Best Macro-Friendly Snacks On The Go
Ever struggle to find "quick-n-easy" foods that you can eat while traveling? Struggle no more! We have come to the rescue to create the best macro-friendly snacks that you can take on-the-go.
If you are confused with the term "macro-friendly" you are most likely not familiar with what macro counting is, read here to learn more.
* This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information. *
Whether running to your terminal in the airport, taking the kids to soccer practice, or just running errands – these delicious snacks will help you stay on track and be "quick-n-easy" with minimal (if any) clean up.
We get it. Finding a balance of protein, carbs, and fats can be difficult, especially when you are limited with space, time, and resources (i.e. kitchen) when on-the-go. Here, we've done much of the work for you! All you need to do is pick some of your favorites to start snacking on!
You'll see we've categorized snacks into protein-friendly, carb-friendly, and fat-friendly for easy reference when searching for your perfect on-the-go snack.
Protein-Friendly Snacks
Light String Cheese
This is one of the easiest ways to get protein on-the-go with around 7g per cheese stick. Typically, the light version comes in mozzarella cheese and can be found in a pack of 12 or 24 at your local grocery store (or at the gas station! but beware... gas station string cheese might not be the light version).
* Pairs well with a 100-calorie packet of nuts and a piece of fruit!
Beef, Chicken, or Turkey Jerky
Although jerky can be pricey, it is worth it! And, lucky for you, it can be found at pretty much any gas station or grocery store! Now, when we say beef jerky, we are not talking Slim Jims. Most gas stations and grocery stores will stock various flavors (from regular to hickory, peppered to sriracha, and many more!) of true jerky to pick from, all with similar macros. There is not a huge difference between beef, turkey, or chicken jerky, though we have found that turkey and chicken jerky are typically more tender.
* Pairs nicely with pretty much any carb or fat foods because it is predominately protein.
Tuna Packets
I know the smell of tuna often gives it a bad reputation, but nowadays there are so many options when it comes to the flavor... most of them don't even smell that bad! Plus: tuna is a great source of protein! Some of our favorite tuna packets are Starkist Tuna Creations because they come in a variety of flavors including lemon pepper, sweet and spicy, hickory smoked, and ranch.
* Pairs perfectly with rice cakes to make an improv sandwich on the go!
Yogurt
Unless you have access to a fridge or plan to eat this right away, yogurt would not be a good choice for you. However, if you are looking to run out the door with something quick to fill you up, yogurt is perfect! We suggest getting the single serving cups as they are going to be the easiest and most effective way to manage your macros.
Our favorite is called Carbmaster (can be found at any Kroger grocery stores) because they have so many yummy flavors! With flavors like black forest cake, caramel spice, and white chocolate raspberry, they have flavors for every taste bud. Since each 6 oz. container has 8g of protein, you have endless options to pair it with. If you don't happen to have access to this brand, we recommend finding a low-fat or Greek yogurt instead.
* Pairs nicely with fruit and nuts!
Hard-Boiled Eggs
You can typically find hard-boiled eggs at any gas station or grocery store in a 2 or 4 pack. Since each medium egg offers 6g of protein, you can get between 12g or 24g of protein from just one package. What's even better – most pre-cooked, hard-boiled eggs come odorless as well; so you no longer need to worry about the residue-leaving sulfur smell wherever you go.
* Pairs nicely with fruit and nuts!
Deli Meat
Deli meat is one of the absolute easiest foods to get extra protein. You can buy it fresh from your grocery store's deli counter and pre-portion it out for your snacks, or you can grab some in the pre-packaged section at your local gas station. Either option will provide a decent amount of protein from a couple ounces of turkey or chicken. We recommend that (if possible) you try to find a lower-sodium option.
* Pairs perfectly with rice cakes to make an improv sandwich!
Rotisserie Chicken
The great thing about rotisserie chicken is that it is available at pretty much any grocery store (and even some convenience stores!) and is a great option for effortless, deliciously cooked protein. Whether you are eating straight from the container or pre-portioning it, rotisserie chicken has tons of different flavors that you can find.
* Pairs perfectly with fruit, rice cakes, and fresh veggies!
Individual (Single-Serve) Protein Powder Packets
Single-serve protein powder packets are perfect for on-the-go. We actually didn't find out about these until a couple of years ago; and if we would have known sooner that companies make them, we would have saved so much time from pre-portioning protein into Ziploc bags! So, now that you know, you should check on your favorite supplement's website to see if they have these available.
Our favorite protein powder flavors are Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup and Snickerdoodle (we also love vegan options: Chocolate Bliss and Peanut Butter Delight). They're all from PEScience.
Tip: If you don't see them, we suggest you still contact customer service and ask if you can buy a pack of 12 or 24. They will most likely to be more than happy to put together a special order for you.
* Pairs perfectly with a Minute Muffins (Kodiak Cakes), oatmeal or plain water!
Buff Bake Protein Cookies
Have you ever just craved a big chunky cookie on-the-go, but didn't want to get off track? Well, guess what? You no longer have to worry about falling off track because the Cookie Monster has heard your request and has finally provided a solution!
Introducing Buff Bake. If you haven't heard about this company, they have so many delicious high protein products like almond and peanut butter spreads (of all different flavors), protein sandwich cookies, and jumbo-sized cookies!
Some of our favorite cookie flavors include birthday cake, snickerdoodle, double chocolate chunk, and peanut butter. Buff Bake is in select 7-11 stores and can be found on Amazon online.
* Honestly, any of these cookies are big enough for you to eat on their own and feel satisfied!
Protein Bars
We know... finding a protein bar that's actually good and doesn't taste like chalk is hard. Luckily for you, we have put together a list of our top 5 favorite protein bars found nationwide. Whether at Walmart or a gas station, you will most likely see one of these brands of bars below:
(Recommended) PEScience Select Protein Bars: Favorite Flavors - Fudge Brownie, Chocolate Peanut Butter, White Chocolate Raspberry.
Fit Crunch: Favorite Flavors - Peanut Butter, Birthday Cake, Cookie Dough
Power Crunch: Favorite Flavors - Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter Creme, Triple Chocolate
One: Favorite Flavors: Birthday Cake, Peanut Butter Pie, Almond Bliss
Optimum Nutrition (ON) Cake Bites: Favorite Flavors - Red Velvet, Chocolate Donut, Birthday Cake
Carb-Friendly Snacks
Rice Cakes
Talk about a perfect on-the-go snack. The great thing about rice cakes is the flavor variety offered. Caramel, Chocolate, Tomato Basil, Plain... depending on which flavor you buy, you can decide whether or not you need to spice it up.
For example, we love using tomato basil rice cakes with hummus or deli meat and chocolate rice cakes with peanut butter. You will not be disappointed with rice cakes. They are a great option for versatile, macro-friendly carbs.
* Pairs nicely with deli meat, nut butters, hummus, or cheese sticks!
Fresh Veggies
Oh goodness... the options! Since fresh veggies are readily available anywhere you go – either in convenience stores or the grocery – we had to list our favorite veggies perfect for traveling.
Baby Carrots
Celery Sticks
Cherry Tomatoes
Pre-Cut Bell Peppers
Pre-Cut Cucumber
* Pairs nicely with 100-calorie guacamole or hummus packs. If you have the ability to bring your favorite light dressing (ours is Bolthouse yogurt-based) you will be set!
Fresh Fruits
Depending on where you are going or what you will have access to, fresh fruits are a fantastic option for a "quick-n-easy" snack. Apples and bananas (and sometimes grapes) are readily available at gas stations, but if you are wanting something more, we suggest you stock up at a local grocery store.
Tip: If you don't have time to pre-cut fruit but want more, most grocery stores will pre-cut fruit in ready-to-go containers.
Some of our favorite on-the-go fruits:
Apples
Bananas
Grapes
Pre-Cut Strawberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Pre-Cut Watermelon Chunks
Kiwis
* Any of these are delicious alone or mixed together. If you are wanting to make it a bit sweeter, sprinkle some cinnamon (we keep one in the car for this reason!) on the top.
Rice-In-A-Bag
This is a great option if you are looking for a more carb-dense snack and have access to a microwave. Keep in mind: If you are road-tripping, most gas stations have a microwave you will be able to use.
Our favorite is Minute Ready Serve 8 oz. cups. They come in various types of rice like jasmine, brown, or flavored options.
* Pairs well with rotisserie chicken, deli meat, and fresh veggies!
Single-Serve (Instant) Oatmeal Packets
There's nothing like a hot bowl of oatmeal in the morning. Heck, we even enjoy that for dinner sometimes! The 100-calorie individual oatmeal packets are perfect for on-the-go. You can make it at home or in your hotel room and walk out the door or bring it along on a road trip. As long as you have a portable cup or bowl, a microwave, and water – you can make yourself a delicious bowl of oatmeal wherever you are.
Our favorite brand is Better Oats because it comes in a variety of flavors from cinnamon roll to maple and brown sugar.
* To make it a balanced meal, you can add 1 packet of protein powder and top with almond or peanut butter. If you're wanting it to be more hearty, you can add strawberries, bananas or another fruit of choice.
Minute Muffins
If you're wanting something hot but don't have access to a bowl, Minute Muffins (Kodiak Cakes) are the solution. Simply add water and microwave. You'll be instantly enjoying a delicious apple cinnamon oat, pumpkin dark chocolate, double dark chocolate, and mountain blueberry! This company has created a satisfying product that will save you time.
* Pairs perfectly with almond or peanut butter! Kodiak Cakes also come with many different flavors as well - check them out here.
Lavash Bread
We eat Lavash bread pretty much every day. Because of the diversity it offers, it is a staple in our diets whether at home or away. If you haven't heard of Joseph's brand Lavish Bread, you are missing out! Although you can only find it online or at select grocery stores, it is the perfect low-calorie wrap!
They also offer an assortment of other lower carb/calorie bread.
* Pairs perfectly with (or to wrap) any of your favorite deli meats, rotisserie chicken, fruits, veggies, nut butters or spreads (like hummus)!
Pop Chips
Pop Chips are probably one of the most convenient, delicious, macro-friendly snacks on the list. Pop Chips are naturally popped, never baked and are found nationwide. Sour Cream and Onion, Sea Salt and Barbeque are just a few of the flavors that Pop Chips offers!
* Pairs great with fruit, veggies or a wrap!
Fruit Leathers
If you'd like to enjoy fruit without worrying about fresh fruit going bad in a hot car or suitcase, check out fruit leather. These are perfect on-the-go because they are virtually no-mess and require very little space. Our favorite is from Stretch Island Fruit Company.
Fat-Friendly Snacks
Nut Packs
100-calorie almond or nut packets are convenient, filling on-the-go option. These can be found in multi-pack boxes at any grocery store and individually at gas stations. They offer flavors like chocolate coated, lightly salted, or dry roasted with almonds, walnuts, or peanuts.
* Great by themselves or pairs well with a piece of fruit (or fruit leather)!
Single-Serve Guacamole Cups
Single-serve guacamole cups perfectly compliment fresh veggies or rice cakes. These can be found in the produce section at the grocery store.
Individual Nut Butter Packet
Obviously, it isn't convenient (or smart) to carry a jar of peanut/nut butter wherever you go. That's why individual nut butter packs exist! You can find these packets at local grocery stores and even gas stations are beginning to stock them.
* Pairs well with fruits, veggies or rice cakes. Tasty on its own, too!
100-Calorie Hummus Cups
Though they require refrigeration if not being eaten immediately, single-serve hummus cups are perfect to pair with fresh veggies, rice cakes, or as a spread in a wrap. There are several flavor options such as red pepper, roasted garlic, or classic.
* Pairs well with veggies, rice cakes, or Pop Chips!
Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges
Laughing Cow cheese wedges are the perfect addition to fresh veggies or wraps without the hassle of toting around slices of fresh cheese. The spreadable texture makes them perfect for dipping or smearing. You can find these at most local grocery stores in the special cheeses (non-refrigerated before opening) section.
* We love to use a wedge or two with some baby carrots or celery sticks!
As you can see, staying on track with your macro requirements is not hard if you are educated! We hope that this list of macro-friendly food options gave you some ideas when planning your next trip or needing a find while running errands.
If you are ready to start a healthy, sustainable lifestyle with us today, click here to learn.
Be sure to share this with a friend if you found this blog to be helpful.