4 Types of Snacks for Your Kids’ Sports Teams
It’s sports season again, and you know what that means: driving the kids to practice, cheering at their games and events, and, of course, taking turns with the other parents to supply the team with fun, energizing snacks. But what types of snacks should you choose when it’s your turn?You might be tempted (or requested) to pick up a few boxes of sugary drink packs and chips or cookies, but stop right there. Just because sugary, unhealthy snacks are the norm doesn’t mean that they’re the only option. Healthy snacks can still be fun and exciting, even for kids!
The key is to make sure the types of snacks you’re feeding them are great-tasting, fun and easy to eat, and sure to fill them up with lots of energy and nutrients. And remember: Before you start shopping, be sure to ask about any allergies or dietary restrictions so no one has to go without.
Here are four types of snacks for young sports teams that are sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike.
Homemade Energy Bites
Try whipping up a batch of homemade energy bites and sticking them in the freezer until game day. Not only are these little treats healthy, energizing, and deliciously bite-sized, they’re also easy to tailor to your kids’ specific taste.
Typical energy bite ingredients include oats, nut butter, protein powder, honey or maple sugar, and dried fruit or chocolate. You can also add or remove ingredients to the kids’ tastes and allergy concerns and to accommodate vegan and/or gluten-free diets.
Fruit
Filled with vitamins, natural sugar, and other nutrients, fruit is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a snack that’s both sweet and healthy. Top choices for young athletes include bananas, berries, and oranges, but pretty much any fruits will do.
And another great benefit of snacking on fresh fruit? A lot of it comes in its own organic “wrapper” (a.k.a. the skin), making for easy, environmentally friendly cleanup.
Kids not buying the “healthy” idea? We get it — it’s hard to be the only parent bringing healthy snacks when you’re competing with Dave from nextdoor who brings donuts. Here’s a hack: Bring fruit leather. It’s the healthy alternative to Fruit Roll-Ups, and it’s so yummy that your mini athletes won’t even know it’s healthy.
Homemade Popsicles
Popsicles are a great snack for cooling down after lots of exercise, and they can help to replenish fluids lost through sweat. Unfortunately, store-bought popsicles are also dripping with added sugar and dyes. Why not make your own, using all-natural fruit juice and pieces of real fruit?
There are endless possibilities of flavor — and even color — combinations to keep things fun and interesting. For an extra-smooth consistency, try freezing dairy-free smoothies instead of plain juice. Strawberry, mango, and watermelon pops are guaranteed crowd pleasers — and they’re packed with natural replenishers.
To boost needed electrolytes, add a pinch of sea salt to the juice or smoothies before you freeze them. Some coconut water will help prevent cramped muscles with its punch of potassium. Add some agave if you need extra sweetness, and you’re good to go!
Protein-Filled Snack Packs
When fueling a young sports team — or any sports team, for that matter — you want to be sure they’re getting enough protein. Fortunately, there are lots of different types of snacks you can choose from that are high in protein and convenient to hand out individually.
For more open-minded kids, try packing individual containers of nuts or roasted chickpeas, or adding them to trail mix. Alternatively, serve dollops of nut butter or hummus with fresh fruit and veggies.
And of course, for kids buzzing for junk food, try something like a Cliff bar: these protein-packed carb bars are loaded with sugar, making them a kid favorite, but they’ve got the protein to match.
To round things out, pick up a few bags of our Outstanding Puffs, Outstanding Cheese Balls, or Outstanding Crunchies, all of which offer plenty of plant-based protein, vitamins, and more. The kids will feel like they’re munching on junk food, but you’ll know they’re getting the nutrients they need.
You know your kids are outstanding — why not give them outstanding snacks?
The Best Types of Snacks Are Healthy & Fun
When choosing which types of snacks to offer your kids’ sports team, there’s no need to sacrifice nutritional value for fun and flavor — or vice versa! Instead, opt for snacks that will replenish kids’ energy, steer them away from excess refined sugar, and taste great at the same time.
Ready to pick up some healthy, tasty snacks for the whole team? Find Outstanding Foods snacks in stores near you.
