It’s alright; we’ve all been there: standing at the airport newsstand, searching for a snack to get us through the upcoming flight. But chances are you’re going to pay way more than its normal price. The same can be said for in-flight snack boxes. Sometimes what you get isn’t something you want, and you pay more for snacks that you enjoy. With that being said, maybe it’s time to skip the airport snacks and bring your own instead! You don’t have to spend extra money, and you won’t find yourself starving on long flights! So, here are the best snacks for flights that cost less and will save you any pre-flight stress at the newsstand!
Table of contents
- Nongshim Shin Cup Noodle Soup
- Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels
- Gaea Snack Pitted Green Olives
- gimMe Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets
- Welch’s Fruit Snacks
- SkinnyPop Popcorn
- Quaker Rice Crisps
- Jack Link’s Beef Jerky
- Pure Protein Bar
- POWER UP Trail Mix
- KIND Bars
- Dang Keto Toasted Coconut Chips
- Sunbelt Bakery Chewy Granola Bar
- How To Choose The Best Snacks for Flights
- Can you eat snacks on a plane during covid?
- Is it better to fly on an empty stomach?
- What size snacks can I bring on a plane?
Nongshim Shin Cup Noodle Soup
13
Aside from gadgets for long flights, you also need something to eat to help keep you sane! There might be tons of best snacks for long flights, but nothing is like a cup of ramen. Our favorite is the Nongshim Shin Cup Noodle Soup, which is enough to keep you full for hours. Though ramens are usually readily available as an in-flight snack, you can always bring this one in your carry-on weekender bag. Ask the cabin crew for hot water when they roam around with their beverage cart.
So, why should you get this one instead of other ramens? That’s because it’s classic, customizable ramen with a rich, savory broth that satisfies from bite to bite. The additional toppings of shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and scallions add some welcome bits of texture as you eat. The shiitake mushrooms, in particular, give you nice meat-like textures. Yes, there are other healthy snacks for on the go that you can get, but this one is super tasty and convenient!
- What We Love:
- A convenient and filling ramen that you can enjoy if you’re looking for a hot soup to sip.
- Pros:
- Rich, savory broth
- Cheap
- Has additional toppings
- Meat-like shiitake mushrooms
- Filling
- Cons:
- Not a healthy option
Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels
12
Nothing cures a boring and long flight like a bag of pretzels. Yep, pretzels are common in-flight freebies, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your favorite brand. One of our favorites is Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels. This snack has low-fat content and is high in iron, folate, potassium, and zinc. It’s super crunchy, tasty, and convenient to carry around. It’s the perfect snack for any occasion that everyone can agree on. Are you looking for snacks for road trips? Grab this snack, and you’ll have nothing to worry about!
Everyone can’t get enough of this snack’s unique flavor. That said, the best thing about this snack is that you don’t need to worry about your stomach when you have too much of it (who doesn’t?). Each bite envelops your taste buds in a delightful swirl of buttery, sweet, and spicy tang. Plus, you can have it as it is or try to pair it with fruits like apples and pears!
- What We Love:
- A versatile and addicting snack that has a unique flavor.
- Pros:
- Can be paired with fruits, pasta, salad, and others
- Sweet and spicy
- Has low-fat content
- High in iron, folate, potassium, and zinc
- Convenient to carry around
- Cons:
- It’s on the pricey side
Gaea Snack Pitted Green Olives
11
Choosing the best snacks for flights can be time-consuming. But if you want something salty, we recommend getting the Gaea Snack Pitted Green Olives. You can enjoy this snack on its own or include it in your salad, tuna, or other small meals. With this snack, you’ll finally find a way to stay healthy even when you’re busy flying around from country to country.
Apart from that, this is one of those healthy snacks for on the go that your kid can enjoy too! The omega 3s and healthy fats in olives will support brain function. The composition is perfect for keeping your little one’s bellies happy. On top of that, this salty snack has a very satiating quality and doesn’t have artificial ingredients like other chips, cookies, and on-the-go packaged food.
- What We Love:
- It’s a healthy snack with tons of benefits for the body.
- Pros:
- Rich in omega 3s and healthy fats
- No artificial ingredients
- Suitable for those who love salty snacks
- Resealable bag
- Comes in a pack of 8
- Cons:
- Some people think it’s too greasy
gimMe Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets
10
When you’re not really hungry but need a salty snack to munch while watching some movie, grab the gimMe Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets! This snack is a low-calorie treat that satisfies that salty, crunchy craving. Not only that, but it also packs a ton of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, iodine, zinc, and vitamin C, and A. Potato chips; who?
As one of the best snacks for flights, this snack is also compatible with keto, vegan, and gluten-free diets. When it comes to the flavors, it’s available in 6 different options: Sea Salt, Teriyaki, Sea Salt & Avocado Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Wasabi, and Toasted Sesame. You should try all 6 to find out which is your favorite!
- What We Love:
- A low-calorie snack that can satisfy your salty crunchy craving.
- Pros:
- Available in 6 flavors
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Non-GMO
- Compatible with most diets
- Affordable
- Cons:
- Not filling
Welch’s Fruit Snacks
9
Welch’s Fruit Snacks is one of the best snacks for flights that everyone can enjoy. These delicious fruit snacks pack 100% of the recommended amount of Vitamin C, vital to keeping your immune system up. Yummy and affordable, this snack comes in a pack of 40. We know it might sound a lot. But as far as we’re concerned, it’s impossible to eat just one pouch!
Made with real fruit, this is also a great source of Vitamin A and E. As if that’s not enough incentive, chewy fruit snacks are a great way to combat the dreaded ear popping in children! You can have them chew this snack during takeoff and landing to keep the eustachian tubes free and open. Best of all, it’s gluten, fat, and preservative-free. No wonder it’s considered one of the best snacks for flights.
- What We Love:
- This is an affordable and toothsome option that contains tons of vitamins.
- Pros:
- Rich in vitamin A, C, and E
- Comes in a pack of 40
- Gluten, fat, and preservative-free
- Affordable
- Has over 10 mouthwatering flavor varieties
- Cons:
- Too sweet for some people
SkinnyPop Popcorn
8
Fun fact: did you know that popcorn is one of the best snacks to try in the USA? That said, there’s no way you can enjoy your flight without it! So, we’re here to recommend you the SkinnyPop Popcorn. This delicious, low-calorie popcorn is available in a size that’s perfect for travel. The small bags are extremely lightweight, and you’ll be glad to have your popcorn fix while watching the in-flight entertainment.
You might not believe it, but this snack is one of the most popular healthy snacks on the go. You can have a guilt-free munch in any of its flavors as they’re high in fiber, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Even better, you don’t have to microwave it as it comes pre-popped. Plus, this is an inexpensive snack, so there’s really no reason for you not to get this snack!
- What We Love:
- The perfect snack that allows you to have crunchy and fluffy popcorns without any guilt.
- Pros:
- Cheap price tag
- 39 calories per cup
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Comes in many variants
- Pre-popped
- Cons:
- It can’t beat freshly popped popcorn
Quaker Rice Crisps
7
Made with whole-grain brown rice, the Quaker Rice Crisps is one of the best snacks for flights. With 11gr of whole grains and 110 calories per 30gr serving, this snack is tasty and now comes gluten-free. Thanks to this snack, you can feel good about a bit of indulgence. The mini size also means less mess as you treat yourselves.
Similar to other best snacks for long flights, there are so many different flavors to choose from. Despite that, the Caramel Crisps will always be our go-to option. It’s a yummy sweet treat for those in-flight sugar cravings. Even if you’re the type that typically doesn’t care for rice cakes, you should give this one a try. It’s perfect on so many levels!
- What We Love:
- It’s a great and delicious snack without the calories.
- Pros:
- Gluten-free
- Low-calorie
- Made with corn and whole grain brown rice
- Low fat and cholesterol
- Comes in a pack of 6
- Cons:
- Has a weird after taste
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky
6
One of the oldest and best snacks for flights is none other than beef jerky. If you’re searching for it, you should give Jack Link’s Beef Jerky a try. It provides a quick, convenient, and often delicious way to get some protein. Also, it’s 96% fat-free, which makes it a brilliant choice for those doing a keto diet.
Even better, you can find this snack in almost any supermarket and food store. It also comes in many different flavors and seasonings, such as Original, Teriyaki, Peppered, Sweet & Hot, and Wild Heat. However, you have to be considerate of your fellow passengers. So, we recommend choosing the one that doesn’t come with strong seasoning.
- What We Love:
- A mess-free snack that provides tons of protein.
- Pros:
- Can be found anywhere
- Mess-free
- High in protein
- Keto-friendly
- Made with 100% premium beef
- Cons:
- Some flavors have a strong odor that might disturb others
Pure Protein Bar
5
The Pure Protein Bar is an awesome option for those looking for the best snacks for long flights that are chewy and Snickers-like. This protein bar is full of flavor and able to satisfy your sweet tooth one bite at a time. It’s mess-free, and you won’t disturb other passengers with a weird smell. If anything, this protein bar smells pretty nice!
Each bar contains 20 to 21gr of protein and no more than 200 calories depending on the flavor. Like we said earlier, this bar is sweet. But what’s fantastic is that it’s actually low in sugar! Since this value pack has 12 bars in total, you can also share this snack with your friends, family, or even other passengers! It’s definitely one of the best snacks for flights to curb your sweet cravings.
- What We Love:
- An affordable protein bar that has a great protein to sugar and carbs ratio.
- Pros:
- High in protein
- Low-calorie
- Affordable
- Mess-free
- Filling
- Cons:
- Inconsistent quality control
POWER UP Trail Mix
4
Need something to munch while reading your favorite novel on your tablet for reading? Then the POWER UP Trail Mix is a good choice. They’re light, nutritious, tasty, and even filling. Plus, nuts are amazing sources of antioxidants, protein, and energy. Made from only the finest, quality ingredients, don’t be surprised if you spot many people eating this snack on the plane.
You can also munch this nutritious trail mix as a pre- or post-workout snack or as camping food when you’re not traveling. Because of its benefits to your body, it can be a delicious part of your diet. Of course, it doesn’t have any preservatives. Furthermore, it’s non-GMO and gluten-free. With this protein-packed snack, your flight will absolutely be a hundred times better.
- What We Love:
- The go-to option for those looking for protein-packed trail mix and healthy snacks for on the go.
- Pros:
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
- No preservatives
- High in protein
- Filling
- Makes a great pre and post-workout snack
- Cons:
- Could use more nuts
KIND Bars
3
Last-minute packers that are looking for the best snacks for flights, this one is for you. KIND Bars can be found nearly everywhere, and this granola bar is perfect. It’s one of the most popular healthy snacks on the go as it’s made with real, wholesome ingredients like nuts, whole grains, and fruits. Plus, it only has 5gr of sugar. There’s not a hint of any powdery texture, and it’s very crunchy.
With 180 calories per serving, this snack is easily one of the most calorically dense energy bars you can get out there, and it doesn’t cost you a lot of money. Not to mention, it’s low in glycemic index, rich in fiber, gluten-free, and has zero trans fat. Having 6gr of protein, it’s a satisfying snack that’s not only indulgent but also keeps you full during your flight.
- What We Love:
- An incredibly popular snack that tastes good pretty healthy.
- Pros:
- Rich in fiber
- Gluten-free
- Low in glycemic index
- Made with real, wholesome ingredients
- Affordable
- Cons:
- Not that much protein compared to other brands
Dang Keto Toasted Coconut Chips
2
Even if you’re not jetting off to some tropical islands, the Dang Keto Toasted Coconut Chips will make you feel like you’re in a snack paradise. Not only are these coconut chips insanely tasty, but they also have tons of benefits. The medium-chain triglycerides from coconut are great for brain function and sustained energy levels. In other words, this snack will fill you up and help you ace that crossword puzzle you’re saving for the flight!
That’s not all! As one of the best snacks for flights, this snack uses simple, healthy ingredients that are keto certified, paleo-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free, and 100% plant-based. Another reason why it’s considered one of the best snacks for long flights is because it has no added sugar! This snack is so dang good that even your kids will love them!
- What We Love:
- A bag of simple, plant-based coconut chips that are incredibly tasty and has plenty of benefits for your body.
- Pros:
- Filling
- Good for the brain
- 100% plant-based
- Uses simple, healthy ingredients
- No added sugar
- Cons:
- Won’t satisfy those with a sweet tooth
Sunbelt Bakery Chewy Granola Bar
1
Don’t have time to make homemade granola bars? Then get the Sunbelt Bakery Chewy Granola Bar! One of the best snacks for flights is rich in fiber, protein, iron, and other micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E. This snack isn’t only delicious but also has a nutritious impact on your body.
One box contains 15 granola bars, which is more than enough no matter how long your flight is. Each bar is made with no preservatives and is high in fiber. It’s available in many different flavors, but the fan-favorite is the Oats & Honey. It’s sweet and will definitely make you full. So, anytime you need something to munch on the plane, take out this chewy bar!
- What We Love:
- A delectable snack that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, and by anyone.
- Pros:
- Chewy and sweet
- Has tons of nutrients
- One box contains 15 granola bars
- Available in many flavors
- Cheap
- Cons:
- Could be a bit bigger
How To Choose The Best Snacks for Flights
You might know how to pick the right travel accessories for long flights, but did you know what to keep in mind when picking snacks for flights? Here we have all the features you need to consider, so please read them!
Convenience
When looking for the best snacks for long flights, our recommendation is to look for something that doesn’t require utensils or a transfer from one container to another. You can get something like dried fruit, nuts, seeds, bars, and other ready-to-eat snacks. We don’t recommend bringing messy fruits like oranges. Speaking of which, if you want to bring frozen goods, make sure you have one of the best coolers for air travel!
Amount
If your flight is super long, chances are you’re going to snack more than once or twice. So, it would help if you packed things that range the full flavor spectrum to keep things interesting. This will also help you avoid eating too much salt, which can cause uncomfortable fluid retention.
Smell
This one is pretty obvious. Never bring snacks and other food that have strong odors on planes! Things like tuna and bananas are a big no as they can be smelly. You might enjoy it, but the person sitting next to you might be having a hard time!
Can you eat snacks on a plane during covid?
Thankfully, the answer is yes! However, it would help if you were extra careful. It’s safer for you to bring your own snacks to limit interactions. If possible, eat while your seatmate is masked.
Is it better to fly on an empty stomach?
No, it’s not! Traveling on an empty stomach can make you more susceptible to motion sickness, which is the worst thing that can happen when you’re up there. You can try to eat something light 45 to 60 minutes before flying.
What size snacks can I bring on a plane?
Solid food items can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Meanwhile, liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 ounces aren’t allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
