Waiting until you arrive to the airport to buy the perfect travel size snack? Think again! Like any busy venue, airports tend put a high mark-up on their snacks and drinks once inside the terminal. When travelers are hungry and in a crunch, they will pay whatever necessary to fill their appetite. Once onboard your flight, the only free snack you’re likely to get your hands on is a bag of pretzels or chips.

So save your hard earned money, and fly prepared! Here are a variety of travel sized snack ideas that are safe to fly with, perfect for the pickiest of passengers and unlikely to upset the nostrils of the person next to you!!

Nuts & Trail Mix

High in energy, full of nutrients and gluten free, nuts are an inexpensive and easy-to-pack option when you’re on the go.

Try: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, or create your on trail mix by adding dry fruit and dark chocolate.

Granola Bars

Granola bars are high in fiber and come in many flavors. You can save money by making your own, or buy the pre-packaged version from your local health store. Buyers beware: Not all bars are created equal! Avoid being misled by the package, and be sure to read the nutrition label on the back before you grab and go. Many bars contain more calories and fat then a chocolate bar!

Try: Kind Bars, Kashi Chewy Granola Bars, or Zing Bars.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruits are some of the healthiest alternatives to refined sugar, and are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. But beware; many dried fruits have added sugar to increase flavor, creating more of a candy like treat rather than a healthy snack.

Try: Dried apricots, apples, figs, cherries, blueberries, raisins, papaya, pear or plums.
Avoid: Dried Pineapple, banana chips, watermelon or cranberries.

Chips

Ok, so chips might not be the healthiest option, but they sure do taste delicious! Instead of choosing the classic potato chip, opt for a healthier version like veggie or kale chips. There are a wide variety of options out there, so shop around or bake your own!

Try: Kale chips, Dried Seaweed, Popcorn, Quinoa Chips, Pita Chips, Lentil Snaps, Baked Beet Root, Red Potato Chips or Veggie Chips!

Veggies and Dip

Full of vitamins and easy to cut up, veggies are the perfect snack for long flights. Most airlines will allow you to carry liquids of 3 ounces or less, so add extra flavor to your veggies by packing a delicious travel size hummus or dip.

Try: Wild Garden Sun Dried Tomato Hummus Dip or Sabre Hummus Singles

Tip: Place your snacks in clear zip lock bags, so you don’t have any problems going through security. Any drinks under 3 ounces must be sealed and in their original packaging. If flying international, be sure to consume or dispose of any fruit/veggies before leaving the plane. Many countries will not allow these items to be brought through customs.

Do you have a favorite travel snack? If so, we’d love to hear! Share your story below.