Many people feel a mix of excitement and anxiety when traveling by air, as the journey from home to boarding the plane and spending hours, even tens of hours on the flight, is not an easy experience. Having some delicious snacks or treats during the flight can add some fun to the whole journey.
A nutritionist who adheres to the Mediterranean diet wrote an article on “Business Insider,” introducing some snacks and treats sold at airports that can make the journey more relaxing and healthy.
The nutritionist pointed out that the snacks sold at airports are not part of daily eating habits and do not completely align with the Mediterranean diet, as the Mediterranean diet tends to avoid processed foods. However, she believes that the airport snacks she chooses are more in line with the Mediterranean diet compared to the ubiquitous potato chips and biscuits.
Most airports, especially across the United States, often sell a variety of foods at airport convenience stores. Here are several snacks and treats recommended by the nutritionist.
Farmer’s Fridge is a vending machine selling fresh food, available at nearly 20 airports in the United States (and some other places).
The nutritionist mentioned that if you need some nutrition-rich food during your journey, buying from Farmer’s Fridge is definitely a top choice. “I love these fresh and tasty foods, convenient to eat. My favorite is the garlic sauce pasta bowl, made with typical Mediterranean ingredients such as vegetables and olive oil.”
Nuts are a key component of the Mediterranean diet and a good source of plant protein.
The nutritionist recommends cashews, especially the pomegranate-vanilla cashews from the Sahale Snacks brand, which combines rich nutty flavor with the sweet and sour taste of pomegranate and the fragrant Madagascar vanilla, keeping you energized and happy during the journey.
Olipop is a prebiotic soda rich in plant fibers, a refreshing, energizing, and gut-friendly alternative to traditional soft drinks.
This soda does not contain a large amount of added sugar, and Culture Pop and other brands like Poppi also produce similar sodas.
Popcorn is a whole grain, a favorite of the Mediterranean diet, rich in dietary fiber and aids in digestion.
The nutritionist recommends Lesser Evil’s Himalayan Gold popcorn.
Olives are delicious and convenient, providing healthy fats for the day. The rich salty flavor of olives is satisfying and refreshing, making it an excellent choice for a quick snack during the journey.
If you crave something sweet, the Undercover brand quinoa crisp snacks are a good option at the airport, not overly sweet.
These snacks are made from crispy quinoa, coated with rich chocolate and other seasonings. They offer a satisfying crunchy texture and are rich in whole grains, protein, and dietary fiber. Quinoa chips, bars, or crisps are also alternatives.
Made from green peas, these snacks are rich in dietary fiber and protein, keeping you full and energized during long travels. Since they are baked instead of fried, they feel lighter than regular potato chips.