As the sun kisses the horizon and the rhythmic waves serenade the shore, there's no better way to enhance your beach experience than with a selection of delicious and healthy beach snacks. They should be convenient, refreshing, and, most importantly, easy to enjoy without the need for elaborate preparations. A great example of this would be… beef jerky! With so many different flavors to choose from, all the necessary nutrients, and easy on-the-go packaging, it doesn’t get much better.
As a family business who has been handcrafting snacks for over 90 years, we know whether you're planning a solo beach day or a group outing, the perfect snack can elevate your seaside adventure. In this guide, we'll explore a variety of mouthwatering fun snacks that cater to different tastes and preferences.
1. Fresh Fruit Kabobs
Embrace the tropical vibes by preparing fresh fruit kabobs. Skewer chunks of pineapple, watermelon, mango, and grapes for a refreshing and hydrating snack. The natural sweetness of the fruits will satisfy your cravings while keeping you energized under the sun.
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2. Cucumber Slices with Hummus
Combat the heat with a combination of crisp cucumber slices and creamy hummus. Packed with high water content, cucumbers provide hydration, while hummus offers a protein boost. This pairing is not only delicious but also a healthy alternative to traditional chips and dip.
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3. Trail Mix
We love a good crunchy snack. Create your own beach-themed trail mix by combining nuts, dried fruits, and a touch of dark chocolate. Almonds, walnuts, dried cranberries, and coconut flakes make for a delightful snack mix that's easy to munch on while soaking up the sun.
Find our favorite Trail Mix recipe on People’s Choice Beef Jerky
4. Sandwiches
Opt for sandwiches filled with fresh and light ingredients. Consider a turkey or chicken wrap with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty dressing. Wraps are convenient and less prone to becoming soggy compared to traditional sandwiches. Throw them in your beach tote and be on your way!
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5. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a convenient beach snack due to its portability, long shelf life, and high protein content, making it a satisfying and energy-boosting option for outdoor activities. Additionally, its savory flavor profile complements the salty ocean breeze, providing a flavorful treat that requires no refrigeration.
Shop Beef Jerky on People’s Choice Beef Jerky - $6.99
6. Frozen Grapes
Pop a bunch of grapes in the freezer the night before your beach day for a delightful frozen treat. These icy bites are not only delicious but also serve as a natural palate cleanser between dips in the water. Just make sure to pack in a cooler with an ice pack to keep them frozen!
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7. Cheese and Crackers
Put together a simple yet sophisticated cheese and crackers platter. Choose a variety of cheeses, such as brie, cheddar, and gouda, and pair them with whole grain crackers. Add some grapes or sliced apples for a perfect balance of flavors.
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8. Coconut Water and Fresh Coconut Chunks
Embrace the tropical paradise with coconut water and chunks of fresh coconut. Refreshing drinks are an absolute must when spending all day in the sun. Coconut water is a hydrating alternative to sugary drinks, and the coconut chunks add a satisfying crunch to your beach snack repertoire.
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9. Buttermilk Peach Popsicles
Popsicles make for a fantastic beach snack because they offer a refreshing burst of flavor while helping to keep you cool in the sun. Their frozen nature helps combat the heat, and their convenient, mess-free packaging makes them an easy and enjoyable treat for beachgoers of all ages. Plus, these buttermilk peach popsicles are all the best flavors of summer in one.
Find our favorite Buttermilk Peach Popsicles recipe on Southern Living
10. Peanuts
Often referred to as a summer snack, peanuts are an excellent beach snack for several reasons. They are portable, requiring no refrigeration, and provide a satisfying crunch. Packed with protein and healthy fats, peanuts offer a source of sustained energy, making them a convenient and nutritious option for beachgoers looking for a quick and filling snack.
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11. No Bake Granola Bars
No-bake granola bars are an ideal beach snack for their simplicity, portability, and nutritional value. Their no-cook preparation makes them convenient for on-the-go snacking, and the combination of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits provides a tasty and energy-packed treat. With minimal mess and a satisfying chewy texture, these granola bars are a wholesome and easy-to-pack option for beachgoers.
Find our favorite No Bake Granola Bars recipe on Southern Living
12. Apple Chips
Apple chips make for a great beach snack due to their portability, natural sweetness, and satisfying crunch. They are lightweight, don't require refrigeration, and offer a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips. Packed with fiber and vitamins, apple chips provide a refreshing and guilt-free option for beachgoers looking for a tasty and nutritious snack.
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13. Pasta Salad
What’s better than some pasta salad on the beach? This is a great beach snack for several reasons. It's a convenient and easily transportable dish that doesn't require heating. The combination of pasta, vegetables, and dressing provides a refreshing and satisfying option. It offers a mix of carbohydrates and vegetables for sustained energy. Plus, pasta salad can be made ahead of time, making it a practical choice for beach outings where preparation and refrigeration options may be limited.
Find our favorite Pasta Salad recipe on Love and Lemons
14. Blueberry Bars
Prepare these in advance and tuck them into your beach bag for whenever you crave something fruity and sweet. Your entire family will love these dessert bars, featuring a straightforward blueberry filling and a buttery, crumbly crust and topping—all crafted from the same mixture for added convenience!
Find our favorite Blueberry Bars recipe on The Pioneer Woman
15. Corn Salsa
Discovering a superior beach snack to classic salsa is nearly impossible. However, this isn't your ordinary salsa. Packed with fresh veggies, a touch of heat, and generous amounts of fresh lime juice and cilantro, it stands as the ultimate refreshing treat for a scorching summer day.
Find our favorite Corn Salsa recipe on The Pioneer Woman
16. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Keeping you satiated and aiding in fat burning during your beachside adventures, hummus proves to be an excellent snack for basking in the summer sun. Enhanced with the sweetness of roasted red peppers, this creamy and delightful hummus is versatile enough to pair with everything, from sliced veggies like celery sticks and carrot sticks to tortilla chips and pita chips.
Find our favorite Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe on The Pioneer Woman
17. Apples with Almond Butter
Apples with almond butter make for an excellent snack for a hot summer day due to their combination of crisp freshness and protein-packed goodness. The apples provide a natural sweetness and hydrating quality, while almond butter adds a satisfying and nutritious element. This snack is portable, requires minimal preparation, and offers a well-balanced blend of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a convenient and energizing choice for beachgoers.
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18. Watermelon with Mint
Fresh fruit salad is an obvious favorite on a hot day. Watermelon with mint is hydrating and refreshing, helping to combat the heat. The addition of mint enhances the flavor and provides a cooling sensation. This snack is also easy to prepare, mess-free, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a delicious and healthy option for staying hydrated and revitalized under the sun.
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19. Mini Frozen Yogurt Parfaits
Perfectly sweet and bite-sized, these mini yogurt parfaits, with options like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, are an ideal refreshing snack. Convenient and refreshing, the individual portions make them easy to enjoy under the hot sun, combining the coolness of yogurt with the natural sweetness of berries for a satisfying treat.
Find our favorite Mini Frozen Yogurt Parfaits recipe on Eating Well
20. Raisins
Although they may not be the most popular snack, raisins are a great and convenient treat to have on you. They’re portable, naturally sweet, and energy-boosting. Packed with natural sugars and fiber, raisins provide a quick and convenient source of energy for beachgoers. Their small, lightweight nature makes them easy to carry, and they require no refrigeration, making them a fuss-free and satisfying option for a quick energy boost while enjoying the sun and surf. You can even add them to popcorn or your favorite chex mix in a plastic bag to satisfy the picky eaters.
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21. Pinwheel Sandwiches
Assembling these pinwheels is a breeze, and they're both delicious and convenient for your beach outing. To create them, layer flour tortillas with mayo infused with ranch flavor, sliced cheese, deli meats, and lettuce. After that, simply roll them up tightly and slice – it's as easy as that!
Find our favorite Pinwheel Sandwiches recipe on Delish
22. Watermelon Quinoa Salad
Indulging in watermelon bites throughout the summer is a joy, but our preferred way to savor this juicy fruit is in a revitalizing salad. Featuring mint, feta, red onion, cucumber, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it encapsulates the essence of a classic watermelon salad. What sets it apart is the addition of quinoa, providing a fluffy and nutritious boost of protein to elevate this refreshing dish.
Find our favorite Watermelon Quinoa Salad recipe on Delish
23. Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Protein bars or protein balls are another perfect snack. Indulge in these no-bake, protein-packed peanut butter energy bites that mimic the delightful taste of peanut butter cookie dough, boasting a satisfyingly chewy texture. Packed with wholesome ingredients such as flaxseed, chia, and oats, these nutritious peanut butter energy bites make for an ideal no-bake snack. Add chocolate chips for an extra sweetness.
Find our favorite Peanut Butter Protein Balls recipe on Ambitious Kitchen
24. Pretzels
Pretzels are a great beach snack for several reasons. They are portable, non-perishable, and resist moisture, making them ideal for environments with sand and moisture. The satisfying crunch and salty flavor are universally enjoyed, and pretzels offer a simple and convenient option for a quick and easy snack during beach outings. Plus, there are many variations of pretzels today including Pretzel Thins.
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25. String Cheese
String cheese is an excellent beach snack for its convenience, portability, and nutritional value. It comes in individual portions, making it easy to grab and go without the need for refrigeration. Rich in protein and calcium, string cheese provides a satisfying and nourishing option for a quick beach snack. Its mild flavor and minimal mess make it a practical choice for beachgoers looking for a simple and wholesome treat.
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26. Strawberry Shortcake Rice Krispie Treats
This snack transforms our traditional beloved Rice Krispies Treats into a summer-ready delight. White chocolate blends seamlessly with the Rice Krispies, and the addition of fresh strawberries brings a burst of summer freshness. These treats are an ideal sweet indulgence to take with you on the go, providing a delightful snack to enjoy while lounging at the beach.
Find our favorite Strawberry Shortcake Rice Krispie Treats recipe on Delish
Bottom Line
Elevate your beach experience with these delectable snacks that not only satisfy your taste buds but also keep you refreshed and energized throughout the day. Whether you're a fan of sweet, savory, or a combination of both, these beach snack ideas offer a diverse range of options to suit every palate. Our preferred beach snack is beef jerky, offering a diverse range of flavors to suit every taste, rich in protein, and known for its effortless convenience. So, pack your cooler, grab your beach towel, and get ready to savor the sun and surf with these delicious beach snacks.
