Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Arctic Apples. All opinions are our own.

The holidays are almost here and we’re excited about our upcoming travel plans. Every year, I visit my family in Pennsylvania and look forward to a few days of mostly unplugged fun, nature hikes, and enjoying fall weather (something this Floridian rarely gets to take part in!).

No matter how much I plan, we are somehow always rushing to pack those last few things and get to the airport with plenty of time to spare knowing how hectic air travel is during the holiday season. One hack that never fails me is making sure to pack plenty of travel-friendly snacks to keep hangry-ness at bay during our layovers or on the flight. Waiting in a long security line is already no fun, add some hungry kids to the mix and it’s a recipe for disaster.

That’s why we’re so excited to partner with Arctic® apples  to bring you healthy snacking tips and suggestions for the holiday season.

  1. Opt for snacks that travel well. Although you may have a fridge and pantry full of food, some items will not hold up well and may end up in the trash. A baggie of strawberries may not survive flopping around in your purse before you’re ready to snack. Opt for fresh options that are filling and will survive being packed away in your purse or carry on for a few hours. Arctic® Golden and Arctic® Granny fresh slices are the perfect travel snack solution. No utensils needed! These ready-to-eat slices are fiber-packed to keep you satisfied for hours and are non-browning so more apples get eaten and less are wasted. Grab a squeeze package of peanut or almond butter and you’ve got a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
  2. Look for healthy, prepackaged options. Pro tip: as much as we all love chips, they tend to crumble easily in a backpack or carry on unless eaten immediately and aren’t very filling. Opt for something lighter and more nutritious like Arctic ApBitz® dried apples, which are available in both their Arctic Golden and Arctic Granny varieties. This convenient snack is made with only one ingredient, Arctic Granny Apples, and is deliciously tart and crispy for a snack the whole family will love (kids will love the fun French-fry shape!). Available in 1 oz bags, they’re perfectly portioned and will easily fit in any personal bag or carry-on.
  3. Less is not always more. While there are plenty of food options available at every airport or gas station and fast-food chain stops during a road trip, these foods tend to be more expensive and less nutritious. Packing several healthy options ahead of time can save you money and ensure you’re fueling up with foods that will keep you energized for longer. No need for unwanted sugar rushes!
  4. Don’t forget about food safety! For longer hauls, you may want to bring heartier options along with your travel-friendly snacks, like sandwiches, chicken salads, and cheese sticks. Make sure to pack them in an insulated container with a few ice packs to ensure they remain at the right temperature until you’re ready to eat.

With a little planning and the help of Arctic apples, your holiday travel will be stress-free and healthy!

About Arctic apples

Grown in our orchards in Washington State, Arctic® apples maintain just-picked freshness, flavor, and color after slicing. With the help of bioengineering, we’ve used the apple’s own genes to “turn off” the enzymes that make apples brown when they are sliced, bitten or bruised – ensuring more apples are tasted and fewer are wasted!