Baseball season is in full swing, and while everyone else is trying to figure out who’s on first, we’re busy thinking about what we’re going to eat during those gorgeous spring afternoons at the ballpark. We love our peanuts and boxes of Cracker Jack (yes, they’re vegan!), but we’re bringing something new to bat with this medley of store-bought munchies and homemade fare. With nine innings to get through, we suggest playing hardball with several of the snacks below to make sure you cover all the bases.
Between all the stadium food stand hot dogs and burgers, is there anything vegan to be found at baseball stadiums? The short answer is: yes. Major league sports venues are becoming more vegan-friendly in general—a positive symptom of the mainstreaming of plant-based food. We’re not just talking Cracker Jack or fries. You can now buy a substantial meal that’ll keep you energized while you cheer your team on and boo the challenger, including hot dogs, nachos, sushi, and more.
If you’re looking for food that you can buy at the baseball park itself, then check out our guide to the most vegan-friendly stadiums across the country. Want to know which beers at the park are vegan? (Yes, sometimes it’s not!) Let our guide to vegan beer show you the way. Some of the most mainstream names in the industry are a-okay for animal-free diets.
Convenience is the name of the game here and we’re willing players. We love to keep a stash of these vegan snacks on-hand for all of our outings and adventures. (And not to mention, as an emergency hunger cure.)
Brami has hit a home run with this healthy snack made from lupini, a newcomer to the legume food game. Lightly pickled in a variety of savory seasonings, these Italian “miracle beans” can be enjoyed whole or shelled in four mouth-watering flavors (Sea Salt, Chili Lime, Hot Pepper, and Garlic and Herb). Packaged in convenient resealable bags, Brami’s low-calorie, nutritious snack is ready to play! Learn more here
For a protein boost between innings with a satisfying chew, try one of the meaty soy, seitan, or shiitake mushroom-based offerings from Primal Strips. Made with all-natural ingredients, the strips come in six varieties (mesquite lime, teriyaki, hickory smoked, Texas BBQ, and hot and spicy) that range from sweet to spicy. Throw your concession stand eats a curve ball by cutting up these strips and sprinkling them on your French fries and popcorn. Learn more here
There are many puffed snacks on the market, but few that keep us coming back for more like Hippeas. While many chickpea snacks are roasted, Hippeas are ground into flour with other organic ingredients ideal for a tasty snack. Available in five scrumptious flavors (including Vegan White Cheddar, Far Out Fajita, and the spicy Sriracha Sunshine), these snacks serve up good vibes as much as a crunchy, delicious bite. Learn more here
Beanfields’ Barbeque, Nacho, and Pico de Gallo chips come in 1.5-ounce sized bags, making them perfect for stadium noshing. These chips are delicious on their own, but will also kick up the flavor mixed into the dairy-free nachos you might find at the concession stand. Try the Jalapeño Nacho variety to add more heat to your snack—and don’t forget to bring a dip, like salsa. Learn more here
With three flavors from which to choose, free2b’s Snack Break variety packs are a guaranteed home run. Flavors such as Peppermint, Cranberry Pumpkin Seed, and Blueberry Crunch come loaded with dark chocolate and superfood additions in an easy-to-use resealable bag. Who are we kidding? By the bottom of the first, these snackable thins will be going, going, gone! So, arrive at the game with a few options in tow. Learn more here
We love these crunchy, Pringles-inspired chips because it’s totally acceptable to keep a tube all to yourself. Made from potato and sorghum flour, they’re gluten-free, vegan, and come in fun flavors like the spicy, lip-tingling Dragon or the mild Turmeric With Black Pepper. You’ll have a hard time resisting finishing these in one sitting. Learn more here
Need a kid-friendly snack? Annie’s Chocolate Chip Bunny Grahams are honey-free cookies that both kids and adults alike will love. They’re free from high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, too. If you’re looking for another vegan cookie flavor from this brand, check out the Birthday Cake Bunny Grahams. You won’t regret it. Learn more here
If you’d prefer to DIY your snacks, then pick from one of these plant-based recipes below. Whether you’re craving salty, sweet, or spicy foods, we’ve got you covered.
This crispy, protein-packed snack from Oh She Glows is a healthier alternative to the tangy and briny taste often found when eating potato chips. By using roasted chickpeas, you’ll be grabbing for one more crunchy bite all the way until the ninth inning. Get the recipe
This recipe from Enjoy Life combines double-chocolate gluten-free cookies and dairy-free miniature chips for a chocolatey popcorn that also happens to be gluten-free. Even better? This nut-free recipe can be stored in the freezer so you can always have some the next time baseball fever strikes. Get the recipe
With just five ingredients, these delicious power balls from Minimalist Baker are naturally sweetened and ready in just 15 minutes. Did we mention they taste just like a peanut butter cup? It’s cookie dough pinch-hitting for a snack, and it’s a winner! Get the recipe
This scrumptious blend from Healthy Happy Life is batting a thousand thanks to all the basics you’d expect in a cereal mix. Superfoods, goji berries, and flaxseed meal combine with sunflower seeds, cashews, and other mixed nuts for a hard-hitting yet very portable ballgame snack. Get the recipe
These easy-to-make grilled onigiri feature rice mixed with a savory blend of black sesame seeds, nori, and fresh parsley. But that’s not all—they’re cooked in a Japanese barbecue sauce glaze to give them an umami, slightly crunchy exterior. These rice balls travel well, so not only are they great for the game, you can make them for quick lunches and picnics, too. Get the recipe
Wholesome and sweet, these snacks are packed with oats, strawberries, chia, mashed banana, applesauce, slivered almonds, and plenty of spices. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a healthier snack to keep you satiated while you watch the game—so, they’re a winner in our books. Get the recipe
Get your pita chips, celery, and carrots ready. This protein-packed dip is reminiscent of a great slice of pizza, thanks to the use of nutritional yeast, tomato sauce, oregano, rosemary, parsley, basil, and plenty of garlic. Pro tip: add red pepper flakes to taste if you like spice in your life. Get the recipe
For more on vegan snacks, read:The 11 Best Vegan Sustainable Snacks 38 Super-Cheesy Vegan Snacks 18 Protein-Packed Vegan Jerkies