Are you going on a road trip soon? Well, we all know that one of the most important things to prepare is your playlist but you also need sustenance. Pack snacks… lots of snacks! If you’re a vegetarian (or health conscious) and the 7/11 pepperettes aren’t your thing, then this list is for you! Here are 7 vegetarian snacks that are PERFECT for road tripping (and everyday life); they are not just nutritious and delicious but easy to prepare. Here we go!
1. No Bake Energy Balls and Bars- The reason these two snacks are put in the same category is because if they are all natural, they generally contain similar ingredients. You can buy them at your local health foods store or make them yourself… which is actually quite easy and fun to do if you have a blender. All you need to do is grab your favourite nuts, some dates, coconut oil (and shreds) and blend them all together and shape them! The world is your oyster with these guys as you can add whatever you like, perhaps you want a PB and J energy ball or a lemon zest oat bar. Or maybe you have an allergy? These bars and balls are definitely easy to modify. I’ve included a link here with delicious recipes.
2. Trail Mix- What a classic! It’s easy to prepare and awesome. I would recommend using a variety of nuts of your choosing and adding some dried fruit. If you are sick of the same old almond, peanut and craisin trail mix then try a mix with macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, walnuts and/or pecans! Instead of dried cranberries maybe opt for some dried blueberries or cherries. Or try adding some goji berries and seeds of your choice. If you like a kick in your trail mix like I do, wasabi peas are an excellent addition of salty-spiciness and crunch. Don’t forget this snack is high in protein, the good kind of fats and energy, so it’s perfect for keeping you going a while on the road. KEY TIP: Bulk Barn is your best friend when it comes to buying ingredients for affordable trail mix. 
3. Fruits and Veggies with a twist- I don’t know about you but this white girl over here had never realized the true potential of Tajin (a spicy sweet chili powder), salt and lime until I was living in Mexico City. My favourite thing to do is cut up jicama, carrot and cucumber put them in a cup or bowl then smother it in lime, salt and Tajin. This can easily be done in advance in a tupperware container and if you’re feeling really rustic, cut the lime up while on the road. I would also recommend adding this trio of seasoning to watermelon, apples, pears, mango or any refreshing and raw fruit or vegetable. If you don’t like any of these seasonings you can be boring and leave them out too, no biggie. WARNING: you might become addicted to adding this mixture to your fruits and veggies as it is fucking awesome.
4. Dried Fruits (but with NO added sugar)- If you don’t want to worry about anything going bad on the road you might want to pick yourself up some dried fruits. You can find pretty much any fruit dried so this option is great for everyone. Come on, there must be one fruit you like! If you don’t like dried cherries then I don’t know what is wrong with you. Though my personal favourite is dried mango, it’s like nature’s candy and it fills you up! Be careful and make sure you buy the stuff with no added sugar or else you will basically be eating candy!
5. Vegan Jerky- Perhaps you used to love convenience store jerky and you’re wondering why you ever stopped eating meat in the first place. Well you’re in luck because vegan jerky exists. It’s usually made up of soy, seitan and shiitake mushroom but it actually tastes meaty…Not to mention, it’s high in protein and energy.The only kind I’ve tried is by the brand Primal Strips but they have tons of flavours that are sure to satisfy even a meat eater’s craving for jerky.
6. Special Popcorn- Who doesn’t love popcorn? I am certainly a fan of movie popcorn smothered in butter and salt but guys, there is a better way! Pop some of your classic (plain) popcorn in your microwaves or stovetop, then season it with something awesome. You could try your own variation of salt and vinegar or perhaps go a bit more creative with some curry powder or fresh thyme or rosemary. Adding delicious seasonings to your popcorn is a great way to make it a bit more interesting than usual. As you can imagine I love adding a bit of lime and chili to mine!
7. Good Ol’ PB and J- Yeah, I said it and I mean it too! But don’t use that Skippy or Kraft PB and opt for some of the natural stuff. Not only is it higher in protein but sugar free, which is what everyone needs. You can also substitute the PB for cashew, almond, hazelnut or even pumpkin seed butter. Worried about the sugar of the jam like I am? Put some raspberries and blueberries in between the bread instead! And don’t forget to ditch the Dempster and Wonder Bread for something hearty and fresh with grains. My personal favourite is the Cape Seed Loaf from Cobs Bread which is high in protein, fibre and iron!
