Traveling Without Sugar (2 of 3): Snacks

When I travel, I like a variety of homemade treats, store bought snacks purchased at home (and sometimes available along the way), and protein powder.

Store Bought Items

* Tillamook Zero Sugar Original Beef Jerky (1 oz contains 14 g protein, 0 g sugar, but high in sodium)

* RX bars - these are $2-3.50 each at gas stations and up to $6 each at airports.  Too much for me. I don't eat peanuts, but the others are great.  Especially the chocolate!!

* Dried fruit - I have had both of these 100% no extra sugar items. The second is better by far in my book. Even my adults kids like them better Sweeter, tastier, more moist. But they are both quite good.

* Mixed nuts - there are many options here. I prefer the no added salt varieties and am very picky about what oils are used. Preferably none. Especially no palm oil.  I usually buy them bulk and mix them myself, but one of these would work.

Homemade Treats

Start at least a week ahead of time by preparing some tasty treats ready to go with me on trips. Protein bites, muffins or bars, waffles (https://feverishlyfrugal.blogspot.com/2024/10/protein-packed-waffles-mix-and-finished.html), homemade chocolate (https://feverishlyfrugal.blogspot.com/2025/08/homemade-chocolate-dairy-and-sugar-free.html), etc. 

I freeze them and put them in snack sized bags so I can grab a variety for the day. Some go in my luggage, some in my purse and some in my larger carryon.  Variety is what saves me from wanting something outside of my healthy zone.

If you don't' have time to make your own chocolate or have quite a way to go without refrigeration available, I suggest grabbing stevia sweetened chocolate chips to tackle the need for chocolate. This one found at Walmart is the best per ounce I've found. And believe me, I've looked!

Protein Powder - this is a must.  Clean, no sugar, good stuff. Even if you leave everything else behind. Bring this. It will be your good luck charm. to get you to the next healthy stopping spot on your trip. Having an adequate amount of protein in our diets keeps us from succumbing to cravings. 

I have recently switched to Ascent 100% Whey Protein Isolate Powder, vanilla.

When I've used a pea protein based powder, I find it's tastier to have at least 1/2 almond milk for my fluids while mixing it.  This is always available at airports in coffee shops and many convenience stores. Just the almond milk. By itself.

Don't be afraid to travel and stay on a strict healthy anti-inflammatory diet. It is TOTALLY POSSIBLE! I've done it. To Hawaii, the UK, and all over the USA. Now go have fun. And don't get run down by a bad diet.

Note: My post on 15 June 2025 showed the drinks I take and buy on trips to help me stay healthy.  This is the second of three posts showing food (snacks) I take often travel with.

I started on an anti-inflammatory diet in June 2018. Not an easy journey, but I'm glad I have stuck to it.  In some ways I wish I could encourage these changes for family and friends, but you've gotta want to do it.