Here's What You Should Be Snacking on at the Beach

Packing for a beach trip requires a keen eye for the essentials: sunscreen for the whole family, clean towels, comfy chairs, books to keep you entertained, a sturdy umbrella, toys for the little ones and a cooler full of hydrating water and refreshing drinks. Adding food into the mix can get tricky — after all, who has room for a full picnic basket these days? You'll need to choose snacks that keep you energized and ready to play in the sand, all while saving you from having to abandon a coveted beachfront spot for questionable roadside eats.

Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN, deputy director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Nutrition Lab, says the best snacks for the beach are chock full of protein and fiber to keep you satisfied all afternoon long — and often can even help stay hydrated in the heat. Choosing items that nestle well into an effective, easy-to-pack beverage cooler can save you from having to pack another full bag with cutlery and service items. That's why the best healthy snacks for the beach are all items you can eat with your hands, and in most cases, can simply be tucked away into a beach tote you already love to use.

We're spotlighting the best DIY beach snack ideas in our guide below and crowning our favorite ready-to-eat snacks with Sassos' nutrition expertise, as well as testing feedback generated on hundreds of snacks by our experts and consumer testers just like you. A majority of these healthy snack ideas are vegetarian in nature, and some are perfect fits for those following Keto routines and other popular diets. Read on to learn more about the healthiest beach snacks to pack on your next seaside adventure with the whole family.