What to bring to a picnic: Snack ideas, food travel tips & more
Food can be a source of unexpected drama when traveling. You want to avoid any problems on your trip, whether planning a road trip or a picnic in the park. Nobody wants their journey ruined by food-related incidents or, worse, sickness. These tips will prepare you so that you won’t need to worry about temperatures for food safety or food spillage.
How to Keep your food fresh
You must maintain safe food practices when you travel with food that may spoil. When packing for a picnic or trip, it is necessary to use practical containers. You want to avoid discovering that your food is damaged or has spilled. If you are traveling with a cool box, you want to prevent melted ice from getting into your food. Use containers with tightly-fitting lids or leakproof silicone snack bags.
You can pack food in individual portions or by ingredients. This will make it less likely that the containers will pop open when things are jostled while you’re out and about. This is useful as everyone can eat straight from their container and then replace the top.
When you’re ready to eat, packing each ingredient separately in its container will help keep the food from becoming soggy. It’s great for long-distance travel or when you are still determining exactly when you will be eating.
Transporting beverages can be stressful. Packing an insulated cooler with drinkware will ensure that drinks remain cold and tasty even on a warm day. You can also pack drinks in mason jars if you are worried about spills and want to avoid bringing glasses.
You can be confident that the lids will not move, as they are screwed on. Jars are also helpful for transporting other products like yogurt and dressing. However, they are sometimes the best option if you have to worry about rough travel.
Pack Easy Foods
The best foods need minimal preparation when you arrive at your picnic spot. Prepare easy foods to eat at your destination.
Sandwiches make a great addition to picnics. However, they’re not something you should prepare in advance. Once you arrive at your destination, they are easy to make and don’t require much effort. You also don’t need to worry about the bread getting soggy. Sandwiches are versatile. Sandwiches are always delicious, no matter what type you pack.
You can also choose to bring salads on your picnic. Mix them up beforehand and then dress them individually during your picnic. Even pasta salads and bean salads can be prepared in advance. It’s easy to prepare and even simpler to eat. No assembly is needed once the food is ready, so you won’t need to worry about dirtying your hands or taking the time to cook.
It’s hard to make a mistake when it comes to snacking. Packing a picnic with fruits and vegetables cut up for dipping is easy—fruits like bananas, strawberries, and pineapple pair well with yogurt dips. The dips are great with vegetables cut into strips, such as carrots or peppers. Kids will love all the options and may find a new food they love.
Avoid pre-packaged snacks in larger-sized packages. This is usually more expensive, creating more waste than buying the larger box and dividing the contents into reusable bags and containers.
Avoid ice cream and popsicles when choosing sweet treats for your picnic. They are easily spoiled or melted. Eating frozen treats on a hot day may be tempting, but they can quickly melt. You can make your favorite cookies and brownies in a sheet pan beforehand. Let them cool down before you package them. Make sure that they do not create condensation in their containers. Nobody likes soggy cookies. Try a new recipe, like Chocolate Zucchini Cake, if you’re looking to make something healthier or sneak some extra vegetables in. Try a recipe that doesn’t require baking. These are usually easy to prepare and can be portioned for travel.
It’s important to remember the drinks when preparing your meals. Aguas Frescas, or homemade lemonades, are refreshing drinks for spring and summer days. You usually only need a few ingredients, making these drinks easy to make. You can easily customize these drinks to suit your tastes. Add fresh fruit to your glass for a delicious option everyone will enjoy.
Don’t forget the essentials
Picnics are more than the food that you bring. What will you use to eat or drink? What will you be sitting under? What bag should you use to carry your belongings? You want all essentials to be remembered when preparing for a natural picnic.
Packing a cute basket for your picnic is a good idea, but is this the best option? Consider the food you will bring and decide whether it is the best option. Bring an insulated bag if you want to keep your food cool. Bring a cooler if there will be many people at the event. Investing in a wheeled cooler is a good idea if you travel a lot.
Prepare a place to sit. No one wants to eat on the ground or grass. Consider the blanket you want to use, and choose one that is machine washable if it becomes dirty. Pack some lightweight outdoor cushions, which are either waterproof or machine-washable. This will allow you to avoid sitting on a hard surface. Bring a few folding chairs if you plan to stay for some time. This will prevent any discomfort caused by sitting on the floor.
Ensure all the necessary utensils, including plates, cups, and other dishes. Use portable containers if you’re tempted to bring disposable plates and cutlery. You can save money while also helping the environment. Bring a table to eat on or set food and dishes down. This will prevent drinks and dishes from spilling all over your blanket if you are unsure if the ground is uneven. Pack a board and any seasonings you might need if you plan to chop up fruits like watermelon.