Pack Light for 4th of July Parade Snacks

With the kids in tow, and maybe even the family dog, keep it simple this weekend when it comes to eats on the go. Pack light and remember the ice pack – a sensible balance of protein and fruit will be a tasty snack on the sidelines, with minimal mess. Here’s our list of totable tastes for the 4th of July parade. 

Beverages: Stay hydrated and pack bottled water, juice boxes, a thermos of lemonade or iced tea. Remember a plastic bowl for the dog too. 

Crunchy packs: Individually bagged snack packs of chips or cookies are a great way to keep snacks on the move when little hands are out and about. Portion control is automatic when each child gets his or her own bag of Teddy Grahams, Mini Ahoys or Goldfish. For the more health conscious, a bag of trail mix will do just fine as well.

Red, White and Blue Fruit: Though it looks perfect on the picnic table and conjures up memories of many a family reunion and church picnic, sliced watermelon can get a little sticky and pretty soggy when it’s packed up and then slurped up in the hot summer sun. So that’s a fruit to savor later.

Opt instead for the red, white and blue berries that keep their cool and make for a great refreshment. Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, chilled in a glass bowl overnight and then covered with plastic wrap can go right into the cooler tote. They’ll be good to go for at least 3 hours.

Yogurt: The McDonalds yogurt parfait, or the Starbucks Greek yogurt cup, are an ideal protein intake that looks fancy enough to make your parade treat an extra special indulgence. In their plastic cups, they can be placed in a cooler and enjoyed when the time is just right. 

Sandwiches: PB&J might not seem like a special holiday meal, but sometimes it’s the basics that keep kids smiling. Maybe that’s why Potbelly’s features this tried and true choice on its menu.

Enjoy your eats at the Midwest’s biggest 4th of July parade!