Not roadside pakodas. 7 easy-to-carry food items to keep you hydrated during road trips

As exams wrap up for students and before the peak of summer begins, it’s the perfect season to plan a road trip—whether with friends, family, or even solo. Road trips often bring hunger and thirst along with them. The weather can be unpredictable, but it mostly leans toward heat and dehydration, making it essential to carry food and drinks that help you stay hydrated and refreshed throughout your journey.

Watermelon cubes

Watermelon cubes are the easiest choice. The juicy fruit is a perfect way to beat the heat when it gets hot, satiating as well as hydrating since it's packed with over 90% water. Pre-cut cubes stored in a container are easy to snack on. You can pack them in an airtight container or a small cooler to keep them fresh and cool.

- You can sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt or chaat masala for added flavour.
- For long-distance travelling, you can keep an icepack under the container.

Cucumber slices

Crunchy and high-water-content cucumber slices are the perfect munching snacks for your road trips. It’s a hassle-free food that does not require any preparation. Just slice it, and eat it. You can add a little lemon juice, salt or even chaat masala for more flavour.

You can also consider adding cucumber slices to your bottle of water, or just blend the cucumber and add it to your bottle with a pinch of rock salt.

Oranges or mosambi

Juicy and rich in vitamin C, these oranges or mosambi fruits help replenish fluids and keep energy levels up. Fruits can also help you fight fatigue and keep you hydrated, which is a must while you hit the road on wheels.

Curd rice

Curd rice makes for one of the best road-trip staples as it's hydrating and will keep you cool and satiated as well. The classic South Indian comfort food is road-trip friendly. You can make it with cooked rice, mix it with yoghurt and add seasoning of your choice like salt, green chillies, or curry leaves.

- Yoghurt provides probiotics and is hence good for health

- Hydrating and cooling for your gut

- Carry it in an insulated container.

Sattu Sherbet

Sattu sherbet is undoubtedly one of the most underrated yet powerful summer drinks for road trips, especially in Indian heat. It is made of roasted gram flour, which means its filling. It will keep you satiated during long drives.

- It is cooling and helps prevent dehydration

- It is packed with protein and fibre and keeps you full for a longer time

- Easy on your gut to digest even during travel

You can make sattu in a variety of ways. Mix it with water, add a pinch of salt, roasted cumin powder and lemon juice or you can add jaggery/sugar as well. You can also prepare it by adding coriander leaves, rock salt and cumin.

Shikanji

Shikanji is a classic North Indian cooler and perfect for beating the heat during road trips. Made with lemon juice, water, sugar, black salt, and a hint of spices like roasted cumin, it helps keep you cool and hydrated while restoring the lost electrolytes. It’s refreshing, tangy, and gives an instant energy boost without feeling heavy.

Pudina lemon water

Pudina lemon water adds a cooling twist to regular lemon water with the freshness of mint. It’s light, refreshing and is extremely helpful if you feel nauseous during travel. Crush mint leaves into lemon water and store in a flask or bottle. Depending upon your taste, add a pinch of salt or honey.

- Pudina lemon water will keep your body cool and help with digestion

- Addition of Vitamin C will prevent fatigue and increase your energy levels.