Best Beach Foods
Summer is almost here, and we are ready for fun in the sun and sand. We know to never forget our sunscreen and towels when packing for a beach trip, but don’t overlook the importance of healthy, delicious, and packable beach snacks. Grab your beach bag and get ready for a delicious and nutritious beach picnic with these great beach foods.
Sandwiches and Wraps
Sandwiches and wraps are a great option for the beach as they are packable and handheld, making them a great on-the-go option. If you have a good insulated lunchbox or cooler that can keep your food at safe, refrigerator-temperatures, then go ahead and pack your favorite turkey and cheese or chicken salad sandwich.
If keeping food at safe, cool temperatures is a factor you do not want to have to concern yourself with, no worries! Just pack more shelf-stable options like peanut butter and jelly, which can still provide protein and carbs for refueling and is a delicious and worry-free option. If you are packing sandwiches or wraps with condiments and veggies, we recommend spreading your condiments onto a layer of lettuce before adding it to your sandwich to prevent soggy bread.
Cookies and Granola Bars
Cookies and granola bars are fantastic and quick snacks for refueling during your beach day. These sweet treats are also fan favorites. If the little ones are at the age of asserting their autonomy, you could even allow them to pack their own individual beach lunches in their personal backpacks.
If sugar content is a concern for you, just make your own cookies or bars the night before. You could even make a family activity out of it and involve the kids. No-bake oatmeal cookies and homemade granola bars can be both delicious and healthy beach-day snacks. If you do decide to go with homemade options, be sure to pack them in your cooler to enjoy at the beach, as these recipes tend to make bars and cookies that may not hold up well in the heat.
Fruits and Veg
Pre-cut fruits and even veggies such as baby carrots and celery are wonderful beach snack options. For a quick and refreshing snack, we recommend packing some pre-cut apples, carrots, melons, and cucumbers in reusable silicon pouches you can keep crisp and cool in your cooler.
Kebabs
Kebabs are a fun and nutritious way to eat well while at the beach. Kebabs are such a popular beach food because you don’t have to worry about packing utensils or plates, or bringing wasteful plastic products to the beach. The kebab is the plate and the utensil! It also removes the worry of touching your food with sandy hands. Create your kebabs the night before and have them ready to go in your cooler when you get to the beach. You can marinate meats and vegetables overnight to bring to the beach if a barbeque or grill is an option at your beach. Otherwise, kebab ready-to-eat foods like your fruits and veggies. Pro-tip: Cut down on paper waste by bringing hand towels from home instead of paper towels.
Hard-Boiled Eggs and Jerkies
If cooking and creating full meals at the beach isn’t your vibe, bringing along some easy, high-protein snacks may be the way to go for you. Pack meat jerky or veggie jerky options such as dried and seasoned seitan or mushrooms. Hard-boil some eggs the night before and bring them along for a simple but nutritious snack to keep you going at the beach all day long.
Chips and Dips
A classic picnic standby, chips and dips are always a favorite snack for kids and adults alike. Lay out a large throw blanket under your umbrella and create a “sand-free” zone before digging in to ensure nobody gets their sandy hands in your dip. Hummus and pita are solid, protein-rich, and shelf-stable options. (Hummus can also now be found with sweet, chocolate ingredients so pack some fruit to dip as well!) If you are bringing a cooler and want to offer a more varied setup, corn chips with guacamole and salsa are always popular choices.
Trail Mix and Homemade Granola
Maybe you are headed to the beach for just a couple of hours and you don’t want to bother with packing a whole picnic and cooler. You might choose to just bring along a handful of healthy snacks that can be great even if they accidentally bake in the sun while you are swimming in the ocean. Trail mixes and granolas are the answer for you. Make your own with cereal, dried fruit, and nuts, or buy some ready-made trail mixes just for your quick beach trip.
Whether you are headed out to the shore for a weekend full of beach barbeques or just going to the beach for a few hours of laying out in the sun on your favorite beach towel, this list of the best beach foods is sure to help guide you on your beachy culinary adventure.