10 Protein Snacks for Your Travels

Whenever you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to be prepared. By packing your own protein snacks, you can soothe your rumbling stomach during travel-induced hunger. No being at the mercy of fast food stops or expensive airport snacks!

Whether you’re flying across the Atlantic or taking a road trip with your buddies, having a stash of high-protein snacks for travel can save your wallet and your waistline. These tasty, travel-friendly snacks will boost your energy and keep your diet balanced as you go forward fearlessly on your trip.

Why is Protein Important for Traveling?

Traveling is exciting and fun, but can also be tiring. If you don’t fuel your body properly, you’ll find yourself suffering not just from hunger, but from low energy. When your energy is low, it’s hard to enjoy your trip and do all the fun activities you were looking forward to.

Protein helps you to feel fuller longer. When you don’t have time to stop for food or have limited options, having protein-packed snacks on hand can help get you through the day.

1. Jack Link’s Jerky

When you need a mighty dose of protein, look no further than Jack Link’s jerky. From tangy Teriyaki to spicy Jalapeño, there’s a mouthwatering flavor for everyone. Each kind has between 9 and 13 grams of protein per ounce, which will help you feel fueled and ready to tackle the remainder of your trip. 

If jerky isn’t your thing but you still want a luscious meat snack, you have plenty of options that won’t sacrifice your protein intake. For instance, Jack Link’s Beef Smoked Sausages have seven grams of protein per serving and come in easy-to-eat sticks.

The best part about dried meat snacks? They’re non-perishable, non-crushable and easy to take anywhere. Slip them into your carry-on luggage or stash them in your coat pocket without a second thought. When you’re hankering for a dose of energy, just rip into the bag and your hunger will take care of itself.

2. Cheese Sticks

String cheese is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Most string cheese is individually wrapped and easy to slip into a cooler or portable lunch pack. Nowadays you’re not limited to mozzarella cheese sticks and can find varieties like colby jack or cheddar. 

If you love cheese but want an extra shot of protein, try Jack Link’s Beef and Cheese Combos. These savory meat sticks are paired with real Wisconsin cheese and are a sure-fire way to keep your kids from feeling “hangry.”

3. Protein Bars

Protein bars can have a lot of protein packed into an itty bitty package. When you need to refill your tank during a long trip, you can pull out a protein bar and go to town. There are enough protein bars to accommodate every diet, from gluten-free to plant-based.

Protein bars are compact, so you can store them virtually anywhere without the fear of crushing them. Put them in your backpack for your next mountain hike or keep several in your car’s glove compartment. 

When it comes to protein bars, read the ingredients label. All are delicious, but some of them are loaded with sugar. When you want a quality protein bar, aim for ones that are low in sugar and carbs but still high in protein. 

4. Trail Mix + Granola

Ward off the munchies with some high-protein trail mix and granola during your travels. Trail mix is ideal for travel since it’s shelf-stable, simple to pack, and can be snacked on throughout the day. 

Consider making your own with high-protein ingredients, as some store-bought ones can be loaded with sugar. Some high-protein options include:

• Almonds
• Peanuts
• High-protein granola
• Pistachios
• Cashews
• Roasted edamame
• Hazelnuts
• Pumpkin seeds

To balance out your flavors, try adding some sugar-free chocolate chips or a handful of your favorite dried fruits. 

5. Nut Butter Packets

When you’ve landed at your destination and need a comforting pick-me-up, try stashing some nut butter packets into your luggage. These squeezable bags have a twistable top that takes the mess out of eating nut butter. 

Squirt it onto some crackers, mix it in with your trail mix or just enjoy it straight from the bag. You can enjoy the creamy, crunchy taste of your favorite nut butter without lugging around an entire jar. 

6. Spicy Wasabi Peas

If you want a crunchy snack that brings the heat, you can’t go wrong with spicy wasabi peas. Unbeknownst to many, peas are actually a decent source of protein. A frozen bag of peas in your bag isn’t a convenient way to travel, which is why spicy wasabi peas are so great. 

These peas are dried, roasted and seasoned with spicy wasabi. They have a shelf life of two to three weeks, so you can take them with you on a long hiking trip and expect them to last.

7. Protein Oatmeal Cups

These days, you can find oatmeal products with added protein. You might not think of oatmeal as ideal for travel, but they are super convenient in the form of travel-sized cups. When you’re on the go, these little cups can be taken with you for a breakfast snack.

Many types of oatmeal cups have other quality ingredients to boost your energy, like nuts and chia seeds. You can even mix your own version at home in reusable containers. If you’re gluten-free, these nutritious snacks are a perfect option for adding protein on the go.

8. Protein Shakes

Taking a fun-filled day trip? Try making a protein shake to fuel your morning. You can even make it the night before and store it in the fridge to cut down on time.

There are endless, wholesome recipes for protein shakes. Choose between fruit-based recipes, chocolate, vanilla or even nut butter. For protein powder, you can pick whey protein, pea protein or hemp protein, just to name a few. Add a handful of spinach for an extra protein punch.

If you don’t have a blender, you can find pre-made protein shakes at stores. When you’re waiting in an airport or settling in at a new destination for a while, these are easy to pick up and gulp down when you need to take the edge off your hunger.

9. Roasted Chickpeas

You might think of chickpeas as the primary ingredient in hummus, but they’re so much more! Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a scrumptious snack all on their own, plus they’re extremely high in nutritious protein. 

In fact, one cup of chickpeas has a whopping 14.5 grams of protein. And when they’re roasted they make a salty, satisfying snack that can withstand any bumps or jostles as you’re traveling. 

You can buy roasted chickpeas or make them yourself. Bake them in your oven for 20 minutes after drizzling them with olive oil, salt and your favorite spices. They don’t need to be refrigerated, which means you can munch on them any time of the day.

10. Plant-Based Deli Slices

Carnivores and herbivores alike will love making sandwiches out of plant-based deli slices. Plant-based slices are made from a variety of ingredients, such as carrots, beets, wheat gluten, bell peppers, tofu, chickpeas and lentils. 

Most plant-based deli slices need to be refrigerated, so these are ideal for keeping in a cooler. Make some scrumptious sandwiches and pack them for your next hiking trip or fishing adventure. 

Power Up Your Journey With Travel-Friendly Meat Snacks

During your travels, your body needs protein to stay energized and feel strong. At Jack Link’s, we’re all about hitting your protein goals so you can make the most out of each day. 

Each of our products has its own unique blend of seasonings and spices that provide an explosion of flavor. Conquer your hunger and savor each bite by shopping our products today.