25 Of The Best Beach Snacks

In order to spend a full day at the beach, you need to take a few things. Sunscreen is an essential item, as is a bathing suit, towel, some sunglasses, or maybe a book and a floppy hat too.

You should also take a cooler that is full of snacks to keep you going through the day and provide some energy for a swim.

There are some snacks that are ideal to take to the beach to refuel and others that you can treat as your own beachside treats.

From popcorn to corn on the cob, dips for chips, or simply some trail mix, and popsicles. Whatever you pack into the cooler, fill some water bottles and freeze them overnight to ensure that your snacks stay cool and you have some fresh water once the ice has done its job.

1. Cheddar Cheese Popcorn

This recipe for Cheddar Cheese Popcorn is ideal for the beach or for a movie night in. Pop up some popcorn and then combine with melted butter to coat. In a bowl, combine mustard powder, cheddar cheese powder, and salt to sprinkle over.

2. Olive Oil Popcorn With Rosemary And Garlic

For another popcorn recipe, pop the popcorn in some heated olive oil and a smashed garlic clove. Add to a bowl and toss with chopped rosemary and add sea salt.

3. Corn On The Cob

While it may not stay warm by the time you get to the beach, corn on the cob is a great beach snack to prepare in advance. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add butter and milk. Add the corn ears and simmer for around eight minutes then remove and pack in foil for the trip.

4. Roasted Peanuts

You can make your own roasted peanuts to take to the beach and control the amount of salt. Place the peanuts on a baking pan and cook at 350°F until golden.

You may want to sprinkle over some salt but leave them to cool for around ten minutes before packing as they will remain warm.

5. S’mores

As the night draws in, you may be tempted to make a fire and enjoy some S’mores on the beach. Simply pack some skewers, large marshmallows, graham crackers (or make your own homemade versions), and chocolate sauce. 

6. Ranch Snacker Crackers

You should take something loose to snack on during the day and these Ranch Snacker Crackers are ideal. Whisk together ranch dressing mix, melted butter, lemon pepper, dill, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Drop the oyster crackers into a bowl then stir and drizzle over the butter mix and transfer to a lined baking sheet.

Bake at 250°F for ten minutes, stir them around, and bake for another ten minutes until golden brown.

7. Muddy Buddy Mix

If you do have kids, this Muddy Buddy Mix is an ideal treat for a day at the beach. Melt together semisweet chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter then stir in vanilla extract.

Pour the cereal squares into a bowl and pour over the mix then toss to coat. In another bowl, whisk together cocoa and powdered sugar to sprinkle over the top.

8. Cheddar Cheese Straws 

These Cheddar Cheese Straws can taste exceptionally rich so eat them in moderation. Blitz together some unsalted butter, grated Cheddar cheese salt, red pepper, and paprika first.

Gradually add in flour then create long ribbons and chop them into pieces. Bake at 350°F for around 12 minutes and leave to cool.

9. Crack Crackers

You may quickly demolish these Crack Crackers too so do be careful with them. Whisk together olive oil, ranch dressing mix, dried dill, and garlic powder then drizzle it over cheese crackers.

Toss the crackers to coat then bake at 300°F for around half an hour, stirring every ten minutes then leave to cool.

10. Onion Dip

Dips are great to take to the beach as you can dip in chips or pretzels at your leisure. For Onion Dip, grill onion rings, leave to cool, and then chop.

Stir the chopped onion with sour cream, hot sauce, grated Parmesan, kosher salt, and pepper then sprinkle on chopped chives. Transfer to an airtight container and pack it away.

11. Black Bean And Corn Salsa

If you are taking a bag of chips, you should take some salsa to dip them into too. Brown some corn in a skillet then add cumin to cook until fragrant and remove from heat.

Stir in bell pepper slices then transfer the mix to a bowl and stir in black beans, chopped plum tomatoes, chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño slices, and salt.

12. Granola Bars

Create your own granola bars for a filling snack during a beach day.

Stir together honey, peanut butter, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth then coat whole rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, and crushed peanuts.

Once the mixture holds its shape, transfer to a lined pan and chill for an hour then slice into bars.

13. Hummus Veggie Wrap

Wraps are ideal to take to the beach as you can pack them full of your favorite ingredients and they hold their shape well.

Spread some hummus onto a wrap and then layer with spinach leaves, cucumber, tomato slices, microgreens, basil, alfalfa, and avocado slices. Fold the wrap tightly and pack a few for the day.

14. Trail Mix

Trail mix can be an ideal snack to keep your energy levels up. You can pretty much stick to your own proportions of nuts (pecans, cashews, and walnuts ideally), raisins, chocolate chips, banana chips, and toasted coconut ribbons.

Roast the nuts until fragrant then combine with the other ingredients and place into sealable containers.

15. Apple Chips

For a transportable, healthy snack, make a batch of Apple Chips. Slice a couple of apples into sixteenth-inch rings with a mandolin then toss in cinnamon.

Spread the rings onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 225°F for around two hours, flipping the slices over halfway through.

16. Kale Chips

For a nutritious snack that you can nibble on during the day at the beach, create some kale chips. Remove the kale leaves from their stems and tear them into pieces, wash, dry, and add them to a bowl.

Massage in some olive oil then sprinkle on nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and cayenne pepper.

Bake at 300°F for ten minutes, rotate and bake until the leaves shrink and firm up then leave to cool.

17. Salad Cups

You do not even need some Tupperware for these salad cups but you will need a cup with a lid. Get together your favorite salad ingredients like lettuce, baby carrots, tomatoes, radishes, and bell peppers.

Chop them up and pour over the dressing or package it separately to apply when you are ready to serve.

18. Hard Boiled Eggs

Not only are hard-boiled eggs easy to prepare but they are great for your energy reserves and keep well making them ideal for a beach day. Bring a pan of water to a boil and reduce the heat then boil each egg for between six and seven minutes.  

19. Piña Colada Smoothie

A Piña Colada Smoothie does not have to be boozy but it should be tasty and this recipe only needs a few ingredients.

Blitz together some chopped frozen pineapple chunks with light coconut milk as the base. You can add some maple syrup or honey, maybe some protein powder, or even white rum if you want a boozy version.

20. Berry Yogurt Bar

For a yogurt bar you can break up, melt some bittersweet chocolate and stir until smooth. In a bowl, mix together honey and Greek yogurt then spread onto a lined baking sheet.

Place some chocolate in globs on the yogurt and swirl in then top with berries and pecans. Freeze for a couple of hours and break up when you are ready to serve.

21. Watermelon, Cucumber, And Feta Salad

A crunchy salad can be a welcome addition to a cooler when you are going to the beach. Chop up some seedless watermelon, English cucumber, and feta cheese for your base.

Create a dressing from shallot slices, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, thyme leaves, kosher salt, and pepper. Drizzle in olive oil, and then top with torn mint leaves.

22. Fresh Fruit Salad

Get your Tupperware out and pack it full of some freshly chopped fruit that you can prepare on the day. Try an assortment of melon, citrus fruits, and berries then top with chopped mint leaves.

23. Tuna Pasta Salad

As long as you keep it away from the sand, Tuna Pasta Salad is a great snack to dig into at the beach. Prepare some rotini pasta and separately combine ranch dressing mix, honey, salt, Champagne vinegar, lemon juice, and zest.

Gradually drizzle in olive oil to complete your dressing then add tomatoes, onion, drained tuna, onion, and banana peppers to the pasta and toss in the dressing. Add arugula and serve chilled.

24. Watermelon Lime Popsicles

Sure, you can freeze watermelon and you can make a delicious ice popsicle with it too. These popsicles will melt quickly on a hot day so you may want to get them eaten on the way to the beach before they melt.

To create a batch, blitz together the seedless watermelon and peeled lime until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds, cover, and freeze them overnight then pop out when you are ready to go.

25. Frozen Water Bottles

Ok, this one is not exactly a snack yet remains a great idea. Instead of packing ice that will melt under the sun, fill some water bottles and then leave them in the freezer overnight.

When you are heading to the beach, simply remove the frozen water bottles from the freezer and leave them in your collapsible water cooler to keep the rest of the contents warm.

Once the ice has melted, you will have some ready-made cold water in bottles to keep you hydrated. 

Bonus Section: Sandwiches

Sandwiches can really hold their shape which makes them ideal to use as a snack for the beach.

These can be simple to prepare like a classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich or a little more extravagant such as Cucumber Sandwiches or Turkey and Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches. 

26. Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwiches

A traditional sandwich that is ideal for the kids is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Spread smooth peanut butter onto one piece of white bread then spread either grape jelly or strawberry jam. Put them together and there you go, you may want to remove the crusts for toddlers.

27. Cucumber Sandwiches

On a summer’s day, you can really enjoy a fresh cucumber sandwich. Mix up some cream cheese, dill, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and garlic powder and spread onto each piece of crustless white bread.

Cut the cucumber into eighth-inch slices, sprinkle on some black pepper, add another piece of bread, and cut accordingly.

28. Turkey And Pimiento Cheese Sandwich

For a filling and tasty sandwich to take to the beach, try a serving of Turkey and Pimiento Cheese.

Use multigrain bread and spread on a layer of mayonnaise and then top with lettuce leaves, tomato slices, slices of roasted turkey, thick-cut bacon, and pimiento cheese.

Can I Serve These Summer Appetizers and Snacks at the Beach?

Looking for summer appetizer ideas to enjoy at the beach? Absolutely! Whip up some refreshing fruit skewers with watermelon, pineapple, and berries. For a savory option, prepare bite-sized sliders with grilled veggies and a tangy aioli. Don’t forget to pack a platter of crispy tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole for a classic beachside snack.

Are There Any Seafood Appetizers That Are Easy to Bring to the Beach?

Heading to the beach and in need of snack ideas? Look no further! Indulge in the tastiest seafood appetizers to try, perfect for beach gatherings. From scrumptious shrimp cocktail skewers to refreshing ceviche in portable cups, these beach-friendly bites are sure to satisfy your cravings while you enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.

Final Thoughts

A day at the beach can last from morning until night so you should be prepared to pack a cooler and pack it well.

That should mean using frozen water bottles to act as makeshift ice containers then turn into sources of vital hydration later on.

Make sure you take some sunscreen and cover yourself to avoid sunstroke. If you are still there as the night draws in, you can stay put and create your own S’mores over a fire.

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