42 Summer Snack Ideas
The 2nd most used phrase in this house, right next to ‘Mom, watch me!” is “Mom, can I have a snack?” When the kids were home during exams, I started to notice their frequent trips to the kitchen for snacks. As we head into summer, I wanted to get ahead to the weariness I feel from this constant question. So, to help ease the snack-time stress, I’ve put together a list of 42 snack ideas that both kids AND moms will love.
Summer is meant to be fun, with room for treats and the occasional junk food. However, keeping real, healthy foods available helps me feel better about the situation. I follow the 80/20 rule: if 80% of the time they eat fresh, real foods, I won't worry about the other 20%. Here’s a deep dive into some healthy snack options and also some that are purely ‘treats’.
Snack Time
For the most part, I want to create a system of snacking that allows the kids to help themselves. But realistically, they will need some guidance in making the right choices (most of the time). In our house, we have ‘always’ foods (the veggies, fruit, things that are high in protein like yogurt cups) that they know they can have whenever they want. We also offer ‘sometimes’ foods that are more of a treat (these might be chips or ice cream or cookies). These snacks are never off limits, but something that I want them to only have some of the time. We don’t have set times for snacking, and with the teens and their sleep-ins, snack foods might actually be a late lunch.
Serving up Snacks
Presentation is key when presenting the ‘always’ snack options. This serving platter with the ice container is perfect to take into the yard, down to the dock or over to a neighbour’s house. It even has a lid to keep bugs out.
I love my melon baller for creating a fun way to enjoy summer fruit.
And my love affair of the airfryer runs deep. I’ve linked a couple options through this post but this one is a great entry level option that I have and it works great. If you haven’t yet taken the plunge into airfrying I think this is your sign!!
You won’t regret a good quality popsicle mold. When you make them at home, they can be an ‘always’ food ready to grab on those hot days.
42 Summer Snack Ideas
Edamame - with flaky salt or elevated just a little with a squirt of fresh lime juice and tajine
Smoothies - so many great ones my kids love! This one tastes like a frosty. And this is also a favourite in our house! I always, always, always add an extra tablespoon of hemp for protein.
Popsicles! Pour your leftover smoothie into one of these molds and you’ve got another snack covered!
Guac+ Chips! Of course! And obvi salsa! You can see me making my all time favourite salsa here.
5. Cottage Cheese Ice Cream - so many variations of this! I love strawberry shortcake, but chocolate + peanut butter would be amazing.
6. Air fryer Sweet Potato Fries + Aioli. Use fresh or store-bought frozen fries, ready in the air fryer in minutes but don’t miss out on that simple aioli! It’s shockingly delicious!
7. Watermelon spears. How did we ever cut watermelon any other way?
8. Frozen Grapes - so easy! My daughter likes to toss them in powdered jello ….not sure if I’m up for that but if you try it, let me know!
9. Fudge Pops. Yessss!
10. Rice Paper Rolls A little more work, but maybe a fun afternoon activity for the kids? Refreshing and light with a peanut sauce or a sweet chili sauce.
11. Devilled Eggs. I could eat 8 of these in 2 minutes. Please don’t judge me.
12. Popcorn. #forthewin
13. Ants on a log. Peanut butter and celery is an obvious classic, but we have a peanut allergy in our house and have found that cream cheese and celery with a few raisins or craisins has been a huge success! Added protein? Sprinkle 1 tbsp of hemp over it. 1 tbsp hemp has 3 grams of protein!
14. Yogurt cups with Granola
15. Veggies and Hummus or Ranch dip
16. Air fryer Egg in a Hole. The best. I have this airfryer (perfect for larger families) and this one that I use when we’re at the cabin.
17. Nachos! So many variations. This is a favourite at our house, but chips and cheese with a side of salsa is also simple and absolutely perfect!
18. Stuffed Dates. One of my faves. Tastes like a snickers bar.
20. Banana Sushi (tortilla + nut butter/nutella + banana). Sliced into little rounds.
21. Frozen Yogurt Tubes. Easy Peasy!
22. Homemade Lunchables : Beef jerky + rice crackers + cheese strings
22. Cinnamon Swirl Banana Loaf (or muffins!)
23. Zucchini Muffins also, this recipe is delicious!
24. Granola Bars.
25. Rice cake + avocado + lime + EBTBS (everything but the bagel seasoning)
26. Hawaiian buns with turkey and honey mustard
27. English muffin egg sandwich. This is our go-to sandwich maker that the kids use all the time and can make their own breakfast or snack in minutes. Add cheese, meats, whatever you like!
28. Copycat Starbucks Egg Bites So great for breakfast or snacks! Use these silicone molds to help or use silicone muffin liners.
29. Single Serve Air Fryer Cookie
30. Fresh Strawberries, dipped in Sour Cream and Brown Sugar. IYKYK
31. High Protein Waffles.
32. Bowl of cereal with 1/2 tsp hemp + 1/2 tsp flax
33. Crackers and cheese
34. Snack Mix
35. Air Fryer Wings These have been on my list to try for ages. Pickles for the win! I don’t know how I lived without my airfryer!
36. Rice Cake with Nut Butter, banana and mini chocolate chips
37. Crunchy Air Fryer Chickpeas
38. Watermelon Pizza: 1 wedge of watermelon, smear of vanilla yogurt, diced green grapes, cinnamon - YUM!
39. Dried Mango + Cashews
40. Crispy BBQ Tacos The easiest meal or quick snack that kids and teens can make themselves.
41. Tortellini Pesto Skewers - Tortellini tossed in store bought pesto, and threaded onto a skewer with cherry tomatoes.
42. Kale Chips.
Entertaining this summer?
I’m sharing my done-for-you Summer Soirée dinner party menu for FREE (for a limited time)
Got a great snack idea?
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