Summer Trip Snacking

Summer is a busy time with day trips, road trips, camp trips, and more! It’s important to stay fueled on these long and busy days. Summer trip snacking takes a little planning to ensure food is safe and appetizing, while providing nourishment and enjoyment. There are difficulties to consider around summer eating and snacking. And there are important factors to keep in mind when choosing your snacks. Keep reading for working with these, and some easy ideas for what to bring along!

Challenges around Summer Snacking

Summer snacking and eating can raise some difficulties, including:

Proper storage in the heat

Summer’s heat can make it challenging to store food and keep it safe. Even foods that don’t always need refrigeration (like full fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, and anything with chocolate), can have texture changes that make food less appealing and even unappetizing.

Using ice packs and coolers are great options! Some adolescents don’t like using them because they’re heavy and take up too much room. For those folks, food choices will be crucial. See below for some temperature safe options!

Staying hydrated in the summer heat

Prolonged exposure to heat can be dehydrating, and drinking frequently is critical. Read more here about adolescent drink options.

Freezing drinks ahead of time can keep them cold for a while, and make them more enjoyable and drinkable. Wrap them in a towel so the condensation when melting doesn’t get over everything.

Heat-related low appetite

Being in the heat for prolonged periods can affect appetites. Encouraging your adolescent to eat frequently can ensure they’re eating enough despite not having an appetite.

Eating more hydrating foods will often be the more enticing options. These include fruits and vegetables, yogurt, cold soup, smoothies, etc.

Summer schedules affecting eating

Summer changes schedules! Adolescents frequently wake up later and go to sleep later. Schedules are more relaxed, and kids often have fewer evening activities. All these affect adolescent’s eating schedules. However, adolescents still need to be eating regularly and frequently to fuel their growth and development. Snacks can play an important role in helping them reach their needs!

Important to Consider when Packing Summer Trip Snacks

These are important things to keep in mind when preparing trip foods!

Hydration

Choose foods that have hydration to them. This will make them more enticing and easier to eat when your adolescent and their food is hot. 

Salt

Salt retains fluid, so eating salty foods can help with hydration. Keep that in mind when choosing snacks.

Frequency of eating

Adolescents should be eating every 2-4 hours, so make sure to pack enough food to keep them nourished for a prolonged period of time.

 

Summer Trip Snacks that Nourish & Stay Good in the Heat

 

    • Nuts

 

    • PretzelsBag of pretzels

 

    • Meat sticks

 

    • Fruit cocktail/canned fruit Peach fruit cocktail in plastic cup

 

    • Tuna packets

 

    • Packed olives or pickles Green olives in a plastic container

 

    • Applesauce tubes

 

    • Crackers

 

    • Pop Corners Pop Corner Snacks

 

    • popcorn

 

    • Veggie straws

 

    • Granola bars Granola Bar



 Summer Trips are fun and exciting! Ensure your adolescent has the proper snacks to keep them hydrated and nourished, wherever they go.