The forecast is calling for sunshine, your favorite people have cleared their schedules, and your picnic blanket is ready to go.
All that's missing? The perfect picnic snacks.
But don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of inspiration for you to try. Take a look:
Our Top Summer Picnic Snacks
Variety keeps everyone happy at a picnic, so these options guarantee every craving will be satisfied:
Homemade Popcorn
Fresh popcorn made with your trusty Popper is a picnic game-changer. It's satisfyingly crunchy, doesn’t weigh you down, and you can customize the flavors to match your group's preferences. Try the following:
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Sweet: Kettle corn is always a winner in our books, but you can also make Oreo popcorn, marshmallow popcorn, or strawberry popcorn.
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Savory: If you prefer your popcorn salty over sweet, flavors like garlic parmesan or nacho cheese would be right up your alley.
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Spicy: Like snacks that pack a punch? Try chili lime popcorn, sriracha popcorn, or Cajun popcorn.
Trail Mix
Create a custom trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, and maybe some popcorn.
Fresh Fruit
Grapes, berries, and pre-cut melon are refreshing and hydrating. Pack them in a cooler with ice packs, and they'll be perfectly chilled when you're ready to dig in.
Granola Bars
Homemade or store-bought, these are portable powerhouses that won't crumble all over your blanket.
Sandwiches with a Twist
Skip the basic PB&J and try wraps, pinwheels, or sliders. They're easier to eat and less likely to fall apart than traditional sandwiches.
Cheese and Crackers
Pack harder cheeses that won't melt quickly in the heat. Add some grapes or nuts for variety, and voila, you've got an instant charcuterie board.
Veggie Cups
Individual cups filled with hummus, ranch, or your favorite dip at the bottom, with cut vegetables standing upright. They're fun to eat and portion-controlled.
Deviled Eggs
A picnic classic that's protein-packed and always popular. Use a special carrier to keep them from sliding around.
Frozen Fruit Pops
Make your own with pureed fruit and a touch of honey, or buy them pre-made. They're extra refreshing on hot days, and kids absolutely love them.
Fruit Salsas
Mango, pineapple, or strawberry salsa paired with cinnamon sugar tortilla chips creates a knockout combo — sweet and a tad bit spicy!
Baked Brie Bites
Fill puff pastry cups with brie and a dollop of jam or honey, then bake until golden and bubbly. These are great for both a romantic date and a family picnic.
Pickle Roll-Ups
Spread cream cheese on your choice of deli meat and wrap it around a pickle spear. It’s tangy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to eat on the go.
Seasoned Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas tossed with your favorite spices make a crunchy, protein-rich snack that's way more interesting than regular nuts.
Beet Hummus
Blend roasted beets with your usual hummus ingredients, or combine with your favorite store-bought hummus to give it an instant upgrade. The earthy sweetness pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables or pita chips.
Avocado Egg Salad
A lighter twist on the classic that's just as creamy and delicious! Mash ripe avocados with hard-boiled eggs, add a squeeze of lime juice to prevent browning, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Pack it in a cooler and serve with crackers or in sandwich form.
PRO TIP: Prepare this the morning of your picnic for the best color and texture.
Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Celery
A Southern favorite that combines the crunch of celery with creamy, tangy pimento cheese.
If you’re making homemade pimento cheese, mix sharp cheddar with cream cheese, diced pimentos, and a touch of mayo. You can prepare this a few days ahead and keep it in the fridge.
Use fresh celery stalks and assemble at your picnic spot for maximum crunch.
Don’t Forget Drinks
Quench your thirst with these hydrating choices:
Infused Water
Add sliced cucumbers, berries, or mint to your water for a refreshing upgrade that's way more interesting than plain H2O.
Lemonade
Whether homemade or store-bought, lemonade is the quintessential picnic beverage. Pack it in a thermos to keep it cold.
Iced Tea
Sweet tea, unsweetened, or flavored varieties all work well. Whatever you choose, though, we recommend making tea ice cubes so your drinks won’t taste watered down.
Agua Fresca
Blend fresh fruit with water and a touch of lime for these light Mexican-inspired drinks. Watermelon, cucumber, and hibiscus are fantastic options.
Cold Brew Coffee
For the caffeine lovers in your group, cold brew is smooth, less acidic than hot coffee, and perfect for sipping on warm days.
Herbal Sun Tea
Let tea bags steep in water under the sun for a gentle, naturally sweet brew. Chamomile, mint, and fruit teas work particularly well for this method.
Packing Tips for Your Picnic Snacks
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Keep it cool: Invest in a good cooler and plenty of ice packs. Pack items in reverse order — things you'll eat first should be on top.
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Bring backup: Always pack more than you think you'll need. Being outdoors can make people hungrier than usual.
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Think finger foods: The easier something is to eat without a spoon and fork, the better it is for picnics.
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Pack wet wipes: Trust us on this one. Sticky fingers and outdoor eating go hand in hand.
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Don't forget the essentials: Bring napkins, plates, cups, and if needed, utensils. A cutting board and knife can be lifesavers, too.
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Consider dietary restrictions: If you're hosting, ask about allergies or preferences ahead of time.
Picnic Snack Safety
Keep perishable items cold and don't leave them out for more than two hours (one hour if it's over 90°F outside). When in doubt, throw it out — food safety is way more important than avoiding waste.
Pack raw meats separately from ready-to-eat foods, and bring hand sanitizer for before and after handling food.
The Perfect Picnic Spread
Having the right variety of snacks is the secret to a successful picnic.
Aim for a mix of sweet and savory, crunchy and soft, light and filling. This way, everyone finds something they love, and you've got options no matter what the mood calls for.
Ready to take your picnic snacks to the next level? The Popsmith makes it easy to create fresh, flavorful popcorn that's perfect for outdoor adventures. Get your Popper now or bundle n’ save with your choice of popcorn kits for extra convenient snacking!
