If you’ve bought snacks at the airport lately, you might be thinking, ‘Yikes!’ It feels like we need a separate budget line just for travel snacks. That was until my family discovered the snackle box—a customizable, budget-friendly way to pack a variety of treats. Ever since we started using these snack boxes, we haven’t had to buy overpriced airport snacks again!
What is a Snackle Box?
A snackle box is basically a tackle box—but instead of bait and fishing gear, it’s filled with fun snacks! Think of it as a portable snack buffet, perfectly organized into little compartments. No matter how you’re traveling a snackle box turns ordinary snack time into an adventure! Get creative and it is sure to be an anticipated part of the trip! What will you put in yours?
Photo above: This snackle box is a three trayed version I picked up at Flying Tiger in Spain for 5 Euros and recently packed with me on a trip to Switzerland. It allowed my kids to pass around the individual trays in-flight.
What to Put in a Snackle Box? Anything That Fits!
One of the best things about a snackle box is that there are no rules! If it fits in a compartment, it’s fair game. But before you start tossing in every snack in sight, here are a few things to consider to keep your snack game strong.
1. Shelf-Stable vs. Fresh Snacks
While you can technically pack anything, some snacks travel better than others.
- Fresh items (cheese, fruit, yogurt-covered treats) are great, but they need to stay cool.
- If you go this route, consider a bento box with a built-in ice pack or bring a separate ice pack to keep things chilled.
- Just don’t pack more than you can eat before your ice thaws—unless you’re okay with lukewarm cheese cubes.
On the other hand, if you stick to non-refrigerated snacks, your snackle box might last well into your trip. That means you could be snacking on your box even days later. My kids have enjoyed pulling it back out during a card game at our AirBnB; this is especially handy when you first arrive and there is no other food around.
Bonus tip: If you’re traveling somewhere warm, eat melt-prone treats (like chocolates) before arrival, unless you’re looking for an impromptu fondue situation.
2. Pairing Snacks Like a Pro
Think about how flavors go together. A snackle box is kind of like a mini charcuterie board—you don’t want random flavors clashing. If your box has multiple trays, use them strategically:
- One tray for fresh items (cheese, fruit, veggies). Another for non-perishables (crackers, nuts, candy).This way, your trail mix doesn’t start tasting like sliced cucumbers.
- Pair salty and sweet items, chewy and crunchy items, junk and healthy food, for a well-rounded snacking experience that covers everyone’s craving!
3. Bulk Shopping = Maximum Variety
My favorite way to build the ultimate snackle box is by hitting up WinCo’s bulk section (or any store with bulk bins). It’s a shelf-stable snack paradise! Buying from bulk bins means:
✔️ You get just the right amount—no waste.
✔️ You can grab a little bit of everything for an insane variety.
✔️ It’s budget-friendly compared to pre-packaged snacks.
Some of my go-to bulk picks?
- Pistachios
- Dried mango slices
- Chocolate espresso beans
- Honey-roasted peanuts
- Pretzel sticks
- Peanut butter-filled pretzels
- Sour patch kids (because balance)
- Each of my kids’ favorite candies (like gummy nerd clusters)
At the end of the day, your snackle box should be packed with whatever makes you happy. Whether it’s all healthy, all junk food, or a perfectly balanced mix—it’s your personal snack adventure! And every time you make one, its another chance to make it even better than last time.
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s talk fun themes to take your snackle box to the next level!
Simple Step-by-Step Snackle Box Instructions:
1) Select a suitable snackle box,
2) select your snacks (count the number of compartments in your box so you know how many snacks you need),
3) fill the snackle box compartments with the different snacks you selected, and,
4) Enjoy! But first, snap a photo and show it off.
Snackle Box Themes to Make Your Travels Even More Fun!
A snackle box isn’t just a practical way to pack snacks—it’s an opportunity to get creative and make snack time feel like an adventure. Whether you’re traveling with kids, following a special diet, or just want to make the journey extra fun, here are some ideas to theme your snackle box!
1. Destination-Inspired Snackle Box
Get a jump-start on your adventure by packing snacks inspired by your destination! Heading to Italy? Fill your box with biscotti, mini breadsticks, and hazelnut chocolates. Going to a Disney theme park? Pack Disney-themed treats like Mickey-shaped crackers or snacks inspired by Disney movies. This is a great way to build excitement and start experiencing your destination before you even arrive.
Bonus twist: If traveling with kids, keep the destination a surprise and let the snack theme be their first clue! Or keep the box a surprise and reveal it at the airport, in the car, or on the plane. Add a small souvenir, destination-themed items, or hints about sites you will visit for the ultimate surprise!
2. Lifestyle-Inspired Snackle Box
If you’re following a specific diet, a snackle box can be your best travel companion. Sticking to dietary requirements while traveling can be tough with limited options at airports and rest stops. Instead of relying on overpriced, unhealthy snacks, create a personalized box that fits your needs:
- High-protein box – Jerky, cheese crisps, roasted nuts, and protein bars.
- Gluten-free box – Rice crackers, fruit leathers, popcorn, and nut butter packets.
- Low-sugar or keto box – Dark chocolate, almonds, pork rinds, and cheese cubes.
- Vegan box – Dried fruits, hummus packs, trail mix, and plant-based protein bites.
Bonus twist: Make it feel indulgent by including healthier versions of your favorite treats!
3. Holiday-Inspired Snackle Box
If you’re traveling for a holiday, why not bring the festivities along for the ride? Fill your box with seasonal goodies straight from the holiday aisle of your favorite store.
- Christmas – Peppermint bark, red & green M&Ms, mini candy canes, gingerbread cookies.
- Easter – Chocolate eggs, pastel-colored gummies, mini carrot-shaped cheese crackers.
- Halloween – Pumpkin-shaped cookies, spooky gummy worms, caramel popcorn.
Bonus twist: Add little surprises, like a small holiday gift, short notes or jokes, or sticker for kids!
4. Color-Coordinated Snackle Box
Snackle boxes are not just delicious—they can be pretty! Create a visually stunning box by selecting snacks in a single color theme or a rainbow gradient. My girls would love a pink themed box, but I have yet to do that, since my son would cringe.
- Red Box (Valentine’s Day) – Strawberries, red licorice, cherry-flavored candies.
- Red, White & Blue Box (Patriotic Theme) – Blueberries, yogurt-covered pretzels, raspberry fruit strips.
- Christmas Colors – Green apple slices, red velvet cookies, white chocolate almonds.
- Sports Team Theme – Choose snacks that match the colors of your favorite team!
Bonus twist: Turn it into a game—have travelers guess foods that match the color or what that color represents!
5. Charcuterie Snackle Box
Elevate your in-flight or road trip snacking with a mini travel charcuterie board! Fill your box with:
- Cheeses – Mini Babybel, cheese cubes, or cheese crisps.
- Meats – Salami sticks, prosciutto, beef jerky.
- Crunch – Crackers, nuts, breadsticks.
- Sweet Pairings – Dried apricots, chocolate-covered almonds, honey packets.
Perfect for when the airplane beverage cart rolls around with free wine—cheers to classy snacking at 35,000 feet!
6. Movie Night Box 🍿
Turn your snackle box into a mini concession stand for your in-flight entertainment with movie snacks:
- Popcorn (maybe bring this in a disposable bag with your snackle box)
- Mini candy bars
- Gummy bears
- Chocolate-covered pretzels
Bonus twist: If traveling with kids, let them “buy” snacks from the box with pretend tickets!
7. Breakfast Box
For early morning travel or a pick me up after a long-haul flight, pack a breakfast-inspired snackle box to keep everyone fueled. The “breakfast” offering on the airplane has been gut-churning so this is a great alternative:
- Mini muffins
- Granola clusters
- Dried fruit
- Single-serving peanut butter or Nutella packs
Bonus twist: Include a small spoon so travelers can mix yogurt cups with toppings from the box, but only if you aren’t flying as yogurt is considered liquid. I had some confiscated by security last time.
8. International Snack Sampler
Make snack time a global tasting adventure by including snacks from different countries.
- Japanese Pocky sticks
- French butter cookies
- German Haribo gummies
- Mexican spicy peanuts
Bonus twist: If traveling internationally, use it as a way to try new local snacks and refill the box with treats from your destination!
9. DIY Trail Mix Box
Instead of pre-mixed trail mix, separate ingredients into compartments so each person can build their own mix!
- Almonds, cashews, walnuts
- M&Ms or chocolate chunks
- Dried fruit
- Coconut flakes
Bonus twist: Add spicy or sweet seasonings like cinnamon sugar or Tajín for variety! You can bring small cups for everyone to hold their creation in.
Snackle boxes are more than just a way to save money on airport snacks—they make travel more fun, more personal, and even more exciting! Which snackle box theme are you excited to try first, or have you tried other themes? Let me know in the comments!
How to Choose the Right Snackle Box
When selecting a snackle box, consider the following:
- Food-Grade Material: Ensure the box is made from safe, food-grade plastic.
- Durability: A sturdy box withstands travel rigors and can be reused, making this an environmentally friendly option.
- Removable Dividers: Adjustable compartments allow customization but ensure they’re secure to prevent spillage. However, my boxes have these and I have accidentally lost some of these dividers during travel and they make cleaning the box a little more complicated.
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe boxes simplify maintenance.
- Multiple Trays: A box with multiple trays is a great choice. I have one where each tray snaps in place and these can be passed around and used as individual trays. I can pack one tray for each person, or as snacks are eaten, I can reduce the size of the box.
- Consider size and cost: We travel with carry-on luggage only, so size and investment is a concern. I bring inexpensive versions so I can toss it if I need the room for something else on the return journey. I also bring one with removable compartments so I can stuff socks, souvenirs, and other things into it on the return journey, if not in use, so I don’t need to toss it. I have found it less convenient to fill for the return journey and am left with an empty box to bring back.
Make Assembling Your Snackle Box Part of the Fun!
Putting together a snackle box can feel like just another packing chore—or it can be a fun pre-trip activity! The key? Turn it into an experience. Take photos and let this be part of the memories you make on the trip even before you leave home.
Instead of scrambling at the last minute, set aside time a day or two before the trip to assemble your snackle box. Get the kids or your travel buddies involved!
- Pick a theme to make it extra exciting.
- Go on a snack hunt at the store and let everyone pick a few favorites.
- Turn it into a mini taste test—because what’s better than snacking while you pack snacks?
A little planning makes it fun instead of stressful, and by the time you’re on the road (or in the air), you’ll have the perfect snackle box ready to go—no overpriced airport snacks required!
Gift the Gift of a Snackle Box!
A snackle box isn’t just a game-changer for your own travels—it also makes an amazing gift for someone else! Whether you know someone heading off on a trip, moving abroad, or even just facing a long work commute, a thoughtfully packed snackle box is a fun and practical surprise.
Who Would Love a Snackle Box Gift?
- Frequent Travelers – Surprise a jet-setting friend with a snackle box filled with TSA-friendly treats.
- College Students – Send them off with a stash of study snacks for dorm life or long bus rides.
- Road Trippers – Pack up the perfect selection of car-friendly snacks for a long drive.
- Parents Flying with Kids – Save them the hassle of packing snacks by gifting a kid-approved snackle box.
- Your Travel Companion! – Pack a special box for your co-traveler as a sweet way to start the trip.
How to Make It Extra Special
- Customize the Theme – Tailor the snacks to their destination, dietary preferences, or favorite treats.
- Add a Handwritten Note – A fun travel quote or a sweet message makes it more personal.
- Include Little Extras – Add in travel-sized essentials like gum, mints, or a tiny travel game.
A Fun Way to Prepare for Your Own Trip!
Even if you’re not traveling just yet, putting together a snackle box for someone else is a great way to practice for your own future trip. Testing out snack combinations, getting creative with themes, and seeing what works can make your own packing process even smoother when your next adventure comes around! Plus, it’s a fun way to be a part of someone else’s journey—even if you’re not going with them.
So whether you’re packing for yourself or gifting a snackle box to a fellow traveler, one thing’s for sure: snack time just got way more fun!
