When it comes to fueling up for a thrilling road trip, you need more than just gas.
You need a delicious snack to maintain your energy and focus for the long road ahead.
Enter beef jerky.
With all due respect to trail mix, corn chips and sweet mini donuts, beef jerky is the greatest road trip snack of all time.
Let us examine the many reasons why these lean, dehydrated meat strips have no equal.
Longevity
Since it's been stripped of moisture, beef jerky has a long shelf life, which means you can load up on your favorite brands like Old Trapper and others well before your trip.
You also won't feel compelled to eat it all before you reach your destination.
Beef jerky also lives a longer life than other snacks in the sense that it takes longer to consume. Chewing is a must and also the only knock against it if your jaw isn't up to the task.
Having a snack that isn't going to go bad or become unappetizing after opening, and that takes a considerable time to eat is great when you're stuck in the driver's seat for the long haul.
Nutritional Value
Beef jerky is a great snack at a time when everyone is pushing protein. A standard one-ounce serving of beef jerky contains up to 12 grams of protein without a high fat content.
Certain flavors can bring more sugar into the equation—keep in mind that the aforementioned Old Trapper produces a zero-sugar option—but for the most part, this is a snack that's going to supply you with sustained energy rather than a spike followed by a crash.
Beef jerky can be high in sodium as well, so it's worth taking the time to do your research or at least read over the nutrition facts on the back of the package before you buy.
Ultimately, compared to most of the other snacks you're going to find at the gas station or travel center, beef jerky is a healthy choice.
Beef jerky can help keep the good vibes going on a long drive. (Photo Credit: Adobe/Home-stock)
No Mess To Clean Up
Any great road trip snack needs to be easily eaten with one hand so the driver can snack safely. Beef jerky is a basic grab-and-go option that only requires you to reach into a bag.
From there, you can snack at your own pace without fear of crumbs piling up or your hands becoming stickier than a fly trap.
You don't need to rush when you eat beef jerky (this goes back to longevity) and you certainly don't need to pull over and towel off after you've finished.
Traveling with younger passengers more prone to messes is yet another reason to make the GOAT snack your go-to.
Availability
Beef jerky is by no means an unpopular snack (it's in the GOAT conversation after all), and that means it's widely available, from your local grocery store to countless gas stations and travel centers across America.
Unlike your favorite fast food chain, you can procure an elite brand of beef jerky or even an enticing local blend from any convenience store you decide to stop at along your journey.
Whether it's a sweet and salty bag of teriyaki or a spicy pack to keep your eyes and ears open on the interstate, you can't go wrong with this renowned refreshment.
Let us tip our driving caps to the almighty beef jerky.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
