1. Fresh Apples, Oranges or Bananas

Apples, oranges, and bananas are perfect for a trip to the shore because they do not have to be kept ice-cold to remain delicious and safe to eat. You can toss any of these choices into your cooler without worrying that they will get bruised or ruined by shifting ice packs. To top it all off, these fruits are packed with fiber to satisfy your appetite and healthy complex carbs to give you the energy required for swimming and beach volleyball.

Here is a quick breakdown of why these fruits are top-tier choices:

2. A Handful of Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios or Peanuts

Why are nuts such a brilliant snack for the beach? Because they are incredibly portable, allowing you to enjoy them wherever you happen to be lounging. Nuts do not need to stay chilled, and they offer you plenty of protein so you never run out of energy to play in the water and build castles in the sand. Any kind of nut works wonderfully, so just grab your favorite variety. For a deeper look at the benefits of adding nuts to your diet, you can check out the American Heart Association's guide to nuts and seeds.

3. A Big Bag of Your Favorite Trail Mix

The great thing about trail mix is that it can easily be customized to fit your exact likes and dislikes. You can do this by making it yourself right at home, which is also a fantastic way to control the quality of the ingredients that go into it. Pretzels, dry cereal, mixed nuts, dried fruit, a few mini chocolate chips, raisins, and melba toast are all wonderful options. Of course, you can also benefit from grabbing a high-quality store-bought version if you are short on time. Whether homemade or store-bought, trail mix serves as a perfect source of both carbs and protein for sustained energy at the beach. For more inspiration, check out our guide on delicious homemade trail mix recipes.

4. A Whole Bunch of Popcorn

Popcorn counts as a whole grain, which means it provides you with lots of steady energy from its healthy carbs. It is super easy to prepare beforehand and incredibly simple to carry along in a large container. You do not need a cooler to keep it fresh, and it is highly filling with very few calories, allowing you to feel satisfied while still feeling great in your swimsuit. Skip the heavy butter and try flavoring your popcorn with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and chili powder instead. You can find some excellent, minimally processed options from brands like SkinnyPop if you prefer to buy it ready-to-eat.

5. A Couple of Meal Replacement or Granola Bars

These bars are absolutely perfect for the beach because they are satisfying and will easily curb your appetite without forcing you to pack and carry an entire meal. Look for bars that are high in fiber and protein, but deliberately low in added sugar. If you are choosing a meal replacement bar, be sure it also contains a good balance of essential vitamins and nutrients. Simply toss a couple of bars into your bag next to your current beach read, and you are all set for the afternoon. Brands like RXBAR offer simple, whole-food ingredients that hold up well on the go.

6. A Dish of Raw Veggies with Hummus

This is an unbeatable snack if you are taking along a well-insulated cooler. The fresh veggies contain both fiber and complex carbs, so you can count on them to fill your belly and provide you with enough energy for yet another round of sand castle building or wave jumping. The hummus provides a steady source of plant-based protein, which is also excellent for sustained energy, and it tastes absolutely wonderful. Pair it with carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell peppers for the ultimate crunch.

7. A Wrapped up Burrito

Burritos are inherently portable, making them a perfect, substantial choice for your long day at the beach. You will need a small cooler to keep them fresh until lunchtime, but the effort will be totally worth it. A combination of beans, cheese, fresh salsa, avocado, lettuce, and tomato makes for a deeply satisfying burrito that you will genuinely look forward to eating. If you need some ideas, try browsing our collection of easy lunch wraps and burritos for your next trip.

How much time will you be spending at the beach this year? What snacks will you definitely be taking along in your cooler? Share your favorites and enjoy your time in the sun!