One of the fun parts of traveling or being out and about can be eating different foods than usual. Road trips are made for snacks. But really, any time you’re on the go, snacking is an option!

Whether you’re going on vacation, spending time outdoors this summer or just in the midst of a busy season, having easy, IC friendly snack options is a must. My family, for example, loves to hit up gas stations for a snack when we’re on the road. My children especially are thrilled with a chance to pick a snack just for them.

But navigating snack runs or packing snacks while managing the IC diet can seem overwhelming. With some planning ahead of time, though, you can enjoy a snack on-the-go without having to worry about a diet-induced flare. We’ve pulled together lots of options for you to pick from!

As always, remember the IC diet is different for everyone. All the foods in this list are in the “Usually Bladder Friendly” category of the ICN Food List. Any that have potentially challenging ingredients are indicated as such.

Store-Bought IC Friendly Snacks

When it comes to store-bought IC friendly snacks, you need to consider a few things. First, does the item contain an ingredient you know will bother you? For example, if chocolate makes your bladder flare, you can automatically steer clear of chocolate candy bars.

Second, does the item have hidden ingredients that could bother you? Generally, you want to avoid preservatives and artificial ingredients. Be sure to check labels before you try foods. A few years ago, I was excited to have a treat of Dr Pepper Jelly Bellies. I could have a soda flavor without the caffeine! I didn’t read the package, however, until my bladder kicked up soon thereafter and saw the jelly beans actually included caffeine as an ingredient.

Be sure to check the labels on all snacks before you buy them and try them!

Salty store-bought snacks

  • Unsalted, roasted almonds
  • Cheese sticks (American, mozzarella or cheddar)
  • Corn chips
  • Potato chips
  • Plain crackers
  • Almond or peanut bars
  • Cashews
  • Peanuts
  • Pretzels

Sweet store-bought snacks

  • Angel food cake
  • Caramel candies
  • Mint candies without chocolate
  • Butterscotch candies
  • Carob bars
  • Coconut flakes or ribbons
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Sugar cookies
  • Biscotti
  • Doughnuts (glazed, sugar coated or cream cheese)
  • Graham crackers (plain or honey)
  • Vanilla or peppermint ice-cream
  • Vanilla or tapioca pudding
  • Marshmallows

Fruit and veggie snacks

  • Mild apples such as gala, fuji or pink lady varieties
  • Blueberries
  • Celery plain or with organic, natural peanut butter
  • Cucumber slices

Homemade IC Friendly Snacks

Homemade snacks are the easiest to control the ingredients for. If you are able to plan ahead, these snack options can be great for on-the-go without bothering your bladder.

Salty homemade snacks

  • Popcorn (Use the kernels to pop it yourself on the stovetop, in a popcorn popper or with a microwave popcorn popper. Then add with your own IC friendly toppings such as butter and salt.)
  • Tortilla pinwheels (Skip the chilies and onion to keep this recipe IC friendly.)
  • Roasted chickpeas (Omit seasonings other than salt for this recipe.)
  • Homemade trail mix using only IC friendly ingredients (Check out some basic ideas here.)
  • Hard boiled eggs

Sweet homemade snacks

Fruit and veggie homemade snacks

Don’t let IC hold you back. Pack your cooler or picnic basket, and hit the road to make memories!