Snacks are always a must when you’re traveling. The trick is to find snacks that are easily packed, don’t need refrigeration, and can properly fuel you during long travel hours.
With a little planning, you can find and prepare tasty snack choices that everyone will love. That’s why we’ve put together the best shelf-stable travel food to take with you on your next fishing trip or weekend getaway.
You’ll be free from worrying about refrigeration, and enjoy high-protein options like delicious beef jerky. Plus, these snacks are perfect for almost any type of travel. Take them along on your day hike or store them in your carry-on bag for your next international trip.
With the right travel food, you and your fellow travelers will be nourished and energized so you can get the most out of your travels.
1. Protein Bars
Protein snacks are ideal because they help keep you satiated longer, which is why we recommend protein bars. They’re compact, making them easy to pack in your knapsack. Look for protein bars that are low in sugar and high in fiber.
Protein bars come in all sorts of varieties and flavors, so you can pick your favorite. Some flavors to choose from are vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon, or almond butter.
2. Peanuts
A bag of delicious peanuts will keep you full for a long time. You can easily eat a handful at a time to keep your energy going during long trips.
3. Wild River Hot Old Fashioned Beef Jerky
Need a little zest during your travels? Look no further than Wild River’s Hot Old Fashioned Beef Jerky. With 15 grams of protein per serving, this savory jerky will help give you the energy boost you need during any trip. It’s marinated with chili pepper and smoked to perfection, helping you put a spring in your step during long travel hours.
4. Granola
Granola is crunchy, and scrumptious, and can be tailored to your particular taste buds. You can buy it in the store or prepare it yourself at home.
All you need is rolled oats, a baking pan, cooking oil, and your favorite spices. Use any sweetener of your choice, such as honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. Try adding your favorite nuts to boost your protein intake or add some dried fruit for a touch of sweetness. Store it in reusable bags or small containers to easily carry it wherever you go.
5. Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts are small, light, and rich in nutrients, making them an excellent snack for travel. But what kind of seeds should you choose? Here are some yummy seed choices:
- Sunflower seeds: These tiny seeds are widely available and have 5.8 grams of protein in a single ounce. Buy them raw or toasted and store them in a resealable container.
- Pumpkin seeds: You can buy pumpkin seeds in a store or save them from your Halloween pumpkin carving. One ounce of pumpkin seeds has 7 grams of protein and can be enjoyed raw or roasted in the oven.
- Sesame seeds: You might think of sesame seeds as belonging to your morning bagel, but these tiny seeds are delicious on their own. One tablespoon of sesame seeds contains 1.59 grams of protein and 1.06 grams of fiber, helping you to feel fuller longer.
6. Chips
With chips, you have endless possibilities to choose from. Choose between sweet potato chips, veggie chips, corn chips, or regular potato chips, and pick your favorite flavor. Chips are easy to store in the car and can withstand any kind of temperature. If you need a more wholesome option, try protein chips.
7. Wild River Black Pepper Beef Jerky

Need a high-protein snack with a little kick to it? Try Wild River’s Black Pepper Old Fashioned Beef Jerky. Made without any added nitrates or nitrites except for those naturally occurring in cultured celery extract and sea salt, this thin-sliced jerky is peppery and packed with flavor. Plus, you can take your time savoring every bite since the dried texture encourages chewing at your leisure.
8. Snack Bars
Snack bars come in all shapes and sizes, and can easily be purchased at any grocery or convenience store. If you’re hankering for something sweet, try a sweet granola bar with chocolate chips. In the mood for something filling and savory? Try a nut bar loaded with crunchy almonds and peanuts.
Some snack bar options include:
- Gluten-free bars
- Granola bars
- Seed bars
- Energy bars
- Nut bars
- Breakfast bars
- Fruit bars
- Yogurt bars
9. Trail Mix
Who doesn’t love trail mix? There are plenty of pre-made options you can try out, but don’t be afraid to mix your own. There are endless combinations you can try to satiate your appetite. Simply pick your favorite ingredients, shut them in a resealable bag and shake.
Here are some possible trail mix ingredient ideas to get you started:
- Your favorite cereal
- Nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, or hazelnuts
- Seeds, including sunflower or pumpkin seeds
- Chocolate, white chocolate, or butterscotch chips
- Candy pieces
- Mini marshmallows
- Dried fruit, such as banana chips, apricots, or cranberries
- Coconut shavings
- Yogurt-covered raisins or nuts
- Pretzels
- Rye chips
- Animal crackers
- Your favorite seasonings
10. Pretzels
Pretzels come in a wide range of flavors and styles that you can choose from. Plus, pretzels are often bite-sized and easy to munch on without making a huge mess.
Beyond the regular twisted pretzel snacks, you can also choose between:
- Large or small pretzel sticks
- Yogurt-covered pretzels
- Chocolate-covered pretzels
- Peanut butter-filled pretzels
- Spicy pretzels
- Pretzel nuggets
- Pretzel crisps
- Soft pretzels
11. Wild River Green Chile Beef Jerky

Wild River’s Green Chile Old Fashioned Beef Jerky gives you that spicy south-of-the-border flavor. It’s made with real ingredients, including green chile peppers! This slow-dried jerky has a full-bodied taste that will ignite your taste buds during a long road trip. Just make sure to have extra on-hand, as your fellow car passengers will surely demand a taste.
Grab a Bag of Wild River & Enjoy Your Trip
When you’re packing for a trip, beef jerky is an easy non-perishable travel food choice for any kind of trip. At Wild River, we make jerky the old-fashioned way: made with 100% beef, slow-dried, and smoked to perfection.
Help boost your energy with this high-protein jerky and be taken back to simpler times with its rich, robust flavor. Prepare for your next trip and shop our products today or find our jerky in a store near you.
Wild River Jerky does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
