Where Can On-the-Go Planners Find Healthy Airport Food?

Believe it or not, healthy food does exist when you’re traveling — you just need to know where to look.

There’s nothing like having just a few minutes between flights and trying to seek out something healthy to eat. In between the pizza, hot dogs, and jumbo bags of chips and candy, you’ll find containers of celery and carrots with hummus, or yogurt that’s healthy as long as you don’t eat the granola and syrupy fruit at the bottom of the cup. Of course, there’s every brand of granola and energy bar.

But none of those equals a meal.

The good news is that healthy food does exist at airports, as long as you do your research in advance and know exactly where to go with limited time.

Here are some options for your next flight.

Artisan Market

High Flying Foods operates Artisan Markets at several US airports, including San Diego International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Oakland International Airport. The focus is on scratch foods with ingredients sourced from local purveyors, and you’ll find made-to-order sandwiches and salads topped with house-made dressing. Artisan Market packaged foods are available at other High Flying Foods outlets, such as the one at Denver International Airport, where you will find a salad of kale, sweet potatoes, dates, apples, and goat cheese.

Boston Public Market

Inspired by its famous location on Hanover Street, Boston Public Market features many of the same vendors and freshly prepared, healthy meals. Choices range from Red’s Best New England Seafood to Mother Juice’s plant-based options.

Starbucks

That’s right, Starbucks has much more to offer beyond those chocolate croissants and lemon pound cake slices in the pastry case. Its protein box features nuts, cheese, fruit such as grapes or apple slices, and a hard-boiled egg. The spinach, feta and egg white wrap is low in calories, trans fats and sugar, and a good source of protein and fiber. Depending on availability, you can also find a chicken-and-quinoa protein bowls with black beans and greens, as well as veggie trays and fruit cups.

Chipotle

The great thing about Chipotle, which has outlets in airports across the U.S., is that you have control over your meal. Instead of a tortilla wrap, choose a bowl of greens, topped with beans, guacamole (avocados are high in fat, but the healthy kind), and salsa. Add cheese and sour cream in moderation for a balanced meal.

Jamba Juice

It seems like every airport you travel to has a Jamba Juice, the chain that has become symbolic with nutrition by packing its made-to-order smoothies with fruits, vegetables, and superfoods. Jamba Juice also offers options beyond juice, such as smoothie bowls, waffle and granola bowls, oatmeal, and egg sandwiches with 12 grams of protein and just 320 calories.

Source: Skift.com