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Grocery Store Snacks: The Top 5 Options for Hockey Players

The best choices before a practice or in between games at a tournament

As a Nutrition and Food Consultant and Mom of three kids in sports, I know the chaos of leaving the house and forgetting the pre- or post-game food you made! So frustrating!

I’ve covered you with my top 5 grocery store options when you’re in a pinch. Of course, this means you have time to run into a grocery store… but sometimes you need something to do during practice or in between games at a tournament.

These are simple options you can rely on!

Below are my Top Five Grocery Store Snack Options to help you fuel your hockey players when you are in a pinch!

#5: Trail Mix

Even though you can make your own at home, grocery stores have some excellent options that contain protein, carbs, and healthy fats to fuel up your player or help them recover. The best part is most grocery stores carry lots of choices so you’re bound to find one you all enjoy. Try to avoid the ones that are mostly candy and concentrate on nuts, seeds, and dried fruit (with maybe a few treats in there!)

#4: Fruit Cup or Yogurt Parfait

Most grocery stores now have a refrigerated ready-made section where you have a variety of fresh options. Fruit cups or yogurt parfaits offer quick and accessible energy and can be easily eaten on the road. Plus the fruit is usually cut up and ready to eat.

#3: Cheese & Crackers

While cheese can be heavy for some players, depending on how much time you have to digest-cheese and crackers can be a simple snack that a lot of young athletes enjoy. You can find some options in the grocery store-some may even come with some protein like meat slices, or a handful of nuts. And it’s usually reasonably portioned, so they won’t eat too much cheese that would have a huge effect on their game.

#2: Fresh or Dried Fruit

I’m always going to recommend fresh fruit (a banana is my favourite pre-game fuel!) but in a pinch, if you’re not seeing delicious ripe fruit of your choice, or you can only find things like a whole pineapple or finicky fruit that is difficult to eat in a car like blueberries; a handful of dried fruit will provide excellent easily accessible energy-and it’s always ready to eat.

#1: Hummus or Guacamole with vegetables or crackers

Single serve hummus or guacamole are easy to find in the deli section and usually come with some vegetables, pretzels, or crackers on the side. This snack contains protein, carbs, and healthy fats that will nourish your player no matter if they have it before or after a game. Just choose the one they’re most likely to enjoy.

 

What’s your favourite go-to item at the grocery store?

If you haven’t seen our first two videos in the Top 5 series, check them out-and be sure to stay tuned for our next video and have fun at the rink!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Seanna Thomas is a Nutrition Consultant, Mom to 3 active kids, and founder of Hockey Snacks Inc., where she provides nutrition information for young athletes, sports teams, families, and organizations. Seanna regularly appears on CP24 Breakfast, & is a contributor to Triathlon Magazine Canada, as well as multiple other publications. Seanna focuses on whole foods with a spotlight on creating realistic healthy habits. She can be found on FacebookInstagram, and seannathomas.com. In her downtime, she enjoys being outdoors with her family and relaxing at home with her husband and a well-deserved glass of wine (and maybe watching a hockey game).