Whether you’re heading to the airport, hitting the road, or boarding a train, having the right travel snacks can make all the difference. But between convenience packaging and processed choices, traditional on-the-go snacks often come with a heavy environmental footprint. The good news? It’s absolutely possible to pack travel-friendly snacks that are both sustainable and satisfying.
By preparing in advance and making a few smart choices, you’ll reduce waste, save money, and keep your energy up during long travel days. Here’s how to snack smarter on the move.
Choose Reusable Containers for Zero-Waste Snacking
The first step toward sustainable travel snacking is ditching disposable packaging. Pack your snacks in reusable containers, silicone bags, or beeswax wraps. These alternatives not only cut down on single-use plastic but also keep your food fresher during transit.
Collapsible silicone containers are particularly handy for saving space in your carry-on, while beeswax wraps are great for keeping sandwiches or wraps sealed and fresh.
Pack Homemade Snacks to Save Money (and Waste)
Homemade snacks are a win for your wallet and the planet. Granola bars, roasted chickpeas, trail mix, and baked goods like muffins are easy to prepare in batches and store for your trip. By making your snacks at home, you control the ingredients, minimize packaging waste, and avoid pricey impulse buys at airports or convenience stores.
For inspiration, check out recipes from sites like Minimalist Baker and Love and Lemons.
To save on ingredients, use cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta when shopping for bulk nuts, dried fruits, or baking essentials. Fluz lets you purchase discounted gift cards for grocery stores, giving you instant cashback on your snack supplies.
Go Bulk to Reduce Packaging
When possible, shop at bulk stores for snack ingredients. Buying nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and grains in bulk reduces unnecessary packaging and often costs less per ounce. Bring your own containers or reusable produce bags to minimize plastic use even further.
Apps like Ibotta and Rakuten often include cashback offers for bulk grocery purchases, so you can save while shopping sustainably.
Favor Plant-Based Options
Plant-based snacks tend to have a lower environmental impact compared to animal-based products. Items like dried fruit, nut mixes, hummus with veggie sticks, and energy bites made from oats and seeds are all excellent choices for eco-conscious travelers.
They’re also non-perishable, making them ideal for longer journeys where refrigeration isn’t an option.
Hydrate Sustainably
While technically not a snack, staying hydrated is crucial during travel. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at water stations throughout your journey. For longer trips or international destinations, consider a bottle with a built-in filter, such as those from LifeStraw or GRAYL, to ensure safe drinking water without relying on single-use plastic bottles.
Snack Smart at the Destination
Even if you didn’t pack enough snacks for the entire trip, you can make sustainable choices at your destination. Visit local farmers’ markets for fresh produce or find shops that stock package-free goods. Use cashback apps like Fluz for grocery purchases while traveling to continue saving and reducing waste.
