Whether you’re a festival veteran or a newbie, it’s always a good idea to bring some of your own food to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
Let’s be real, festival food isn’t always the healthiest or the cheapest. But fear not! With a little bit of planning, you can pack some delicious and nutritious(ish) foods that won’t break the bank or weigh down your backpack.
Here are some of the best foods to take to music festivals.
Instant Noodle Pots
Pot Noodle, Cup Noodle, Ramen, whatever you know them as, those pre packaged instant noodle pots are a festival staple. They can be cooked in minutes and are perfect for an easy and filling meal, all you need to add is hot water.
Some festivals might allow you to take a camping stove to heat some water, but if not, food vans will have some and might charge a small fee – some you can wrangle for free if you’re a sweet enough talker, just don’t forget a fork!
Breakfast Bars
Breakfast bars are lightweight, easy to pack, and will give you the energy boost you need to dance the day away. Plus, they come in a variety of flavours, so you’re sure to find something that you’ll love.
One of the best things about cereal bars is that they’re not messy. You can easily eat them while you’re walking around the festival, and you won’t have to worry about getting crumbs everywhere. Some of our favourites are Belvita Breakfast biscuits, KIND bars and Nature Valley bars.
Croissants
Croissants are a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack option. They require no preparation, so you can simply take them out of the packaging and eat them as is. They are relatively compact and lightweight, making them easy to pack and carry to a music festival.
Perhaps most importantly, croissants are simply delicious! They have a buttery, flaky texture and a rich, indulgent flavour that can make them a real treat during a music festival. They can be a welcome break from more basic festival food options like cereal bars and pot noodles.
Bread
Never underestimate the versatility of a good ol’ loaf of bread, a great source of carbs, and perfect for lining your stomach. Bread is easy to pack, not too bulky or heavy. You can enjoy it on its own, fill it with crisps or slather it with jam. There’s nothing better than rolling out of your tent for the morning de-brief with a round of jam sandwiches.
Crisps (Potato Chips)
Very easy to pack, light weight, and a festival snack staple. So, whether you prefer ready salted, salt and vinegar, or cheese and onion, stock up on your crisp multipacks. As Brits can attest to, the crisp sandwich is a thing of wonders and easy and filling snack.
Jam
If you weren’t aware, Jam is now in a convenient squeezy bottle! Not as heavy as it’s jar counterpart, so it won’t lay heavy in your backpack, and you also don’t have to worry about any glass breakage or utensils needed to decant it – simply squirt it on that bread and enjoy!
Beef Jerky
One word – protein, you’re going to need it. It fares well in all weathers and will help keep you fuller for longer. You can buy it in all kinds of varieties, and is high in many vitamins and minerals, including zinc, iron, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and folate. Not to mention the salty treat is perfect for when hungover.
Dried Fruit
Unfortunately, that crate of cider doesn’t count towards your five a day. Dried fruit is the perfect way to get some kind of nutrition, that won’t weigh your backpack down. Dried apricot, apple, banana, raisins, whatever your pick, it’s a great option for a nutritious, convenient, and energy-boosting snack.
Sweets
There’s noting worse than travelling for hours, sweating getting the tent all set up and sitting down to enjoy a little of that chocolate you packed, only to find it a melted mushy mess… Pack sweets instead! They don’t melt, are easy to pack, and provide the necessary glucose hit you’ll need all throughout your festival experience.
Berocca/Emergen-C
Not food, however hydration is key at a music festival. Your hungover self will thank you for packing the effervescent tablets, that dissolve in water to create a fizzy, flavoured drink. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, and an easy way to keep hydrated.
With so much to see and do, it’s important to stay fuelled throughout the day. By bringing some of our suggestions along with you, you’ll be able to stay energized and ready to dance the day away. So pack your backpack, grab your tickets, and get ready to have the time of your life at your next music festival!
