Boat Snacks: What To Eat While Sailing

When it comes to snacks, boat food is a whole different kettle of fish. You need to consider mess, ease of eating, and preparation, as well as taste. So, what are the best boat snacks? Well, it depends on what you like, but there are some tried and tested favourites. If you're looking for something sweet, candied ginger is a great option for motion sickness, and fruit snacks, popcorn, and cookies are always a hit. Hummus and carrots are a popular savoury choice, as are chips and dips, and sandwiches (assembled on the boat to avoid sogginess). For those after a more substantial snack, wraps, walking tacos, and thermos hot dogs are all boat-friendly options. And don't forget the drinks – water is essential, but some like to bring alcohol too.

Sweet snacks: candied ginger, trail mix, energy bites, fruit snacks, and berries

Sweet snacks are a great way to keep your energy up while also satisfying your sugar cravings. Here are some sweet snack options that are perfect for a boat trip:

Candied Ginger

Candied ginger is an excellent sweet snack to bring on a boat trip, especially if you're prone to seasickness. It's known to help settle the stomach and can be a tasty treat when you need a quick energy boost. The sweet and spicy flavour of candied ginger can be a refreshing change from other snacks.

Trail Mix

Trail mix is a classic snack that is both delicious and nutritious. It's a convenient option for boating as it's portable, easy to eat, and provides good energy. You can make your own mix at home or buy a pre-made one, ensuring it has a good mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to keep it healthy. Trail mix is a great way to keep your hunger at bay and give you a boost of heart-healthy fats and protein.

Energy Bites

No-bake energy bites are a fantastic option for a sweet snack on a boat trip. They are compact and can be customised with your favourite dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips. Energy bites provide a quick energy boost and can be a healthier alternative to other sweet treats. They are easy to make and store, making them a convenient option for boating adventures.

Fruit Snacks

Fruit snacks, such as dried fruit or fruit pouches, are a great alternative to fresh fruit, especially if you're looking for a mess-free option. They are easy to pack and can be kept in a cooler to stay fresh. Fruit snacks provide a burst of sweetness and can be a good source of vitamins and nutrients.

Berries

Berries are a healthy and refreshing snack option for a boat trip. You can bring them fresh or freeze them beforehand for an extra refreshing treat. Berries are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, providing health benefits while satisfying your sweet tooth. They are also a great option for kids, as they can be eaten whole and are less messy than other fruits.

So, whether you're looking for a quick energy boost, a sweet treat, or a nutritious option, these sweet snacks will surely enhance your boat trip experience!

Savory snacks: chips, popcorn, roasted chickpeas, olives, and almonds

When it comes to boat snacks, it's best to prepare ahead of time and opt for portable options with little to no packaging. Savory snacks are a great way to keep hunger at bay and satisfy everyone's taste buds. Here are some delicious savory snack ideas centered around chips, popcorn, roasted chickpeas, olives, and almonds:

Chips

Chips are a classic snack option and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. For a simple approach, bring along a bag of your favorite variety, such as classic potato chips or Stacy's Pita Chips. If you're feeling creative, you can make walking tacos by preparing meat and other fixings ahead of time and adding them to a bag of chips for an on-the-go taco experience. For a healthier alternative, consider baking your own chips at home, such as baked banana chips or sweet potato chips.

Popcorn

Light and fluffy popcorn is another excellent boat snack that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Basic popcorn is a great starting point, but you can also experiment with different flavors. Try making Cajun-spiced popcorn with paprika, cayenne, and garlic, or go for a sweet option like cinnamon roll popcorn. If you're feeling adventurous, there's even a Pad Thai-inspired popcorn recipe that incorporates fish sauce, lime, chile paste, and cilantro.

Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are a fantastic healthy alternative to chips. They can be seasoned in a variety of ways and are great for snacking or as a salad topper. A simple recipe involves tossing chickpeas in olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of black pepper before roasting them in the oven until crispy. You can adjust the spices to your taste and even add Parmesan cheese after roasting for an extra savory kick.

Olives

Olives are a classic savory snack and can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into recipes. For a simple option, bring along a container of your favorite variety of brine-cured olives, such as Kalamata or Nicoise. If you want to get creative, you can make olive tapenade by blending olives with capers, anchovies, parsley, lemon juice, and seasonings. Serve it with slices of bread for a tasty and healthy snack option.

Almonds

Almonds are a versatile and nutritious snack option for your boat trip. They can be enjoyed raw or roasted, and there are endless flavor possibilities. For a sweet and spicy kick, try roasting almonds with honey, olive oil, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. You can also experiment with different types of honey, such as ghost pepper honey, for an extra punch of heat. Roasted almonds are perfect for snacking, and they also make a great addition to salads or hiking mixes.

Protein-filled snacks: jerky, charcuterie, hard-boiled eggs, and tuna salad

When it comes to boating, protein-filled snacks are a must to keep energy levels up. Here are some ideas for protein-rich snacks that are perfect for a day out on the water:

Jerky

A classic, protein-packed snack option, jerky is a great choice for boating as it doesn't require refrigeration and comes in a variety of flavors to suit everyone's taste. It's a convenient snack that can be easily purchased at most grocery stores or gas stations, or even made at home.

Charcuterie

A charcuterie board or box is a fun and tasty way to enjoy a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and crackers while out on the water. This snack option is easily customizable and can be as simple or elaborate as you like. It's a great way to elevate your boating experience and impress your guests.

Hard-boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, making them a nutritious and filling snack option for boating. They can be prepared in advance and stored easily in a cooler. For a fun presentation, especially if you have kids on board, consider making "egg boats" by cutting the eggs in half and adding a triangle-shaped cheese sail on a pretzel stick mast.

Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is a versatile and easy snack option that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be eaten as a dip with crackers or vegetables, or used as a filling for sandwiches or sliders. Canned tuna is affordable and doesn't require refrigeration, making it a convenient choice for boating trips.

With these protein-filled snack options, you'll be sure to keep everyone satisfied and energized during your day out on the water.

Fruits and vegetables: hummus with veggies, watermelon, cherry tomatoes, and grapes

Fruits and vegetables are a great choice for boat snacks, as they are healthy, refreshing, and easy to prepare. Here are some ideas for fruit and vegetable snacks to enjoy on your next boating adventure:

Hummus with Veggies

Hummus is a delicious and healthy dip that pairs well with a variety of fresh vegetables. Cut up some carrots, cucumbers, peppers, or broccoli into easy-to-grab sticks or slices. Hummus is a great option for boating as it is easy to store and transport and provides a filling and nutritious snack.

Watermelon

Watermelon is the perfect refreshing snack for a hot day on the boat. It is hydrating and sweet, and you can bring it along in slices or cubes, or even leave it whole and cut it up later. Watermelon is also mess-free, which is always a bonus on a boat!

Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are a great snack option, packed with vitamins and nutrients. They are sweet and juicy, and their small size makes them easy to pop into your mouth. Bring them along in a container, or thread them onto a skewer with other veggies or cheese for a fun and tasty snack.

Grapes

Grapes are another excellent choice for a boat snack. They are small, portable, and can be frozen ahead of time for an extra refreshing treat. Like cherry tomatoes, grapes are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making them a healthy and delicious option.

When packing fruit and vegetable snacks for your boat trip, remember to pre-cut everything for easy serving. You may also want to avoid fruits that are messy or leave stains, such as oranges or certain types of chips.

Mini-meals: wraps, walking tacos, hot dogs, pasta salad, and sandwiches

Wraps, walking tacos, hot dogs, pasta salad, and sandwiches are all great mini-meal options for a boat trip. They are easy to make, portable, and mess-free. Here are some ideas and recipes to get you started:

Wraps

Wraps are an excellent option for a boat trip as they are compact, don't get soggy, and can be easily chilled. They are also very versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for wrap fillings:

• Antipasto: Salami, mozzarella, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and garlic basil cream cheese.
• Cucumber and cream cheese: Cucumber and cream cheese rolled up in lavash bread.
• Indian kathi roll: A popular Indian street food made with paneer and natural ingredients.
• Thai chicken: Carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers with chicken.
• Halloumi: Halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts.
• Fresh spring rolls: An Asian-inspired wrap with veggies and a peanut sauce.
• Caprese salad and prosciutto: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and prosciutto with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Veggie with apples and spicy hummus: A Middle Eastern-inspired wrap with crunchy apples and spicy hummus.
• Greek chicken: Grilled chicken, veggies, feta cheese, and Greek dressing.
• Turkey club ranch: Turkey (leftover or deli meat), ranch, and veggies.
• Plant-based collard green wraps: Collard greens, millet, roasted veggies, and a fruity sauce.
• Buffalo tahini quinoa and rice: Gluten-free, vegan, and top 8 allergy-free.
• Cranberry chicken salad spinach wraps: Chicken, cranberries, and spinach.
• Keto cheese wraps: Chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese.
• Southwest chicken: Chicken, corn, black beans, lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce.
• Chicken shawarma: Grilled chicken with aromatic spices.
• Mediterranean smoked turkey: Hummus, greens, tomatoes, matchstick carrots, and feta cheese.
• Chicken strawberry salad: Chicken, strawberries, and avocado.

Walking Tacos

Walking tacos are a fun and easy option for a boat trip. They are especially great if you have kids on board or if you want to avoid doing the dishes. All you need is a bag of tortilla chips (such as Doritos) and some taco meat (ground beef with taco seasoning). You can also add cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa or taco sauce. Simply crush the chips in the bag, add the ingredients, and mix. Eat with a fork and throw the bag away when you're done!

Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are a classic and easy option for a boat trip. They can be slathered with mustard or other condiments for a tasty and messy treat. If you're looking for something more substantial, you can also make pigs in a blanket by wrapping mini crescent dogs in pastry.

Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a great make-ahead option for a boat trip, and it can be customized to your taste. Simply cook your favorite type of pasta and add your choice of veggies, meat, and dressing. A vinegar-and-oil dressing tends to last longer and has a lower risk of food poisoning if the refrigerator isn't cold enough. You can also add some chicken or vegetable bouillon powder to the water when cooking the pasta for extra flavor.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are a classic option for a boat trip, and there are endless possibilities for fillings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Chicken salad sandwich loaf: Chicken salad stuffed into a hollowed-out French stick.
• Toasted chipotle turkey melt: Toasted sandwiches with turkey and cheese.
• Philly cheesesteak loaf sandwich: Melty cheese and steak, perfect if you have a grill on your boat.
• Roast beef sandwich loaf: Roast beef and other ingredients stuffed into large rolls and sliced upon request.
• Pimento cheese sandwiches: Sharp cheddar, horseradish, and cayenne pepper with veggies.
• Peanut butter, pear, and cream cheese: Crunchy peanut butter, cream cheese, and sliced pears with honey.
• Nutella and banana on challah: Nutella and banana on thick slices of challah bread.
• Greek salad pitta sandwiches: Cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and red-pepper tzatziki in a pita.
• Santa Fe falafel sandwich: Falafel, pita bread, and messy sandwich fillings.
• Vegan BLT: Smoky eggplant bacon, crispy lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tahini-based mayo.
• Pita pockets with roasted veggies and hummus: Vegan rainbow pita bread filled with hummus and roasted veggies.
• Vegan cream cheese sandwich: Vegan cream cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Frequently asked questions