Work up an appetite during your swim? Check out these yummy and easy pool snacks to keep you fueled all summer long!
Snacks to Bring to the Pool
Easy Cheese Straws
The five ingredients in this cheese straws recipe transform into long, crisp cracker sticks. The hand-held snacks make for easy mingling at the pool. —Elizabeth Robinson, Conroe, Texas
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So-Easy Snack Mix
Total Time
5 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I eat this tasty treat just as much as (if not more than) the kids! Have fun with it by adding other goodies into the mix, like nuts, cereal, pretzels and more. —Jeff King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 195 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
3/38
Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids ask for these pita sandwiches all the time. They haven’t noticed that as good as the pitas taste, they’re good for them too.—Kim Holmes, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 324 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 lean meat.
4/38
Trail Mix Slices
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With big handfuls of dried apricots and cherries, almonds and pistachios, we make dozens of treats you can take anywhere.—Donna Pochoday-Stelmach, Morristown, New Jersey
5/38
Roasted Chickpeas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd pleaser? You've found it! These zesty, crunchy chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 178 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
6/38
Cheesy Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Our love for Mexican food inspired me to make party mix with taco seasoning. The flavor is so mild that it's even kid friendly. —Elizabeth Wynne, Aztec, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 151 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
7/38
Easy Banana Muffins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This banana muffin recipe goes over so well with kids. Not only are these banana bread muffins like cupcakes, but they’re ready—start to finish—in just half an hour! —Lorna Greene, Harrington, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 209 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
8/38
Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones
Total Time
35 min
Servings
32 scones
From the Recipe Creator:
Because cheese and sage go so well with apples, I decided to put them all in scones. These mini treats make a fall weekend brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini scone: 109 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
9/38
Nutty Berry Trail Mix
Total Time
5 min
Servings
10 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe, my son’s favorite, earned me an A in my early childhood nutrition course. It lets you take control of what your children snack on! —Cheri Majors, Claremont, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 283 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
10/38
Soft Giant Pretzels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 pretzels
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 pretzel: 193 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
11/38
Oatmeal Muffin
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With Kansas being one of the top wheat-producing states, it seems only fitting to share a recipe containing whole wheat flour. These are great muffins to have for breakfast or a late night snack with a cup of hot cocoa. —Regina Stock, Topeka, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 192 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
12/38
Ranch Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
32 servings (6 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
13/38
Carrot Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cookies are both flavorful and colorful. The shredded carrots add nice bright flecks of orange color.
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 128 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
14/38
Granola Cereal Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet peanut butter bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert or anytime as a quick snack. You can add raisins instead of chocolate chips if you prefer. —Helen Velichko, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 199 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
15/38
Cranberry Orange Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These nice, light muffins, studded with cranberries, have a splash of orange flavor. They're so simple to fix, my husband and I each enjoy one for breakfast almost every morning. —Sara Eichenlaub, Burlington, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 153 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 175mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
16/38
Fruity Cereal Bars
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With dried apples and cranberries, these crispy cereal bars are perfect for snacks or brown-bag lunches. —Giovanna Kranenberg, Cambridge, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 111 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/38
Parmesan Ranch Popcorn
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we've got you covered with this cheesy twist on regular popped popcorn. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 112 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
18/38
Chewy Honey Granola Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, hints of chocolate and cinnamon, and a bit of crunch. To save a few for later, wrap individual bars and place in a resealable freezer container. When you want a satisfying treat on short notice, just grab one and let it thaw for a few minutes. —Tasha Lehman, Williston, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 178 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
19/38
Apple-Almond Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
15 muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to snack on apple slices slathered with almond butter. That's the flavor combo that inspired these muffins. Add a dash of almond extract to boost the nuttiness. —Kelly Alesso, Chicago, IL
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 168 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
20/38
Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix
Total Time
5 min
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 336 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
21/38
Sweet Chipotle Pretzels
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Pretzels are a great snack food. I love this recipe because it is sweet as well as spicy, but not too spicy. It's a great combination for munching. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 209 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
22/38
Crunchy Italian Snack Mix
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time my son visits, he asks me to make "the snack mix." It has become a requirement when we all sit down to play board games. —Sheryl Little, Sherwood, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 292 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
23/38
Cinnamon-Raisin Granola Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these chewy bars with cinnamon, raisin and maple for quick breakfast and road trip. You can use chocolate chips instead of raisins. —Kristina Miedema, Houghton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
24/38
Baked Blueberry Cornmeal Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I bring treats to share with the staff at my school, I try to keep most of the goodies healthy. These moist muffins definitely are, and the cornmeal adds an interesting texture. —Elizabeth Bergeron, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 185 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
25/38
Soft Beer Pretzel Nuggets
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
What goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That’s why I put them together into one recipe. I’m always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors. I love the way this recipe turned out! —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 pretzel nuggets: 144 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
26/38
Garlic & Onion Cashews
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be set for either a quick snack or an easy hostess gift when you use this recipe. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 237 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
27/38
Muffin-Tin Tamale Cakes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
We needed snack inspiration beyond peanut butter and jelly. These muffin tamales have all of the flavor of tamales without the fuss. Pair with skewered fruit. —Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 137 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
28/38
Richard's Breakfast Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My chewy fiber bars with a complex taste are extremely addictive. For clean slices, spray a pizza cutter with cooking spray before cutting.—Richard Cole, Richmond, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 219 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
29/38
Lemony Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-3/4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm on a gluten-restricted diet. I came up with this snack mix one day when I wanted something fast and easy that tasted like lemon bars. It makes a great gift, and folks love the light and fresh citrus flavor. —Patricia Sensenich, Olanthe, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 288 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
30/38
BLT Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These muffins prove that the classic combo of bacon, lettuce and tomato is good for so much more than a sandwich. They're winners at both breakfast and dinner. —Katie Koziolek, Hartland, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 185 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 385mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
31/38
Peach Cobbler Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister brought me fresh peaches one year, and we decided to make these fruity cookies. They also make fantastic ice cream sandwiches—just put some vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a delicious summer treat! —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 78 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
32/38
Granola Blueberry Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to put a new spin on muffins, so I mixed in some granola that contained lots of nuts, pumpkin seeds and shredded coconut. Then I brought a batch to work the next morning—success!—Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 188 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
33/38
Snickerdoodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The history of these whimsically named treats has been widely disputed, but their popularity is undeniable. Help yourself to one of our soft cinnamon-sugared cookies and see for yourself. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 82 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
34/38
Five-Spice Pecans
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Talk about a sugar-and-spice treat! Just try to stop eating these toasty, roasty snack nuts. “They’re also great sprinkled on all kinds of salads.”
Anne Leslie - Chandler, IN
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 285 calories, 26g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
35/38
Party Pretzels
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only are these a perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack at work, they're perfect for hungry kids just home from school. Plus, they make for fantastic party food! —Carrie Shaub, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 89 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
36/38
Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cracker: 23 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
37/38
Tender Whole Wheat Muffins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple whole wheat muffins are wonderful paired with soup or spread with a little jam for breakfast. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, NY
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 152 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 393mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
38/38
Cinnamon Twists
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These delightful golden twists are perfect for a spring brunch or lunch. The brown sugar and cinnamon give them a delicate spicy flavor. People can rarely eat just one.
—Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 twist: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 97mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.