As a dietitian who tries to stick to the Mediterranean diet, I’ve found some go-to airport snacks that make travel days a little more bearable.
These aren’t my everyday eats, so they don’t fit the Mediterranean diet to a T — especially considering this eating style tends to avoid processed foods. However, I think they’re a better fit than the ubiquitous bags of potato chips and cookies.
Most airports, especially those across the US, tend to stock similar products at convenience-store-style spots like Hudson News. If you can’t find the exact brand or product I recommend, though, I’m pretty confident there will be something similar.
Without further ado, here are my favorite airport snacks.
When I find a Farmer’s Fridge, I get the pesto pasta.
Farmer’s Fridge, a refrigerated vending machine that sells fresh food options, has expanded to nearly 20 US airports (alongside other locations) over the last decade or so. If I need something substantial, it’s the first thing I’ll look for.
I like that the meals taste fresh and ready to eat. My favorite is the pesto pasta bowl, which is made with quintessential Mediterranean ingredients, like veggies and olive oil.
It’s hearty enough to be a light meal when I miss a traditional lunch or dinnertime
Cashews are a great snacking nut.
I always reach for nuts when I travel because they’re a staple of the Mediterranean diet and a good source of plant-based protein.
Cashews are my favorite — I find them incredibly satisfying.
Sahale Snacks pomegranate-vanilla cashews, in particular, have been a game changer for me. The rich, nutty flavor pairs well with the tart pomegranate-flavored apple chunks and fragrant Madagascar vanilla.
They’re my go-to indulgent snack that keeps me fueled and happy while I’m on the move.
Olipop is my soda of choice.
Olipop, a prebiotic soda with plant fiber, provides a refreshing, more gut-friendly alternative to traditional soft drinks.
I love how it satisfies my craving for a fizzy drink without a ton of added sugar, which isn’t a huge part of the Mediterranean diet. A can keeps me energized and balanced without a crash during long travel days.
If you can’t find Olipop, other brands like Culture Pop and Poppi make similar beverages.
Popcorn is a staple.
Popcorn is a whole grain — one of the cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet — and I find it to be a very satisfying snack. Plus, it’s a good source of fiber, which can help support digestion.
Lesser Evil’s Himalayan Gold popcorn is dairy-free and made with butter-flavored coconut oil and Himalayan sea salt. It’s the brand I reach for in airports when I want something crunchy.
I love snacking on olives.
Olives are a delicious and convenient way to incorporate healthy fats into my day. Their rich, briny flavor is both satisfying and refreshing, making them an excellent choice for a quick bite on the go.
I particularly love it when I can find single-serve packs because they make it easy to manage portion sizes and keep everything fresh.
I’ve found Pearls olives to go at my airport and others, and I specifically like how the container is pre-drained. I don’t necessarily want to mess with olive juice on a plane.
Undercover chocolate quinoa crisps satisfy my sweet tooth.
Undercover quinoa crisps are one of my favorite treats when I’m at the airport. I love the brand’s use of simple ingredients that help satisfy my sweet tooth without too much sugar.
The snack consists of crispy quinoa coated in rich chocolate and other flavorings. It provides a satisfying crunch and a dose of whole grains, protein, and fiber.
If Undercover isn’t available at your airport, look for other quinoa-based clusters, bars, or crisps.
Harvest Snaps baked pea snacks are a sneaky way to get in veggies on the go.
I often snag a bag of Harvest Snaps, especially when I’m traveling with my 9-year-old daughter. It’s one of those snacks that works well for both of us.
They’re made from green peas and offer a nice bit of fiber and protein, which keeps us full and fueled during long trips.
Since they’re baked instead of fried, they feel like a lighter option compared to regular chips.
Even if you can’t find this brand, you’ll likely come across other fruit- or veggie-based chip alternatives. Just skim through the ingredient list to make sure there aren’t too many additives.
The post I’m a dietitian on the Mediterranean diet. When I travel, here are the 7 snacks I buy at airports. appeared first on Business Insider.
