The sun is shining, the kids are out of school, the great outdoors is calling. It's adventure time! Maybe you're embarking on a road trip, planning a fun day at the beach, roughing it on a camping trip, or heading to the kids’ next sporting event. No matter the destination, having the right fuel for your journey is essential.
Sure, you can rely on drive-thrus and convenience store snacks, but road trip food doesn’t have to mean greasy fries and questionable gas station hot dogs. With a little planning and creativity, you can pack a cooler with nutritious and delicious snacks—and even full meals—that will keep you and your crew energized and satisfied all day long.
In this blog post, we'll share our top road trip foods to pack your cooler like a pro. Whether you’re flying solo, going on an adults-only adventure, or have a gaggle of kids in tow, there are ideas here for everyone.
Let’s get packing!
Shelf-Stable Finger Foods
No Fridge? No Problem.
First things first, you don’t need a cooler to hit the road. There are plenty of Primal-friendly options that keep at room temperature, perfect for tucking into your backpack and setting out on the road or trail. These grab-and-go options are ready to roll wherever summer takes you.
Meat sticks or jerky: Pack protein in your pocket or purse. Look for options made with simple ingredients and no or low added sugar.
Trail mix: A classic. Pro tip if you’re traveling with kids: Before you set off, hit the bulk bins at your local co-op and let everyone create their own custom blend of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.
Whole fruit: Apples, oranges, bananas, peaches—these are nature’s original travel snack. (Fruits like berries and grapes keep better in a cooler unless your trip is a short one.) Remember to wash everything before you leave.
Grain-free chips or crackers: For when you crave a crunchy, salty snack.
Olives: Another great option when you want something salty. Look for individual snack packs so you don’t have to pack a whole jar.
Canned fish: Sardines, salmon, or tuna are portable and protein-packed. Opt for versions packed in olive oil, and don’t forget a fork. Oh, and open the car window to spare your fellow passengers the fish smell.
Whole avocado: Bring a little paring knife and a fork or spoon, plus some sea salt or everything bagel seasoning for a filling snack. Avocado + packet of tuna = a complete meal.
Nut butter packets: Squeeze ‘em onto fruit or just straight into your mouth. No judgment!
How to Pack a Primal Cooler
If you have room for a cooler, you can take things up a notch with the following ideas. For a shorter day trip, all you really need is a good insulated lunchbox with some ice packs.
Rotisserie chicken: Pack the shredded meat into single-serving containers. Enjoy it on its own, or bring tortillas (or large lettuce leaves) and sliced cheese to make roadside wraps.
Cheese sticks: Individually wrapped string cheese or mini cheese wheels keep adults’ and kids’ hunger at bay.
Sliced veggies and fruit: Think carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, apples, melon. A little bit of prep work goes a long way.
Hard-boiled eggs: The ultimate Primal protein snack. For less car mess, you can peel the eggs ahead of time, or pack them in the shell.
Yogurt: Freeze yogurt tubes or pouches to keep them colder for longer. Or, bring yogurt cups, berries, and granola to make simple parfaits on the go.
Cottage cheese: It’s everyone’s favorite high-protein recipe ingredient, but don’t forget that cottage cheese is also totally tasty on its own. Try topping it with fruit like pineapple or berries, or with cherry tomatoes and bagel seasoning.
Condiments: Your Secret Weapon for Making Road Food Delicious
Not only can condiments elevate your cooler cuisine, they’re also your best ally when eating on the go. Never underestimate the power of a good dipping sauce to liven up real food basics. Who wants to eat plain sliced veggies when you can dip them in ranch?
But don’t stop there. String cheese? Good. String cheese dipped in Special Sauce? Next level. Avocado Lime takes a basic rotisserie chicken wrap and makes it fine dining. (Ok, maybe not quite, but it does jack up the flavor so that your kids actually want to eat it.)
And let’s be real: there will be times when you hit the drive-thru, snag dinner at a fast casual spot, or yes, even grab a gas station hot dog. Sometimes convenience is key, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for condiments made with seed oils and high-fructose corn syrup. Not when it’s easy to toss your favorite no-sugar-added ketchup and no-seed-oil dipping sauce and salad dressing in the cooler. Enjoy that burger, pizza, fries, or nuggets knowing that your condiments are made with real ingredients you can pronounce.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Hydration is an important part of staying safe and nourished on your adventure, especially in hot summer months. Make sure you bring a refillable water bottle for everyone in your traveling party. (Trekking off the beaten path? Get a water bottle with a built-in filter for safe refills.)
Sometimes plain water gets a little boring, so consider packing some canned mineral water or a better-for-you soda in your cooler for a little fizz without the sugar crash. An electrolyte powder can also keep your hydration game strong on extra-sweaty days.
The “Extras”
Now that you have your cooler sorted out, a few thoughtful additions to the packing list can help you embrace your Primal sense of adventure:
Daypack or waist pack: For impromptu hikes or farmer’s market strolls.
Sunhat and sunscreen: Avoid the burn while you enjoy long days on the water, the trail, or the sideline of your kid’s game.
Resistance bands and/or a yoga mat: So you can stop, stretch, and do a quick micro-workout to break up long periods of sitting in the car.
A good book: No explanation needed.
So pack the snacks, grab your gear, and hit the road knowing you’ve got the tools (and treats) to make the most of summer—one bite, one step, one adventure at a time.
