Easter weekend is here and of course that means road trips are a plenty. The most exciting part? Padkos snacks of course – without the common mistakes of soggy bread or stale chips. Here are our top tips to help you prep your padkos to perfection!  

1. No cooler box, big problem  

The number one issue with padkos and other road food snacks is the possibility of food spoiling in the car due to the heat. Melted chocolate is not pleasant and can be insanely messy too. Dairy items will go bad in a matter of minutes and if you’re thinking of packing ice cream, forget about it. If you really want to have something chilled, stop at a garage on the way for a quick ice cream break, and this will also avoid any possibility of drips and messy packets on the floor. Carry a decent size cooler box that can fit your snacks comfortably, along with a few extra ice packs to keep everything perfectly chilled.  

@tshepey_hope Lets pack together #snackbag #coolerbox #medication #ticktockbotswana #southafricatiktok #ticktockbotswana #vacation ♬ original sound – tshepisoHope

2. The basic tools and essentials are important  

Padkos is not as enjoyable without having the necessities in place, and by that, we mean paper towels or disposable napkins, wet wipes, straws, a dirt packet and utensils (if needed). While this may sound trivial and kind of obvious, these small things can make the rest of the road trip rather uncomfortable if you don’t have them. Start by making a little checklist for yourself before you begin packing, that way these items won’t get left behind or forgotten.  

3. Balancing your health snacks with unhealthy options are key  

While a lot of us would gravitate towards sugary options for a quick snack fix, it is so important to have a healthy mix of items on your road trip. Savoury options like biltong and raw nuts, sweeter options with fruit or nougat bars and then some gummy sweets and chocolates just to round out the variety is top tier snack packing. Don’t forget to also vary your drinks. Water is and will always be key, perhaps an energy drink for when there is a dip and then probably a fruit juice or two for a boost of glucose.  

4. Easy does it with ready-to-eat snacks  

The car is not the easiest place to eat, whether it’s the bumpy roads, twists and turns, something as simple as a sandwich can even get out of hand. With that in mind, try keeping the food simple and mess free so that you can prep the night before. Simple bagels with easy toppings like chicken mayo or cheese and tomato are quick to make and simple to hold. Biltong is another great snack that requires no prep besides a quick purchase from the shop. A sure favourite is springrolls and samoosas, prepped and cut fruit, or even mini portions of regular items (sliders for example will go down so well). If you want more variety, pack your treats in a snack box that allows you to carry many options under just one container.   

@caitliniola Road trip snack restock All my favs but I’m not sure why the apricots are that colour #restock #snacks #satisfyingvideos #asmr #relaxing ♬ Relaxed (Sped Up) – MC Mablo Dos Paredões

Words: Yashna Balwanth 
Photography: Pexels  

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