Five essential road trip snacks

Energy, protein sources and portability are characteristics of what I look for

Fuel’s an essential for your car on road trips. So is fuel for your body.

As we roll into the Independence Day weekend — when many of you are planning summer travels by car — let me offer you some tasty wisdom.

Here are five essential road trip snacks. And none of them require refrigeration.

The holy grail of trip snacks: Ritz cracker sandwiches. Delish, filled with protein, and a crowd pleaser. (Photo by John Naughton.)

1. Ritz Cracker Sandwiches. Whether you prefer peanut butter or cheese filled, Ritz cracker sandwiches provide a great snack for both drivers and passengers.

They come six to a package, so they’re nice for sharing. (Warning: If you give these to young kids, you’ll have to vacuum your vehicle from the avalanche of crumbs.)

Crispy Ritz crackers bind together a layer of peanut butter or cheese spread. The flavors are great and they provide a protein source to keep drivers alert or hungry passengers content until the next meal stop.

My three-year-old goddaughter recommends them, too.

Meat snacks protein a big protein boost for drivers seeking energy. (Photo by John Naughton.)

2. Meat snacks like jerky.

Protein provides energy. So when I travel, I try to find protein sources that keep well, taste good, and are easy to eat while driving.

Meat snacks, whether they be jerky or meat sticks, are an ideal fit.