For the next time you’re on snack duty, here are 15 portable soccer snack ideas that taste great and fuel kids to play and be their best!
1. Orange Slices or Mandarin Oranges
Once upon a time, orange slices were unofficially the official soccer halftime snack. Fortunately, this nostalgic snack is still a great soccer snack idea. Oranges are a fun way to provide hydration in a very tasty, easy-to-eat slice. Plus, they give a little shot of vitamin C, which is always helpful! Try looking for mandarin oranges, as they are a single-serve, easy-to-peel option for little hands and they’re available nearly year-round.
2. CLIF Kid Zbar®
If you’re in need of a never-fail snack to fuel kids’ active bodies, look no further than CLIF Kid Zbar. This delicious whole-grain energy snack bar is the perfect, portable choice for getting kids energized for their match. It’s made with 10-12 grams of whole grains from organic oats and has no high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. With a variety of widely loved flavors like Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Chip, Iced Oatmeal Cookie, and Chocolate Brownie, it is sure to please every player on your soccer team.
3. Bananas
Perfectly portable, bananas have long been a favorite snack of athletes and active people alike. They provide needed calories as well as potassium, which may help prevent muscle cramps in active kids. For little soccer players, look for small bananas or cut them in half for just the right portion. If you’re bringing bananas for the whole team, consider collecting the peels for composting instead of throwing them away.
4. Watermelon
Watermelon’s delicious flavor is beloved by kids and provides a tasty source of energy and hydration. Serve up slices or sticks (my favorite) for an easy way to eat at the field.
5. Cereal
Cereal is not just for a pre-game meal; it makes a great sideline snack too. Portion out ½-cup servings into reusable containers or look for single-serve bowls at the store to throw into your soccer bag. Another benefit is that many are fortified with iron, a key nutrient for kids.
6. Raisins
Most dried fruit is an excellent option for a sports snack, but raisins offer an additional benefit of also being a source of iron. While that won’t necessarily affect their immediate performance on the field, it is a key nutrient for growth and development. Mini raisin boxes are the perfect size for a soccer snack.
7. Muffins
Muffins can be an easy way to add in extra fruits and veggies. They make a great on-the-go breakfast in the car ride too. There are also store-bought options that work well — look for ones that deliver balanced nutrition and whole-food ingredients. You can try making your own with these Morning Glory Muffins or Pumpkin Apple Mini Muffins.
8. Applesauce Squeeze Packs
Squeezable applesauce packs make for a perfect sideline snack. This no-mess option is a good way to naturally fuel up and help kiddos get a serving of fruit. Consider using reusable squeeze pouches to cut down on waste.
9. Flavored Rice Cakes
If your kiddo loves some crunch, try serving flavored rice cakes. They come in a variety of flavors and either the regular or mini size can work just fine. Top with some peanut or sun butter for a little added protein.
10. Animal Crackers
For a super-quick source of energizing carbohydrates, animal crackers can be a welcomed option for even the pickiest of eaters. This snack option will break down and digest quickly but is not loaded up with unnecessary ingredients like some other cookie options.
