Snack Bar, Vol. 14: Bites for the Road
Lizzy Briskin
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Step into The Snack Bar, TQE’s exclusive concession stand filled with the newest sweet and savory delights available. Our team of editors comes together for impartial taste trials, offering their genuine opinions each time to guide you in deciding which trending snacks are truly worth buying.
Our team is committed to discovering and sharing the finest products available online. When you buy through our affiliate links, we might earn a commission. Our editorial staff operates independently and solely recommends products we trust.
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Featured Item
Smoked Fish Lox in a Box Avocado can be reimagined as Creamy Avocado with Smoked Lox in a Container. The dish retains its core ingredients—smoked salmon and avocado—but presents them in a fresh, compact format. The rich, smoky flavor of the lox pairs perfectly with the smooth, buttery texture of the avocado, all neatly packed in a convenient box. This twist on the classic combination offers a modern take while staying true to the original’s essence.
Summer brings warmer weather, al fresco meals, and—with any luck—a break from the daily grind. Whether you’re using a summer Friday for a quick escape or embarking on a lengthy cross-country adventure, chances are you’ll be logging more hours in the car. And while keeping the gas tank full is essential, don’t forget to fuel yourself too. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best sweet and savory snacks—including a few surprises—for your upcoming journey. No matter if you’re the driver or riding shotgun, there’s a perfect snack here for you.
Whisps Crisps made from Parmesan Cheese
Cheese on the go? I’m all for it. These crispy discs are crafted from sharp, savory aged cheese, dehydrated into bite-sized chips and offered in mouthwatering varieties such asFiery Sharp Cheddar, Asiago and Pepper Jack, andCreamy Garlic ParmesanThey’re also perfect for adding a cheesy crunch to your salads when you want an extra layer of flavor.
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Crispy Coconut Toasted Cashews
Nuts are a staple snack for road trips, but these aren’t the ordinary, dull mixed nuts. Karma cashews are big, smooth, and roasted instead of being fried in oil. They’re covered in a sweet and savory coconut layer that gives them crunch and enhances their nutty flavor.
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Smoked Pork Jerky Snack Stick
Greenridge Naturals offers smoky pork snack sticks that deliver convenient, flavorful protein on the go. Free of added nitrates or nitrites, these sticks feature a subtle smokiness and a milder pork taste, appealing to those who prefer a less intense flavor compared to bolder beef varieties.
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Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
These popular bars from the snack experts at Bobo’s are perfect for curbing sugar cravings while delivering your daily whole grains. With their soft, bakery-style texture, enhanced by coconut oil and cocoa butter, they offer a delicious treat that feels indulgent—no trip to the bakery required.
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Himalayan Sweetness Gourmet Popcorn
A touch of salt, a hint of sweetness, perfectly crisp, and easy to devour by the handful—Lesser Evil’s Himalayan Sweetness Popcorn is my go-to snack for road trips. Kettle corn enthusiasts will appreciate its balanced sweetness and light, airy crunch. For those who prefer cheesy flavors, the brand’ssharp white cheddartaste should not be ignored.
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“Grinders” Dates
Medjool dates from Rancho Meladuco Date Farms stand out with their velvety, buttery consistency and deep, caramel-like taste, surpassing other dried fruits in variety. The farm packs its so-called “imperfect” fruits into convenient pint-sized travel-ready containers—and if these delicious treats are deemed flawed, it’s difficult to picture what the premium ones must be like.
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Focus
Driving requires concentration, and if a piece of chocolate can enhance your focus, why not indulge? Fx Chocolate offers these sweet squares infused with adaptogens such as ashwagandha and GABA, which may support mental clarity, cognitive function, and relaxation. Each square is individually wrapped and lightly sweetened with allulose rather than sugar, making them suitable for a keto diet.
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Hickory Smoked Turkey Jerky
This turkey jerky by Country Archer Provisions, a leader in the jerky industry, is juicy, soft, and packed with rich taste. Unlike many dried meat snacks that require prolonged chewing, this one is easy to enjoy. The hickory smoke flavor is subtle, not overwhelming, and the resealable bags stay fresh, making them perfect for storing in your car as a convenient, long-lasting protein option.
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Natural String Cheese Snack Sticks
For shorter trips, bring along your preferred cheese to enjoy on the go. Nothing beats the nostalgia of a classic cheese stick, reminiscent of childhood lunches—yet Sargento’s versions are just as delightful and enjoyable. Sargento’s natural string cheese offers a subtle, creamy taste that pairs perfectly with jerky or dried fruit…think of it as car-cuterie?
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Creamy Pistachio Halvah
Halva is a sweet, nutty sesame confection from Israel, perfect for satisfying cravings during car rides. Joyva’s pistachio variety offers a subtle savory touch, making it an ideal midday energy boost to stay focused on the road after lunch.
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Blueberry Oat Morning Bar
These oatmeal bars are perfect for a quick breakfast, yet equally convenient for lunch or a midday snack. They feature a tender, doughy texture with a sweet blueberry center and pack 10 grams of protein from almond butter, peanut butter, and whey protein—ideal for keeping macros in check while you’re on the go.
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Freeze-Dried Raspberries
If you’re looking for a convenient road trip snack but prefer to avoid delicate fresh fruit, Wildfare’s intensely flavorful freeze-dried raspberries are a perfect alternative. Containing only berries, this snack delivers the authentic taste of fresh raspberries in a light, crispy texture. Enjoy them directly from the package or mix them into yogurt or oatmeal for a vibrant pink hue.
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Rosemary & Sea Salt Flatbreads
These delicate, airy crackers stand out on their own without needing a dip or spread. Their rich, buttery taste is enhanced by rosemary and sea salt, while their crisp, gratifying texture makes it hard to stop at just one. Naturally, if you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, you can always enjoy the flatbread with a layer of hummus or cream cheese for a more substantial bite.
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Garlic Flavored Chips Snack Pack
When it comes to hummus, Cedar’s snack packs are perfect for storing in a car cooler. Each portion includes corn flour chips and a generous serving of smooth hummus (packed with garlic flavor), making them ideal for on-the-go snacking and keeping you energized during any excursion.
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Smoked Fish Lox in a Box with Creamy Avocado
Avocado toast on the move may seem tricky, but Acme’s clever snack boxes make it effortlessly accessible. Every box includes a pack of crackers, a container of bright green guacamole, and Acme’s distinctive smoked Nova salmon. This option could be simpler for passengers to put together than the driver—or perhaps you pause your journey to savor a fuller meal.
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Organic Dried Mango
These dried mango strips are smooth, sugary, and delicate. Even without extra sugar, their natural sweetness is enough to curb cravings without causing a sugar crash afterward. Naturally, if you prefer the sweetened version,Mariani has got you covered in that regard, as well.
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Crunchy Whisps Parmesan Cheese Crisps
Crispy Coconut-Toasted Cashews
Smoked Pork Jerky Snack Stick
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Himalayan Sweetness Gourmet Popcorn
“Grinders” Dates
Focus
Hickory Smoked Turkey Jerky
Natural String Cheese Snackables
Creamy Pistachio Halvah
Blueberry Oat Morning Bar
Freeze-Dried Raspberries
Rosemary & Sea Salt Flatbreads
Garlic and Chips Snack Pack
Smoked Fish Lox in a Box with Creamy Avocado
Organic Dried Mango
Whisps Crisps made from Parmesan Cheese
Crispy Coconut-Toasted Cashews
Smoked Dehydrated Pork Snack Stick
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Himalayan Sweetness Gourmet Popcorn
“Grinders” Dates
Focus
Hickory Smoked Turkey Jerky
Natural String Cheese Snack Packs
Creamy Pistachio Halvah
Blueberry Oat Morning Snack Bar
Freeze-Dried Raspberries
Rosemary & Sea Salt Flatbreads
Garlic-Infused Chips Snack Pack
Smoked Fish Lox in a Box Avocado
Organic Dried Mango
THIS MONTH’S WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED AS…
is a fresh, creative, and incredibly satisfying snack pack that’s just as convenient as anything else on this list, offering the taste and protein of a full meal. It’s the kind of snack you’ll be tempted to savor in the car to make your journey feel quicker. Have a safe trip!
Highlighted Item
Smoked Fish Lox in a Box Avocado
Discover The Edit Collection
Crispy Parmesan Cheese Snacks by Whisps
Crispy Coconut Toasted Cashews
Smoked Jerky Pork Snack Stick
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Himalayan Sweetness Gourmet Popcorn
“Grinders” Dates
Focus
Hickory Smoked Turkey Jerky
Natural String Cheese Snack Sticks
Creamy Pistachio Halvah
Blueberry Oat Morning Snack Bar
Freeze-Dried Raspberries
Rosemary & Sea Salt Flatbreads
Garlic-Infused Chips Snack Pack
Smoked Fish Lox in a Box with Avocado
Organic Dried Mango
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Supplementary Reading
Snack Bar, Vol. 20: Interested in a Date?
Snack Bar, Vol. 19: Wild Oats
Snack Bar, Vol. 18: Festive Cocktails for the Holidays
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