Truck Stop Tips: Finding the Healthiest Snack in a Vending Machine

Truck driving is a busy career that comes with many demands. When you’re in a hurry, sometimes you only have time to pick up a quick snack at a truck stop vending machine. Nutrition plays a major role in truck driver health and vending machines are often filled with unhealthy options such as candy and processed pastries. 

It can be tempting to indulge in these items, but there are a few healthy snacks for truck drivers that you should know about.

Sunflower seeds 

There are a variety of nutritional benefits associated with sunflower seeds. They are enriched with protein, fiber and calcium. This makes it a great option when you need a quick snack. Sunflower seeds also have a considerable amount of fat. However, most are healthy, unsaturated fats that we all need in our diet. 

Nuts 

Nuts rank among the best healthy snacks for truck drivers. They provide plenty of energizing protein and come in a wide variety of options like; walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews and pistachios. Most truck stop vending machines will carry at least one or two of these options so you are sure to find something that you will like. This snack is also perfect for truck drivers as they stay fresh for a long time and do not require refrigeration. One thing to note is that you should avoid honey-roasted products which contain extra calories and high amounts of sugar. 

Wheat crackers 

Wheat crackers represent a healthier alternative to their orange or white counterparts. Although they often supply an excess of sodium, these crackers consist of whole grains and provide protein.

Baked potato chips

Craving a bag of chips? Although this is not the healthiest option, see if the vending machine at the truck stop offers baked potato chips. They often contain less fat than the standard fried chip and also deliver a substantial amount of fiber. 

Popcorn

Although it can be a bit messy, bagged popcorn supplies comparatively few calories. It also provides a source of protein, fiber and magnesium. However, nutritional benefits vary depending on the flavoring so be mindful of that. 

Pretzels

If you’re trying to minimize your fat intake, choose pretzels. This crunchy snack doesn’t contain fat of any type. Try to find a brand that uses a little bit of salt.

Drink options

Drinking water is essential to staying hydrated. Nearly all vending machines will have plenty of sparkling and spring water options. A few truck stop vending machines may also carry healthy alternatives like vegetable juice, so you could opt for that as well. Stay away from drinks with excess sugar.

Granola

Many granola and cereal bars contain an assortment of nutrients, and they have comparatively little fat and sodium. If you choose them, you’ll benefit from iron, calcium, fiber and various vitamins.

Dried fruits

Raisins and dried fruit represent healthier picks than most other sweet items. Some vending machines sell them in trail mixes. They supply fiber, iron and small amounts of calcium.

We hope that these suggestions will help you in finding healthy snacks for truck drivers the next time you stop at a truck stop vending machine. For more healthy eating tips and useful trucking advice, browse through the TransWood blog.