10 Airport Snacks the Huel Nutrition Team Actually Recommend

The snack selection at airports is generally fairly poor- whether that be an overpriced, sad looking sandwich or a bag of sweets bigger than your carry-on bag. The fix is mostly just planning ahead to pack snacks that are just as portable as they are nutritious.

If you've ever arrived at your destination puffy, exhausted, and somehow still hungry - your snacks probably had something to do with it. Here is a handy guide on getting your snacks right to give you a headstart to potentially feeling less groggy when you get off the plane at the other side.

What Makes a Snack Travel-Friendly

Not all snacks work for travel. Here is what is best to look out for:

• Portable and minimal mess (nothing gooey or prone to spilling)
• Good amounts of protein and fibre
• Shelf stable enough to survive your bag
• Airport security compliant: solid foods only; liquids/spreads must be under 100ml.
• Packed in reusable containers to cut down on waste (and squished snacks)

The Ten Snacks

1. Whole Fruit

Apples, oranges, and bananas are the original travel snack. They don’t require refrigeration and pop into a handy reusable container to prevent bruising. Some countries' customs don’t allow fruit to enter at your destination so check before you travel and make sure your fruit is polished off before you get through the other side.

2. Mixed Nuts/ Seeds (DIY Trail Mix)

A handful of almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds contain protein and fibre in a package that weighs next to nothing. Buy in bulk at home and portion into a reusable container.

3. Wholegrain Crackers

Look on the label in the supermarket to find a version with a high content of fibre. Pair with a small nut butter packet.

4. Vegetable Sticks

Chop up some carrot/cucumber sticks and place into a reusable container. Prep takes 5 minutes and you will reap the benefits of your preparation when you get to the airport. Add in a small pot of hummus dip to go with the veggie sticks.

5. No Bake Energy Bites

These bites are dead simple to prep. Mix oats, nut butter, maple syrup, cranberries, dark chocolate chips, vanilla extract, a splash of plant-based milk, roll into balls, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Why not try making it your own by swapping the cranberries for mango, or adding desiccated coconut.

Find the full recipe here.

6. Spiced Roasted Chickpeas

Drain, rinse, and dry a can of chickpeas, toss in your spices of choice (smoked paprika, cumin, and chilli work well), then roast at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until crispy. Let them cool completely before popping into an airtight container, and you’re ready to go.

7. Edamame

Edamame beans are complete proteins (contain all 9 essential amino acids), so are a great option for travelling. Buy a bag of pre-shelled edamame, season with a pinch of sea salt, and portion into a small reusable container. Prep takes two minutes.

8. Dehydrated Kale Crisps

Massage torn kale leaves with olive oil, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of garlic powder. Bake at 150°C for 20 minutes until crisp.

9. Huel

You can also pack a Huel Complete Nutrition Bar for an easy, tasty, no prep option that is ready to grab-and-go. If you forget to pack your snacks ahead of time, not to fret! Huel is often available for purchase in many WHSmiths, vending machines and convenience stores inside some airports whilst you are waiting for departure.

10. Water & Hydrating Snacks

Bring an empty, reusable bottle to fill up after security. I often find that flight dehydration creeps up on me very quickly, so sip water and snack on hydrating foods like cucumber.

With a bit of prep, you can head out with travel snacks that are tasty, convenient, and made with nutritious ingredients. From energy balls to Kale crisps, and simple grab-and-go options, there’s no need to rely on less nutritious choices while you’re travelling.