Halftime Snack Do's and Don'ts

Kids have boundless energy (seriously, where does it come from?!). But during halftime, some refueling is necessary to keep spirits high and those touchdown runs on point. So we consulted the experts (i.e. YOU!) for some go-to halftime snacks.

Note, please be sure to ask parents about their kids’ allergies if you’re providing snacks for the whole team.

What to look for (and what to avoid) when choosing halftime snacks for your flag football player

A perfect halftime snack should be easy to eat and easy to digest, and packed with energy to support a second half of play. You’ll want to avoid foods high in fat, fiber and protein as they can slow down digestion and may cause an upset stomach (Sorry– candy, granola bars and nuts have to stay on the sidelines).

Aim for snacks that are

• Rich in simple carbohydrates
• Low in fat
• Low in fiber
• Moderate protein.

Halftime Snack MVPs

Simple. Easy to eat. Refreshing.

By far the most popular choice of parents and players. Easy to prep the day before by slicing them up and tossing them in the freezer. Just pull them out before kick-off so they can thaw during the first half.

Not only is this snack full of great carbs (about 16g per orange) to fuel your kid's game day, but it's also packed with water to help restore all the water lost through sweat. And since it's partially frozen, it'll also help cool down the core body temperature.

Not what you were expecting, right?! Turns out, pretzels are made up of simple carbohydrates that can be easily digested. Plus the salt (with contains sodium, an important electrolyte that enhances your body’s absorption of water) will help your football phenom stay hydrated.

3. Coconut Water

If there's no time for snacks, liquid calories can make a great substitute. One example is coconut water. It's packed with carbohydrates and potassium, an important electrolyte, to keep your athlete hydrated. Take it to the next level by tossing in some frozen fruit. This not only keeps the water colder (which lowers the core body temp), but also provides an extra energy boost for the second half.

Halftime Snack Honorable Mentions

Fresh fruit is a great option because it’s easy to prepare, packed with water and nutrients, and has wide-ranging kid appeal.

• Bananas– cut in half for younger kids so they can peel and eat quickly
• Grapes– fresh grapes are awesome. For a refreshing twist, try frozen ones! Don’t serve to kids under 5.
• Melon– serve in small slices or chunks
• Apple or Pear– cut into wedges and sprinkle with orange juice to prevent browning
• Berries– make a mix of raspberries, strawberries and blueberries

A classic combination, and packed with goodness. Celery contains vitamins and water, and peanut butter (or any other nut butter) is a great source of carbs. Spread the butter on slices of celery and store in plastic baggies for easy access.

For kids who prefer to skip the sweets, consider slices or cubes of light cheese - such as Colby Jack - and some fiber-rich whole wheat crackers.

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Did we forget anything? Share your go-to halftime snack in the comments below!