Mid-Summer Slump? These Vegan Snacks Are Saving My Sanity

By July, let’s be real—we’re all just trying to survive the heat, the chaos, and the hundredth time we’ve heard “I’m hungry!” before 10 a.m.

I don’t know about you, but at this point in the summer, the shiny excitement of June has officially worn off. Camps are in full swing (or maybe they’ve ended), the house looks like a snack tornado hit it, and I swear my kids are on a mission to see if they can eat every single hour of the day.

Oh—and if you’re trying to lean more plant-based right now? Good luck finding anything that doesn’t require a full cooking session or turn your kitchen into a sauna.

That’s why I’ve rounded up the exact snacks that have been keeping me sane lately. They’re all:

Vegan (of course)
Kid-approved (most days)
Easy to prep or grab-and-go
And—here’s the kicker—they actually fill people up

Whether you’re fully vegan or just vegan-curious, these ideas are about to become your summer sanity savers too. Let’s do this.

Why Summer Snacks Matter More Than You Think

Let’s back up for a sec. I used to think “snack” was a throwaway word—something we toss at our kids between meals or shove into a purse before running errands. But snacks in the summer? Oh, they’re everything.

They’re breakfast when the morning gets away from us.
They’re the reason we make it through the 3 p.m. meltdown without resorting to chocolate chips straight from the bag.
They’re the peace offering between siblings who are “bored” and “starving” and “not tired” but also somehow screaming.

But they’re also a chance to nourish. To teach our kids (and ourselves) that plant-based eating doesn’t mean being hungry or missing out. That eating well can be fun and delicious and—dare I say it—simple.

So here are the snacks that have been earning their keep in our house lately.

1. Chia Pudding Cups (That You Can Make in Your Sleep)

Okay, hear me out: chia pudding might not sound like something your kids would love, but I swear it’s a game-changer if you do it right.

My Go-To Recipe:

¼ cup chia seeds
1 cup plant milk (we love oat or soy for creaminess)
A splash of maple syrup
A dash of vanilla

Mix it up, let it sit in the fridge overnight, and wake up to magic. I portion it into mason jars so the kids can grab them whenever. Bonus: top with frozen berries or chopped banana and a sprinkle of granola = fancy yogurt parfait vibes without the dairy.

Why I love it: It’s got protein, fiber, and omega-3s, which actually help keep little tummies full (instead of asking for Goldfish 20 minutes later).

2. DIY Snack Boxes (aka “Lunchables,” but Cool)

You know those bento box-style snacks that always look so cute on Pinterest? They actually work. And once I started prepping these once or twice a week, it changed the game.

Some favorite combos:

Hummus + pretzels + baby carrots + grapes
Peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter) + apple slices + trail mix
Vegan cheese cubes + crackers + cucumber rounds + dried mango

Why I love it: It’s visual, customizable, and makes snack time feel like an event without needing to cook a single thing. Also—hot tip—let your kids help pack their own boxes. They get more excited to eat them and you get a break. Win-win.

3. Frozen Banana Pops (The Healthy Treat Disguised as Dessert)

When the popsicle requests hit hard (like every single afternoon), these are a solid go-to.

What you need:

Bananas (cut in half and stuck on a popsicle stick)
Dip in melted dark chocolate
Roll in crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or sprinkles
Freeze on a tray until solid

You’ll feel like you’re winning at mom life. They look like a dessert, feel like a treat, but they’re totally plant-based and full of fiber and potassium.

4. Smoothie Packs (Because Sometimes We Just Can’t)

There are days when I don’t want to think, chop, or deal with dishes. So I started doing this one thing that feels like a magic trick:

Smoothie Pack System:

Once a week, I take 15 minutes to portion out frozen fruit, spinach, and seeds into ziplock or reusable bags.
Then, during the week, I just dump one in the blender with plant milk, hit the button, and DONE.

Favorite combos:

Strawberry + banana + hemp seeds + oat milk
Mango + pineapple + coconut flakes + spinach + soy milk
Blueberries + almond butter + flaxseeds + cinnamon + oat milk

Why I love it: The kids drink it, it cools them down, and I sneak in greens without the battle.

5. Trail Mix with a Twist

Okay, trail mix isn’t new, but hear me out: we stopped buying the store mix and started making our own. And the difference? Wow.

Build-Your-Own Trail Mix Station:

Set out bowls of:

Roasted chickpeas
Pumpkin seeds
Raisins
Dried cherries or blueberries
Vegan chocolate chips
Pretzel bits
Cereal (like Cheerios or puffed rice)

Let your kids scoop their own into a jar or bag. It becomes a game and they’re way more likely to eat it. (And not just pick out the chocolate.)

6. Cucumbers with Everything Bagel Seasoning

This one is too easy not to share.

Just slice cucumbers and sprinkle with a little lemon juice and everything bagel seasoning. That’s it.

Why I love it: It’s crunchy, salty, and refreshing on hot days. Also, cucumbers are one of those things kids often love if they’re sliced just right. Try matchsticks or rounds and see what sticks.

7. Leftover Pancake Sandwiches

Did you make pancakes on Sunday? Don’t toss the leftovers.

Try this:

Spread peanut butter or sunflower seed butter between two small vegan pancakes
Add banana slices or a drizzle of maple syrup
Wrap and refrigerate

It becomes a fun little sandwich snack that’s more filling than a granola bar and way more exciting.

8. Air-Popped Popcorn with a Twist

Popcorn is a classic—but we like to make it fancy.

Try sprinkling it with:

Nutritional yeast (cheesy vibes)
Cinnamon + coconut sugar (sweet treat)
Chili lime seasoning (for older kids—or moms who want to snack like grownups)

Make a big batch and store it in a giant container for grab-and-go munching.

Bonus: Store-Bought Lifesavers

Let’s be honest: some days we just need to open a bag and call it good. So here are a few store-bought vegan snacks that always save me in a pinch:

Hippeas (chickpea puffs—high in protein, super kid-friendly)
That’s It bars (literally just fruit)
Lärabars (check labels—most are vegan!)
Miyoko’s cheese sticks
Trader Joe’s vegan jerky
Annie’s fruit snacks (vegan versions)

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect, Just Prepared

If you’re still figuring out this whole plant-based thing—or just testing the waters—you’re not alone. I didn’t grow up vegan. I didn’t even like vegetables until I became a mom and had to get creative.

But what I’ve learned is that the best way to make this stick (without losing your mind)? Make it easy. Make it fun. Make it yours.

You don’t have to whip up Pinterest-perfect bento boxes every day. You don’t need to feel guilty if your kid eats toast three meals in a row. You’re allowed to care about nutrition and convenience. You’re allowed to want snacks that don’t come with a side of “Where’s the protein?” panic.

You’re doing great, mama. Even if the summer feels long and the pantry feels very empty.

Just keep showing up, trying new things, and feeding your family in a way that feels aligned with your values. That’s the real win.