Snacks can be an important part of a diet, but not all snacks are vegan. Some of these vegan snack ideas can be bought, and I included simple recipes that will taste fancy without taking too long to make. First stop: the pool.
Poolside
Slather on the sunscreen and pack your cooler: it is snacktime by the water! Whether at the pool, on the lake, or canoeing on the river, there is something about water that makes us want a refreshing snack. Pack some of these options;
- Hummus with veggies: Carrots, celery, bell peppers and cucumbers. The easy thing about hummus is you can find every flavor under the sun at the store or even make your own fairly easily!
- Fancy toasts: Many baguettes are already vegan (just double-check ingredients). Toast them ahead of time and bring some fun toppings, like avocados with red pepper flakes, balsamic reduction, and sliced tomatoes or vegan cream cheese and cucumbers.
- Watermelon: classic, right? But you can’t beat the refreshing flavor of fresh watermelon cubes. Save time and get to the pool faster by grabbing the fruits already cut up. Feeling fancy? Squeeze on some fresh lime juice for a sweet-tart snack.
At the ballpark
Homemade trail mixes are so incredibly satisfying. You’ve got your sweet, salty, crunchy cravings covered and more. Plus, they are super easy to make vegan and to tailor to your specific tastes. Some of the best ingredients include;
- Dehydrated fruit: especially mango and strawberries. It is easy to find; however, look for ones without additional ingredients besides the fruit. Plus, the texture is fun. Trader Joe’s Just Mango is a classic!
- Nuts: Find different flavors of cashews or almonds to add from the store! Just make sure to check that no butter or milk is added to keep them vegan. Other ingredients include cereal, dairy-free cheddar squares, and more—the sky’s the limit on this one!
- Cracker Jack: this baseball classic is vegan at some ballparks—cool, huh? Let me know what prize you get!
Road trips
Road trips are all about easy snacks you can throw in a bag without too much hassle before you head out. Aim for satisfying snacks that quell hunger and fresh fruits and veggies that help keep you hydrated.
- Chips: find chips with minimal ingredients and no added dairy.
- Bars: Lara Bars and Munk Pack bars are great choices for delicious, easy, vegan snacks!
Watch how to pick a “good” protein bar. - Sliced fruit: Having fruits and veggies already cut up makes them much more appealing. Slicing apples and tossing them with pineapple juice; not only do they brown less, but the pop of flavor is delish!
- Pretzels: Salty and crunchy pretzels will satisfy that salty craving while cruising down the highway. If you’re in the navigator seat, feel free to dunk your pretzels in an individual peanut butter or hummus cup for a snack that satisfies you for a bit longer. This is an example of combining a carb (the pretzels) with some healthy fat (the dips).
- Annie’s fruit snacks: While many fruit snacks are not vegan because they contain gelatin, Annie’s brand is one example of a fruit snack without it. Another vegan snack option is Swedish fish, if those are your favorite. Remember, these have added sugar and should be eaten in small amounts.
Hot summer days
Hot summer afternoons call for refreshing vegan snack ideas that require low prep, no heating up, and will keep you cool and nourished on a hot day.
- All fruit popsicles: Easy to find in the freezer section or simple to make using all fruit juice at some.
- Dairy-free popsicles: I love GoodPop brand popsicles, especially their varieties without added sugar or sweeteners.
- Fruit with dip: Fix a bowl of berries and dip them in vegan Greek yogurt or coconut whipped cream! If you haven’t bought coconut whipped cream, check out your grocer’s freezer section near the Cool Whip.
- Protein shakes: Sometimes, it is so hot that a full meal doesn’t sound good. On those hot nights, add in a vegan protein shake or make a smoothie.
Picnic vegan snack ideas
Picnics call for a whole special menu. The best spreads include a plethora of deliciously different finger foods. Each one is wonderful on its own but even better together!
- Everything But the Bagel bell peppers: Slice open a bell pepper, spread a vegan cream cheese (my favorite is Kite Hill), and sprinkle with Everything But the Bagel spice mix (you can find it in your spice aisle or make your own, like this) and you have a hearty and oh-so-crunchy snack.
- Guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips: This one is classic for a reason – who doesn’t love this trio? It’s easy to find store-bought guacamole and salsa or make your own.
- Stuffed dates: Slice open the dates and spread your favorite toppings. Almond butter and chia seeds for something sweet with a crunch or herbed dairy-free cheese for a savory kick.
- Vegetable sushi: More and more grocery stores are hosting a sushi stand to provide fresh, delicious sushi. There are options for vegans, too! Vegetable sushi is tasty and not too filling on a hot summer picnic, plus it is grab-and-go!
- Pillsbury crescent rolls – can you believe that these are vegan? Stuff some with your favorite dairy-free cheese spread for a savory snack, or with dairy-free chocolate to appease your sweet tooth. Or even better? Make both!
- Strawberries with Justin’s Hazelnut butter: while the mainstream Nutella spread is not vegan because it contains milk, Justin’s version is a great option for a sweet occasional snack.
Around the campfire
S’mores are great but you know what is even better AND vegan – Campfire Banana Boats. Take whole bananas, slice vertically through peel and banana, and open them to add toppings.
Vegan chocolate chips, coconut flakes, peanut butter, or sunflower butter are great toppings. Wrap the banana in tin foil and pop it in the campfire coals for five to ten minutes.
Movie night vegan snack ideas
Whether you are nestled on the couch or using a projector screen outside, what better snack than popcorn? First, put ¼ cup of popcorn kernels in a brown paper lunch bag and make a snack. Microwave for about 60-90 seconds and then either:
- Top with olive oil, salt, and some brewer’s yeast for a nutty flavor without dairy.
- While the popcorn is cooking, melt some vegan butter, add some brown sugar and cayenne pepper, and stir until gooey and delicious-looking. Then, pour the mixture into the bag and shake it up for a spicy, sweet snack.
No time to make popcorn? Here are some yummy store-bought ones! Boom Chicka Pop Sea Salt Popcorn, Pipcorn, or Lesser Evil popcorn.
- Soft pretzels: A good soft pretzel dunked generously in mustard is a great snack for movie nights. The SuperPretzel brand frozen soft pretzels are vegan.
- Siete Queso: Siete brand makes delicious dairy-free queso. Toss the jar in the microwave, heat, stir, and get to dunking! Try it with a soft pretzel, your favorite corn chips, or veggie sticks, or give the corn-free Siete brand tortilla chips a try.
- Candy: If you think that movie night is incomplete without a box of your favorite candy, we’ve got you covered! From Dots to Twizzlers, there are plenty of options for dairy-free candy. If you’re in the mood for chocolate, check out Unreal brand chocolate candies.
Remember that candy is something to have occasionally and doesn’t have many health benefits, but it sure is tasty!
Key takeaways: Summer Vegan Snack Ideas
With the right inspiration and ingredients, you can turn simple vegan snacks from the grocery store into exciting snacks at the pool, on the road, or at the ballpark!
What is your favorite vegan snack? Comment below!
