Packing homemade or thoughtfully chosen snacks for a long car ride with a toddler and baby is a game-changer for keeping everyone happy and stress-free.

Bringing homemade snacks on a long car ride for your kids have several benefits beyond just keeping them full. Nutritional control is a major advantage—you can ensure the snacks are made with wholesome, natural ingredients without excess sugar, preservatives, or artificial additives found in store-bought options.

Another benefit is cost savings, as making snacks at home is often more affordable than buying pre-packaged toddler snacks.

Prevents Hunger Meltdowns – Little ones get hungry frequently, and having snacks on hand helps avoid cranky, fussy moments before the next meal stop.

Keeps Kids Entertained – Eating is an activity! Offering bite-sized, slow-eating snacks helps keep little hands busy and makes the ride feel shorter.

Minimizes Mess & Choking Risks – Homemade snacks can be prepared in toddler-friendly, easy-to-hold portions that are less crumbly and safer to eat on the go, helping to keep the car (somewhat) cleaner. Of course, no matter how much I plan ahead, my kids still manage to make a mess!

From soft granola bars to veggie muffins or their favorite fruits, planning ahead with snacks makes road trips smoother, happier, and more enjoyable for everyone. Here's two go-to recipes for a long car ride!

Homemade Sourdough Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Adding sourdough starter to granola bars enhances their digestibility and nutritional benefits while giving them a subtle tangy depth of flavor. This version incorporates discard or active sourdough starter, making it a great way to reduce waste while creating a wholesome, toddler-friendly snack!

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups rolled oats
½ cup whole wheat flour
¼ cup sourdough starter (discard or active)
¼ cup ground flaxseeds (optional)
¼ cup honey or maple syrup (honey only if over 1 year old)
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
¼ cup finely chopped nuts or sunflower seeds (optional)
¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and prep

Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the oats, whole wheat flour, flaxseeds, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 3: Mix wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine and add chocolate chips

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well. Once slightly cooled, fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 5: Press into the pan

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly into an even layer.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and slightly firm.

Step 7: Cool completely

Cool completely before slicing—this helps the bars hold their shape.

Step 8: Slice and serve

Cut into bars or squares and enjoy on your long car ride!

These sourdough granola bars are packed with wholesome ingredients and make a delicious, nutritious snack for toddlers and adults alike!

Homemade Spinach & Cheese Muffins

These soft, savory muffins are packed with hidden veggies, protein, and whole grains, making them a great for less mess, travel-friendly snack for toddlers on a long car ride!