Breakfast Ideas # Quick and Easy Picnic Food Ideas Published: 05/03/2026 AuthorBy Nestlé Cereals Reading time: 5 min. Share it with your friends ![Mum and daughter eating an apple on a picnic](/uk/sites/g/files/qirczx836/files/styles/1_1_768px_width/public/2025-09/Picnic%20family_0.jpg.webp?itok=qOakBbmB) Picnics are one of the simplest joys of sunny days. With a little planning and the right picnic ideas and recipes, you can pack up delicious, easy-to-make food that everyone will enjoy without any last-minute stress. ## Planning Your Perfect Picnic A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to enjoying a sunny day outdoors. Keep these simple tips in mind to make your picnic a crowd-pleaser! - Choose a good spot – A local park, beach, or your own garden can work well. Look for shade, open space, and convenient facilities. - Pack the essentials – Bring a blanket, reusable cutlery, plates, napkins, and plenty of water. Tupperware or baskets help keep things organised. - Keep food fresh – Use insulated bags or cool boxes with ice packs to prevent spoiling and choose dishes that travel well. - Consider dietary needs – Include a variety of picnic recipe ideas options, like vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free choices, so everyone has something to enjoy. ## Picnic Food Ideas for Every Taste Picnics are all about sharing good food in good company, with the sun shining and everyone gathered outdoors. Whether you’re planning a family afternoon in the park or a beach day with friends, it helps to have a mix of sweet treats and savoury picnic bites ready to go. ![Curiously Cinnamon x Carnation No Churn Ice Cream in cone](/uk/sites/g/files/qirczx836/files/styles/1_1_768px_width/public/2025-09/Curiously%20Cinnamon%20x%20Carnation%20No%20Churn%20Ice%20Cream.jpg.webp?itok=am7-K4zN) ## Sweet Picnic Foods That Travel Well - [Curiously Cinnamon No-Churn Ice Cream](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/desserts/cinnamon-ice-cream) - This no-churn ice cream is easy to prepare ahead of time and brings a fun cinnamon crunch to your picnic spread, thanks to [Curiously Cinnamon® Original Cereal](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/curiously-cinnamon/original). Simply mix, freeze, and it’s ready to go. For easy transport, freeze it in a sturdy, lidded container. Before you set off, pack it into an insulated bag or cool box with ice packs to help keep it firm until you’re ready to serve. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing treat to share outdoors. - [No-Bake Shreddies® Carrot Cake Balls Recipe](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/desserts/no-bake-carrot-cake-balls) - These no-bake carrot cake balls are a picnic-friendly treat that combine the crunch of [Original Shreddies® Cereal](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/shreddies/original) with sweet dates, grated carrot, warming spices, and a hint of coconut. Easy to prepare ahead of time, they’re rolled into bite-sized portions for simple, mess-free sharing. - [Cheerios® Summer Raspberry & Peach Pops Recipe](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/kids/peach-pops) - These fruity ice pops are a fun, refreshing treat for sunny days. Made with creamy Greek yoghurt, sweet raspberries, juicy peaches, and a gentle crunch of [Multigrain Cheerios® Cereal](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/cheerios/multigrain), they’re simple to prepare ahead of time and bring a cool, colourful twist to any picnic. For easy transport, store them in a sealed container with ice packs until you’re ready to enjoy. ![Crunchy Cheerios chicken nuggets with salad on a plate](/uk/sites/g/files/qirczx836/files/styles/1_1_768px_width/public/2023-05/Cheerios%20chicken%20nuggets%20recipe.jpg.webp?h=df145728&itok=pJwNDAFZ) ## Savoury, Picnic-Perfect Main Courses These savoury chicken recipes are great for picnics. Just remember to store in a cool box with ice packs to keep them fresh until its time to tuck in! - [Gluten Free Chicken Burgers Recipe - Go Free®](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/gluten-free/chicken-burgers) - These flavourful chicken burgers are a picnic-friendly option that everyone can enjoy. Made with tender chicken mince, herbs, garlic, and a crunchy [Go Free® Free Corn Flakes](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/go-free/corn-flakes) coating, they’re naturally gluten free and full of taste. Serve with fresh gluten free buns, crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, and your favourite toppings for a crowd-pleasing outdoor meal. - [Cheerios® Crunchy Chicken Nuggets Recipe](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/savoury/chicken-nuggets) - These crunchy chicken nuggets are a tasty addition to any picnic spread. Coated in finely crushed Cheerios® Multigrain Cereal for extra texture, they’re lightly seasoned with honey and mustard for a subtle hint of sweetness and spice. Easy to make ahead, they’re made for sharing and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. ![Nesquik cereal coconut energy balls](/uk/sites/g/files/qirczx836/files/styles/1_1_768px_width/public/2025-09/42_NESQUIK%20COCONUT%20ENERGY%20BALLS_1x1_0.jpg.webp?itok=eBoYAw5Q) ## Portable, Delicious Bites Great for Sharing - [Nesquik® Cereal Coconut Energy Balls Recipe](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/kids/mini-coconut-bites) - These coconut energy balls are a tasty, fuss-free treat that’s easy to share outdoors. Made with [Nesquik® Original Cereal,](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/nesquik-cereal/original) dates, almond butter, and plenty of coconut, they deliver a chocolatey hint in every bite. Simple to prepare ahead of time and bite-sized portions for easy, mess-free sharing—perfect for adding a little boost of fun to any picnic. - [Cheerios® Apple & Berry Cereal Bars Recipe](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/on-the-go/apple-berry-fruit-bar) - These homemade cereal bars are a picnic-ready treat packed with fruity flavour and a gentle crunch from Cheerios®. Made with grated apple, dried berries, and a hint of spice, they’re easy to bake ahead and slice into portions for simple, no-fuss sharing. - [Shredded Wheat® Cereal Bars Recipe](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/on-the-go/shredded-wheat-bars) - A picnic-friendly option made with simple ingredients. Crumbled Shredded Wheat®, oats, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds are mixed with a splash of juice for natural sweetness. Easy to make ahead and cut into bars, they’re great for sharing and enjoying on the go. - [Peanut Butter Cheerios® Bars Recipe](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/desserts/peanut-butter-bars) - A no-bake option that’s convenient for picnics and easy to make ahead. Cheerios® are mixed with smooth nut butter, syrup, and a hint of salt for a chewy, flavourful bar, with optional dark chocolate on top. Once prepared and cut into portions, they’re simple to pack and share wherever you choose to picnic. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I make these picnic snacks the day before? Yes! Most of these picnic recipes can be prepared ahead and stored. Be sure to store correctly - in airtight containers refrigerated or frozen as needed - until you’re ready to go. ### How do I pack a balanced picnic for kids and adults? Include a variety of different foods – why not try a mix of fresh fruit and veg, savoury bites, and a sweet treat for a picnic dessert. Bring plenty of water to keep everyone refreshed.