Family’s 12-Hour Road Trip: Must-Have Trader Joe’s Snacks Revealed
UPDATE: A Pennsylvania family has shared their essential Trader Joe’s snacks for a grueling 12-hour road trip to Michigan, sparking interest among parents looking for effective travel solutions. With three children aged 1, 2, and 7, the family’s strategy includes a carefully curated selection of snacks designed to minimize meltdowns and maximize enjoyment.
Every summer, Nicole Prince and her husband embark on this long journey, trading the East Coast humidity for the serene Lake Michigan beaches. Their upcoming trip is set to start at 8 a.m., and they emphasize that the right snacks are crucial in keeping the peace in the car.
“Snacks are the secret to surviving this trip,” said Prince. Among their favorites, they stock up on items like Cosmic Crisp apples, PB&C packs, and Chomps. These delicious options not only keep the kids happy but also provide parents with some much-needed energy during the long drive.
The family kicks off their journey with cold, creamy La Colombe draft lattes, each containing 6 grams of protein. As the kids wake up, they enjoy organic fruit-sauce pouches that are free from added sugars. “These are easy and nutritious, perfect for our little ones,” noted Prince.
For breakfast, the family favors nut butter and oat RXBars, praised for their 10 grams of protein, which help stave off snack requests for a couple of hours. As the trip progresses, Prince creates mini “car-cuterie” platters featuring Citterio salami-and-cheese packs and pretzel slims, ensuring that everyone has something to munch on.
Bananas, priced at just $0.30 each, are another go-to snack, providing a no-mess option that’s easy to manage in the car. After a lunch stop, they enjoy Cosmic Crisp apple slices, which are pre-sliced the night before for convenience.
As the kids settle in for their naps, the parents indulge in chocolate-covered espresso beans, offering a delightful pick-me-up. When the children awaken, the family dives into fun snacks like Trader Joe’s PB&C packs, a chocolate-filled treat that brings cheers from the back seat.
With 12 grams of protein each, the Chomps meat sticks are another favorite, available in flavors that cater to both kids and adults. Midway through the trip, the reality of being confined in the car sets in, prompting the distribution of sea-salted saddle potato crisps—a crunchy treat that is always a hit.
As the day winds down, the family enjoys watermelon freeze-dried candies, which are said to taste like crunchy Sour Patch Kids. To wrap up their journey, they indulge in Daelmans Dutch stroopwafels, a sweet way to conclude their road trip into Holland, Michigan.
This family’s snack strategy not only makes the long drive more manageable but also highlights the importance of preparation for parents everywhere. For those planning similar trips, these recommendations from a seasoned road-tripper could prove invaluable.
As summer approaches, families are encouraged to consider the impact of the right snacks on travel experiences. With road trips becoming a popular choice for vacations, the right provisions can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth ride.
