Planning your trip to the beach? What are some good beach snacks? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 11 easy beach snacks for a day in the sun.
What kind of beach snacks did your parents bring to the beach when you were young?
Recently reminiscing about our beach trips made me think of my childhood beach excursions from the Bronx, where I grew up.
I use the word excursions because that’s what they were to us… excursions.
Once one of us in the community decided we were going to the beach for the day, it would turn into a whole group of us. And normally, the trek was via bus and subway.
The parents would plan everything. How to get there? What to pack for the beach? What beach snacks should they bring? Should they bring beach cocktails for the adults?
But looking back now, what my mom and her neighbor friends called “snacks” then was a full-on Puerto Rican feast! We’re talking about a whole roasted pork shoulder, rice with peas, potato salad, and all the other fixings typical for a special occasion.
Believe it or not, this is typical for our culture, and they consider these their beach “snacks.” This was confirmed when I moved to PR and realized this was a thing with my aunts.
Looking back. We ate well. Those are memories that I cherish. Of course, my beach treats today look very different from my mother’s version of beach snacks.
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The beach snacks to pack are quick, easy, and somewhat healthy. Enough to keep us going until we can go out to eat at the end.
Plus, what is it with the water that makes a person hungry? I think I snack more at the beach (or by the pool) than just spending a lazy day at home.
I get the munchies. And the last thing I want is a full heavy meal, even though that’s what my mom fed us as children.
Not that I didn’t love it, mom.
The Best and Easy Beach Snacks
What snacks to bring to the beach?
I love nothing more than talking about food, especially foods to bring to the beach that I can munch on while gazing at a beautiful body of water.
I am thankful that my sister-in-law (with little ones) has taught me how to put together snacks for occasions like a beach trip easily. She also contributed to this list today.
First, ensure you have a high-quality cooler to pack these beach snacks.
You can pack them all or mix and match a few below. It depends on how many people are going, how long you will be there, and how hungry you will be.
1. Hummus and Veggies
Delicious and healthy. This is a snack everyone will get on board with. Pick some ready-made hummus at your favorite local. Pair it with carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, roasted peppers, pita bread, and crackers. You can put hummus on almost anything.
You can’t go wrong with any of the hummuses sold at Trader Joe’s
Want to make a quick homemade dip? My favorite food blogger, Skinnytaste, has chickpea and roasted pepper dip, which is delicious. It goes perfectly with veggies. Prep it the day before and store it in the fridge overnight.
2. Sliced Apple with Peanut Butter
Slice up some of your favorite apples. Pack some peanut butter or your favorite nut butter in a separate container. Voila, you have a snack that is yummy and filling. It should help sustain everyone for a while.
Did you know that apples are a great source of fiber?
Tip: Don't like apples? Swap the apples for celery sticks or something else you like to pair with a nut butter.
3. Watermelon Slices
What’s a summer day at the beach without watermelon?
Watermelon is a great fruit that helps keep you hydrated because of its high water content. Perfect for a day at the beach under the hot sun.
Prep and slice the watermelon before heading to the beach. So it’s easy to hand out. You can also cut the watermelon into cubes, but you don’t have to worry about serving dishes with the slices.
4. Berries and other fruits
Spring and summertime is the best time to enjoy the berries in season: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blueberries. When you go to your local market, see what they have. Grab what looks good and prep at home in a nice Tupperware container.
Grapes and cherries are other great grab-and-go fruit.
Another great idea is freeze-dried fruits. Trader Joe’s has delicious freeze-dried mango, strawberries, and blueberries.
I like to pick up the mixed berry salads or fruit salads they have ready to go because it’s easy. But sometimes not as economical. Do what works best for you.
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5. Cheese and Crackers
How can we plan a day at the beach with no cheese and crackers? And they go well with the fruits and nuts mentioned above. You easily have the makings of charcuterie board going in your cooler.
If you want to make it easy, pick some mozzarella string or Babybel cheese. They are individually wrapped and great to toss into the cooler.
Choose your favorite crackers, and you’re good to go.
Tip: The crackers have multiple uses. You can also smear peanut butter on them or dip them in the hummus.
My Italian husband is asking, “where is the salami?” You can also add that to go with your cheese if you want.
6. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are one of the easiest beach snacks to make and transport! They provide a good source of protein, and they’re easy to pop into a cooler. Hard-boiled eggs travel well and require no additional materials or utensils to eat.
The best part is that you can tailor them to your desired flavor with easy seasoning. We love to sprinkle some Everything But the Bagel seasoning on top of them.
The next best thing would be deviled eggs, which would require a few extra steps.
7. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob. Roast it. Grill it. Boil it. Steam it. It’s delicious.
Prepare the corn in advance however you like it. Pack and refrigerate to bring to the beach with you.
Corn on the cob is an effortless snack that anyone can grab from the cooler and start munching on.
And if you like, you can bring your favorite season to sprinkle on top of at the beach. Everything But the Elote seasoning blend from Trader Joe’s is good.
8. Roasted Peanuts or Other Nuts
Keeping with one of my mom’s traditions, I love bringing roasted peanuts to the beach. Yes, peanuts with the shell. My mother loved roasted peanuts, and this was her treat.
Nuts, in general, are a great source of protein and snacks to have on hand. Pack your favorite nut: peanuts, almonds, cashews, or walnuts. Whatever floats your tastebuds.
9. Popcorn
Instead of packing potato chips, let’s pack some popcorn.
Air-popped popcorn is a healthy snack that takes almost no effort to prepare. Of course, the healthy part may disappear depending on what you decide to dress your popcorn with.
Imagine sitting at the beach, people-watching with some popcorn in hand.
10. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Do you like more jelly or more peanut butter? Or do you like an equal amount of jelly and peanut butter?
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is an easy snack and everyone’s childhood favorite. You can easily prepare these the night before as well.
Line the slices in double rows and slather on your favorite nut butter, fruit jelly, or jam.
I had to add this to the list because this is hubby’s favorite all-time snack. Whenever he makes himself one, and I ask him what he’s having, his reply is, “a little snack.”
It’s also his number one request when we go to the beach or on road trips. That’s if we don’t stop at our favorite Italian deli to pick up a sandwich, which works, too.
Crust or no crust on your PB&J?
11. Granola Bars or Protein Bars
Granola bars or protein bars are favorite grab-and-go snacks. These are easy to take to the beach (or anywhere) because they are always in the pantry.
What are your favorite granola, breakfast, or protein bars? Currently, loving the Cliff Bar Nutter Butters.
You can also attempt to make your own granola bars. Get them ready the night before.
12. S’mores Kit
This is a bonus treat.
Add a s’mores kit to make the day a little extra special.
I know what you’re thinking… if you’re not building a fire or camping, how are you supposed to melt the marshmallow?
In my experience, you don’t need a fire to enjoy s’mores. Give me all ingredients together, and I’ll eat it as is. That may just be me.
Does it taste better all melty? YES.
So here is a solution if you want to go the extra mile: this hibachi grill set. Take it with you, fire up the Sterno it comes with, and you can roast marshmallows at the beach.
The kids will love it!
These easy beach snacks will sure to satisfy those pangs of hunger that hits us when frolicking in or near a body of water.
Don’t forget to check out these related beach articles:
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