Post-Game Basketball Snacks For Kids
If your kiddos play basketball, then you know all too well that practices and games are intense! Young athletes need the right snacks to keep them going, and you’re in the perfect spot to provide these replenishing goodies. Whether you’re a parent or a coach, having quick, nutritious, and fun options on hand can make all the difference. Let’s get into some great snack ideas to keep your future basketball star running on and off the court!
Quick and Easy Snack Ideas
Here’s a roundup of simple, tasty snacks that require minimal prep and are ideal for a tasty post-game break!
GoGo squeeZ®
You already know GoGo squeeZ® is going to be on this list! Our variety of portable, good-for-you snack options is going to be a favorite among young basketball players. GoGo squeeZ® FRUIT & VEGGIEZ are a standout for kids on the go. Made with a blend of real fruit and veggies, this snack is 100% tasty. They’re a delicious, shelf-stable snack that’s hassle-free. A great option for your kids after practice!
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and veggies are a good-for-you option that can help replenish vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration—just what kids need during and after a game.
- Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: A classic snack that combines sweet apples with creamy peanut butter. It’s perfect for fueling up and satisfying hunger.
- Carrot Sticks with Hummus: Carrots are crunchy and satisfying and pairing them with a dip like hummus is easy and delicious! This combo is a flavorful snack that kids will enjoy chomping away.
- Grape and Cheese Skewers: This fun, portable snack is as easy as it sounds—just thread grapes and cheese cubes onto a skewer for a delicious bite!
- Granola Bars: For a quick grab-and-go snack, granola bars are great. Choose ones with whole grains and a good mix of protein and healthy fats for a satisfying snack that keeps kids full longer.
Snacks with Protein
Protein is key for muscle recovery after practice**, so here are a few protein-packed snacks that are perfect for post-game refueling!
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are a simple, high-protein snack that can be prepped ahead of time and eaten quickly during or after the game. They’re filling, full of nutrients, and easy to carry along.
- Dried meat or jerky: Jerky is just dried meat, and the best part is they come in a bunch of different styles! Beef, turkey, or even tofu—all these options provide that protein that will satisfy your kids.
DIY Basketball-Themed Snack Ideas
Making snacks fun can keep kids excited about eating healthy! For basketball practice, how about themed basketball snacks that are fun and delicious?
Oranges as Basketballs
Turn oranges into mini basketballs! Simply peel an orange and store it in a plastic container for easy, grab-and-go snacking. Plus, they contain vitamin C.
Basketball Cupcakes
Make snack time extra fun with basketball-themed cupcakes! Decorate cupcakes with orange frosting and black icing lines to resemble basketballs. It’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for a post game dessert, and can get kids excited after a hard-fought game.
Tips for Preparing Snacks for Game Day
Here are some practical tips to make sure snacks are fresh, convenient, and easy to transport for game day.
Packable Snacks
For easy packing, choose snacks that can be portioned into small containers or resealable pouches. Pre-portioning snacks like granola bars, apple slices, or cheese cubes ensures that kids get the right amount of treats without any hassle. GoGo squeeZ® is always a great option when talking packable snacks—they’re ready to go and don’t require refrigeration.
Keeping Snacks Fresh
To keep snacks fresh, use insulated bags and ice packs to maintain a cool temperature. Airtight containers are great for snacks that need to stay crisp, like granola bars or veggies. Preparing snacks in advance and storing them properly ensures that your young athletes can enjoy a nutritious snack right after the game.
With these convenient and fun snack ideas, your team players will stay energized and ready for whatever comes next. The GoGo squeeZ® team is always cheering them on—on and off the court!
Sources
* Slavin JL, Lloyd B. Health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Adv Nutr. 2012 Jul 1;3(4):506-16. doi: 10.3945/an.112.002154. PMID: 22797986; PMCID: PMC3649719. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3649719/
** Kreider RB, Campbell B. Protein for exercise and recovery. Phys Sportsmed. 2009 Jun;37(2):13-21. doi: 10.3810/psm.2009.06.1705. PMID: 20048505. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20048505/
