Road trips are great, but they can have a major toll on your body if you’re snacking on all the terrible food options gas stations offer. Chips, candy bars, and energy drinks are full of sugar and calories. If you want to keep it on the healthy side while you travel, you’ll have to do a little searching. Luckily though, gas stations are starting to include healthier food options, like fruit or some lighter packaged items.
The next time you find yourself in a gas station looking for a healthy snack, try one of these food items. You can rest assured you didn’t undo all of your hard work in the gym and kitchen.
1. Fishpeople Wild Alaskan Jerky
That's right! Fish jerky! All you pescatarians can celebrate. All of Fishpeople's products are sustainably wild-caught, and their Wild Alaskan Salmon Jerky is no exception. With flavors like rainbow peppercorn, sweet + smoky, lemon zest + herb, and ancho chili + lime, there's something for everyone! The original sweet + smoky were a particular favorite of ours. A nice sweetness compliments the fish, and these jerky slices aren't overly salty like some of their beef counterparts. But the taste (while very important!) isn't even the best part. For each serving, there is 12g of protein and only 2g of fat. Yum, indeed!
2. Smashmallow
If you want a sweet treat that won’t leave feeling sluggish or guilty, Smashmallow has you covered. These artisanal marshmallows are made of 100% organic sugar and gluten-free ingredients. They come in seven unique and tasty flavors and average 80 calories a serving (which is four marshmallows). You can try them in mint chocolate chip, cinnamon churro, espresso bean, toasted coconut pineapple, strawberries and cream, root beer float, and meyer lemon chia seed. With such a low calorie count and packaged in a resealable bag, you can enjoy these marshmallows guilt-free for the duration of your trip.
3. 4505 Chicharrones
These pork rinds are paleo friendly and gluten-free, so they make for an easy choice. They come in three flavors as well (Classic Chile and Salt, Jalapeno Cheddar, and Smokehouse BBQ), but the best part is the way they’re made. 4505 Chicharrones makes sure to practice sustainable production by not wasting any part of the animal and working in conjunction with small farms rather than slaughterhouses. A serving packs 9 grams of protein, so you’ll be fueling your muscles as you satisfy your hunger.
4. Chef’s Cut
Jerky is a gas station classic. Unfortunately, many of the popular jerky brands contain an alarming amount of sodium, sugar, and preservatives. If you love jerky but want something on the healthier side, Chef’s Cut is your best bet. All Chef’s Cut products are gluten- and nitrate-free. The snack sticks can be found at many popular gas stations, and are available in buffalo chicken, barbecue, original, and jalapeno cheddar flavors. A one oz stick contains an average of 7 grams of protein and 60 calories. These are high protein, delicious, and easy to eat while you drive.
