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30 Easy Swim Meet Snack Ideas

swimming team snack with swimming pool in backgroundOn meet days, swimmers need quick, energy-boosting snacks they can scarf down between races. Here are 30 swim meet snack ideas that are yummy and easy to toss in your swim bag. 

Veg-out

  1. Hummus - Pack a variety of dippers like pretzels, carrots, cucumbers and pita chips to have options for even the pickiest snacker. Bonus: hummus is made from chickpeas, which provide protein to strengthen muscles for the perfect butterfly stroke.
  2. Ants on a Log - This simple combo of celery, peanut butter and a line of raisins is sure to delight younger swimmers while packing a healthy punch of protein. If your teammates have allergies, try sun butter, which is made from sunflower seeds.
  3. Baby Carrots - Bring single-serve ranch or dressing cups for added flavor.
  4. Edamame - These soybeans are a great grab-and-go snack since swimmers can eat the peas straight from the pods. Add sea salt for extra flavor, and be sure to bring an extra bag for discarded pods.
  5. Veggie Chips - Make your own by tossing thinly-sliced sweet potatoes, zucchini and kale with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then cook them on a baking sheet until lightly brown and crispy.  

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Fast and Fruity

  1. Orange Slices - Cut and peel oranges ahead of time for convenience.
  2. Apples - Serve whole, or cut them up and bring peanut butter to dip for an extra protein boost.
  3. Strawberries - Simply wash them and bring them in their container from the store. Buy or make yogurt dip for extra protein and a dash of sweetness.
  4. Fig Bars - Figs are a great source of fiber and vitamins to keep swimmers’ energy up.
 
 
  1. Bananas - This potassium-packed treat can help ward off sore muscles and cramping. (Another great one to pair with peanut or nut-free butter!)
  2. Frozen Fruit - Try freezing watermelon slices or grapes for a tasty way to beat the heat.
  3. Applesauce and Fruit Pouches - Often found in the baby food section, these portable pouches are healthy and delicious for all ages.
  4. Raisins - The small boxes are easy to pass out to the team for a quick, sweet snack between races.

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Salty Stuff

  1. Pretzels - Try them dipped in peanut butter or pimento cheese.
  2. Dried Chickpeas - Buy at the store or make them at home, where you can season with spices like turmeric and pepper.
  3. Trail Mix - Get your swimmers involved the night before the meet by having them put together their favorite combination of pretzels, nuts, dried fruit, granola and even chocolate.
  4. Popcorn - You may need to pop ahead of time (or borrow the microwave at the concession stand, if applicable). Look for lightly salted varieties rather than the heavy-butter stuff to save on calories.
  5. Cheese Crackers - Make your cracker sandwiches ahead of time so swimmers can grab-and-go. Choose wheat crackers and low-fat cheese if you want a healthier option.          
  6. Mixed Nuts - Every handful will deliver plenty of protein. Choose plain or lightly salted to cut down on sodium.

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Protein Power

  1. Greek Yogurt - Try pouches if the spoon variety is too messy for the pool deck.
  2. Peanuts - Buy single-serve packs or divide a large package into smaller bags. These protein-packed nuts are a great and easy snack (if your team is allergy-free, of course).
  3. String Cheese - Who doesn’t love cheese? There are lots of options: mozzarella is fun to pull apart while cheddar jack has a cool speckled look.
  4. Protein Bars - Look for varieties that are high in protein and fiber but low in sugar.
  5. Graham Crackers and Peanut Butter - Make mini-sandwiches ahead of time or let swimmers dip crackers into the peanut butter as they go.
  6. Homemade Protein Balls - Find a recipe online — most contain a combination of nut butter, whey protein and chia seeds.
  7. Hardboiled Eggs - These will take some prep-work ahead of time, but swimmers can peel and eat these protein-packed snacks themselves.
  8. Turkey Rollups - Roll a slice of cheese up in a slice of deli turkey for a low carb snack.
  9. Beef Jerky - The average piece of jerky has about 7 grams of protein, and the packs are easy to toss into a swim bag. Stay away from spicy flavors though, because the heat combined with swimmers’ horizontal position can be a recipe for acid reflux.
  10. Whey Protein Shakes - Choose a protein powder with the simplest ingredients possible, and have swimmers shake it up with water or milk in a sports bottle.
  11. Tuna Pouches - Leave the can opener at home and opt for pouches that will be easy for swimmers to open and dip crackers in.
Whether you’re on the pool deck for a full day or just a quick meet, these snacks are sure to keep your swimmers satisfied. 

Sarah Pryor is a journalist, wife, mom and Auburn football fan living in Charlotte, N.C. 

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