The Top Travel Treats Recommended by Our Editorial Team

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Science might warn against eating while flying, but indulging on the road is perfectly acceptable. In truth, few things make a lengthy, often dull trip more enjoyable (Looking at you, Midwest and your endless cornfields!) than savoring your favorite treats. Though rest stops offer a variety of hot meals with differing levels of quality, the most reliable choice for consistency and comfort amid shifting surroundings is the pre-packaged snacks and drinks found in any gas station convenience store. Whether you crave something crispy or smooth, salty or sugary, there’s always a plastic-wrapped option waiting for you. Here, our editors share their must-have picks to grab before or during your next road trip.

This piece has been revised to include fresh details following its initial publication. Megan Spurrell contributed further reporting.

Good health is the greatest treasure.

I don’t fit the mold of a typical snacker. Potato chips hold little interest for me, and pretzels don’t capture my attention either. To me, eating while traveling—when you’re irritable, restless, and stuck in one place—is purely functional. It’s about sustenance, not indulgence. That’s why I lean toward a satisfying pack of jerky, with its robust protein kick. I stick to the original smoky flavor, which delivers plenty of taste, though I did enjoy the BBQ chicken thigh jerky a roommate’s sister recently brought to my place. Pair it with plain green tea, and I’m content. If forced to choose junk food, I’d pick the pepperoni pizza combos my mom loved during our childhood road trips, though a single bite today might be my undoing. —Charlie Hobbs, editorial assistant

Crunch with impact

When I was younger, I had no shame in my love for Cheetos Puffs. But in recent years, I’ve found a more mature alternative: Simply White Cheddar Puffs. Their packaging suggests they’re a healthier choice (not that I’d disagree), and the white dust left on your fingers is far less startling than the bright orange residue of the past. Best of all, they taste just as good—maybe even better. A whole bag can disappear, especially on a long drive. For a tangy contrast, I’m a fan of Oh Snap! Pickling Co.’s spicy pickle pouches. They’re widely available at supermarkets and convenience stores, with a fresh dill option for those who prefer milder flavors.Madison Flager, the senior commerce editor

Acid and high temperatures

I crave snacks that scorch my mouth, stripping away taste buds with every bite, finding satisfaction only when my tongue is nearly numb. My go-to indulgences? Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crunchy salt and vinegar kettle chips, and an assortment of sour candy—Airheads Xtreme Bites top the list, though Sour Patch Kids work in a pinch. I could pamper my taste buds with fresh fruit or tender pastries, but I prefer turning road trips into a reckless snack-fueled adventure, pretending I won’t regret each spicy, tangy mouthful an hour later. Yet once I arrive, as the fiery Cheeto dust washes from my hands and sensation creeps back into my mouth, I’m already dreaming of the next time. (Pro tip: Have your backseat chef toss Cheetos into the turkey-and-cheese sandwiches they’re making for the ride—you’ll never settle for a plain road meal again.) —Taylor Eisenhauer, manager of editorial operations

Ruffles & Rollinos

One of the greatest joys of road trips is piling out of the car at gas stations and indulging in junk food you’d rarely eat otherwise. In my circle of family and closest friends, it’s an undisputed truth that “orange chips” (Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream) are the ultimate snack, so they’re always shared around the car (though Kettle Salt & Vinegar chips make a solid alternative). If I’m in the mood for something a bit more upscale and the gas station has a chilled display, I’ll treat myself to a sealed pack of Rollinos—those delicious prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella bites (because protein counts, right?). —Megan Spurrell, a senior editor

Savory blends with sugary

For years, Terra vegetable chips have been my favorite snack. They’re crispy, not too heavy, and perfectly salted. Though chips aren’t the healthiest choice, these seem like a smarter pick compared to traditional potato chips (whether that’s accurate or not!). On road trips or during long flights, I always indulge in something sweet—ideally, Brookside dark chocolate-covered pomegranates. I could easily finish a family-sized pack of these smooth, bite-sized chocolates alone. The slightly bitter dark chocolate paired with the chewy, sweet pomegranate centers is divine. I’m always on the lookout for them at airports, gas stations, or any stop along my journey. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce associate editor

Biscuits produced in India and crisps from TJ’s

The best part of traveling with my family—whether by car, plane, or train—is that someone inevitably packs a box of Parle-G biscuits. The downside? They disappear almost instantly. If you’re unfamiliar with the iconic Indian milk biscuit’s packaging, the famous animated girl on the wrapper is unforgettable. And the taste? Absolutely delicious. When my Indian grocery stash runs low, I switch to my backup snack: cheese and crackers. A portable pack of Tillamook cheddar sticks paired with Trader Joe’s fig & olive crisps, plus some grapes and mixed nuts from ziplock bags, turns into a makeshift charcuterie board perfect for any road trip!Arati Menon, worldwide digital leader

Crush-proof

Whether I’m hitting the highway or prepping snacks for a flight, I usually look for sturdy options that can handle my tendency to overpack. My go-to non-chip choices (though, honestly, a bag of Cape Cod chips is always in the car for road trips) balance sweet and salty flavors. For something sweet, Trader Joe’s Sweet and Juicy Mango is my top pick for dried fruit—perfect when I need a quick sugar boost. When I want a healthier, whole-wheat option for breakfast or snacks on the move, I grab Nature’s Bakery fig bars, ideally the original flavor (though apple or raspberry works if the classics are out of stock). On the salty side, shelled pistachios are my favorite—easy to eat, better for you than typical mixed nuts, and durable enough to stash at the bottom of a bag until I finally unpack. —Shannon McMahon, editor of destinations

Zesty & flavorful turns

At home, I rarely snack. My pantry isn’t filled with sugary or salty goodies, but when traveling, a bag of Honey Barbecue Fritos is always within easy reach. The satisfying crunch of a Frito combined with its honey barbecue seasoning is simply irresistible. Many barbecue chips exist, but none match what Fritos has perfected—the ideal balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors. Though I enjoy the chips’ sweetness, they’ll never satisfy my cravings like a Butterfinger. Sure, it’s messy and breaks apart with every bite, but each peanut butter crumb left behind is absolutely worth it.Paris Wilson, commerce producer

Classic comfort sweets

No matter the distance, it’s the small details that turn a road trip into something special. Preparation is key—and avoiding hunger-induced irritability, particularly when traveling with others. Preferences vary, but for me, it’s all about variety: the essential trio of sweet, salty, and chocolate. My go-to sweet treat has always been Haribo Happy Cherries—cherry-flavored gummies shaped like the fruit, a childhood favorite thanks to my grandmother. For the salty component, I alternate between red salsa or orange cheddar Sun Chips, depending on the moment. The bag seems endless, and I never tire of them. Naturally, napkins or hand wipes are a must to combat crumbs and sticky fingers. As for chocolate, I lean toward a simpler pleasure: Pirouline’s wafer cookie sticks. Another nostalgic pick from my younger years, these were a staple in my home. I rarely grab them during regular grocery runs, but spotting them at a rest stop before setting off feels like finding a tasty good luck token. These snacks might not fit conventional health standards, but they deliver satisfaction—and a delicious reminder of childhood cravings. —Jessica Chapel, assistant editor

Marvels across the globe

What defines an ideal road trip? The companions, the playlist, and the snacks. I’m passionate about global flavors. While I typically avoid processed foods at home, road trips are an exception. I have a soft spot for umami and savory tastes. Korean Cosmos Hot Rice Tteokbokki Snacks? Count me in. They’re a mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. If I’m craving something spicy, I reach for Magic Masala Crisps or Trader Joe’s Jerk-Style Plantain Chips—packed with garlic, onion, allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, red pepper, and thyme, they deliver a fiery kick. Pair them with a Limonata on a scorching drive, and it’s pure bliss. For a touch of sweetness, I love Thai Chewy Milk Fruit candy. These treats instantly transport me to cruising Phuket’s beaches with friends. They’re unexpectedly soft—seemingly firm like marbles but melting into delicate, light pillows of flavor. You can devour a handful without regret. While mango is my favorite, the durian variety offers a bold adventure! —Pallavi Mohan Kumar, the visuals associate director

Taking a dive among the aquatic creatures

For years, I’ve loved snacking on Goldfish at the beach—the salty crunch is the perfect treat after swimming in the Atlantic—and they’ve since become my favorite road trip snack, often picked up while wandering through some remote gas station. I munch on them during rides to my in-laws, after exhausting surf sessions at Rockaway in New York, during hungover Saturday drives upstate, across Nevada’s desert highways, and on rainy eight-hour treks to Maine. Though I owe my friend an apology for the last one, after tearing open the bag and scattering countless Goldfish across his car floor—he claims he’s still discovering them. —Lale Arikoglu, director of articles

Double T

Though a satisfying sandwich—like a prosciutto bocadillo or turkey with pickles and mustard on a roll—is my top choice for a quick meal, road trips call for the guilty pleasures of gas station snacks. I lean toward chewy and spicy treats that turn eating into a full-blown experience. Crunching on Twizzlers is a car ritual I inherited from my mom, who always kept a bag in her purse when I was young—though I can’t say I truly enjoy their flavor. Their rubbery texture and mild fake-strawberry taste pair oddly well with tongue-numbing Takis, which even spice enthusiasts like me have to pace (so occasionally, the bag survives the whole trip). For a salty fix, I consistently grab Cape Cod salt and vinegar chips or Fritos as a reliable backup.Heather Towey, assistant editor for news

Delicious snacks that are enjoyable to eat

My road trip snack preferences still mirror the habits I formed as a kid. While my parents emphasized healthy eating at home, they let us enjoy whatever treats we craved from gas station shelves during car rides. The first snack is something I’ve only ever eaten in a car: Bugles, the cone-shaped corn chips that double as both a snack.andA fun distraction, ideal for sliding onto your fingers to annoy siblings in the coveted backseat. Another treat that draws me in with its bright hues is Trolli sour gummy worms. I once stuck to just the blue and red ones, but adulthood has thankfully broadened my tastes. If I indulge in a third pick, it’s inevitably cheddar Chex mix—a top-tier option, in my view.Mercedes Bleth, worldwide associate director of social

A diet consisting solely of liquids

Staying hydrated is my top priority—it’s my biggest goal for 2024! I always have at least three drinks within reach; right now, there’s coffee, water, and tea on my desk, each racing to lose its warmth first. But one thing absent from this lineup is Gatorade. Specifically, the yellow kind. I once reserved it for sick days, but lately, I’ve been sipping it at dinner, after late nights, and even in the car. As someone prone to motion sickness, Gatorade somehow eases the discomfort—maybe it’s just placebo, but it works! Pass me those electrolytes, sweetie! Sure, it’s packed with sugar, but like a good road trip (in my book!), moderation is key. —Matt Ortile, associate editor