Yes, I too used to always carry granola bars (of various 'health' claims) and I finally threw them all out. I never ate them--but packed them anyway in case of an emergency that never happened.
Yes, fresh sliced apples in a plastic bag are delicious transcon.
Dried apricots.
Vosges Barcelona chocolate bars (with smoked almonds, Himalayan sea salt, fantastic at cruising altitude).
Hard candies can take the edge off, and entertain.
I've carried macaroons from Paris.
Treats:
It's not so much the hunger--it's the boredom. Meditatively biting into good chocolate as you fly along the California coast, your private thrill, and gaze out at the Pacific, are wonderful things. The joy of flying.