When it comes to road trips, what do you think of first? The destinations, the drive, the snacks? For me, snacks are always a big part of the adventure. But road trip food isn’t just about throwing some chips in the car to munch on as you head to your next stop—there’s history, a bit of tradition, and even some foodie culture tied up in it all.
Let’s roam through the history of road trip food, from the 19th century to today’s food truck finds and Instagram-worthy meals.
The 19th Century: Simple, Hearty, and Portable
Picture it: you’re in the 19th century, and you’re traveling across the country. The road is long, and your food options are limited. What do you eat? The answer is simple, hearty, and portable.
- Hardtack: This was the go-to food for many travelers. Hard, dry biscuits made from just flour, water, and salt, these could last for months without spoiling—perfect for long journeys.
- Salt pork: Cured and preserved, this was a staple that travelers could rely on for both protein and convenience.
- Dried beans: Portable and easy to cook, dried beans were a filling and nutritious option.
- Coffee: Of course, coffee was essential, providing much-needed energy on long drives. Sounds familiar, right?
- Whiskey: Some road-trippers even carried whiskey to help warm up on cold nights or deal with minor ailments.
Early 20th Century: Picnics, Sandwiches, and Travel Guides
As automobiles became more common, the idea of road trips began to take shape. In the early 1900s, cars offered a new kind of freedom, and food followed suit. The main goal was still portability, but the options became a bit more varied.
- Picnics by the roadside: This was the golden age of the road trip picnic, with families packing up sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, and fruit for a quick meal at rest stops or parks.
- Travel guides and cookbooks: As the automobile culture grew, travel guides that included road trip meal suggestions also became popular. Imagine getting a cookbook just for the road!
1920s and 1930s: The Rise of Route 66 and the Roadside Diner
By the 1920s and 1930s, road trips were becoming more organized, thanks to the creation of Route 66 and the increasing popularity of roadside diners.
- Thermos bottles: These were crucial for keeping coffee and hot chocolate warm while on the go.
- Canned foods: Canned beans, soup, and even canned meats were common and easy to bring along.
- Diners and Automats: The rise of diners and the creation of automats, where you could serve yourself from vending machine-style windows, made it easy to grab a hot meal while on the road.
- Lunchboxes: By the 1930s, boxed lunches became a standard road trip food, with sandwiches, fruit, and sometimes a little treat.
1950s-60s: Fast Food and Drive-Ins Take Over
The post-war boom ushered in an era of convenience, and road trip food evolved with the times. Fast food chains exploded, and roadside diners continued to thrive, especially along highways like Route 66.
- Drive-ins: In the 1950s, drive-in restaurants became the go-to stop for travelers, where you could eat your meal in the car, often served by carhops. Burgers, fries, and milkshakes were the perfect car-friendly meal.
- Fast food chains: With the rise of chains like McDonald’s and Burger King, road trip meals became faster and more consistent.
- Fried chicken: Restaurants like KFC offered travelers a convenient and portable option with their signature fried chicken buckets.
1970s-80s: Fast Food Proliferation and Convenience Store Snacks
By the 1970s and 1980s, fast food was fully embedded in road trip culture, but the convenience of 7-Eleven and other convenience stores also shaped the food culture.
- Drive-thrus: The drive-thru became the ultimate quick-stop option, offering up burgers, fries, and soda without leaving the car.
- Convenience store snacks: Gas stations and convenience stores offered everything from chips and candy to sandwiches, making it easier than ever to grab something quick and continue your journey.
- Gourmet burgers: The rise of gourmet burger joints in the 1980s added a little flair to the fast-food scene, offering customizable, upscale burgers for the hungry road tripper.
2000s-Today: Healthier Options, Food Trucks, and Instagram-Worthy Meals
As we entered the 2000s, road trip food began to adapt to a new generation of travelers. People were more health-conscious, more interested in global cuisine, and, thanks to smartphones, able to find food on the go like never before.
- Healthy snacks: Granola bars, fruit cups, and yogurt became popular, providing a healthier option for those who wanted to snack without derailing their health goals.
- Food trucks: Food trucks surged in popularity, bringing gourmet street food to the highways and byways. Tacos, gourmet sandwiches, and even sushi were available on the road.
- Food apps: With the rise of apps like Yelp and Google Maps, road-trippers could find the best spots to eat along their route, with reviews and photos helping them make informed decisions.
- Instagram-worthy dishes: Social media played a big role in changing road trip food, with travelers seeking out the most photogenic meals, from unique burgers to perfectly frosted cupcakes, and sharing their finds with followers.
Today, road trip food is about variety. It’s about snacks that fuel the journey, meals that reflect the places you pass through, and the joy of stopping at a local diner or food truck. Social media continues to shape the road trip food scene, making food part of the travel experience. For me, the best road trip snacks aren’t just about filling up—they’re about making memories and discovering new flavors along the way.
