Ask the Expert

Christine Palumbo, RD:
If you are lucky enough to land a bag of peanuts, they will provide the greatest satiety and health benefits. The problem is, due to widespread peanut allergies, most airlines have switched from peanuts to nutless snack mixes. Granola bars, especially those with raisins and/or nuts, and without chocolate, tend to be low fat and a fine choice. Sun Chips, mixed snack mixes and cookies are acceptable, especially in the snack bag size portion that is served, although their nutritional value is minimal and sodium can be high.

Packing your own goody bag of string cheese, whole grain crackers, grapes, banana, or baby carrots will ensure you have something tasty as well as nutritious to tide you over until your next meal. How about bringing your own homemade trail mix consisting of almonds, walnuts, pecans, or other nuts, dried fruit like cranberries or raisins (tossed with a few chocolate chips if you wish?) Or, pop a bag of low fat microwave popcorn at home - and enjoy it once you’re on the plane!

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