Best Pool Snacks To Munch on This Summer
If you’re like us, you can’t wait for a summer day to get that pool bag out of the closet and pack it full of your favorite swimsuit, cover-up, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There’s something else we can’t forget, and those are the snacks!
Scroll on to find out what our top 10 favorite pool snacks are, and why. We’ve got a mix of refreshing, healthy, and yummy snacks that you’ll definitely want to throw in the cooler with some tasty cold drinks.
Ready to find out which summer snacks you should take with you to the pool? Let’s jump right in.
What Kinds of Snacks Are the Best for a Pool Party?
We couldn’t begin without dropping a couple of tidbits about what snacks are the best for the pool and why! For example, some foods will hydrate you more than others, which is always a great thing when you’re in the sun and water. It’s also good to know all about swimming after eating. Is it a myth that you should wait a certain amount of time after eating to take a dip?
The short answer is yes, that is totally a myth. Everyone’s concern is that swimming right after eating could cause dangerous and distracting stomach cramps, but you don’t need to worry about that at all. We’ll get into those details in a bit.
Now, let’s get to the best part — the snacks.
Popcorn
We wanted to start off with our favorite party snack that everyone can enjoy! Pack your bag with popcorn to share for a light, easy treat. Make it savory by adding a little bit of salt, or add a little sweetness with some caramel or a few chocolate chips. In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with either option, and it will be a crowd favorite.
Veggies and Hummus
This is a fantastic appetizer or snack whether you’re at the pool or not, and it’s on the healthier side as well. We love to mix it up by adding some celery and carrot sticks, mini peppers, and even cucumber slices.
These veggies go wonderfully with savory hummus, like roasted red pepper or garlic hummus. Thanks to the chickpeas in hummus, it’s the perfect snack for anyone who wants a bit of extra protein and fiber.
If you prefer something extra crispy to dip in your hummus, you can swap out the veggies for pita. You can always skip the hummus altogether and use your favorite recipe for guacamole instead!
Watermelon
Watermelon is a delicious sweet melon that also adds some hydration to your pool visit, which is vital for those hot days. Who doesn’t love killing two birds with one stone? That’s what you’ll do if you bring along this hydrating, delicious snack.
If you’re feeling creative, stick a few watermelon cubes to skewers to make some delicious fruit kabobs. You can spice up your skewers with other bite-sized fruits like blueberries and strawberries, too!
Ice Pops
Another amazing summertime snack is popsicles. The great thing about these is that they can be store-bought or homemade. We love making things easy, so you can definitely grab some fruity ice pops on your way to the pool. It’s also pretty easy to make these refreshing treats at home. All you have to do is mix some ice with a flavor of your choice, like strawberry or lemon, and wait for them to freeze.
Grapes
Is it just us, or did we always have grapes while we were poolside as kids? Grapes are a super easy snack to munch on by the pool, and everyone can share. Pick up a bag of juicy green or red grapes and you’ll be set for the whole afternoon. For an added shot of refreshment, stick them in the freezer before you go!
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a complete no-brainer when it comes to great snacks. The best thing is that trail mix can also be nutritious and kid-friendly, so it’s a win for everyone. Make or buy some trail mix that has a good blend of healthy nuts, and hey, throw in a little chocolate for a touch of sweetness. Nobody will be disappointed to find trail mix in the snack bag.
Simple Sandwiches
For those times when everyone is getting a bit hangry, put together some simple sandwiches to feed the appetites. These can be as easy or as involved as you’d like, but we love packing some healthy bread, lunch meat, cheese, and a couple of condiments so that everyone has what they like.
Apples and Peanut Butter
How could we resist putting this classic snack on the list? Apples and peanut butter are an awesome way to fill tummies and add some nutrition. By choosing the right peanut butter or almond butter, you’ll be getting a healthy amount of protein and vitamins. This is a filling snack that will hold everyone over until it’s time to head home.
Granola Bars
Another cult classic is granola bars. These might just be the easiest summertime snack to toss in the cooler or pool bag while heading out the door. Take your pick from the wide range of granola bars that the shops have these days, or make your own. What’s fun about making your own is that you can decide what to put in them. Get creative!
Pretzels
Last but not least, pretzels. These are the perfect addition to your poolside snacks because they’ve got a hint of saltiness and the perfect amount of crunch. If you want to get crazy, you can opt for a flavored pretzel. We recommend honey mustard. Yum!
All That and a Bag of Chips
We hope this inspired you to start making your pool snack shopping list. At Maxine, we’re huge fans of being ready for anything, and that includes having everything you need in your bag so that you can have a full day of sun and water.
With these poolside snack ideas, you won’t run out of yummy, filling, and sometimes healthy foods that everyone will want a taste of. Which one of these will you decide to take with you?
It’s that time of year for all-day pool hangs, so sit back in a gorgeous new suit and soak up as many rays as you can. We know we will be, and we can’t wait for you to make some fun summer memories.
Sources:
Healthy Snacks to Take to the Pool | The Organized Mom
The 20 Best Pool Snacks to Munch On This Summer | Spoon University