How to Pack Snacks Without Looking Like a Walking Sari-Sari Store

You’re not migrating. You’re just going on a trip. So why does your backpack sound like a mini grocery?

We’ve all been there... ziplocs bursting with piattos, banana ketchup sachets rolling around, and a full tub of ulam na lang ang kulang.

​But let’s be real, there’s an art to packing snacks smartly- without looking like you raided a sari-sari store and stuffed it in your maleta.

Here’s how to snack like a pro traveler:
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1. Plan Your Cravings Like an Itinerary
Think about your trip duration and when you usually get hangry. Long bus ride? Airport layover?
Midnight hunger attack? Choose snacks that solve those problems.

🟢 Best picks: protein bars, trail mix, biscuits, or instant noodles if you’ll have access to hot water.

2. Stick to the 3:1 Rule
No, this isn’t a math exam. Just pack 3 small snack packs per travel day, max.

Example:

• 1 sweet (e.g. Cloud 9 or granola bar)
• 1 salty (e.g. Chippy or almonds)
• 1 filler (e.g. Skyflakes, sandwich, or cup noodles)

That way, you’ll satisfy cravings without turning your bag into a sari-sari shelf.

3. Ditch the Bulky Packaging

Repack. Repack. Repack.

Say goodbye to giant foil packs and hello to slim ziplocks or eco pouches.

You don’t need the whole pack of chips- just enough for a craving.

Bonus: saves space and avoids noisy crinkling inside museums or buses.

4. Go Local with a Purpose
If you must bring Filipino snacks (I get it- PEANUT BRITTLE or KALAMAY or SUMAN hits different abroad), pick one or two iconic ones as pasalubong or emergency comfort food.

🎯 Pro tip: Individually wrapped Polvoron? Yes. Full tub of Otap? Chill muna.

5. Keep the Condiments at Home (or Just One Sachet Max)
You’re not opening a karinderya abroad. One ketchup or suka sachet is enough.
You’ll survive bland airplane food for a few hours. Promise.

6. Think TSA-Friendly and Leak-Proof
If flying, avoid sticky, oily, or suspiciously "liquid-like" snacks.
TSA won't be impressed with your bagoong in a recycled peanut butter jar.

Go dry, sealed, and scent-free. Trust me, your seatmate will thank you.

TL;DR:

​✔ Pack light.
✔ Pack smart.
✔ Don’t bring the whole tindahan.