The Summer Snack Scene
— By Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Summer means longer, warmer days, outdoor activities, and for many of us, a house full of hungry kids. Summer snacks don’t have to be expensive to be healthy or take a lot of time to prepare. Below are ideas and tips to guarantee your snacks contribute to your health without draining your bank account.
Planning to keep snacks on hand will help reduce the never-ending drain on your pantry when a snack attack strikes. Eventually…the temperatures will be on the rise, and staying hydrated is important, especially if you are active. Hydrating fruits include berries and melons, and you can make Berry Good Pops or Frozen Strawberry Sandwiches ahead of time with in-season berries. Frozen grapes are a refreshing, cool snack to keep stocked in your freezer and are easy to prepare. Wash and dry grapes, and lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment. When frozen, transfer to a freezer-grade container or zip-top freezer bag. While frozen grapes probably won’t last long, they can be stored in the freezer for up to one month (Food Keeper).
For a twist on plain water, try infused water recipes instead of sugary drinks like this Flavored Water recipe. In addition to water, there are many fruits and vegetables that are packed with water, such as watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, oranges, cantaloupe, bell peppers, celery, and lettuce. If you have young children at home, get them involved in making fun and tasty snacks like watermelon pizza with yogurt and fruit toppings, or Cucumber Canoes. Try apple slices with nut butter or sunbutter, or veggie sticks with hummus, Bean Dip, or Herb Yogurt Dip. Small portions of trail mix are also great, just check to see if it needs to be nut-free for daycare or summer camp.
For teens, summers may include sports practices and a summer job. To fuel the activities, hydrating smoothies with fruit, yogurt, and juice are excellent. Check out our favorite Mainely Dish Smoothie and Drink ideas for more inspiration. For other on-the-go options, consider homemade granola bars or No-Bake Energy Bites.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy in-season Maine fruits and vegetables, so your snacks are both delicious and convenient. Don’t be afraid to try out different local produce and recipes. For more snack ideas, visit the Mainely Dish Snack page and the Drinks and Smoothies pages.