Vegetarian Travel Food Ideas with Protein (6 Simple Foods)
Finding good vegetarian travel food can sometimes be difficult, especially when you want meals that also contain enough protein.
When traveling as a vegetarian or vegan, however, one small challenge appears quite often. Finding satisfying protein sources while traveling is sometimes not as easy as at home.
I cannot count how many times I ended up with a plate of pasta, bread or salad simply because there was no clear vegetarian protein option available.
The meal might taste good in the moment. But shortly after, I sometimes notice that my energy drops or I start craving something without really knowing what it is.
From my experience this often happens when a meal is mostly carbohydrates. When the body does not get enough protein, it sometimes keeps looking for something more satisfying.
For this reason I usually prepare a little before I travel. Bringing a few simple vegetarian travel food options that are long lasting and easy to pack makes things much easier. Just a few snacks that do not spoil quickly can already make long travel days far more comfortable.
These kinds of foods can make travel days much easier, especially during flights, train rides or long days exploring a new city.
Having a few reliable vegetarian or vegan protein snacks with you simply gives you more flexibility.
Most of the options below take up very little space in your bag and can easily help you add protein while traveling.
1. Protein Bars
One of the easiest vegan travel snacks to bring are protein bars.
They require no preparation and can easily be stored in a backpack during the day.
I usually choose bars that I actually enjoy eating. Some people prefer chocolate coated bars, others like simpler nut based ones.
Especially during travel days, airport transfers or long train rides they can quickly add some protein when proper meals are not available.
2. Small Packs of Protein Powder
Another thing I often bring are small travel packs of protein powder.
You can buy mini sachets or simply fill small containers before your trip. This takes almost no space in your luggage but can be surprisingly useful when traveling as a vegetarian or vegan.
Most hotels offer milk or plant based alternatives at breakfast. I usually buy soy milk at a nearby supermarket and mix a quick protein shake.
Sometimes I also stir the protein powder into yogurt, oatmeal or cereal if those are available at breakfast.
3. Lentil Chips
Lentil chips are another easy vegetarian travel snack that also contains some protein.
Compared to regular chips they usually provide more protein and fiber. Of course they are still a snack, but they can help add a little extra protein during the day.
They are also easy to find in many supermarkets, train stations or airports.
4. Roasted Edamame
Roasted edamame is one of my favorite high protein vegan snacks for travel.
These small dried soy beans are naturally rich in protein and easy to store without refrigeration.
They are light to pack and work well as a crunchy snack during long travel days.
5. Soy Flakes for Breakfast
Sometimes hotel breakfasts offer bread, pastries and fruit but not many vegetarian protein options.
For that reason I occasionally bring a small bag of soy flakes. They can easily be added to yogurt, oatmeal or cereal to increase the protein content of the meal.
It is a simple trick that makes breakfast more filling and balanced.
6. Trail Mix
Trail mix can also be a great travel snack.
A mix of nuts, seeds and dried fruit provides a combination of protein, fats and carbohydrates that can help keep your energy stable between meals.
It is especially helpful during long travel days, city walks or hikes.
Adding Protein When Eating Out
Of course vegetarian travel food is not only about snacks. Sometimes you can simply add protein when ordering meals at restaurants.
As a vegetarian this can be quite simple. Many hotel breakfasts already offer eggs, which can easily turn a light breakfast into a more satisfying meal. Ordering scrambled eggs, boiled eggs or an omelet alongside bread or fruit already adds a solid protein source.
In restaurants it can also help to quickly check the menu beforehand. Today many places offer vegetarian or vegan dishes, especially in larger cities.
Choosing restaurants that include plant based options often makes eating while traveling much easier.
To Sum It Up
When traveling, I personally find it helpful to bring a few snacks that are easy to pack and last longer during the day.
Things like protein bars, roasted edamame, trail mix or protein powder are simple examples of long lasting foods for traveling that can stay in your bag and be there when you need them.
Of course, vacation is still about discovering new places and enjoying local food. These small habits simply make it easier to keep your energy stable while traveling and help you stay satisfied between meals.
This article was all about simple vegetarian and vegan travel snacks that help you add protein while traveling.
You might also like
