10 Summer Snacks That Will Keep You Happy, Not Hungry

The summer months are in full swing, and people have begun venturing outside to enjoy nature, spend time with friends, and just chill out. With so much activity, bellies are destined to grumble. And hungry bellies need tasty summer snacks to satisfy them, but choosing the right snacks requires a bit of work.

For a snack to do its job, it should accomplish three things. First and most importantly, the best snacks taste good. Second, they provide you with some sort of benefit — usually through a combination of nutrients. Third, effective snacks leave you satisfied and stave off hunger by incorporating slow-digesting proteins, fats, or fiber.

In no way does this mean you have to stringently evaluate your snacks, and there’s nothing wrong with indulging yourself. But keeping these summer snack goals in mind will surely get you the most bang for your buck.

Here are 10 of our favorite options for summer snacking!

Cut Fruit

It wouldn’t be summer without a few pieces of freshly sliced fruit. Pineapple, watermelon, kiwi — it’s impossible to wrong with fresh fruit. They taste heavenly, are loaded with nutrients, and the fructose — or fruit sugar — releases slowly to give you a steady flow of energy.

Homemade Granola Bars

Some of the best summer snacks can be made in your own kitchen. Homemade granola bars offer limitless flavor possibilities and can cater to all dietary needs. The best part? They’re super easy to make, and there are plenty of no-bake options for those of us trying to keep the kitchen cool!

Veggies & Hummus

Low in calories but rich in nutrients, veggies pair perfectly with hummus. The fiber found in veggies combined with the fat and protein of hummus will keep you satiated until your next meal arrives. From baby carrots to cucumbers and from snap peas to celery, you can’t go wrong with veggies and hummus.

Water

Somewhere around 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration. With the majority of our bodies being made of water, it’s pretty crucial for survival. In some cases, thirst may even be mistaken for hunger. Staying hydrated — especially when it’s hot —mitigates thirst and keeps your body running smoothly.

Mini Egg Muffins

Whether you’re looking for a savory snack or a grab-and-go breakfast, mini egg muffins will leave you happy, not hungry. These frittatas taste just as good out of the pan as they do from the fridge. So if you don’t have time to whip up a mini muffin in the moment — and who does? —they’ll be ready and waiting for you in the fridge.

DIY Trail Mix

Although it won’t sustain you on a long hike, a bag of trail mix is a tasty and nutritious option. The combination of several summer snacks — like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and even chocolate — makes for a simple, cost-effective way to stave off hunger when it’s hot outside. Just be sure not to leave the chocolate in the sun for too long!

Greek Yogurt

Time and time again, Greek yogurt has proven itself to be one of the most versatile summer snacks available. With so many different flavor and topping combos — I like to put a bit of cereal or granola on top — it’s easy to make it unique. Additionally, its robust protein content makes it a highly effective and satiating snack.

Colorful Smoothies

Even more versatile than Greek yogurt, smoothies bring flavor, color, and creativity to your summer snacks. Whether you opt for a drinkable smoothie or a slightly thicker bowl, the ingredients that go into it — not to mention the toppings — boast truly endless possibilities.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, try combining equal parts frozen mango and pineapple with some apple juice and a handful of spinach. You’ll be left with a beautiful green smoothie that transports you to a tropical paradise.

A Nut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

A classic combination, jelly and nut butter — of the almond, peanut, cashew, or other variety — packs a tasty and nutritious punch. It also keeps way better than mayo or lunch meat, so it’s perfect to take for a day outside!

Pro tip: lather nut butter on both pieces of bread to help keep the bread from getting soggy!

Chocolate Milk

A childhood favorite, chocolate milk is equally refreshing on a hot day as it is... well, any other time! Full of nutrients, chocolate milk will have you feeling like a kid again in no time, and it’ll fend off your hunger with ease.

Summer Snacks to Keep You Happy, Not Hungry

The right snack tastes good, gives you energy, and keeps you satiated. On the other hand, the wrong snack can bring your whole day toppling down. That’s a little dramatic, but still, subpar summer snacks are just that: subpar.

By elevating your snack choices, you can keep your tastebuds happy while making the most of your summer fun!

What are your favorite summer snacks to munch on? Drop a comment and let us know!