Is it really a trip to the beach if you don’t indulge in some nostalgic foods? Nothing complements the sound of crashing waves and the warmth of the coastal sun like a delicious snack the whole family can enjoy.
If you’re planning a personal getaway, family vacation, or long-awaited road trip with friends, you’ll want to make sure you’ve made plans o provide crowd-pleasing refreshments to fuel the beach fun!
Here are our top recommended beach snacks:
Hot Dogs
When it comes to summer beach snacks, there’s nothing better than hot dogs. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and filling or a lighter option, a classic foot-long hot dog will satisfy. With so many great options to choose from along the Grand Strand, it can be tough to narrow it down.
Whether you’re in the mood for a simple burger or an authentic foot-long hot dog, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs has everything you need. This popular restaurant has three locations in the Grand Strand, offering familiar fast food favorites to locals and visitors alike. They serve up world-famous beef hot dogs, cheesesteaks, and chicken sandwiches. It’s likely that you have one just a short walk away from your beach chair.
Chips & Trail Mix, Etc.
If you’re going on a beach trip, you’ll want to pack some good snacks. But it can be tricky to decide which are the best. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy-to-eat options.
A classic, no-prep snack is a trail mix. These little packages are a fun way to get your fill of protein and other goodies. There are plenty of varieties to choose from, and they can help fuel your body during your day at the beach. The kids will love the candy pieces. For adults, the more sophisticated options on the market include mixes of dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and macadamia nuts.
Popcorn is also a great snack. Cheap and filling. You can dress it up with a variety of toppings. My favorite is ranch powder!
Crackers are another option. They are a great combination of salty and sweet. Use them with a dip or on their own, but be careful, snapping your cracker and leaving a piece stuck in the dip can put a damper on your snacking.
Chips are also worthy of your consideration. One of the most popular foods at the beach. they’re easy to eat, portable, and don’t take up much space. We recommend buying a party pack of single serving bags. These packs com with many different flavors so everyone can get there favorite.
Fresh Fruits
When you plan a trip to the beach, one of the first things you’ll want to make sure to bring along is fresh fruits. These tasty treats can help you keep cool and give your body fuel for the day. They’re easy to prepare and can be a healthy addition to your beach bag or a day at the lake.
Fruit salad is an easy way to incorporate fresh fruit into your beach snack. Dice up any fruit you can find in the produce aisle, You can even add some dressing to kick up the flavor. Or if you’re looking for a light option, you can pair peanut butter with fresh fruit to create an easy, low-calorie treat.
Watermelon is a summer staple. It’s refreshing and delicious. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even cut fruit into fun shapes. You’ll need to make sure to dispose of the scraps, though.
Ice Cream
Did you even go to the beach if you didn’t grab an ice cream? Most beaches are lined with ice cream and gelato stores,
Instacart conducted a survey in July 2021 to determine the five most popular ice cream flavors in America. Many of these ice creams have appeared on the list multiple times. No surprises here:
1.) Vanilla
2.) Chocolate
3.) Strawberry
4.) Rainbow Sherbet
5.) Cookie Dough
Any of these would make great options for an oceanside snack or dessert.
One of the biggest trends in ice cream right now is the use of more local ingredients to create one off flavors. Off Track Ice Cream, for example, uses flaky sea salt and local milk. Keep an eye out for this and other regional specialties when you make a trip to the beach.
Sandwiches
Cue the dad jokes…
No, we aren’t suggested you consume the plentiful sand below your flip-flops! Sandwiches are one of the most classic and reliable forms of outdoor eating. They’re easy to pack, filling, and satisfying. Even better, they’re portable, which is always a plus when you’re on the go. Stay away from fillings that can go bad in the heat, egg salad is a definite NO! Tuna, chicken salad, and any other options that incorporate mayonnaise are best saved for home.
A wrap is another beach-approved food. Wraps resist sogginess better than sandwiches and keep your meal intact. Using a wrap instead of a sandwich means that you can also pack vegetables and proteins inside.
The Best Option
There’s no definitive answer to the question of which snack to bring to the beach. The right choice will vary with your unique situation. Keep in mind all factors at play when making your decision: the time of day, the people you will be going with, and what your cravings are. Hopefully this list gives you a good starting point, empowering you to be the hero of the trip with some scrumptious delicacies!