As the warm summer months unfold, many Americans are packing their bags and hitting the open road for seasonal adventures. Whether heading to national parks, visiting family, or exploring new cities, one essential component of a successful road trip remains constant: snacks. According to a new national survey conducted by Kellanova, the maker of iconic brands like Cheez-It® and Pringles®, these two snacks are among the top picks for road trippers across all generations.
The Summer Road Trip Snacking Survey polled 2,000 U.S. adults who have either recently taken a road trip or plan to embark on one this summer. The study aimed to uncover not just favorite snack choices, but also how age, travel companions, and even regional preferences influence the way Americans snack on the road.
Cheez-It and Pringles: The Road Trip Staples
Kellanova’s survey confirms that both Cheez-It and Pringles hold a cherished place in the hearts (and snack bags) of travelers of all ages. These iconic brands are not only popular across age groups but also reflect evolving flavor preferences, with Gen Z especially seeking bold and spicy flavors to liven up their journey.
“With the summer road trip season kicking off, we wanted to find out what people love to munch on the most and discovered all generations crave Cheez-It and Pringles snacks, with Gen Z reaching for the boldest flavors,” said Julia Wilkinson, Senior Director of Insights at Kellanova. “With nine out of 10 roadtrippers eating more than one snack during their travels, we also learned people’s ages and where they live heavily influences their road trip snacking decisions.”
Generational Snack Preferences: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
While Cheez-It and Pringles may unite snackers from coast to coast, the survey revealed fascinating generational distinctions in flavor profiles, packaging needs, and even social snacking habits.
Gen Z: The Adventurous Snackers
The youngest group of adults surveyed is all about excitement and experimentation. Gen Z roadtrippers are more likely than any other generation to opt for adventurous and daring flavors. Sour, bitter, savory, and especially spicy snacks dominate their shopping carts. They also prefer to travel with friends, and shareability is a key factor when selecting their road trip munchies.
Their snack bags often include bold-flavored chips, unique crackers, and spicy versions of popular snacks—ideal for sharing laughs and bites with fellow travelers. For this generation, snack time is a social experience, and the more variety they can pack, the better.
Millennials: Family-Focused and Flavor Forward
Millennials balance their flavor preferences with family needs. While tangy snacks are high on their list, they also lean heavily toward salty, sweet, and cheesy options. Given that many Millennials are now parents, their snack choices often serve a dual purpose: pleasing themselves and keeping their kids happy in the backseat.
In fact, four out of ten Millennial respondents reported that their children were “munching every mile.” From granola bars to classic cheese crackers and sweet treats, variety and quantity matter for this generation—because when traveling with kids, snack time is all the time.
Gen X: The Practical Snackers
Gen Xers exhibit more flexibility in their choices, with a balanced preference for crackers, chips, and protein-packed options like beef jerky. They gravitate toward a mix of sweet, salty, and chocolatey snacks and often travel with a spouse or close friend rather than kids.
This group values substance over novelty. Their snack selection tends to be simple, dependable, and satisfying—aimed at keeping them energized and alert without fuss. For Gen X, practicality rules, but flavor still plays a strong role.
Boomers: Nostalgic and Classic Choices
Boomers are loyal to the classics. They typically go for salty, sweet, and chocolatey flavors and reach for timeless options like mixed nuts, chips, and salty snack mixes. Unlike younger travelers who often plan their snack purchases ahead of time, Boomers are more likely to buy snacks spontaneously at gas stations or roadside convenience stores during the journey.
Their road trips are usually taken solo or with a partner, and the snack experience is more about comfort than novelty. Reliability and familiarity guide their choices, and they stick with what they know and love.
Regional Snacking Habits: Geography Shapes the Snack Bag
Beyond generational trends, the Summer Road Trip Snacking Survey also highlighted how snacking behaviors vary across different regions of the U.S., often reflecting local tastes and buying habits.
Southern States: The Spontaneous Snackers
Travelers from the South tend to purchase snacks on the go, often stopping at local stores along the route rather than planning ahead. Their top choices include salty, sweet, and chocolatey options, reinforcing their preference for indulgent, comforting snacks.
Northeast: Creamy and Cheesy Enthusiasts
People living in the Northeast are notably twice as likely to indulge in creamy-flavored snacks compared to their Midwestern counterparts. While creaminess reigns supreme, cheesy snacks also earn high praise. This region shows a strong leaning toward dairy-forward snacks, perhaps reflecting regional culinary traditions.
Midwest: Cheesy Loyalty
Midwesterners may not go for creamy snacks like Northeasterners, but cheesy flavors are high on their list. In fact, one in three Midwestern respondents placed cheesy-flavored snacks in their top three picks. Whether it’s cheese crackers or flavored chips, cheese is a key component of the Midwest road trip experience.
Mountain West and Pacific Coast: Laid-Back Snackers
Travelers from these western regions often take a more relaxed approach to road trip snacking. Many leave the decision-making to others in the car, choosing to eat whatever is readily available. Still, they favor tried-and-true favorites, with salty, sweet, and chocolatey flavors dominating their top choices.
A Closer Look at the Data
Kellanova’s insights were backed by Nielsen Retail Measurement data, examining regional sales figures and brand preferences across the nine U.S. Census Divisions. This multi-layered analysis not only confirms the popularity of Cheez-It and Pringles but also validates consumer self-reporting with actual sales behavior.
The research clearly shows that while road trip snacking is a universal part of American travel culture, the “what” and “why” of snacking is influenced by a mix of personal taste, generational values, family dynamics, and local culture.
About the Survey
The Summer Road Trip Snacking Survey was conducted online using Kellanova’s proprietary consumer insight platform, Sight-X. The study included 2,000 adults from across the United States who had either gone on a road trip within the last year or were planning one for the summer. The goal was to gain a deeper understanding of how snack choices are shaped by demographic and behavioral factors.
As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road this summer, the findings from Kellanova’s survey serve as a delicious reminder: snacks are not just fuel—they’re an essential part of the journey. Whether it’s a spicy Pringles crisp shared among Gen Z friends or a classic Cheez-It square enjoyed by a Baby Boomer on a solo drive, one thing is clear—great snacks make every mile more memorable.
