When I first went veg, traveling was the hardest part. I mean, it’s hard enough to find healthy-ish food in an airport, but now let’s find some healthy-ish food that doesn’t have any meat, eggs or dairy… and I’d prefer that it be lightly processed. GOOD LUCK!
As a person who occasionally experiences a mean case of the hangries, it didn’t take more than a couple extended layovers for me to figure out how to eat vegan at the airport.
Before leaving the house, I always pack a few snacks that will make it through airport security (even for short flights, because you never know if you’ll get delayed!):
- Nuts are high in protein and healthy fats, plus the satisfying crunch can help stave off hunger.
- Trail mix with salty almonds and sweet dried fruit is great combo.
- Instant oatmeal packets are a super easy way to get a hot meal! All you need is a cup of hot water, either from a coffee shop at the airport or the flight attendant in-flight, and you’re all set.
- Fruit: apples and berries are great, bananas are terrible unless you like them smushed.
Once you’re at the airport, and depending on which airport you’re traveling through, it can be a bit tricky to find healthy vegan options. But, tricky isn’t impossible 🙂 here are my go-to foods that you can find at just about any airpot:
- Not to be redundant, but nuts are delicious and they’re sold everywhere.
- Salads, hold the cheese/eggs/bacon bits/whatever else is on there that’s not a plant, dressing on the side. Just say no to creamy dressings; vinaigrettes are a safe option. Toss in a few of the nuts you bought 😉
- Bagels are almost always vegan, and topped with peanut butter they make a meal! Avoid bagels with honey, cheese, and chocolate chips. Check if they have nutritional information available, and avoid options that have cholesterol as there is no cholesterol in plant foods.
- Some airport markets have those little Sabra hummus and pretzel cups – done. If you can’t find peanut butter, but you can find these hummus packs, bagels topped with hummus is quite delicious.
- The oatmeal sold at Starbucks can also be made vegan – just ask the barista to use soy or coconut milk, instead.
- Made-to-order sandwich shops are great if they have avocado – gotta get my protein!
- If you’re ordering a veggie burger, be sure to ask for no butter on the bun.
There are also a few vegan-friendly airport restaurants, and I’ve noticed more popping up in recent years, like RootDown coming to Denver International Airport – WIN!
What are your favorite ways to eat vegan (or even just eating healthy) while traveling through the airport?
House of Vellum 