It’s easy to get hungry during a beach day in the sun, but those concession stands can be pretty pricey. And if you plan to go surfing or play volleyball, you want something nutritious that’ll keep your energy high.
So be sure to visit the store before you’re off to the beach because the best way to save some money and get some healthy nutrients in your body is to bring your own snacks! Most of these beach snacks you can pick up ready-to-eat at the market, but there are many you can make in your kitchen at home with a quick recipe search online.
Here are 75 of the best healthy beach snacks to bring on your trip to the beach.
Fruit
Craving a nutritious, refreshing snack? When it comes to easy delicious treats, fresh fruit is your best bet. Consider bringing these tasty foods in your beach bag next time you’re loading up your utility wagon and heading to the beach. They’re a great way to enjoy something refreshing in the sun!
Mandarin Oranges
These soft and tender oranges are a popular choice for kids. They’re the perfect food to enjoy after a day of playing in the sand.
Apple Slices and Peanut Butter
Pack this nostalgic finger food on your next trip to the beach. To keep your apple slices from turning brown, drizzle some lemon juice on them. Add raisins on top of the peanut butter for an extra sweet– but healthy– treat.
Frozen Berries
Store some frozen berries in a portable container in your beach cooler. By the time you settle down for your snack, they’ll be thawed and ready to eat!
Frozen Grapes
Yummy and refreshing on their own, but even better along with some sliced cheese cubes. Tip: frozen grapes don’t taste as good if they thaw– try to eat them while still very frozen.
Fruit Salad
A homemade fruit salad with some seasonal fruit is a deliciously healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth on the beach. Add a sprinkle of hemp seed to the mixed fruit for a boost of protein.
Sliced Watermelon
Truly nothing is more refreshing than sliced watermelon in the summer heat. For a little extra flavor, add a drizzle of salt.
Mangoes
Slice up some juicy mangoes and stick them in your beach bag before your next trip to the beach.
Papayas
Diced papaya can make a super fresh snack on a hot summer day! This yummy food is at its peak in the summer, so stock up while you can.
Pineapples
Did you know that pineapples are at their peak in the summertime? This makes it the perfect snack idea for the beach.
Fruit Kebabs
If you’re sick of eating plain old diced melons and berries, make things a bit more fun and eat your favorites on a wooden skewer!
Applesauce
Applesauce is easy to store and transport, and it’s delicious no matter your age. It can also help keep you hydrated on scorching hot beach days.
Pre-made Smoothies
Pack these drinks in your cooler so they’re fresh when you’re ready to enjoy. You can grab ready-made smoothies at your grocery store.
Sliced Strawberries
Strawberries are another popular seasonal fruit in the summertime, so don’t let them go to waste–make this sweet food your next beach snack.
Kiwis
Eating a kiwi is as simple as it gets. Just slice it in half and scoop the fruit out with a spoon!
Sliced Fruit with Dip
If you’re not fond of plain fruit, grab a sweet cream cheese dip from your local grocery. It adds a little extra sugar, but you’ll still get all the nutritional benefits.
Veggies
Veggies are easy to prepare and easy to store, so they’re overall a great snack choice to bring to the beach! Even picky kids will likely enjoy one of these upcoming beach snack ideas.
Carrot Sticks
Enjoy them on their own, or pair them with a cup of ranch dressing–it’s entirely up to you.
Ants on a Log
This is a popular treat for kids and adults alike. Simply spread some peanut butter on top of celery sticks and line a few raisins along the center. These are lots of fun and add fantastic fiber and protein to your busy beach day.
Sliced Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are sweet, crisp, and full of essential antioxidants.
Sliced Cucumber Sandwiches
This light and refreshing food is super easy to assemble at the last minute. To make this snack even more healthy, use whole grain bread and light cream cheese.
Cherry Tomatoes
These juicy tomatoes are tasty enough to enjoy on their own. Plus, tomatoes help to prevent sunburn!
Avocado Toast
Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper on top for some extra flavor. Try adding red onion slices, too.
Veggie Pasta Salad
Prepare a pasta salad with lots of veggies the night before you’re off to the beach. Make sure you keep it chilled!
Sliced Veggies and Ranch Dressing
If you or your kids are picky about eating veggies, there’s no shame in dipping them in some ranch dressing. Celery sticks, bell peppers, and cucumbers all taste delicious with some savory ranch.
Homemade Hummus
Hummus is high in fiber and tastes delicious on top of whole grain crackers or sliced celery sticks. Mix in some olive oil for some extra healthy fats. Making a quick batch of hummus at home takes about 10 minutes but be sure to chill it overnight before you head out for your beach day the next morning.
Lettuce Wraps
Skip the tortillas and put together some deli wraps with lettuce as the base!
Corn Salsa
Corn salsa is super easy to prepare. Don’t forget to serve with tortilla chips!
Guacamole
Whether you spread it on crackers or dip some corn chips in it, you really can’t go wrong with guacamole.
Spinach Dip
This dip has the perfect combo of cheese and spinach. You can prepare it from scratch or even buy it pre-made.
Veggie Chips
Veggie chips are a delicious, light alternative to carb-heavy potato chips.
Nuts, Seeds, & Dried Fruits
Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are one of the easiest foods to get an extra boost of protein. Whether you plan to play volleyball, build castles in the sand, walk up and down the shore or go surfing, you’ll need all the extra energy you can get. Stock up on these yummy foods and recipes for your next beach trip!
Pumpkin Seeds
Toasted, salted pumpkin seeds can make a great snack to bring to the beach. You can often find them in the bulk section at your local grocery store.
Sunflower Seeds
You can get these seeds pre-cracked if you’re not a fan of breaking open those hard shells.
Raisins
These sun-dried grapes are a simple yet healthy way to snack on the beach. They mix so well with nuts and seeds– you can grab a handful of each and make your own trail mix right there at the beach!
Dried Mango
Don’t wanna deal with the hassle of cutting a mango? Opt for dried mango instead–it’s just as tasty– and so good for you!
Banana Chips
Pack some of these crunchy snacks on your next trip to the beach! They also go great mixed into a trail mix.
Apple Chips
These dried apples are great on their own but even better with a little peanut butter.
Toasted Almonds
They’re crunchy, salty, and full of protein and healthy fats–what else could you ask for?
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
Bring back some childhood memories and make some PBJ on whole grain bread to enjoy on the beach.
Homemade Trail Mix
Mix some nuts, your favorite dried fruit, and some pretzels for an easy snack.
Honey-Roasted Peanuts
You can find these flavorful peanuts at just about any shop. Maybe try making them from scratch!
Salted Cashews
Cashews are a bit more expensive than other nuts, but their soft texture and earthy flavor are worth every cent.
BBQ Flavored Nuts
If honey-roasted isn’t your jam, perhaps some nuts coated in BBQ seasoning will hit the spot.
Raw Walnuts
Walnuts are dense in nutrients and full of health benefits! These are truly yummy treats to bring to the beach.
Craisins
Dried cranberries are a sweet and tangy alternative to raisins made from grapes. There are also dried cherries which add a delicious tartness to snack time.
Salty Snacks
Hungry for something with salt, but don’t want to give in to the alluring smell of deep-fried concession food? These salty delicious snacks will hit the spot. Just be sure to bring your water bottle.
Popcorn
Everyone loves popcorn! Make some lightly-salted popcorn on the stovetop and seal it tight in a plastic bag for your next trip to the beach.
Baked Potato Chips
If you’re hungry for potato chips but need something a little lower in fat, baked chips are a tasty and crunchy alternative.
Unsalted Potato Chips
Many are skeptical of unsalted potato chips, but this low-sodium treat is a great way to satisfy your chip cravings.
Whole Grain Crackers and Cheese
Cream cheese, cheddar cheese, brie cheese–no matter what kind you use, it’ll taste great atop a whole grain cracker.
String Cheese
Pack some low-fat string cheese to go with your charcuterie board on your next beach trip.
Hard Boiled Eggs with Salt
Be sure to keep your hard boiled eggs nice and cold in your cooler, as they’re prone to spoiling in the heat.
Beef Jerky
This meaty snack is high in protein and easy to pack! There are even several plant-based jerky brands to choose from for friends and family that don’t eat meat. Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to try making jerky yourself, you can find so many easy recipes.
Pork Rinds
Pork rinds are a delicious low-carb alternative to potato chips. To make them even tastier, consider dipping them in some spinach dip!
Pretzels
Enjoy these salty crunchy snacks on their own or pair them with a dollop of honey mustard.
Goldfish Crackers
You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy these crackers! They’re light and low in fat, and fairly cheap to buy at the store as well.
Rice Crackers
These salty Asian crackers go well along with some toasted nuts and cheese or most dips.
Puffcorn
Puffcorn is an excellent alternative if you’re not fond of picking popcorn kernels out of your teeth.
Bagel Chips and Cream Cheese
A simpler alternative to standard bagels that makes a rather filling snack.
Pitas and Feta Cheese
Fill a pita with some feta cheese and pair with grapes for a filling Mediterranean-inspired snack!
Crackers with Salami
The salty taste of hard salami paired with whole grain crackers makes a super easy go to beach snack.
Sweet Snacks
Even if you’re trying to stay healthy, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some sweet snacks that are low in added sugar and high in healthy fats! Some are simple foods you can buy at the market, while others come with a recipe or two.
Trail Mix with Dark Chocolate Chips
Is the dried fruit in your trail mix not sweet enough? Throw in some dark chocolate chips to add some healthy fats to this hearty snack!
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Looking for healthy snacks to satisfy your chocolate cravings? Chocolate-covered strawberries are the way to go.
Nutella on Whole Grain Bread
Nutella may not be healthy, but you’ll still get the fiber benefits of whole grain bread with this fun beach snack.
Chocolate Hummus
Who knew hummus could be a dessert? Chocolate hummus is delicious if you’re looking for a unique sweet beach snack.
Caramel Corn
It’ll stick to your teeth quite a bit, but caramel corn makes fun beach snacks that you can grab at the grocery store! Ideal for beach days where you’re craving some filling and sweet food.
Homemade Whole Grain Muffins
The night before your trip, bake some delicious whole grain muffins to bring with. Even a minimalist baker can master these!
Caramel Apples
They may evoke imagery of autumn, but caramel apples can make great summer beach snacks as well. Or maybe try apple slices and a caramel dip often found in the produce section at grocery stores.
Homemade Pudding
Pack some light pudding packs to enjoy on your upcoming beach day. The packs are personal size and easy to keep in your cooler.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
Make sure you keep your parfait in the ice cooler, lest it spoil in the summer heat. This can make a great breakfast food for early mornings in the sun. Fresh fruit and granola added to the parfait will keep you feeling full.
Oatmeal Cookies
This is one of the easiest dessert foods to enjoy on the beach when you’re trying to stay healthy!
Chocolate-Covered Bananas
Dip some sliced bananas in some dark chocolate for a simple yet filling snack and refrigerate on parchment paper overnight. Make sure you pack them away in the cooler on beach day so the chocolate doesn’t melt.
Graham Crackers
A bag of sweet graham crackers can provide some whole grain and fiber while also satisfying your sweets cravings.
Homemade Granola
Sure, store bought granola is good. But it’s even better when you make your own at home with whole ingredients like your favorite nuts and seeds. For the sweetness, use maple syrup.
Peanut Butter on Rice Cakes
Rice cakes don’t have to be bland; spread some peanut butter on top to make this treat filling and yummy.
Homemade Popsicles
Store-bought popsicles often lack nutritional value. But you can find recipes online to make healthy versions at home.
Final Thoughts
We hope these beach snacks ideas have given you some inspiration! Whether you buy them pre-made or prepare everything at home the night before your trip, you have plenty of tasty food options to pack in your cooler along with your other beach gear.
There are plenty of other great beach foods to consider, but we only listed our personal favorites. Don’t forget to bring an ice-cold water bottle to fight off the summer heat!
