12 Easy Beach Snacks For A Day In The Sun

Planning a beach day? Picking the right snacks can be simple. Here are 12 easy beach snacks to enjoy under the sun.

What snacks did your parents pack for the beach during your childhood? I fondly remember our beach “excursions” from the Bronx. These trips were community events, often involving bus and subway journeys. The parents meticulously planned everything from transportation to what snacks to bring—though calling them “snacks” hardly does them justice.

Back then, a typical beach day meant indulging in a Puerto Rican feast my mom and her friends prepared. She went out with roasted pork shoulder, rice with peas, and potato salad. I truly understood this tradition of beach eating only after moving to Puerto Rico and experiencing it with my aunts—they did the same thing.

Those delicious beach days are cherished memories, even though my current beach snacks are much simpler than my mother’s elaborate spread.

Thanks to my sister-in-law, an expert at prepping snacks for her little ones, I’ve learned how to assemble the perfect beach picnic easily. She’s also shared some great ideas for today’s list. Start with a high-quality cooler to keep everything fresh. Whether you pack all the snack ideas below or just a few to suit your group’s size and appetite, you’re all set for a delightful day by the water.

What’s your favorite beach food?

1. Hummus and Veggies

Dive into a bowl of creamy hummus—a versatile and healthy choice that pairs wonderfully with various dippers. Grab some ready-made hummus from your favorite local spot or Trader Joe’s, and team it with fresh carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and roasted peppers. Don’t forget the pita chips and crackers for scooping.

If you want to prepare something homemade, try a chickpea and roasted pepper dip recipe from my favorite food blogger, Skinnytaste. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect with veggies. Prepare it the day before your beach day to let the flavors meld beautifully overnight in the fridge.

2. Sliced Apple with Peanut Butter

Slice up your favorite apples and pack them with a container of peanut butter or your preferred nut butter for a satisfying snack. It’s delicious and filling. Plus, apples are an excellent source of fiber.

3. Watermelon Slices

What’s a summer day at the beach without watermelon? This quintessential beach snack is refreshing and hydrating, thanks to its high water content—ideal for staying cool under the hot sun.

For easy sharing and convenience, prep and slice the watermelon before you head out. Opt for slices to avoid the need for serving dishes, or cut them into cubes if you prefer. Either way, watermelon makes for a fuss-free, delightful beach treat.

4. Seasonal Berries and Fruit

Spring and summer are the prime seasons to savor fresh berries—strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries shine during these months. Visit your local market to see what’s in season and looks appealing. Pre-pack your selections in a sturdy Tupperware container to keep them fresh.

Don’t overlook other easy-to-carry fruits like grapes and cherries, perfect for on-the-go snacking. For a different twist, consider freeze-dried fruits; Trader Joe’s offers tasty options like mango, strawberries, and blueberries.

If convenience is a priority, ready-made mixed berry or fruit salads are a great choice, though they may be a bit pricier. Choose what fits your needs and budget best.

5. Cheese, Crackers, and More

No beach day is complete without cheese and crackers—they’re the foundation of any good charcuterie board, especially when combined with the fruits and nuts mentioned earlier. To keep things simple and mess-free, opt for individually wrapped cheeses like mozzarella strings or Babybel, perfect for tossing in the cooler.

Select your favorite crackers as the base. They can also be used to tip in peanut butter and hummus.

6. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a standout choice for beach snacks due to their simplicity and portability. They’re a great source of protein, easy to pack in a cooler, and require no extra utensils—just peel and enjoy. To add a flavorful twist, try sprinkling Everything But the Bagel seasoning on them for an extra zing.

Consider making deviled eggs if you’re up for a bit more preparation. They take a few more steps but are worth the effort.

7. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a versatile and beloved snack perfect for a beach day. Whether you prefer it roasted, grilled, boiled, or steamed, prepare your corn ahead of time and chill it in the cooler. It’s an effortless snack ready to eat straight from the cooler—no fuss needed.

For an extra burst of flavor, bring along your favorite seasoning. The Everything But the Elote seasoning from Trader Joe’s is a fantastic choice that adds a tasty twist to your beachside corn.

8. Roasted Peanuts and Other Nuts

In honor of my mom’s beach snack tradition, I always bring roasted peanuts—shell and all—to the beach. They were her favorite treat, and I’ve come to love them, too.

Nuts are an excellent protein source and make perfect, hassle-free snacks. Whether you prefer peanuts, almonds, cashews, or walnuts, pack your favorite and enjoy a simple, nutritious snack that’s easy to carry and satisfying to munch on by the sea.

9. Popcorn

Swap out the usual potato chips for popcorn—a light and healthy snack that’s effortless to prepare. Air-popped popcorn is a fantastic choice, though you can customize its healthiness with your choice of toppings.

Just picture yourself relaxing on the beach, popcorn in hand, enjoying the sights and sounds around you. It’s the perfect snack for a laid-back day by the sea.

10. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

The classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a simple, beloved snack that can be prepared the night before your beach day. Just layer your preferred nut butter (almond butter works, too) and fruit jelly or jam between slices of bread, and you’re set.

This snack holds a special place as my husband’s all-time favorite. Whether we’re at the beach or on a road trip, he often opts for a PB&J—his “little snack.” Of course, if we’re near our favorite Italian deli, we might grab a sandwich there instead.

What’s your preference—crust or no crust on your PB&J?

11. Granola Bars or Protein Bars

Granola bars and protein bars are ideal grab-and-go snacks for the beach. They’re typically pantry staples and easy to pack. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own granola bars at home– here’s an easy 5-ingredient granola bar recipe from Minimalist Baker. Prepare them the night before your beach trip for a fresh, homemade treat

12. S’mores Kit

Elevate your beach day with a s’mores kit for an extra touch of sweetness. Wondering how to enjoy s’mores without a fire? You might be surprised that s’mores can be just as delicious unassembled. I certainly love munching on the ingredients straight from the kit!

Of course, there’s no denying that s’mores taste divine when they’re melty. But even without the warmth, they’re still a delightful treat.

If you want that classic melty s’mores experience at the beach, consider bringing a portable hibachi grill set. It has Sterno cans for easy and safe marshmallow roasting on the sand. This little setup is fun and a surefire hit with the kids. It adds a special spark to your beach day, letting everyone enjoy freshly roasted s’mores like at a campfire.

BEFORE YOU GET BEACH-READY, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

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