I spend a lot of time in the car picking up and dropping up my kids. Yet for some reason, I’m never hungry when I leave my house. BUT once I’m on the road running around town, I’m suddenly hungry, thirsty – desperately needing a recharge with a great snack. And what do I have? If I dig deep enough into my purse, maybe there is an old broken granola bar from 2022…. This week, I’m planning ahead and researching (and stocking up on) the best car snacks for busy moms….
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Why Keep Snacks in the Car?
Beyond the obvious reason of hunger, stocking up on nutritious food from the grocery store in your car is a great way to:
- Avoid Unnecessary Stops: No need to hit the drive-thru or gas stations on the way home.
- Promote Healthy Eating: Good luck getting through a drive-thru lanes or convenience stores with a nutritious snack versus fast food.
- Keep Everyone Happy: A quick snack can prevent hangry kids with meltdowns and stressed-out moms.
- Save Money: Packing your own snacks is more budget-friendly than convenience store treats.
- Maximize Time: Use those waiting minutes to snack and tackle small tasks like checking emails or planning dinner.
20+ Best Car Snacks for Busy Moms
Here’s a list of low-mess travel snacks perfect for busy moms to satisfy cravings and keep up with life.
Healthy Non-Perishable Snacks
I call these the “tried-and-true” healthy option snacks. Convenient snacks that keep the energy levels high.
- Trail Mix: Customize with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate.
- Granola Bars: Opt for ones with whole grains, low sugar, high fiber to keep you full longer.
- Dried Fruits: Mango slices, apple chips, or raisins make great option for a mess-free snack.
- Nut Butter Packets with Crackers: Peanut butter, almond butter, etc… Mess-free and filling.
- Jerky: I’m not usually a fan BUT these are fun to eat occasionally
- Instant Oatmeal Cups: Just add hot water from a thermos for a warm treat.
Kid-Friendly Options
Sure these snack packs are primarily kid-friendly, but have you tried the Mega Goldfish listed below? I’m not sure how long they have been out BUT I bought a few weeks ago and they are quite tasty…..
- Applesauce Pouches: Easy to handle and no spoon required.
- Cheese Crackers: Goldfish or mini cheese sandwich crackers are a kid favorite.
- Fruit Leathers: A less messy alternative to fresh fruit.
- Shelf-Stable Milk or Juice Boxes: Pair with a snack for a complete mini-meal.
- Homemade Energy Balls: My oldest daughter loves to make these with rolled oats, dark chocolate chips and peanut butter
Special Treats for Moms
Now THIS section I love… 😊
- Dark Chocolate Squares: A guilt-free indulgence to boost your mood. C’mon – an easy way to keep hunger at bay AND be happy.
- Protein Bars: For a quick energy boost between errands. I’m a huge fan of Kind Bars.
- Popcorn: Individual bags of air-popped or lightly salted popcorn are perfect for snacking.
Fresh Snacks (with a Cooler)
If you have a little cooler in the car, these are some great on-the-go snacks for moms. Throw in some ice packs, plenty of snacks and you are good to roll! Personally, I’m a huge fan of fresh fruit and cheese sticks.
- Fruit or Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Use small individual containers for easy dipping.
- String Cheese or Babybel Cheese: Great for both moms and kids.
- Edamame: I recently started buying a tub of these healthy fats and find myself going to it more and more.
- Deli Meat and Cheese: my kids love roll-ups with meat and cheese
- Yogurt or Greek Yogurt Parfait: Assembly the layers for a refreshing snack
- Bagel: If they don’t mind it untoasted, spread cream cheese, peanut butter or avocado filled with healthy fats
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Pre-peeled and stored in a cooler, more healthy fats that are also protein-packed
Subscription Snack Boxes for Busy Moms
For moms who love variety or don’t have time to get to the grocery store, subscription snack boxes can be a game-changer. Brands like NatureBox, SnackNation, and UrthBox offer curated options packed with healthy, delicious snacks.
Subscription boxes are a convenient way to ensure your snack stash is always stocked with fresh and exciting options.
How to Keep Snacks Organized
Alright, now that you have stocked up on snacks, it’s time to organize it all to avoid chaos in the car…. Here’s a few tips to corral those best snacks for busy moms.
- Car Organizer: Invest in a bin or compact container that fits under a seat or in the trunk.
- Separate Mom and Kid Snacks: Label compartments or use reusable snack bags to avoid miscommunication.
- Small Trash Bag: Avoid the clutter of wrappers and crumbs by having a dedicated trash container in the car.
- Reusable Snack Bags: Eco-friendly and perfect for portioning snacks.
- Compact Car Coolers: Ideal for keeping fresh items like cheese and veggies cold.
That’s it! Now with the right snacks in your car, this “Uber-mom” feels more confident (and satisfied) driving around town.
