go for the long flight (Remember, liquids have to be under 3.4 ounces / 100 milliliters)

With that said, let’s get started! Here are my favorite airplane snacks:

Fresh fruit

Not only is fruit healthy and delicious, but it’s also the perfect size for snacking on during a flight. Slices of apples, grapes, oranges, and even pineapples can occupy fidgety fingers and rumbling tummies without taking up too much space in your carry-on.

Just make sure to eat any fruit that might bruise easily (like bananas) before getting on the plane. After being kicked around in your carry-on during long flights, you’ll be left with nothing but a sticky mess!

Dried fruit

If you’re looking for a more shelf-stable option, dried fruit is the way to go. I love packing a small bag of my favorite dried fruits like apricots, dates, figs, and raisins for long flights. Not only do they tide me over until the in-flight meal, but they’re also a great source of energy and nutrients.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are another nutritious snack option that can help you make it through a long flight. I like to pack a mix of almonds, cashews, and walnuts to have on hand.

Seeds like sunflower and pumpkin seeds are also great to have as a snack, but they can be a little more messy and easy to spill. I recommend sticking to larger nuts for a convenient mess-free snack option.

Vegetables and dip

Vegetables and dip are another great in-flight snack. Chop up some carrots and celery and pack a small container of hummus or another dipping sauce with you on the plane. Not only is this snack healthy and a great meal substitute, but it’s also easy to eat and won’t make too much of a mess.

Cheese and crackers

If you’re looking for a more filling snack, crackers and cheese are always a good option. I like to pack a small container of crackers and a few slices of cheese to have on hand. A good balance of protein, carbs, and fat, this snack will keep you full until your next meal.

Cheese sticks are another fun idea, which I have observed is especially popular with kiddos!

Jerky

Looking for a gluten-free, protein-packed airplane snack? Look no further than jerky! You can opt for the classic beef jerky or go for turkey or even veal. EPIC bars are my personal favorite! Think of them as natural protein bars.

I find that I can go a couple more hours feeling satisfied after having one of their meat snacks.

Jerky is a great source of lean protein. Plus, it’s easy to eat on the go and will be a perfect addition to short or long flights. Simply throw a pack of beef jerky in your carry-on and you’re all set!

So next time you’re looking for a healthy, gluten-free snack to bring on your flight, reach for beef jerky. Your taste buds will thank you!

Granola, energy, and protein bars

Protein bars are other great healthy travel snacks. They’re easy to eat, packed with nutrients, and relatively mess-free (unless it’s a supper crumbly granola bar – you make the call here 🙂 ).

I like to bring a couple of granola bars on long flights as a backup in case I get hungry and there’s no food available. They don’t go bad, so I can always save them for later and have extra snacks during your vacation.

Pro tip: check the ingredients and take a look at how much sugar is in the granola bar. Some options might look healthy but are the equivalent of a cookie. That’s why I like RX Bars – their ingredients are clean and nutrient dense.

Veggie chips

Veggie chips are another great option for healthy snacks. And they are a good alternative to regular potato chips. I love the Terra brand, which makes a variety of veggie chips made from different vegetables like sweet potato, beet, taro, and yuca.

For something a little heartier, try these black bean quinoa chips from Rhythm Superfoods. They are crispy and have a great flavor. And they are packed with protein and fiber.

Hard-boiled eggs

This one is a bit more controversial – some people say hard-boiled eggs are too stinky, but I personally love this option. I tend to opt for this if I have a very early flight and know I’ll want an on-the-go breakfast option. I peel the eggs at home so it’s mess free during travel. A few bights and you have a protein-rich start to your day.

Nut butter packets

Nut butter packets have become more popular in recent years and you can get 3-ounce peanut butter or almond butter to-go packets at a lot of big grocery stores.

These are great for air travel because they meet the TSA liquid rules and won’t be confiscated at security.

A great addition to apple slices or crackers – kudos to whoever came up with this idea!

Sandwich

A classic option. I like to make my own sandwich with hearty bread, lettuce, cheese, and turkey or ham. It’s pretty easy to eat on the go and great for a longer flight that overlaps with lunchtime.

Plus, it’s a lot less expensive than buying a pre-made sandwich at the airport!

I can’t move on without mentioning an all-time favorite: the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I remember my mom making a PB&J for me and my brother on long road trips and it’s been a favorite road trip and travel snack ever since. It’s great for the airplane, too, because it lasts long without being refrigerated.

Trail mix

Make your own trail mix or pick some up at the grocery store! Trail mix can be a combination of anything you like: nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate chips, etc.

I like to make my own trail mix with almonds, cashews, and dark chocolate chips. It’s truly a delicious and satisfying snack.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to trail mix. So get creative and find a combination that you love.

Animal crackers

If you want to bring snacks that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face, animal crackers are a sure bet.

These classic cookies are perfect for kids and adults alike. And they’re easy to eat on the go. Combine it with some peanut butter for some extra nutrition and you’re good to go.

Do you have a favorite animal cracker? I have to say, I’m partial to the elephants.

Berries

In terms of healthy snacks, you can’t go wrong with berries. You can pack a mix of berries in a small Tupperware. Maybe some blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries… yum!

Pro tip: if you’re bringing fresh berries, pack them in a reusable container with some paper towels. This will help keep them from getting squished.

How do you pack snacks for travel?

If you’re trying to eat well while you’re traveling, packing your own snacks is a great way to make sure you have something healthy to eat on hand. But if you’ve ever tried to bring along a bag of grapes or a container of hummus, you know that it can be tricky to keep your snacks from getting squished in your suitcase. It’s important to have the right bags and organizers for packing.

Fortunately, there are a few easy tips you can follow to make sure your snacks stay fresh and delicious during your travels.

1. Choose the right container. If you’re packing anything that could potentially leak (think: yogurts, dips, or fruits with juices), be sure to choose a container that can be sealed tightly.

Zip-top bags are perfect for this purpose. If you’re just bringing dry snacks like nuts granola, or protein bars, any resealable bag will do.

A small collapsible container can also be a great travel accessory to invest in.

2. Layer wisely. If you’re packing multiple types of snacks, try to put the items that are less likely to get squished on the bottom (think: hard candy or crackers) and save the more delicate items (like berries or ripe fruit) for the top layer. This will help prevent damage during transit.

3. Don’t forget the napkins! No matter what type of snack you’re packing, it’s always a good idea to tuck in a few napkins or paper towels. That way, if anything does happen to leak or spill, you’ll be prepared.

4. Store in an accessible spot. When it comes time to actually pack your snacks in your suitcase, be sure to store them in an easily accessible spot near the top so that you don’t have to dig through everything to find them when it’s time for a snack break on your flight.

Conclusion

Even if you have the best vacation idea, flying there can be a pain in the neck – or sometimes even the ear. But one thing that can make the experience bearable is good healthy snacks.

Bringing your own travel snacks will help you save money and feel more confident that you’re fuelling yourself, your kids, and your travel buddies well.

So there you have it! The best airplane snacks. What is your favorite airplane food? Trail mix is pretty high on mine these days. Let me know what you think!

Till next time, happy travels! And bon appétit!