Share this article:
Do athletes need snacks? Most coaches and parents would agree that the answer is a resounding yes! By providing snacks for sports, you can ensure players have the energy they need to feel good and perform at their best. Plus, games often go long, so it’s smart to have easy athlete snacks on hand to tide kids over until their next meal.
Let’s take a look at some kid-approved snacks for sports as well as how to set up a simple snack schedule for parents so everyone can contribute and stay in the loop.
When planning snacks for sports games and practices, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the snack options out there. So, what is the best snack for sports? Here are some of our favorite easy athlete snacks:
Baked Chips
Less greasy than regular potato chips, these game day snacks offer a nice crunch and keep hands and uniforms clean.
Orange Slices
When it comes to baseball, football, and soccer snacks, ideas like orange slices are often a classic choice. Why? Oranges are juicy and refreshing—making them the perfect hydrating option for an outdoor game on a hot day. Plus, these nutritious snacks for kids are filled with Vitamin C and potassium.
Trail Mix
Looking for energy snacks for kid athletes? You can’t beat trail mix made with granola, nuts, seeds, whole grain cereal, and more. We love that trail mix is completely customizable, so you can experiment with adding fun ingredients like raisins, coconut flakes, and delicious Welch’s® Fruit ‘n Yogurt™ Snacks. They’re made with real fruit surrounded by creamy yogurt and are a good source of calcium and Vitamin D.
Snack Bars
The snack bar category is ever-expanding, with options including protein bars, granola bars, energy bars, and more in a wide variety of flavor varieties. These high protein snacks are often available in bulk at club stores for convenience.
Mini Bagels
Wondering what to eat before a game? Mini bagels are a great choice because they provide carbs for energy in a small portion. Consider adding spreads ahead of time so you won’t need utensils and keep some bagels plain for any picky eaters on the team.
Bagel Chips
Also in the bagel category, we have yummy and crunchy bagel chips. They’re a great alternative to crackers and come in many different flavors for variety. These snacks for sports are often a hit with parents, too, so feel free to steal some!
Pita Chips
Similarly, pita chips are another great alternative to crackers and also come in lots of flavors like sea salt, sundried tomato, parmesan, and more.
Fruit Kebabs
In the market for nutritious snacks for kids that are refreshing and fun to eat? Make fruit kebabs by threading a bamboo skewer with alternating pieces of fruit, such as pineapple, strawberries, melon, etc. Pack them in a color and be sure to bring napkins.
Yogurt Tubes
Another option for the cooler is yogurt tubes. These easy athlete snacks tend to be a favorite with kids of all ages.
Turkey Jerky
These high protein snacks are great because they’re filling and don’t require refrigeration.
Welch’s® Fruit Snacks
Individually packaged for on-the-go convenience, Welch’s® Fruit Snacks are made with real fruit and are an excellent source of Vitamins A, C & E. They’re one of our favorite after-game snack ideas as a treat to celebrate a job well done!
Don’t Forget Water!
Keeping kids healthy during sports practices and games is so important, and it goes without saying that hydration is key. Have players bring their own reusable water bottles and encourage regular water breaks. You may also want to keep large refill jugs on hand along with some disposable cups for kids who may have forgotten their water bottles. Some teams also like to bring sports drinks for an extra dose of electrolytes and hydration.
Organizing a snack parent schedule is a great way to ensure that everyone pitches in and takes turns providing simple snacks for sports games and practices. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to set up a schedule that will keep everyone on track:
1. Check with the coach.
First, ask the coach or team manager if they’re OK with parents bringing in snacks, Next, find out if the coach has preferred timing. For example: Would they prefer half-time snacks or is it OK to come up with after-game snack ideas as well?
2. Reach out to team parents.
Email or text parents to let them know about your team’s need for snacks. For sports parents, volunteering to bring in snacks is a typical and expected part of the overall experience, so hopefully you’ll have plenty of volunteers who are willing to supply energy snacks for kid athletes on a rotating basis.
3. Create a schedule.
Use a shared calendar or sign-up tool to make a snack schedule. Assign each parent a specific date for which to provide snacks for sports practices and games. Be sure to include names, number of kids, contact info, etc. Life happens, and sometimes parents may need to reschedule or swap dates. Be flexible and willing to accommodate changes as needed.
4. Provide parents with guidelines.
Share guidelines with parents on which types of game day snacks are appropriate. Be sure to flag any allergies for players who have gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free needs. Also let parents know if there’s a designated snack area or if it’s OK to hand out snacks directly to players.
5. Send reminders and thank yous.
Reach out to snack parents a few days before their scheduled date to remind them of their snack duties. Many scheduling tools have automated reminders built into their systems to make life easier! You may also want to send a quick thank you for bringing in game day snacks!
By providing young athletes with the best snacks for sports and keeping parents on track with an organized snack schedule, your team will be well-fueled and ready for the big win. Be sure to power up your players with delicious and kid-approved Welch’s® Fruit Snacks—always a winning choice!
