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For tasty ideas, we tapped nutritionist and healthy eating guru Tara Milhem to show us her go-to homemade snacks she brings along on her flights. Here are six DIY airplane snacks Milhem swears by, recipes included.
Roasted chickpeas are an addictively crunchy travel snack that has high protein and fiber content to keep you full and nourished while you're in flight. Bonus: Cayenne pepper provides a metabolism boost with a touch of spice. Pack this snack in a reusable bag (we like those by Stasher) and you're ready to go!
Replace your usual potato chips with these crunchy apple chips which, unlike some store-bought apple chips, are low in sodium and added sugars. Travel with them in an airtight container or bag, and they'll stay fresh for days on end.
© Photo by Jessie BeckSure, you could grab a pack of salt roasted almonds-but roasting them in tamari give them a salty-sweet twist.Photo by Jessie Beck Sure, you could grab a pack of salt roasted almonds-but roasting them in tamari give them a salty-sweet twist.
Almonds are a great travel snack because they are easy to pack and won't go bad en route-no matter how long into the flight you wait to break out your snack bag. They also have an incredible amount of nutrients and are known to help lower cholesterol, improve skin, and aid in weight loss. Instead of just snacking on plain almonds, spice it up with tamari and transport yourself to Asia with this savory snack.
Store-bought bars are convenient, but they can have a lot of added sugar and preservatives. However, these homemade apricot-almond bars combine protein and healthy fat to keep you full and fueled (bonus: they're vegan and gluten-free). They fit easily in your bag and can be stored at room temperature. Pack them in a reusable container or bag and reach for a bar when you need a burst of energy.
© Photo by Jessie BeckStore your cucumber slices in a reusable container to keep them from getting squished in your bag en route to your flight.Photo by Jessie Beck Store your cucumber slices in a reusable container to keep them from getting squished in your bag en route to your flight.
These savory cucumber slices are hydrating, tasty, and super easy to whip up-an ideal option for a refreshing, salad-like snack that's also easy to eat on an airplane (no forks required here, folks). Store them in a bag or small tupperware container.
This snackable yet filling chickpea-avocado dip is the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and clean carbohydrates. Pair it with your favorite cracker or try brown rice crackers for a healthy alternative. The green hummus will keep well for a day refrigerated or a few hours at room temperature-so it's most ideal for shorter (under 5-hour-long) flights.
Pro tip: As hummus is considered a spreadable by TSA, pack it in a small (no more than 3.4 ounce) container such as the 3.4-ounce GoStak containers by BlenderBottle containers ($9.25 for 3; amazon.com).
Once you have your snacks prepped and ready to eat, you'll want to make sure you pack them in a flight-friendly way with these tips:
This article was originally published in March 2015 and has been most recently updated on July 12, 2022 to include new information. Jessie Beck contributed to the reporting of this story.