This is the ultimate summer snack list: my top 31 healthy summer snacks for the pool, park, beach, lake, or backyard. Easy to make and put together, nutrient-rich, and kid and adult approved.
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Summer Nutrition
My goal for snacks is to make every bite count. Sounds kind of “deep” for a post about snacks, but hear me out!
I don’t want summer snacks to just be filler. Snacks typically include a protein, a healthy fat, some fiber, and carbs. All those things a growing (or fully grown) body needs to thrive.
This way, you’ll avoid the the blood sugar spikes and crashes that lead to mood swings and temper tantrums from hangry people.
Summer is meant to be fun. There is definitely junk food and favorite summer treat options served (like ice cream). It’s not all healthy summer snacks.
But 80%ish should be healthy snacks with a focus on real food. We keep our fridge stocked with ingredients and foods that make this easy.
33+ Healthy Snack Ideas Cheat Sheet
- Seasonal Fruit and Cheese
- Ants on a Log (celery, peanut butter, raisins)
- Granola bars
- Fruit and Yogurt Cups
- Banana-Oat Snack Cookies
- Mango Pineapple Smoothie
- Fruit and Nut Bites
- Crackers or Pretzels and Hummus
- Veggies and Homemade Ranch Dip
- Trail Mix
- Yogurt Bark
- Fruit Kebobs and Yogurt Dip
- Cottage Cheese & Pineapple
- Banana Sushi (tortilla, nut butter, banana)
- Cherry Tomato & Mozzarella Kabobs
- Apple Sandwiches
- Muffins
- Tortilla Chips and Salsa or Guacamole
- Homemade Rice Crispy Treats
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Yogurt Sticks
- Oatmeal Cups
- Peanut Butter Crackers
- Cherry Berry Smoothie
- Homemade Popsicles
- Beef Jerky
- Rice Cake, Peanut Butter, & Banana
- Energy Bites
- Snack Board
- Turkey & Cheese Roll Ups
- Omelet Cups
- Chocolate Protein Yogurt
- Overnight Oats Without Yogurt
- Peanut Butter Banana Toast
33 Summer Snack Ideas
The easy snack ideas on this list are perfect for hot weather summer months: refreshing and simple!
And summer means travel. Finding nutritious snacks that you can take on the road or pack for summer camp isn’t always easy. The good news is that many of the ideas on this list will work perfectly!
Tip: Invite your kids to help make these healthy summer snacks. It’s the perfect time to get them involved in the kitchen! And it’s a great time to develop healthy eating habits, and even introduce new foods in a fun way.
1. Seasonal Fruit and Cheese
Grabbing a quick banana and slicing a few handfuls of cheese takes less than a minute. Fruit, like bananas and apples, come in their own packaging. These fruits make travel easy. Use stainless steel travel containers for strawberries or sliced pineapple, cantaloupe, and watermelon.
If someone in the family has a dairy allergy, try fruit and coconut butter, or fruit and nuts (seeds if you have nut allergies) for a healthy fat and protein pairing.
2. Ants on a Log (Peanut Butter, Celery, Raisins)
A classic, right? Kids and adults love this stuff! If you have peanut allergies, use sunflower butter. To make, spread nut or seed butter inside celery sticks and top with raisins.
Tip: Store cut celery in water so it’s easy to grab and eat. Celery stays crisp for weeks when stored this way.
3. Granola Bars
If you have a Saturday with an hour or two where you will be at home, pop a batch or two of homemade granola bars in the oven, and then store them in the freezer for later. Pull them out as you are running out the door.
If you don’t want to make your own, keep your pantry stocked with real food options: Clif Kit’s Organic (just this variety of Clif Bars, not the others), Lara Bars, Primal Kitchen Bars, and Costco’s Harvest Gold Grain-Free Granola Bars (my favorite).
4. Fruit and Yogurt Cups
Fruit and yogurt cups at the store are so convenient, but man, they are full of sugar. I have seen some with 20 grams or more of sugar per serving. Instead, make your own this summer. We love to make healthy yogurt bowls with 17 different toppings.
On-the-go, put fruit and raw honey or maple syrup at the bottom of some travel containers, or mason jars, with lids and pile on the yogurt. Add frozen berries because they’re squishy when thawed. Pack a small container of granola to stir in. I have this master granola recipe stocked in the freezer for healthy summer snacks and breakfast.
Tip: A fun summer project is to make your own yogurt. Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
5. Snack Cookies
I know a baked good seems daunting to use for a snack, but when you make a double batch for breakfast on a weekend and then freeze the rest, it’s easy to grab a snack filled with nutrient-dense ingredients. And the kids (both big and small) think they are pretty hot stuff for getting a “cookie” for snack.
6. Mango Pineapple Smoothie
Smoothies are a great way to get a little extra fruits and veggies in our diets. Add protein powder (this is my favorite), half an avocado, or some nut/seed butter for a healthy fat and extra grams of protein before blending.
On-the-go, pour the smoothie into cups and take it with you. Or prep smoothies in advance to save time.
At home, blend a smoothie and enjoy or pour into a popsicle mold and freeze.
7. Fruit and Nut Bites
We love the convenience of Larabars in our house. I keep a stash on hand just in case, but did you know how simple (and inexpensive) homemade fruit and nut bars are to make? All you need is dried fruit and nuts and a food processor! Make them into snack bites or fruit and nut bars, and they freeze well for later.
8. Trail Mix
There are many days when I take a couple handfuls of whatever nuts or seeds are in the pantry, sprinkle in unsweetened shredded coconut and a handful of raisins, and call it good. Snacks don’t need to be fancy! Kids love having their own little container with this nutrient-rich snack. You can also make this baked trail mix for a sweet and salty mixture. This is a favorite snack for road trips!
9. Veggies and Homemade Ranch Dip
My family loves a big container of cut-up veggie sticks and a container of homemade ranch dip served family-style at the beach or in the backyard. The kids hover over this stuff like a pack of wolves.
Pick a variety of colors and textures to make this snack really fun: mini peppers, carrots, beet chips, snap peas, cucumbers, celery. Add ranch dip to a travel container and you’re ready to go!
Tip: Use this dip for snacking and a salad dressing. Cut carrots and store them in water so they’re easy to grab and snack on with this dip. And store cut bell peppers for days in the fridge (here’s how).
10. Crackers or Pretzels and Hummus
Keep real-food crackers or pretzels in the pantry, like: Mary’s Gone Crackers or Jovial’s Sourdough Crackers, Quinn, or Simple Mills. Dip the crackers in a dip that has protein and fat, such as: guacamole or hummus (or beet hummus) for a great snack.
For store-bought hummus, always read the ingredient list (here’s how). Some brands have iffy ingredients like canola and soybean oil.
11.Yogurt Bark
Freeze yogurt on a sheet pan with fruit, then break into pieces. This is a great snack to keep in the freezer for a hot day when you want something sweet and refreshing. There are so many different ways make this: add seasonal berries, homemade granola, or chocolate chips.
12.Fruit Kabobs & Yogurt Dip
Fruit kabobs? Who has time? We’re not talking anything over-the-top. Fresh fruit on a stick makes your favorite fruits feel extra fun and special for the kids or a summer party. Add berries to a skewer and make a yogurt dip with plain Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. You can make this dip in advance and keep it in the fridge for a week.
13. Cottage Cheese & Pineapple
Cottage cheese has many health benefits. It’s rich in protein, healthy fat, and probiotics. Adding fresh pineapple chunks to cottage cheese is a great addition during the summer. Good Culture and Nancy’s are a great choice as both brands are traditionally fermented with probiotic bacteria. (Here’s why fermented foods are so good for you.)
On the go, spoon cottage cheese into a thermos and top with pineapple.
14. Banana Sushi
A fun summer snack for little hands (kiddos). Take a tortilla, spread it with your favorite nut or seed butter (peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower butter), then add a whole banana on one side. Roll up the tortilla, over the banana. Cut the tortilla to make “banana sushi.” I know, it sounds silly, but kids love it! This takes your average snack and elevates it in a fun way for summer. This also makes a great summer camp lunch.
15. Cherry Tomato & Mozzarella Kabobs
Warmer weather means tomato season is here! Enjoy seasonal tomatoes for snack by placing cherry tomatoes, basil leaves (optional), and small mozzarella cheese balls on a skewer. There’s something fun and refreshing about this healthy summer snack.
16. Apple Sandwiches
Core an apple, then cut the apple into slices. Spread cream cheese or your favorite nut butter (almond butter, peanut butter, sunflower butter) on one apple slice, then top with another apple slice. If you’re making these to enjoy later in the day (packing for the beach, summer camp, etc.) sprinkle the apple slices with cinnamon or a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Enjoy as a fun fresh fruit sandwich, with healthy fat and a bit of protein and fiber!
17. Muffins
I make muffins and freeze the rest so they’re always ready to enjoy. Muffins are definitely a healthy summer snack when they’re homemade with real ingredients. Add butter or a nut butter for healthy fat, or enjoy with a piece of fruit, cheese, or rolled up turkey or ham.
There are a ton of favorite muffin recipes on the blog. A few of my favorites: Einkorn Muffins, Flourless Almond Muffins, Einkorn Banana-Maple Muffins, Almond Flour Banana Muffins, or Almond Flour Banana Bread.
18. Tortilla Chips or Corn Chips, Salsa, Guacamole
A classic summer snack! And the best part? It’s totally healthy! Make homemade guacamole (or buy one with real ingredients in the produce section at the grocery store) and store-bought salsa or homemade salsa (fermented salsa or this quick chunky salsa). Serve with tortilla chips (I like Siete brand or Costco’s organic tortilla chips) for an easy snack.
19. Homemade Rice Crispy Treats
Don’t forget about a sweet treat! These homemade rice crispy treats are different than the marshmallow version. They’re made with real butter, nut butter, and puffed rice. A fun summer snack when you want something sweet.
20. Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
This recipe is my favorite treat for breakfast or snacking. Made with oats, milk of choice, protein powder, and peanut butter. It checks all the boxes: protein, fiber, complex carbs, and healthy fat! Make a few jars to enjoy throughout the week for an easy breakfast or quick snack!
21. Yogurt Sticks
Most store-bought yogurt sticks have tons of added sugar along with artificial dye and zero nutritional value. Make your own yogurt sticks this summer by combining fresh fruit and plain yogurt with a bit of honey. The best part is you can freeze the sticks for a refreshing snack on a hot day.
22. Oatmeal Cups
Combine rolled oats with applesauce, milk of choice, honey, and coconut oil and then bake in a muffin tin. You’ll end up with on-the-go style oatmeal that’s a mix between a cookie, granola bar, and muffin. Perfect to freeze and grab on busy days when you need a healthy breakfast or snack.
Enjoy alone or pair with different eggs, fruit, cheese, rolled up turkey or ham, or fruit and yogurt.
23.Peanut Butter Crackers
Skip highly processed peanut butter crackers and make this healthier alternative snack with nutritious foods. Jovial Foods make my favorite sourdough crackers. Add a small amount of peanut butter to one cracker, then top with a second cracker. The nutritional value is far superior. Simple Mills and Mary’s Gone Crackers are also great cracker options.
24. Cherry Berry Smoothie
Cherries and berries are in peak season during the summer. Combine these fruits to make a naturally-sweet berry smoothie.
On-the-go, pour the smoothie into cups and take it with you. Or prep smoothies in advance to save time.
At home, blend a smoothie and enjoy or pour into a popsicle mold and freeze.
25.Homemade Popsicles
This may not be the most on-the-go friendly, but if you’re headed to the backyard or pool, why not grab a popsicle snack?
There’s nothing like a popsicle on a hot summer day! Homemade fruit popsicles are super easy to make, just blend coconut milk with different fruits, pour into popsicle molds, add a popsicle stick, and freeze. Learn how to make 10 new flavors at home.
26. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky sticks (or turkey or pork jerky) prove that healthy snacking doesn’t have to be hard work. Jerky sticks are the perfect snack to pack in your purse, beach bag, or the kids’ camp bag. Add a fruit, like apple slices, banana, a clementine, or grapes for a complete snack with carbs, fat, and protein.
27. Rice Cake, Peanut Butter, and Banana
One of my favorite healthy summer snacks: a rice cake (Lundberg is my favorite brand) with 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter, then top with banana slices and sprinkle with salt and cinnamon. The best flavor with complex carbs, fat, and protein. Pair this snack with some rolled up turkey and cucumber slices and you have an easy summer lunch.
On-the-go, pack the rice cake, a little pouch of peanut butter (like Justin’s brand), and a whole banana and a plastic knife. Assemble the rice cake on a road trip, at the park, or the beach in under 2 minutes.
28. Energy Bites
I love this easy energy bites recipe made with seeds, seed butter, and oats. The kids are also obsessed! Energy bites take just 10 minutes to make and last for at least a week in the fridge; longer in the freezer. Double the recipe, because they likely won’t last long.
29. Snack Board
One of my favorite ways to serve lunch or dinner during the summer is a summer snack board (or grazing board). Make this on-the-go-friendly by adding a few foods to a bento-style lunchbox. Snack boards are also a fun way to serve food at a pool party.
Add whatever you have in the pantry or fridge to a cutting board, muffin tray, or bento lunchbox. Add a few veggies (cucumber slices, chopped bell peppers, carrot sticks, etc.), cheese, maybe a dip (ranch, hummus, eggplant dip, etc.), crackers, rolled up turkey or ham, salami, nuts or seeds, trailmix, olives, or something sweet like chocolate or dried fruit.
30. Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups
One of the easiest protein snacks! Lay out a few slices of sliced turkey or ham (I love Applegate brand) and place either spinach leaves or a slice of cheese on top. Then roll it up! Take it to go with an ice pack or enjoy for an at-home snack.
31. Omelet Cups
I love protein-rich snacks because they keep you full! Omelet cups may be a great breakfast (one of 16 different egg breakfasts on rotation in our home), but they also work great for a healthy summer snack. On-the-go, pack an ice pack to keep them cool. No need to reheat.
32. Chocolate Protein Yogurt Bowls
Chocolate yogurt that tastes like chocolate pudding, without the sugar or mystery ingredients. Packed with 30+ grams of protein, too.
33. Overnight Oats Without Yogurt
The whole family is obsessed with these easy overnight oats. They’re packed with protein (without the dairy) and can be topped with berries, peanut butter, or your favorite toppings. Perfect for a hot summer day.
Best Snack Containers
To make on-the-go snacks, you’ll need…
- a thermos (for anything cold like yogurt, cottage cheese, a smoothie with a straw)
- reusable snack containers (I love stainless steel or plastic containers for kids or glass containers for adults)
- snack bags (I love reusable bags)
Take the Guess Work OUt of meal planning
Free 64 Rotational Meals Ideas Cheat Sheet
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack recipes to rotate week after week. Put healthy meals on auto-pilot.
More Snack Ideas
Chocolate bar marzipan jujubes jelly-o carrot cake caramels. Tootsie roll cookie jujubes powder icing lemon drops. Pastry brownie topping oat cake chocolate cake jelly candy gingerbread tart.
Let me know your favorite summer snack in the comments!
Thank you. I needed this for my 3 hour lectures. 3 HOURS stuck in a cramped chair with no leg room and no breaks. THANK YOU!
That’s so great, Serendipity! I’m glad the ideas are helpful!