Paediatrician Calls 'Freshly-Made French Fries' The Safest Snack On The Go - He Explains (Image Credits: iStock)
The summer road trip season is officially here, and if you're a parent, you know the drill. You’ve packed the sunscreen, games, extra clothes, and maybe even a travel playlist. But as soon as you set off for the trip, hunger strikes. And suddenly, it’s snack time. You pull into a roadside cafe, your kids are starving, and you’re left thinking: What on earth can I give them that won’t cause tummy trouble later?
Here’s something surprising: a well-known paediatrician says your safest bet might actually be fresh French fries. Yes, seriously! Dr Nihar Parekh, Paediatrician, MBBS, DCH, MD (USAIM), took to Instagram to share his go-to snack advice for parents on the move.
“The safest junk food when you are travelling with your children and stuck at an odd place is freshly made French fries,” he said. “They’re not the healthiest, but they’re easy to find, fried at high temperatures, and sterile, so the risk of tummy bugs is minimal.”
And honestly, that makes a lot of sense.
When you’re on the road, hygiene becomes a major concern. Sandwiches left out too long, cut fruit with questionable handling, or packaged snacks of unknown origin can pose a bigger risk than a hot batch of freshly fried potatoes. At least with fries, you know they’ve just come out of the fryer, too hot for germs to survive, and likely appealing enough that your kids won’t argue.
Having said that relying solely on fries throughout your trip isn’t the best idea either. So how do you balance the reality of travel with your goal of keeping snacks healthy?
Here are a few easy, doable hacks to reduce junk food while still surviving the road trip:
1. Pack SmartBefore you leave, pack a mini-cooler with pre-cut fruits (like apples or oranges), cheese cubes, boiled eggs, or yogurt tubes. Pair them with whole grain crackers or roasted makhana for fibre-rich munchies.
2. Choose the Lesser Evil
If fries are on the menu, opt for the plain version—skip the loaded cheese or extra salt. And go easy on ketchup sachets, which are loaded with sugar.
3. Hydration First
Sometimes, kids confuse thirst with hunger. Always offer water before opening that snack bag. Reusable bottles filled with cold water (or even coconut water) can help curb unnecessary snacking.
4. Set Time For The Treats
Set specific snack times instead of giving in every time someone’s bored. This reduces grazing and teaches kids to eat only when they’re truly hungry.
5. Lead By Example
Kids follow what they see. If they spot you munching on a banana instead of chips, they’re more likely to follow suit.
So yes, go ahead and order those fresh fries if that’s the best option during your travel break. But with a bit of prep and mindful choices, you can keep junk food to a minimum—and your road trip a lot smoother.
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