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Tested by an actual teen athleteSnack ratings & reviews
Real and honest reviews of healthy prepackaged snacks, rated on taste, fuel, and how well they survive a backpack. I actually eat these, so you get the real verdict before you spend your money.
Reviews are personal opinions from one athlete's experience.
That's It Fruit Bars
5 / 5
Two ingredients, and it's just fruit. Quick carbs that are easy on the stomach. Perfect fuel before a run. The apple and blueberry flavor tastes the best in my opinion.
Best for: quick fuel between class and practice.
Made Good Oat Bars
5 / 5
Great carbs and they taste amazing. Soft, not crumbly, and taste great. A school staple for me. My favorite flavor is the cinnamon bun.
Best for: everyday carb snack at school.
Applesauce Pouches
5 / 5
My favorite on-the-go snack. No spoon needed, fast carbs, and easy right before a workout.
Best for: the 30 to 60 minute pre-practice top-off.
Skinny Pop Popcorn
4 / 5
Light, crunchy, and easy to snack on without feeling heavy. Good carbs for the long afternoon, and a whole bag is way better for you than chips. Not filling enough to be real fuel on its own, so pair it with fruit or a protein snack.
Best for: after-school munchies on lighter days.
LesserEvil Popcorn
5 / 5
Popped in avocado or coconut oil with simple ingredients, and the Himalayan Pink Salt flavor is my favorite. Crunchy, clean, and easy to share. Like all popcorn, it's a light snack, not real fuel, so don't make it your pre-practice plan.
Best for: movie-night snacking and lighter school days.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
5 / 5
What I personally pour into a bottle of water for long, hot practices and race days. Electrolytes plus a little sugar means it actually hydrates when plain water isn't cutting it.
Best for: hot practices, tournaments, and race mornings.
Trail Mix Packs
3 / 5
Good fats and calories for busy days, but heavy right before running. Better as an afternoon snack than a pre-workout one. Chocolate pieces melt in a hot bag.
Best for: steady calories on non-running afternoons.
More on fueling between meals
7 backpack snacks that actually fuel you
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What to eat the night before a big race
Carb-loading that actually works, and what to skip.
5 nutrition myths teen athletes need to drop
No, you don't need to "cut," and other things the internet got wrong.
The athlete's guide to eating at restaurants
What to order anywhere, plus fast-food picks that still fuel you.
Carbs aren't the enemy, they're your fuel
Why the snacks above work: carbs are what you actually burn.
The lazy athlete's guide to staying hydrated
More on why a drink mix earns a spot in your bag.