Protein Packed Snacks That Travel Well

Did you know you can bring your own food to the airport? With the strict TSA regulations to fly, you may think brown bagging it is the perfect way to get stopped by an agent. But most snacks are allowed.

Bringing food means you don’t get blindsided by the steep food prices at the airport, have a snack when you get stuck on the tarmac and even have something to stow-away for later once you reach your destination.

If you travel enough, you’ll be thankful to have some protein-packed snacks —ideal for traveling — to bring along.

1. Puppy Chow

If you have a sweet tooth, consider whipping up a batch of protein-packed puppy chow. Not only is it easy to make in large batches,— meaning you can set some aside for later — it can also be sealed away in an airtight bag to maintain maximum freshness for days or even weeks. The recipe is super simple, requiring only three cups of Chex mix, six tablespoons of chocolate peanut butter and one scoop of your favorite whey protein powder. Not only is this snack tasty, but it packs a hefty 14.2 grams of protein per serving.

2. Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas are healthy, great for traveling, and can be customized with your favorite seasonings. Whether you want something sweet and salty or something dark and savory, you can enjoy a protein-packed snack you love. To make this recipe, drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then empty onto a coated baking sheet. Sprinkle with seasonings, like garlic and sea salt or cumin and chili powder. Then, roast in your oven at 45 degrees for 40 to 60 minutes.

3. Beef Jerky

Jerky is a classic, American snack favorite for on the go. You can find it in a number of different forms, like pre-packaged jerky sticks or traditional beef style, making it easy to stow. Just one cupful of this snack contains upwards of 30 grams of protein, making it a protein-rich option. You can opt for classic beef jerky or swap it out for a variety of other meats, including turkey, chicken or more exotic meats like buffalo, salmon, and elk.

4. Protein Bars

If you’re feeling creative and want to do a little baking, think about whipping up homemade protein bars to take on your next trip. With this snack, you can control your intake of protein while also managing the ingredients and flavors you use. Most recipes are delicious, with tasty ingredients like chunky peanut butter, honey, vanilla whey protein and old-fashioned rolled oats. For this simple no-bake recipe, you can combine all the ingredients and let it settle on a pan.

5. Mixed Nuts

Mixed nuts are a delicious and simple way to meet your daily recommended dose of protein. Next time you pack for a trip, throw together a combo of your favorite nuts and maybe some tasty dried fruit. This recipe calls for favorites like almonds, cashews and peanuts, which are higher in protein than other nut alternatives. If you already have varying nuts in your pantry, this snack practically makes itself!

6. Protein Muffins

Are you looking for a travel-friendly breakfast without all the sugar and calories? These protein-packed muffins are super tasty and can easily tuck away for later— like when you’re stuck in a plane and the stewardess is MIA. This muffin recipe calls for ingredients like whole wheat flour, vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, bananas and peanut butter. Once mixed, the combination is placed in a coated muffin pan and baked for 15 to 20 minutes at 375 degrees.

7. Pumpkin Seeds

Often mistaken as a Halloween-centric snack, pumpkin seeds make an all-year protein-rich alternative. You can find bags of pumpkin seeds at most supermarkets,or you can opt for pumpkin seed bars typically packed with fiber, protein and antioxidants. You can purchase or with a few ingredients you can make your own pumpkin seed bars at home prior to your travel.

The Best Protein Snacks for Travelers

Traveling can come with plenty of surprises. Avoid a growling stomach on your next trip by packing a snack or two in advance. Having protein-packed snacks on hand while traveling will help keep your stomach happy and energy levels high. No one likes being stuck on a plane without food, or a late-night craving when hauled up in a hotel room — thank yourself later by packing some snacks in advance.