6 Best Airplane Snacks for Long Flights…Healthy Ones!
Flights can be long and can feel even longer. With timezone changes, layovers, crying babies, and crappy airline food the worst thing that can happen is that you end up cranky and hungry. How can you avoid this? Make sure you pack great healthy snacks!
As you probably know, the snacks offered on an airplane or in airports might not always be the best. Between overly salty snack mixes, cookies, and sugar-filled sodas, your options are limited if you are wanting something healthy. That’s why I decided to share some of my favorite healthy airplane snacks to help survive a long haul flight. Not all airplane snacks are created equal so here are some good airplane snacks that will not only keep you satisfied between meals, but will be easy to pack in your carry-on bag.
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1. Fresh Fruit
Whether it’s as simple as an apple, or as glamorous as a tropical fruit salad, fruit is a great way to get some fiber to feel full when your stomach starts to grumble. Fruit also has a high water content, which can help you stay hydrated, which is super important when taking long flights. Go for firm fruits with a better shelf life, so they don’t get smashed. Bananas are a great option (not too ripe though) with a lot of potassium and a good flavor, plus they are very filling. Other than that, apples, oranges, grapes, berries, cut melon etc., are other great options for healthy plane snacks.
2. Protein or Snack Bars
Bars like granola bars and protein bars are convenient, easy to pack, and don’t require much effort, making them great airplane snacks. However, be careful to check the added sugars and calories in the snack bars. Sometimes a “healthy” granola bar can be full of added sugars and extra calories.
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3. Popcorn
Popcorn can provide that salty snack you crave, while still being a healthier alternative to some of the traditional airplane snacks. You can either pop and pack your own, or buy pre-popped popcorn like Skinny Pop. I buy Skinny Pop all the time and am amazed at how at only 43 calories per cup how good it is. They are great because they come pre-portioned and ready to grab and go.
4. Wraps
Some people might not consider this a snack but hear me out. You can add in any solid ingredient and prepare a delicious and filling wrap. Cured meat and hard cheeses have a great shelf and taste amazing even at room temperature. You can add apple, cucumber, iceberg lettuce or carrot for some crunch value.
5. Homemade Trail Mix
Trail mix is great, especially if you make your own. It’s versatile, healthy, and downright delicious! It is also so easy to make. Just mix together your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and, if you’d like, add something sweet like dark chocolate chips Trail mix is high-protein and has the fiber you need to leave you feeling satisfied.
6. Hummus and Crackers
Hummus and crackers is my healthy favorite airplane snack. You’ll never get bored with the many flavors of hummus on the market, and you’ll also benefit from all the nutrients in it. Made from chickpeas, hummus is so rich in protein that it can curb your hunger and balance blood sugar levels. What’s more is that it’s high in iron, which boosts your energy and prevents you from feeling restless in your seat. While hummus is usually refrigerated there are definitely alternatives.
So there you have it, 6 of the best airplane snacks to make sure that you don’t go hungry on your long flight. If you’re interested in reading more long haul flight tips make sure you read 10 Tips to Survive a Long-Haul Flight.
Do you have any other good airplane snack ideas? Let me know down in the comments!
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lemon rice and boiled egg. My go to food item
Love these suggestions. Will keep in mind for my new trip.
How do you get hummus past security?? I’ve had it taken away as a “spreadable.”
i’ve been able to carry 3oz hummus on board – last time was in 2018 – but i had it packed in my 311 liquids bag for screening. if in doubt, spread it on your flatbread and roll it up and put into sandwich baggie. that might work.
the only issue i’ve had with TSA & my snacks was when i packed a fist-sized apple inside my carry on — on the xray it looked like a solid object so i was pulled aside for hand screening. now i tuck my apple into the outer pocket of backpack or pack a gallon ziplock with all my snacks and put it on top of carry on for screening. happy travels!
Really great ideas! I would love to be the kind of person who has her life together enough to bring healthy snacks from home for a flight… but I’m not. I always buy overpriced Starbucks protein boxes in the airport and then kick myself for not bringing the same thing from home!
Please remember that some airlines are becoming more conscious of those traveling with nut allergies and this might impact your snack. As nut allergies are increasing by leaps and bounds, it’s important to remember that bringing nuts on the plane can cause a life threatening anaphylactic reaction to a fellow passenger.
I love all your suggestions! We also take a good whole wheat toast (with seeds) and peanut butter. It’s delicious with green apple.
This is a good idea. I usually bring sweet cupcakes before taking the plane. Because I need extra sugar and it makes me sleep well.
I love these suggestions. I usually bring granola bars and packaged nuts because most of the long haul flights I have done are international which won’t allow fresh food, produce or un-packaged items past security.
These options are great!! Definitely using some on my next flight!
Great ideas! I’m a fresh fruit kinda gal. We also usually take Trader Joe’s Salt and Pepper Pistachios with us on long trips. Their peanut butter pretzels are amazing too!
Love these suggestions! And they’re much more normal than the chicken or hard-boiled eggs I usually bring which always gets me funny looks.
Haha so glad you have a few more options to consider now!
Love these suggestions. I like to bring my own snacks when traveling. Hadn’t thought of hummus and crackers. I love mini pretzels and fruit snacks too. 🙂
Hummus and crackers are so delicious and sooo convenient!