11 Sports Bag Snacks for After-School Activities During Back to School

22

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Editorial Policy | Disclosure Policy

Trail Mix

Trail mix is a delightful and nutritious snack, perfect for athletes on the go. This portable mix combines a variety of ingredients that provide energy, protein, and healthy fats, making it an ideal choice for fueling up before or after a workout. You can customize your trail mix with your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and even a sprinkle of chocolate for an added treat!

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients: almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips, sunflower seeds, and coconut flakes.
2. Toss the mixture gently until well combined.
3. Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag for on-the-go snacking. Enjoy!

Energy Bars

Energy bars are a convenient and nutritious snack option for athletes, providing a quick energy boost during workouts or as a post-exercise recovery treat. These homemade energy bars are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nut butter, and dried fruits, making them a perfect addition to any sports bag.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almond butter, honey, dried apricots, chia seeds, chocolate protein powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and form a thick batter.
4. Spread the mixture evenly in the lined baking dish, pressing down firmly.
5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
6. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. Store in an airtight container for on-the-go snacking. Enjoy!

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a versatile and protein-rich snack ideal for athletes, providing not only a creamy texture but also essential nutrients to aid recovery and fuel performance. Whether enjoyed on its own or combined with fruits and nuts, Greek yogurt makes for a nutritious addition to any sports bag.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with honey until well combined.
2. Layer the yogurt mixture in a cup or container.
3. Top with fresh mixed berries, granola, and chopped nuts.
4. Sprinkle cinnamon on top for added flavor.
5. Enjoy immediately or cover and refrigerate for an easy on-the-go snack!

String Cheese

String cheese is a fun, portable snack that provides a good source of protein and calcium, making it an ideal choice for athletes on the go. Enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments, string cheese can be a satisfying snack to keep energy levels up during training or competitions.

Cooking Steps:

1. Unwrap the string cheese sticks.
2. Pair each stick with whole grain crackers and a slice of deli meat.
3. Pack cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices into your sports bag for added freshness.
4. Enjoy as a balanced and easily portable snack during or after your athletic activities!

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit is a delicious and invigorating snack that provides a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, making it perfect for athletes looking for quick energy during practice or competitions. It is easy to pack and can be consumed on-the-go, helping to keep hydration levels up while fueling performance.

Cooking Steps:

1. Wash all fruits thoroughly under running water.
2. Slice the apples and oranges into manageable pieces.
3. Peel the bananas and break them into smaller chunks.
4. Pack grapes and berries into a portable container, ensuring they are secure and won’t squish.
5. Arrange all prepped fruits in your sports bag for easy access and enjoyment during breaks in your athletic activities!

Nut Butter Packets

Nut butter packets are a convenient, high-energy snack that athletes can easily carry for an instant boost of healthy fats and protein. These packets come in a variety of flavors such as almond, peanut, and cashew, making them a tasty addition to any sports bag. They provide sustained energy, making them perfect for pre-game or during-game fuel, and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with fruits, rice cakes, or crackers.

Cooking Steps:

1. Select your favorite nut butter packets from the options provided.
2. Pair each nut butter packet with whole grain crackers and apple slices for a balanced snack.
3. Pack the nut butter packets, crackers, and apple slices into your sports bag for easy access.
4. Enjoy the nut butter directly from the packet or spread it onto crackers and apple slices during your breaks!

Hummus and Veggies

Hummus and veggies make for a revitalizing, nutrient-packed snack that is perfect for athletes looking to maintain their energy levels during intense training sessions or competitions. This wholesome dish combines the creamy goodness of hummus with a variety of crunchy vegetables, offering a satisfying and convenient option to keep in your sports bag. It’s not only delicious but also rich in protein and fiber, providing sustained energy without weighing you down.

Cooking Steps:

1. Choose your favorite type of hummus (store-bought or homemade) and place it in a portable container.
2. Wash and cut your assorted vegetables into sticks or slices for easy snacking.
3. Pack the hummus and veggies in your sports bag, ensuring they’re stored properly to maintain freshness.
4. Enjoy by dipping the vegetables into the hummus during your breaks or whenever you need a quick energy boost!

Jerky

Jerky is a popular protein-rich snack that’s ideal for athletes on the go. This flavorful treat is made by drying meat, which not only preserves it but also intensifies the flavors, making it a perfect portable option for refueling during sports activities. Packed with protein, jerky helps in muscle recovery and keeps hunger at bay, making it a staple in any athlete’s sports bag.

Cooking Steps:

1. Marinate the meat slices in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and spices for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) or set your food dehydrator according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Arrange the marinated meat strips on a baking sheet or dehydrator racks, ensuring they are not overlapping.
4. Dry the meat in the oven or dehydrator for 4-6 hours, flipping halfway through, until the jerky is firm but slightly chewy.
5. Let the jerky cool down, then store it in an airtight container or resealable bag for easy packing in your sports bag. Enjoy as a protein-rich snack whenever needed!

Rice Cakes

Rice cakes are a versatile and lightweight snack that can be easily packed in an athlete’s sports bag. They provide a satisfying crunch and can be topped with various nutrient-dense ingredients for a quick energy boost. Rice cakes are low in calories and can act as a healthy base for protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making them an ideal choice for fuel before or after athletic activities.

Cooking Steps:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Combine the rice, water, and salt in a pot and bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
4. Let the rice cool slightly, then spread it evenly in a thin layer on a baking sheet.
5. Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) and bake for about 1 hour, or until the rice is completely dry and crispy.
6. Once cooled, break the rice into cakes and store them in an airtight container to take with you for a satisfying snack!

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a classic snack option for athletes, providing a portable source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. They are not only convenient to make but also easy to pack in a sports bag, offering sustained energy for long training sessions or competitions. Hard-boiled eggs can be enjoyed on their own or dressed up with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning.

Cooking Steps:

1. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with enough water to be at least one inch above the eggs.
2. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, cover the saucepan with a lid and remove from heat. Let sit for 9-12 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness.
4. Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and water.
5. After the timer goes off, transfer the eggs to the ice bath to cool for at least 5 minutes.
6. Once cooled, peel the eggs, season if desired, and store them in a container for a protein-packed snack on the go!

Granola Clusters

Granola clusters are a nutritious and crunchy snack perfect for athletes looking for a quick energy boost. These bite-sized treats combine oats, nuts, and a touch of sweetener to form clusters that are both delicious and satisfying. Easy to make in batches, they can be stored in a sports bag for on-the-go snacking during training or events.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together rolled oats, chopped nuts, salt, and any optional add-ins.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the honey and nut butter together over low heat until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients and blend until everything is well-coated.
5. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and press down firmly to form clusters.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely before breaking into clusters and storing in an airtight container.