Snacks for Summer Days

Whether you’re on the beaches in California, boating in lake Michigan, swimming in your backyard pool, or slip n’ sliding the heat away, you’ll need no-fuss snacks to help replenish your calories and energy!

To make summer snacking a breeze, here is what you need to add to your shopping list this summer…

TRAIL MIX

Trail mix gives us all nostalgia of summertime adventures whether you’re a kid or an adult! The best part of trail mix is that it’s portable, customizable, healthy, and no cooking involved. This allows kids to assemble their own trail mix and each can have their own unique mix and match of natural ingredients. Just set bowls out with the options available in the pantry, a reusable container, and kids can learn what they like and don’t like as they built their adventure snack. 

BANANA CHIPS

If you have some ripe bananas on your hands, this snack is the perfect all-natural snack solution. Making them at home eliminates any added sugar and preservatives.  All you need to do is slice, brush with lemon water, and bake for 2 hours at 250°- low enough that you won’t even notice the oven is on during a hot day. Once backed, sprinkle them with some cinnamon for an added touch of sweetness! Store them in an airtight container up to a week.

ROASTED CHICKPEAS

Nutty, crunchy, and addicting, roasted chickpeas can be savory or sweet in a quick 15 minutes. Try playing with flavor combinations such as maple cinnamon, honey roasted,  parmesan, barbeque, sesame, and ranch. They’re easy to transport  and even easier to pop in your mouth! 

FROZEN GRAPES

Have the kids help pull grapes off their vine and place either on a baking sheet or in a zip lock baggies. Place grapes in the freezer for 4-5 hours. You don’t want to freeze for too long though or they may lose some of their delicious flavor and texture! Place in a reusable container to take on-the-go and eat them as they thaw! 

POPCORN BALLS

This versatile treat can be spruced up with your favorite dried fruit & nut combinations and are easily customized for every member of your family. Pack a bunch in one box for easy convenience. Try making them sans corn syrup. For every ½ cup of popcorn, mix with:

½ Tbsp grape-seed oil

½ cup maple syrup

¾ cup brown rice syrup

 

QUICK PICKLES

Crunchy and refreshing, pickling is an easy way to take advantage of seasonal produce - carrots, string beans, cucumbers, cauliflower, radishes, snap peas- all you need is just a spicy vinegar brine, fresh produce, and a glass jar or two. Cut bigger chunks for easy hand-held snacking. 

 

Basic pickle brine:

2 cups apple cider vinegar 

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons salt

1 Tbsp black peppercorns

1 Tbsp mustard seeds

APPLE POPS

Slice apples into wedges and spread a light layer of peanut (or almond) butter on top. Keeping the apples covered in your favorite nut butter actually helps protect them from turning brown throughout the day. Prep in the morning in a snack container and grab some at any point of the day when your little one is craving some filling foods in between all their running around.  

ANTS ON A LOG

This one’s a classic for a good reason. Traditionally made with peanut butter, any nut butter will do. If you’ll be in direct heat for a while, your best bet is to use chunky butters over creamy butters. Get creative and substitute the raisin “ants” with dried cranberries, dried apricot, dried pineapple, or fresh blueberries.