Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wants healthier airplane snacks

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy isn’t just waging a crusade against wearing pajamas on planes these days. He also wants to replace his airplane snacks.

In an interview on Tuesday, Duffy said air passengers would “love better snacks” available to them.

“I would love to eat some healthier snacks on the plane,” Duffy told Blaze News.

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“[It would be much better] “If I didn’t buy that really fattening cookie full of butter and sugar and crap,” she added, “or those little snack packs of crackers.”

So what do health and travel experts say about ditching the pretzel-and-soda combo and other treats on flights?

New Jersey-based dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade told Fox News Digital that bagels and cookies “won’t ruin your health.” However, he added that the refined starch, sodium and added sugar in them can quickly increase energy levels.

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“Some airlines offer chocolate-covered quinoa, which may be a better alternative as it provides a boost of protein and fiber to keep blood sugar and appetite stable,” he said.

Between being mindful of nut allergies and facing the challenges of offering fresh produce on board, healthy options are pretty limited for airlines, Palinski-Wade said. but there are several alternatives.

Some nutritionists believe simple changes, such as replacing cookies with higher-protein foods, can help passengers feel more stable throughout the flight. (iStock)

“Freeze-dried fruit is shelf stable and a great way to boost fiber and antioxidants without worrying about spoilage,” the dietitian said. “Dry roasted chickpeas can be a crunchy snack for sensitive travelers, providing a similar nutritional profile to nuts (containing protein and fiber) without the risk of allergies.”

He emphasized that avoiding alcohol, staying hydrated and packing healthy options can go a long way.

Protein bars, nuts, beef jerky and lentil chips are all delicious snacks that travel well, he added.

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If refrigeration isn’t an issue, Palinski-Wade suggested travelers also focus on Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and hard-boiled eggs.

“When looking for a snack to bring with you when you travel, think protein, fat and fiber,” she said. “Foods that combine these nutrients will keep your appetite and energy steady for hours.”

“This small change can be the difference between feeling steady all day and going on a blood sugar roller coaster mid-flight.”

He added that a little planning would go a long way, especially for passengers with diabetes or heart disease.

“Don’t buy everything that’s free on the plane,” he said. “This small change can be the difference between feeling steady all day and going on a blood sugar roller coaster mid-flight.”

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Brandon Blewett, travel enthusiast and author of “How to Avoid Strangers on a Plane,” told Fox News Digital that he always keeps protein bars in his bag. He himself agreed that boiled eggs and jerky are good snacks to take with you on the go.

Blewett, who is based in Dallas but travels 35,000 miles in the air twice a week, said Greek yogurt is a high-protein option available at most airports.

Duffy’s comments this week that she wanted healthier in-flight snacks has sparked new scrutiny on what airlines routinely offer passengers. (iStock; Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“Be respectful of everyone around you and avoid scratching the container because that sound could put you on an unofficial no-fly list,” he joked.

“Otherwise, I turn to protein bars, dried hard-boiled eggs, pre-cut fruits or vegetables, or airport ‘protein packs’.”

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While dining at the airport restaurant, Blewett said she looks out for salads with lean meats and a side of baked sweet potatoes.

“Airports often have Chick-fil-A, and grilled chicken sandwiches or grilled nuggets are great options,” he suggested. “The fruit and vegetable sides are also very appealing.”

“I prefer protein bars, dried hard-boiled eggs, pre-cut fruits or vegetables, or airport ‘protein packs,'” one travel expert told Fox News Digital. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The travel expert also suggested walking between terminals as time permits to get a few steps in before your flight.

“If I’m hungry and unsure, I’ll walk the entire terminal first to see all the options. Take a few steps and you’ll make a better decision,” Blewett said.

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“Backpacking is fine as long as it’s not overloaded. It requires a little extra effort, which is never a bad thing on a travel day.”

Reuters contributed reporting.