19 Trader Joe's Road Trip Snacks We're Buying This Summer

Whether you're going on a two-hour drive across the state or a 10-day cross-country road trip, you're going to need sustenance. There's nothing worse than being stuck in the car for hours, at the mercy of whatever fast food options or convenience stores you come across.

It's way better (and usually cheaper) to stock up on road trip snacks before you go. And no matter what kind of snacks you like — sweet, savory or a mix of both — one thing will always remain the same when the munchies hit: options are key.

And when it comes to amazing snack options, we instantly think of one store: Trader Joe's. TJ's chip aisle is legendary, their array of trail mixes is vast and they're adding new products all the time (we see you, Snacky Clusters), so you might even make a new snack discovery. Here are 20 Trader Joe's road trip snacks to add to your cooler, beach bag and purse to keep you full, happy and satisfied in the car all summer long. 

Related: Our Top 12 Trader Joe's Finds for July

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Best Trader Joe's Road Trip Snacks

1. Trail Mix

Leave it to the trusty Trader Joe's Reddit thread to always keep us In the know, snack-wise. One user says they always pack trail mix from TJ's since they have so many different delicious varieties to fuel you on the road and some even come in pre-portioned packages, making snacking on the go even easier. "Tempting Trek Mix is probably my all-time favorite on-the-go item from any store. It’s peanuts, almonds, cashews, dried cherries, dark chocolate pieces and peanut butter chips."

Trader Joes Omega Trek Mix (just a handful) - 10 Individual 1.2 oz Bags

2. Peanut Butter Pretzels

There's a reason these have been a mainstay on Trader Joe's shelves for so long: they're a fan favorite and are so darn delicious. Many Redditors say these are a summer beach bag staple. "Pb pretzels! Our go-to—easy to eat, no mess, and a little bit of protein/fat to keep you fueled."

Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels 1 lb. (Pack of 3)

3. Many Things Snack Mix

The cooler older sister to that regular gas station bag of Chex Mix, the Many Things Snack Mix is another popular choice for road trippers. "I can’t believe nobody ever mentions the amazing addicting Many Things snack mix in the blue bag! Many Things Snack Mix is FIRE," says one passionate Redditor. The mix is a combo of mini pretzels, bread crisps, corn sticks, honey-roasted peanuts and two flavors of multigrain cereal squares: spicy and honey butter.

Trader Joe's Many Things Snack Mix (Pack of 3), 8 ounces, 24 Ounce

4. Dark Chocolate Pretzels

If the peanut butter-filled pretzels don't do it for you (or maybe you have a serious sweet tooth), grab a bag of dark chocolate pretzels. One user says "Don’t let them melt but the dark chocolate pretzels are addicting" while another says "And get 3 bags. 2 for the road, 1 for when you get back home. Trust me."

Trader Joes Dark Chocolate Covered Mini Pretzels (12 Oz)

5. Organic Sliced Apples

Just because you're in the car doesn't mean you can't have a little cooler with some healthy fruits and veggies to go along with your packaged snacks. One Reddit user says "I’m the weirdo who starts craving fruit and veggies by the end of day one. If you have a small cooler then bring some grapes, baby carrots, sugar snap peas, hummus and apples." Other options include the TJ-shelled edamame and a 2-pound bag of their clementines, which ring in at only $3.49.

6. Scandinavian Swimmers/Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers

Redditors rave about their favorite gummy candy from TJ's, the regular and sour Scandinavian Swimmers. "Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers are a MUST! At this point I pick up like 3-4 bags at once because once my friends try them, those bags go QUICK!" Bonus: The resealable bags are perfect for the car.

Trader Joe's Scandinavian Swimmers Gummy Candy Fish and Sea Life Shapes, 2 PACK (total of 28 oz) 14 oz Gluten Free

7. Organic Mini Sandwich Crackers

Another TJ's classic, these crackers come in two flavors — cheese and peanut butter — and both are tough to put down according to Trader Joe's fans. "Those cheese crackers are dangerously addictive... I don’t buy them anymore lol" and another saying "My 6-year-old daughter goes through 3 boxes a week." The tiny stuffed crackers are just perfect for munching on the road.

Trader Joe's Organic Mini Cheese Sandwich Crackers

8. PB&J Snack Duo

These boxes of six snack packs, reminiscent of Handi-Snacks, are also popular with traveling TJ's fans. "THE BEST! I always try and convince people to get it," says one commenter. "I was so pleasantly surprised. Always add it to my cart."  Another commenter was a fan of the ergonomic packaging. "These are delicious for sure. But the real story is how perfectly designed the packaging fits in your hand. You can hold it sticks first or jelly first and it's still comfortable." What else could you ask for in a road snack?

Trader Joe’s PB & J Snack Duo 6 Pack 12.7oz 360g (Two Boxes)

Related: The 20+ 'Perfect' Trader Joe's Items, According to Reddit

9. Cashew Butter Cashews

Roasted almonds or peanuts are great, but sometimes you want to upgrade your road snacks. That's where cashew butter cashews come in. The honey-roasted cashews are coated in sweetened cashew butter for a out-of-the-ordinary treat. One Reddit user says that this is their ultimate road trip indulgence. "They shouldn’t be as delicious as they are, but I’m powerless against these. Honey-roasted cashews, coated in cashew butter. So bad, but so very good."

10. Spanish Cheese Tapas Sampler

When you're on a road trip, don't forget about the cheese. You can make a simple charcuterie (carcuterie?) plate (or travel-friendly cup) with a small baguette, cured meats and some of the pre-cut sliced cheese that Trader Joe's offers. But rather than boring string cheese, make your road trip feel a bit more elegant with their Spanish Cheese Tapas Sampler. One Reddit user even has a cracker pairing for you. "The raisin rosemary crisps...usually paired with the Spanish tapas cheese (pre-cut, and includes manchego—you cannot go wrong!)."

11. Spicy Porkless Plant-Based Snack Rinds

Trader Joe's is well known for having many delicious plant-based foods, including cheese and prepared meals. Their snacks also cater to a wide range of eaters. For folks who want to skip pork, there are the popular Spicy Porkless Plant-Based Snack Rinds. The crunchy snacks are made out of rice meal, pea protein and pea flour and seasoned with paprika, cayenne and a pinch of habanero pepper powder. One Reddit user says "Porkless snack rinds are my favorite because they have a decent amount of protein for a snack" (they have an impressive seven grams per serving).

Trader joe’s spicy porkless plant-based snack rinds 2 pack

12. Cage Free Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs

Grab a bag of hard-boiled eggs from the refrigerated case for $2.99 and spend more time packing for your vacay and less time boiling and peeling eggs to bring along as a healthy snack for your road trip. These handy, portable, high-protein snacks can chill in your cooler with your veggies and cheese.

13. Brookies

This super delicious brownie-cookie combo is a cult fave with TJ fans and perfect for when a sweet craving strikes on the road. One Reddit user, in talking about the new and improved peanut butter brookies says, "Oh no. Nothing good can come from this. I’ve had to self-ban the regular brookies because I have no self-control. I have to go—I have an errand to run. Yeah. An 'errand.'" Enough said.

14. Protein Palette

This easy-to-open tray of Parmesan cheese crisps, roasted salted almonds and Italian salami is a low-carb snack that weighs in at about 200 calories and 31 grams of protein, making it a satiating snack.

Related: 'I Tried Trader Joe's New Salty-Sweet Snack to See If It Lives Up to the Hype' 

15. Crispy Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Users on Reddit compare the taste of this giant tub of cookies to another fan fave: Famous Amos. The tiny, crispy cookies are highly poppable and are a great snack to have when you need a cookie (or five) to go along with your Dunkin' while driving. One user says, "These are wonderful! I got a tub and tried them recently and OMG was so happy." Another commenter offers a brilliant tip for when the tub is almost gone: "Pro tip: sprinkle the crumbs from the bottom of the tub over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup."

Trader Joe's Crispy Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies 18 Oz

16. Mediterranean-Style Hummus Snack Pack

Sometimes a classic snack pack is all you need to satisfy a craving while on the road. The Mediterranean-Style Hummus Snack Pack, with its TJ's best-selling hummus and pita chips, will hit the spot. The cute little snack tray is easy to pack and even easier to eat.

17. Chewy Chocolate and Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Bars of all kinds (chocolate, granola) are a road trip snack staple. TJ's sells a wide variety, but this filling protein bar was called out by Redditors. "I love these protein bars so much!" says one user. "I used to buy the Fiberful ones, but don’t enjoy the flavor of the chocolate chip and the peanut butter seems to have been discontinued. I’d have switched to these years ago if I had tried them sooner!" Another commenter confirmed their portability. "They are so good and something great to have in your bag/car for when you need a snack."

18. Cold Brew Coffee Cans

When there's a lot of driving to do, you're going to need caffeine. One smart solution? Pick up some TJ's cold brew cans. At only $2 for an 8 oz. can, you'll be getting a decent shot of caffeine for way less than stopping in at a Starbucks on your trip (or when you can't find one). Pop a few cans in your cooler, add a straw and sip away. They're available in unsweetened and French vanilla and we suggest buying an assortment so you can grab the coffee that suits your mood.

19. Jerky

A classic road trip snack, Trader Joe's makes it easy to fill your snack bag with tons of different varieties so you'll never get bored. One Reddit user says, "I have been buying TJ Beef Jerky for years, but decided to give the Turkey Jerky a try. I regret not discovering these sooner. I love the texture —softer and not as stringy — and the flavor is on point." Another loves the price point compared to other grocery stores, saying "The Jerky! TJ's jerky is so affordable!"

Trader Joe's Natural Beef Jerky - Origina (Pack of 6)

Next: The Trader Joe's Freezer Staple Reddit Is Obsessed With