Family Road Trip Food

Family Road Trip Food

Whether your family is travelling by car, bus, boat or plane, we usually have to eat along the way. Packing your own food can save you time and money.

If it’s practical, put food into smaller travel sized containers or a large lunchbox as it can cost more to buy single serve packs. Don’t forget to pack an ice brick to keep your food safe.

While it may be tempting to feed your children in the car, it can pose a choking risk. If you can, use meal times as a chance to stop and stretch your legs. Take the time to eat in a more relaxed way. This can help stop the travel grumbling and food demands.

Here are some travel friendly food ideas that have all the five food groups covered.

Food GroupMeal and Snack Ideas
Fruit
  • Fresh fruit: e.g. apples, bananas, berries, pears, grapes (cut up for under 3’s). Choose seasonal fruit where possible. Keep an eye out for fresh fruit on road side stalls on your travels.
  • Dried fruit e.g. sultanas, apple, dates, bliss balls (eat these with other food like cheese to help protect teeth).
  • Fruit cup/diced fruit in natural juice e.g. peaches, fruit salad, pears.
Vegetable
  • Fresh vegetables e.g. raw carrot*/celery*/cucumber sticks* with hummus, cherry tomatoes (cut up for under 3’s), snow peas.
  • Vegetable fritters.

* Choking risk for under three's

Meat and alternatives
  • Cold lean meat in a sandwich or salad (e.g. ham, chicken, roast beef).
  • Roasted chickpeas or nuts/seeds* or nut butters on bread/crackers.
  • Tinned tuna.
  • Hard boiled eggs.
  • Egg and vegetable slice e.g. quiche.
Dairy
  • Tub of yoghurt.
  • Small container of milk.
  • Cheese and crackers.
  • Custard.
Grain
  • Wraps, sandwiches or rolls.
  • Crackers and rice cakes.
  • Fruit buns, fruit bread, scones.
  • Popcorn.*
  • Choose wholegrain where possible.

* Choking risk for under three's

Drinks
  • Always pack water bottles for everyone

While it may seem convenient to use food keep children quiet in the back seat it's better to stop and eat. For babies and young children plan trips around sleep time. For older children play games like eye spy, music or audible books. These can help keep children entertained.