We all know snacks are one of the best parts of road trips. From expensive meals at restaurants to pricey convenience store goods, budget-friendly travel isn't easy. Americans spend around $30 a day on food for travel, but prepping your own food can help you cut costs by 50% or more.[1] Whether you’re feeding yourself or a whole car full of kids, with a little planning and a few secret strategies, you’ll be eating cheaply and deliciously! We've got 15 ways to help you save money on food while you’re on the road.

2

Pack boxed meals.

  1. Prep meals ahead of time to save on eating out.[4] Create bento boxes with a bit of protein, a fun snack, and a fresh, healthy food to add variety for picky eaters. Try assembling yogurt parfaits or salads in a jar for a variation on the classic boxed lunch.
    • Make pre-made sandwiches with deli meat, cheese, lettuce, and your favorite spread.
    • Use pita pockets instead of bread for a lower mess, on-the go sandwich.
    • Top mixed greens with cold rotisserie chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta.
    • Make pasta salad ahead of time.
    • Add in homemade baked goods like muffins and scones for a budget-friendly treat.
3

Fill a cooler with whole foods.

  1. Healthy foods are often cheaper than processed snacks. Plus, fiber-rich foods like vegetables and protein-rich snacks like hardboiled eggs keep you full for longer. That way, you don’t have to keep chowing down junk food.[5]
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5

Buy in bulk for longer road trips.

  1. Save money over several days with this strategy. Pick up your road trip snacks and staples in larger quantities. Then, pre-portion out meals and snacks for the days of your trip so you’re not tempted to eat everything in one sitting.[9] Here are some great foods to buy in bulk:
    • Canned goods (like tuna)
    • Dry goods like beans and rice (which you can cook in advance)
    • Cereal
    • Family-sized bags of your favorite snacks
    • Pick generic brands for even more savings!
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7

Create quick grocery store meals instead of eating out.

  1. Pick up staples for healthy, cheap options while you’re on the road. Opt for no-fuss choices like bread, peanut butter, fruit, and cheese to create a satisfying picnic lunch or dinner.[11] Buy squeezable applesauce, yogurt tubes, and veggies with single serve hummus or dip for easy grocery-store snacks.[12]
    • Buy from ethnic markets or bulk stores for even more savings on groceries.[13]
    • For breakfast, opt for choices like cold-soaked oats, premade hardboiled eggs, bread with jam or butter, and yogurt.
    • For lunch, pick up your favorite deli meat, bread, and some leafy greens for a cheap sandwich option.
    • For dinner, snag a cooked rotisserie chicken and some mixed greens, or make a hummus wrap with veggies and beans for a vegetarian option.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How can I choose healthy food items at a restaurant?
    Melody Sayers, MS, RD, NASM-CPT
    Melody Sayers, MS, RD, NASM-CPT
    Registered Dietician & Personal Trainer
    Melody Sayers is a Registered Dietitian and NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer. She is the owner of Elevate Your Plate®, a private nutrition counseling and personal training practice, focused on an evidence-based, individualized, realistic, and results-driven approach to improving one's health. With over 8 years of experience, Melody has worked in both the private and public health sectors, helping both individuals and communities achieve milestones in managing their weight and preventing disease. She currently holds a Certificate in Adult Weight Management and a Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science from the California State University - Northridge.
    Melody Sayers, MS, RD, NASM-CPT
    Registered Dietician & Personal Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Choose menu items with the words "grilled" or "baked." Avoid the "fried" or "creamy" food items. Fried foods and creamy dressings or sauces contain higher amounts of saturated fat that is not good for health.
  • Question
    What are some healthier food options?
    Melody Sayers, MS, RD, NASM-CPT
    Melody Sayers, MS, RD, NASM-CPT
    Registered Dietician & Personal Trainer
    Melody Sayers is a Registered Dietitian and NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer. She is the owner of Elevate Your Plate®, a private nutrition counseling and personal training practice, focused on an evidence-based, individualized, realistic, and results-driven approach to improving one's health. With over 8 years of experience, Melody has worked in both the private and public health sectors, helping both individuals and communities achieve milestones in managing their weight and preventing disease. She currently holds a Certificate in Adult Weight Management and a Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science from the California State University - Northridge.
    Melody Sayers, MS, RD, NASM-CPT
    Registered Dietician & Personal Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Salad, apple slices, steamed vegetables, brown rice, low-fat pretzels, baked chips, low-sodium vegetable soup, and air-popped popcorn are healthier food options.
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About This Article

Melody Sayers, MS, RD, NASM-CPT
Co-authored by:
Registered Dietician & Personal Trainer
This article was co-authored by Melody Sayers, MS, RD, NASM-CPT and by wikiHow staff writer, Kira Jan. Melody Sayers is a Registered Dietitian and NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer. She is the owner of Elevate Your Plate®, a private nutrition counseling and personal training practice, focused on an evidence-based, individualized, realistic, and results-driven approach to improving one's health. With over 8 years of experience, Melody has worked in both the private and public health sectors, helping both individuals and communities achieve milestones in managing their weight and preventing disease. She currently holds a Certificate in Adult Weight Management and a Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science from the California State University - Northridge. This article has been viewed 23,205 times.
8 votes - 75%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: February 16, 2022
Views: 23,205
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