Festival season is upon us and our bank balances are already feeling the squeeze, but one great way to save money while staying energised at Glastonbury, Wireless or your local festival is by packing the best food for music festivals. There are some times when you just need a greasy burger or mac & cheese to help ease your hangover – but with prices for one meal sitting at anything from £10-15 at UK music festivals – that can soon add up. I’ve put together a practical guide filled with packing tips, snack ideas, and smart strategies to keep you fuelled, healthy, and budget-savvy—even when food stalls are charging stadium prices.
I'm your new festival bestie who's travelled all over the world attending music festivals – want to know how to be prepared for your next big weekender? I've got you – I know – it sounds really boring to take a pack-up to a festival. Like something your mum would say, but when some festival tickets are costing £350 per person or more – it's one way to ensure your spending doesn't go out of control. Eating a bit healthier during your busy festival weekend is also a great way to look after yourself and help you stay energised and dancing all night long.
Don't forget to shop my festivals essentials for everything you need to make your festival experience unforgettable!
Best Food to Take to a Music Festival
Start Smart with Sustaining Festival Breakfasts
If you've had a wild night at a festival, the chances are you need a solid breakfast to get you started in the morning. The queues for the bacon baps and coffee stands are always ridiculous so go prepared with some of these top suggestions for the best breakfast ideas for a music festival and skip the hangry meltdowns:
- DIY Breakfast Boxes – combine pre-boiled eggs, granola pots, and cut fruit in a small box. Think protein + fibre + freshness. >> shop these meal prep containers
- Instant Oats Cups or Overnight Oats – these are low-effort but high energy meals that will keep you going >> shop these overnight oats containers
- Granola Bars – like flapjacks or granola bars. They're sturdy, filling, and nibble-friendly – you can even make them at home! >> these protein bars are my obsession
- Healthy Bagels – You can create a high protein pre-mix such as egg mayonnaise or sausages to assemble at your campsite. >> shop high protein bagels
Don't forget to read 15 Ways to Sneak Alcohol into a Festival
Energising Festival Snacks That Travel Well
Snacks are your secret weapon when you're on-the-go all day long, the stage times clash, lines are long, or the merch queue looks tempting. They'll keep you fuelled and ready for action until you can get back to the campsite for something more substantial.
Packing Essentials:
- Trail Mix & Mixed Nuts – the classic for a reason. Healthy, high-protein, and easy to share. >> Shop these nuts
- Dried fruit – (like apricots or mango) for a sweet boost. >> shop individually packed dried fruit pouches
- Meat-eaters – get your high protein fix with some beef jerky or biltong is a great alternative. >> shop biltong jerky
- Seaweed crisps —light, crunchy and packed with minerals. >> shop these Organic Sea Salt Seaweed crisps
Don't forget to read 19 Ways To Get Free Festival Tickets
Easy-On-The-Go Festival Lunch Ideas
No-one wants to waste their time at a festival cooking, so here's some quick and easy to prepare lunch options that are great for on-the-go lunches when you're hurrying to the next stage to see your favourite artist perform. Here's the best food to take to a music festival for lunches:
- Wraps with a twist – fill a wholegrain wrap with hummus, falafel, or tinned tuna for a protein-fibre combo.
- Pasta or grain salads – couscous + olives + sun-dried tomatoes or a quinoa salad are amazing cold meals that are easy and quick to pre-prepare.
- Crackers or sandwiches – go for easy fillings such as ham, cheese, hummus or salad.
Don't forget to read The Best Festival Shoes
A Festival Dinner That’s Filling, Fun & Fuss-Free
You’ve danced, explored, maybe had a cheeky drink — but it's likely you've worked up an appetite with all those steps. If you're hankering for a quick and easy festival dinner that won't leave you craving a greasy plate later on, check out these best dinners for festivals for inspiration:
- Self-heating meals — if you want the simplest and quickest option, these come ready to eat – you just add water! No stove, no sweat. >> shop self-heating meals
- Quiche or frittata muffins—bake ahead in muffin tins; portable, and great warm or cold. These also work great for breakfast or lunch
- BBQ-friendly staples – some festivals will allow bbqs or gas stoves. >> I always take my Campingaz Gas Barbecue Bistro Steel (see above)
- No-cook options – halloumi, chorizo, or pancetta paired with bread and tomato makes a no-cook brunch!
Don't forget to read I Went to a Music Festival Solo (and I LOVED it!)
Smart Festival Food Storage + Packing Strategy
Taking food for your next music festival is a great way to save money – but remember, you can do all the prep and end up not eating any of it if your food goes soggy or doesn't stay fresh. Always check what the weather will be like – if it will be very hot, try to avoid taking food that spoils easily or quickly in the heat. Keeping your food fresh and organised is just as important as picking the right snacks.
Tips for UK festivals:
- Freeze bottles of juice or milk to act as ice-packs—they’ll keep other food chilled and you can drink them when melted.
- Use a sturdy cool-box or insulated bag with a frozen block for longer freshness. >> shop this festival cooler
- Wrap food separately to avoid soggy sandwiches.
Festival Hydration: The Underestimated Essential
If there's one thing I've learned from my eyars of attending festivals globally – staying hydrated is non-negotiable; dehydration kills vibes faster than rain. Try attending a festival in the humidty of Costa Rica and tell me staying hydrated isn't important. If you want to avoid the infamous festival flu – it's always wise to think ahead and do everything you can to stay germ-free and hydrated so your recovery the following week takes a lot less time.
Hydration hacks:
- Electrolyte sachets or tablets (like Nuun or Liquid IV) are lightweight and essential for recovery. >> Shop these delicious Electrolytes
- Dissolvable Vitamin C Tablets are a must – I take them every morning when at a festival! >> Shop my fave Vitamin C Tablets
- Water + fruit combo – citrus fruits help water absorption and taste fab.
Dietary Needs Covered, Darling
Veggie? Vegan? Gluten-free? No problem—your pack can reflect your needs and stay delicious.
- Vegan protein options like jerky, hummus, and vegan wraps.
- Gluten-free bars or your homemade energy bites—simple and safe.
- Canned sardines, beans, or veggies provide nutrition and are easy to eat.
Unique Instagram-Worthy Festival Food Ideas
Want food that’s practical and photogenic? Level up with these:
- Mini brunch charcuterie jars – layer granola, fruit, cheese, and crackers in a jar. Instant festival shelfie. >> Check these out
- Energy bliss balls – made with dates, oats, chocolate, rollicked in shredded coconut. Perfect for quick energy + cute shots. >> Check these out
- Colour-pop salad pots – cherry tomatoes, peppers, olives, feta—bright, fresh, and stay crunchy in a cooler.
Food isn’t just fuel—it’s part of your festival style. Packing smart, fresh, and healthy keeps you dancing, socialising, and loving every moment (even when the mud kicks in). Keep that energy up, stay hydrated, and bring snacks worth sharing.
