15 No Mess Boat Day Snack Ideas
I don’t know about you but the second I step on a boat I’m feeling hungry. Whether you are hosting a boat day or showing up as a guest, planning for boating snacks can be made easy and efficient with these tips. My first tip for food packing is to invest in some good plastic containers. Plastic is highly recommended over glass whenever you are on a boat or near water. The possibility of wet hands dropping something is increased and broken glass is a high risk. Here are my favorite 15 No-Mess Snack Ideas easy enough to put together but substantial enough to keep you full for an entire day on the water.
1. Fruit
Fruits are one of the best snacks to pack because they can be kept cool in the cooler and be eaten at any time. Not all fruit is created equal on a boat and you want to pick low maintenance fruits for your day. The best kind of fruits for a boat are the ones that you can peel and eat like bananas, oranges, and tangerines. Apples are also great as well because you can wash them beforehand then snack on them and the same goes for grapes. Bonus points if they are frozen grapes for a hot day!
2. Pasta Salad
Try this healthy snack packed with carbs, protein, minerals, vitamins, and essential fats your body needs. There are many different recipes you can follow depending on what you like. Not only will pasta salad keep you feeling full, it will also stay fresh in the cooler for your whole day. Here is my favorite pasta salad recipe that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare.
3. Cheese
Need I say more? Cheese! Sliced cheese, string cheese, or cubed cheese, anyway it’s cut it makes for a great boat snack as cheese is easy to eat, easy to store, and packed full of protein and fats to keep you going.
4. Sliced Vegetables
Similar to fruit, sliced veggies are simple to prepare, simple to store, and easy to eat with no knives or forks required meaning you won’t have to pack as much. Lots of fruit and vegetables are also great sources of water and will keep you hydrated.
5. Goldfish Crackers
These are always popular with kids and even adults because you can’t deny their packability and nautical theme.
6. Hawaiian Roll “Sammies”
These are easy to prepare and you can use the same packaging they came in to pack them for even less effort. There are plenty of different variations you can prepare. My personal favorite is ham and cheese. Find more ideas for what to prepare on a Hawaiian roll here.
7. Chicken Tenders and Popcorn Chicken
It’s super easy to grab a family-style bucket of fried chicken that hits the spot for almost everyone after a long day on the water. It may be cold by dinnertime but in my experience no one ever minds!
8. Walking Taco
Taco ingredients transform a bag of chips into a taco in-a-bag. By making the meat ahead of time and either pre preparing them or bringing all the fixings on board, they make for an easy on-the-go dinner or boat snack. Check out the recipe onPicky-Palate.
9. Pinwheel Sandwiches
These bite size, easy sandwiches are perfect for on the go. Make them yourself or pick up a pre-made platter from the grocery store.
10. Cold Dips
Veggies and chips are made even better with a great dip. Dips are often hard to keep warm, especially when on-the-go, so I recommend looking at cold dip recipes. A few of my favorites include this Beer Dip (served with pretzels) or Trader Joe’s buffalo chicken dip.
11. No Bake Energy Bites
No bake energy bites are the perfect make-ahead recipe to keep on hand for healthy on the go snacking. They have the taste of a granola bar without the hassle of the crumbs. This easy recipe takes less than 25 minutes to prepare.
12. Pigs in a Blanket
With just two ingredient, this no-mess snack is always a crowd pleaser. Serve with honey mustard or your favorite condiment. I like to use Pillsbury Crescent for the crust. You can find this easy recipe here.
13. Dill Pickle Wraps
Step outside the box and consider this low carb and gluten free snack. These are made by wrapping whole dill pickles in cream cheese and dried beef, ham deli slices, or any other sliced meat of your choice. This salty and savory snack will surely satisfy any hungry tummy. Find the full recipe here.
14. Hard Boiled Eggs
This classic healthy snack is perfect for boat days because not only are they an excellent source of protein but it is said that crushed egg shells attract fish. So if you are having a slow day on the water, peel the eggs, sprinkle some shells overboard, and watch what you attract!
15. Skewers
Skewers are the ultimate no mess boating snack because they are bite sized and easily packable. You can choose between many different variations including meat, pasta, vegetables, or fruit. I like caprese skewers which include mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and tomatoes. Finish these off with a balsamic drizzle and enjoy this fresh snack. You can even add tortellini for a different variation, found here.
Snacks to Avoid
Depending on how long you plan to be out on the water it is best to avoid snacks that are “high-maintenance.” You’ll want to avoid bringing food and drinks that tend to cause a mess. This includes things like ice cream, chocolate or anything else that melts in the sun. Red wine, kool-aid, and other bright-colored drinks are a no-go when it comes to a boat day since they can stain the boat interior and other surfaces. Steer clear of sticky candies or other food that is hard to clean up.
Conclusion
Be sure to pack tons of hydrating fluids for your day on the water. Bring a combination of water and your kid’s favorite juices, sports drinks, or soda. Essentials to pack for your boat day include plates, cutlery, and supplies to clean up any spills or messes. Another important tip is to have a trash bag onboard that is secured to the boat and deep enough to put in the trash while keeping it protected from the wind.
Careful preparation will make it much easier to have an enjoyable no mess picnic on the water. Brining along any of these boating snacks will surely keep you and your guests feeling full. Enjoy your trip – and bon appetit!
