The Top Snacks to Bring on a Flight From Trader Joe’s

This article is about the 7 Best Trader Joe’s Plane Snacks for 2021.

Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite places to buy snacks. They always have a variety of healthy snacks, fun treats, and new seasonal items so that snacking never gets boring……. which makes it a great place to stop in and grab some carry on snacks.

But what to choose?

What Makes a Great Plane Snack?

If a snack wants to come along with my family on a flight, it has to meet a few criteria. After all, not every snack that you love at home travels well, especially when you are on a flight.

Here are 3 requirements that I feel all good carry on food should meet (and of course meet all TSA requirements as well)

1. They have to be compact: when I am bringing along food for 5, it is important to use as little space as possible. might be a fun snack, but if they take too much space in the carry on- leave them at home.
2. They have to be as mess free as possible: This is important with any on the go snack, but especially on a plane. Kids are going to be kids and you don’t want to be spending your flight wiping down tray tables or passing out baby wipes for sticky fingers.
3. No stinky food: You would think this would be a no brainer, but I have unfortunately encountered people bring on really strong smelling food on numerous occasions. Let’s all be kind. We are sharing a small space together, the hard boiled eggs or tuna pouches can stay at home.

Why Bring So Many Snacks?

Ok I don’t bring ALL of these Trader Joe’s plane snacks each time, but I do travel well stocked.

First of all it is a great way to save money when you travel. If I go in with my family of 5 to one of the terminal convenience stores to pick up a snack, I’m looking at $25, easily, for one snack. I can be covered for my entire round trip for the same amount or less.

It’s also a huge convenience. I know that I have snacks no matter what. If I am running late, kids are hungrier than usual, or we are delayed during takeoff, I am covered.

And finally, in 2021 you can’t count of there being snacks provided on the airline. Due to health and safety restrictions, some airlines have limited or completely eliminated snacks that they provide for free or for purchase on flights.

List of Trader Joe’s Plane Snacks

Now let’s get to it. My picks for the best Trader Joe’s plane snacks!

Trader Joe’s Organic Fruit Wraps

Confession time. I may love these more than my kids. They are so good, and they are a super tasty treat that you can feel ok about giving to your family.

They come in a variety of flavors, and since they are sold individually you can pick up a mix so that everyone gets their favorite (mine is the apple raspberry).

Just a Handful of Rainbow’s End Trail Mix

What I love about trail mixes is that you can sneak in some filling foods with treats kids love so that they get the best of both worlds. This one includes candy coated milk chocolates, roasted and salted peanuts, almonds, and raisins.

Each pack comes with 10 packs of 1.5 oz. each so it truly is just a handful. The perfect amount for a quick fill up on the go.

Organic Chocolate Chip Granola Bites

These are a staple in our home, no naturally we pack them on the go! These are a fun alternative to traditional granola bars, and since they are “bites” they are sharable. They only come in one variety (at least in my store), but luckily that variety is chocolate chip.

PB & J Snack Duo

Think of the old school crackers with plastic cheese kits, but make it PB & J. Yum, right?

So this one does boarder on a messy snack, but is totally doable for older kids, or even younger with supervision. What I enjoy is that it is not only a snack, but the dipping aspect makes it kind of an activity. That will buy me at least 5 minutes of happy quiet on the plane, right?

Peel Away Fruit Leather Buttons

These are similar to other fruit strips but the peel off button aspect provides a little fun novelty for kids. Just like the Fruit Wraps mentioned above they are sold individually so you can mix and match flavors to suit each kid.

Mini Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets

These are a Trader Joe’s iconic snack item, but did you know that they also come in a small 5 oz bag? This makes them perfect to toss in your carry on and be on your way. A list of Trader Joe’s plane snacks wouldn’t be complete without them!

What makes these a pick that I keep returning to is that they are a salty sweet treat that won’t melt or get sticky on your trip. I’ll even throw them in my checked luggage on my way to a destination, assured that they will still be in good condition to bring in my carry on on the way back.

Just a Handful of Dry Roasted Unsalted Almonds

So treats are fun and keep smiles on everyone’s faces during a trip, but sometimes you just need a filling healthy snack. These little packs are 1.25 oz. each and have only one ingredient- almonds! Plus with 10 in a pack there will be plenty for everyone.

So Many Snacks

With so many yummy items it was so hard to limit the list to just seven Trader Joe’s plane snacks. What are your favorite Trader Joe’s plane snacks? Share in the comments!

Ready To Take Off?

Before you leave make sure to get your FREE 7 Secrets to Pack Like a Pro to find the tips you need to pack more efficiently for your next family vacation!

Driving instead of flying? Be sure to check out 3 Tips to Survive a Road Trip With a Family of 5.

This article is about the 7 Best Trader Joe’s plane snacks for 2021.