5 On-The-Go Summer Snacks

Brierley Horton, M.S., RD is a dietitian nutritionist, content creator and strategist, and avid mental health advocate. She is co-host and co-creator of the Happy Eating podcast, which breaks down the connection between food and mental wellness. 

It’s summertime and that means weekend adventures and weeklong vacations, more time spent outdoors, and usually also less structured meals. So, at the risk of sounding like a nutrition nanny, ‘tis the season to focus on how to fuel your body with snacks that are convenient, delicious, filling, and healthy.

Lucky for you, we’ve got inspiration for you! Check out these 5 ideas for nearly every occasion! 

1. For the Airplane: Chocolate Covered Almonds & Cheese

Throw a small handful of your favorite variety of chocolate-covered almonds in a to-go container or bag with an equal amount of aged cheese and you have the perfect airplane snack. Not only will it easily fly through security (pun intended!), but also you want to eat something crunchy on an airplane. The reasoning is fascinating: some experts believe that we enjoy our food more and are more mindful eaters when we can actually hear ourselves chewing. Because airplanes are noisy, they dampen our senses, so something soft won’t be as satisfying as something crunchy.

2. For a Picnic: Apple Butter, Cheddar & Shortbread Bites

Elevate your next picnic with this bite-sized treat that’s reminiscent of apple pie with cheddar cheese. It’s diners’ choice as to whether you put the apple butter on top of the shortbread or the cheese, but we suggest a little bit of a heavy hand with the apple butter.

The cheddar cheese is the health star in this mash-up. First, it’s a fermented food—a truly tasty way to get probiotics in your diet. And second, regularly eating cheese has been shown to be good for your blood pressure, heart health, and lowering your risk of diabetes.

3. For any time: Grown-Up Celery Boats

Remember that childhood snack called Ants On A Log? Well, meet our adult version: fill celery slices with cheddar cut into strips, and top them with your favorite hot sauce. Don’t skip the hot sauce! Not only does it add another layer of lick-your-fingers flavor, but for those that are health-minded there are some perks to hot sauce. A compound in hot sauce—called capsaicin—has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and even some appetite-suppressant potential.

4. On a road trip: Cheddar + Hard-Boiled Egg + Beef Stick

This protein trio is truly the ultimate road-trip snack for a few reasons: each item is easy to eat with one hand and if you forget to pack it in advance, chances are you can find all three of these foods at well-stocked gas stations. But perhaps best of all, it’s a protein powerhouse of a snack clocking in around 20 to 22 grams of protein. And because protein is the most satisfying of nutrients (that’s right, research shows its more filling than carbs or fat when you compare gram to gram), this snack will keep you feeling full as you tick off those road miles.

5. For the beach: Sweet & Savory Kebabs

Kebabs are great for the beach (and sandy hands!) because you can eat straight from the stick. For the adults, we like the idea of a savory antipasti kebab: stack cheese cubes with pepperoncini, cubed ham, and cooked tortellini. The salty (ham and cheese) and briny (pepperoncini) combination will really hit the spot on a hot beach day. Plus, you’ll get a solid hit of satisfying protein.

Or, make your kebab a little less antipasto and a little more family-friendly and stack a cube of aged, hard cheese with your favorite melon (think: honeydew, cantaloupe, or watermelon), and a couple of leaves of fresh mint. Not only are those melons hydrating thanks to their high water content, but research shows that the compounds that give cantaloupe and watermelon their vibrant hues may help protect your skin against some sun damage.

Need help planning your next adventure? Let us be your guide. From hiking and biking to finding the best brews and creemees, Cabot has got you covered. Check out our Spring into Summer blog for all your outdoor activities.

Planning a quick trip to Vermont? Our guide to 72 Hours in Vermont will show you the best local spots. Don't forget to pack some tasty snacks before you hit the road!