When it comes to surviving long flights, snacks are your best friends. Forget about those tiny pretzels they serve; I’m talking about the good stuff that’ll keep you happy, energized, and possibly slightly less annoying to your fellow passengers.
Importance of Choosing the Right Snacks for Long Flights
Choosing the right snacks for long flights matters. Tiny pretzels don’t cut it. I need something filling to survive hours in the air. Granola bars and protein bars score high on that list. They satisfy cravings while being easy to pack.
Hydration is key, too. Airplanes turn my mouth into a desert. Dried fruits like mangoes and apricots can help. But hey, moderation is the name of the game. I don’t want my stomach to feel like it’s on a rollercoaster ride mid-flight.
Convenience also plays a big role. Snacks should fit neatly into my bag. Nuts, seeds, and trail mix are perfect for that. They don’t need refrigeration, and they’re easy to munch on without making a mess.
Best Types of Snacks for Long Flights
Snacks can make or break a long flight. I’ve learned the hard way to pack wisely. Some snacks keep you energized, while others… well, let’s avoid those potential disasters. Here’s my take on the best options.
Healthy Snack Options
- Fresh Fruits: I love packing apples, oranges, and mandarin oranges. They’re juicy and super easy to eat. Plus, they help keep me hydrated. A win-win!
- Dried Fruits: Dried mango, apricots, and cranberries are heavenly. Just don’t eat too many! They can be sneaky with the dehydration.
- Veggie Sticks and Dips: Sliced carrots, celery, and red peppers with a side of hummus or nut butter are satisfying. They crunch away those mid-flight cravings while keeping things healthy.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds make perfect companions. They’re nutrient-dense and fit nicely in small containers. I can munch on them without making a mess.
- Granola and Energy Bars: Granola bars, Kind bars, and Luna bars have saved me more times than I can count. They provide that quick energy boost when I need it most.
- Chips: Sometimes, you just gotta indulge. I pack a small bag of my favorite chips. Salty snacks can feel like heaven when I need a distraction from turbulence.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate is my guilty pleasure. It’s rich, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent. Plus, who doesn’t love a little chocolate therapy?
- Gourmet Popcorn: Flavored popcorn is fancy yet fun. I’m talking about anything from cheese to caramel. So versatile, it keeps me guessing what scrumptious flavor I’ll reach for next.
- Cookies: I always bring my favorite cookies. They bring a bit of “home” to the air. A couple of bites feel like a cozy hug while cruising at 30,000 feet.
- Trail Mix: Mixing sweet and salty works wonders. My favorite trail mix includes chocolate bits, nuts, and dried fruits. It’s the snack that keeps on giving!
Packing these snacks not only saves my sanity but also keeps my fellow passengers happy. Snacks aren’t just food; they’re small acts of kindness in a crowded plane.
Tips for Packing Snacks for Long Flights
Packing snacks for long flights isn’t just an art; it’s a survival skill. I focus on easy-to-carry snacks and a few tricks to keep them fresh. Let’s dig into how to make snack time smooth and satisfying!
Portion Control and Packaging
Portion control keeps me from overindulging. I pack snacks in small containers or resealable bags. This way, I can enjoy a handful of mixed nuts or dried fruit without the temptation of devouring a whole bag. Individual servings avoid mess and help me stay on track. Plus, they fit perfectly in my carry-on. I also love using cute containers; they make snack time feel special, even at 30,000 feet!
Popular Snack Brands for Long Flights
Finding the right snacks is key for long flights. Here are some popular snack brands that keep us energized and entertained at 30,000 feet.
Dried Fruits and Nuts
- Costco’s Individual Packets: These mixed nuts are a perfect pick. They’re salty, crunchy, and their convenient packaging makes snacking easy. You won’t even need to share—bonus points!
- Nature Garden Nut/Seed Mixes: I swear by these. They pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. Plus, they’re great for preventing that mid-air meltdown when hunger strikes.
- Dried Fruit: Brands like Made in Nature offer dried mango and apricots, but let’s not overdo it. Remember, staying hydrated is key.
Granola and Protein Bars
- Kind Bars: These bars hit the sweet spot. They provide nourishment without making you feel like a brick. The caramel almond and sea salt variety? Yes, please!
- Luna Bars: These are a good go-to when the sweet tooth kicks in. They’re tasty, nutritious, and easy to munch on while watching a movie (or zoning out).
- Perfect Bars: These are packed with protein but soft enough to feel like a treat. If hunger creeps in, they save the day.
- Fresh Fruits: Apples and oranges travel well. Just eat them before landing. I learned the hard way after an unfortunate run-in with airport security.
- Veggie Sticks: Carrots and celery with hummus come in handy, too. They’re crunchy, satisfying, and feel refreshing—especially on a stuffy airplane.
Sticking with these snack brands makes the journey much more enjoyable. Just remember, snacking smart is the key to keeping cheerful and satisfied up in the clouds.
Conclusion
So there you have it folks snacks are the unsung heroes of long flights. Forget about those sad little pretzels and embrace the joy of packing your own delicious treats. Whether I’m munching on granola bars or indulging in some chocolatey goodness I know I’m setting myself up for a much more enjoyable journey.
And let’s be honest who doesn’t want to be the person with the best snacks on the plane? With a little planning I can turn my travel experience from “meh” to “heck yes!” So next time I’m jetting off don’t forget the snacks because happy snacking means happy flying.
I’m Sara Barker, a content creator and brand strategist with nearly 20 years in hospitality. Known as “The Menu Doctor,” I specialize in crafting menus and brand stories for restaurants ranging from fast-casual to fine dining