Whether you fly regularly for business or you’re about to embark on your first plane ride, let’s face it: You could use a reliable snack to pack in your carry-on.

Gone are the days of the famous inflight peanuts; They are being phased out by airlines due to peanut allergies. Also, most airlines have done away with free meals during domestic flights.

So that leaves you with only one sensible option: Pack healthy airplane snacks to stave off the inflight hunger. The following options are cheaper, healthier, and more creative than any of the refreshments offered on a plane for a price.

1. Unsalted Mixed Nuts

If you’re feeling nostalgic about the afore-mentioned complimentary peanuts, here’s a twist on the traditional snack you might just love.

Buy a large container of unsalted mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans are a heart-healthy mix). Scoop some nuts into a small plastic container you can stow away in your carry-on. Then, enjoy!

Remember to choose mixed nuts without peanuts. Otherwise, you may pose an indirect risk to those with serious peanut allergies.

2. Roasted Chickpeas And Seeds Trail Mix

When you think Trail mix, you probably think about granola, raisins, nuts, and more. Roasted seeds and chickpeas don’t come to mind, right?

But if you’re a savory snacker, mixing up some roasted seeds and spices may just make your pallet happy. As you pack for your trip, roast some pumpkin seeds, sunflowers, and chickpeas on a baking tray. Or you can cheat and purchase roasted seeds instead.

Scoop some into a small snack container. Finally, add your favorite spice blend, and voila! You can almost trick your taste buds into thinking that you’re eating junk food.

Really, though, seeds and chickpeas are rich in fiber. This may seem like a minimalist snack, but it will keep you full throughout the flight.

3. Bars Are Fuss-Free Airplane Snacks

Are you too frazzled prior to your flight to prepare a healthy snack?

No worries. Just drop a healthy bar into your bag, and you’re good to go.

Aim for a protein bar from a health-conscious company like Kind. You can even grab a few fruit and nut bars to enjoy during your travels. Fruit and nut bars are very accessible, and they’re a healthy balance of carbs and proteins.

4. Vegetarian Airplane Snacks

If you’re a vegetarian, a yummy meal is hard to find whether inflight or at the airport. Besides, airport food can be pricey.

If you find yourself in a bind, order up some healthy vegetarian food to eat at your gate or inflight. Some services provide fresh, healthy, portable food that’s more like a complete meal than just a snack. Full of plant-based protein and complex carbs, this type of meal can get you through the rest of your traveling day.

5. Beef Jerky

If you’re a carnivore instead, you would appreciate some mouth-watering meat while you fly. Too bad meat snacks aren’t very travel-friendly, right?

Wrong! You can always count on beef jerky. Whether in stick or patty form, this dry, spiced meat will keep you full for hours.

Aged beef jerky is a chock-full of protein. Also, being that it’s a savory snack, you can make it into a meal at a moment’s notice.

Are You Ready For Your Flight?

Whether you’re stuck at the airport or forced to endure a long morning flight, not having some healthy airplane snacks on hand can make your trip that much worse. Figure out which one of the above suggestions you like best, and use it as a snack strategy for your next flight. You can even mix and match several of these options.

For more travel tips and tricks, come back to our site right before every trip you take. From inflight food options to how to navigate a flight delay with grace, we’re chock-full of good advice.