- I’ve been a board game player for my whole life. However, I would say that in the last 10 years, I’ve become a ‘board gamer.’ My husband… I think he was playing (or at least planning to play) in utero. Seriously, this guy has been playing for a looooong time.
One of the things that I recently learned is that there are Game Friendly Snacks. It sounds like I probably rolled my eyes when I first heard the term. I did, as a matter of fact, but I learned quickly that not only is this a real thing… it just makes perfect sense!
Game Friendly Snacks (a definition)
Any snack or food that can be consumed during the playing of a game that will not leave residue on game components after touching them. Residue examples: stickiness, saltiness, oiliness, crummies, or wetness.
It totally makes sense! Have you every tried to shuffle cards after someone has had sticky fingers from their lollipop? Or there is a faint orange dusting from a big ole’ Cheeto left on the game board in a perfect O shape where their pawn had been? Or have you ever been playing and someone accidently knocks over their Pepsi making EVERY card, pawn, spinner, board, pencil, and mover completely sticky? Gross. Just gross.
David is right!
There are certain snacks that are way better for game play. Here’s a list that we have compiled, with a few caveats listed next to them:
- M&Ms: Just don’t hold them in your hand too long. They DO melt in your hand, Mr. Marketer.
- Pretzels: These are relatively safe, just beware of the buttery ones.
- Wheat Thins & Triscuits with Cheese: Keep these on a plate and make sure those crummies stay on said plate and you should be fine.
- Hard Candy: This should remain in your mouth at all times without fingers EVER touching it once it enters your mouth.
- Water bottles with tops: …and people… don’t forget to put on the top after you sip. Don’t screw it up. (Hee-hee!)
- Veggies and dip: These work out well. Just make sure you have a napkin because sometimes those carrots and celery sticks are still a bit damp from the rinse.
- Mike & Ike’s: These are just tasty and delicious. Enjoy!
- Candy Corn: I had to put this one on for Gwen because I would never but she would always. (…and it’s only May.)
- Sweedish Fish: It would be better if they were Norwegian, but nevertheless, they are still tasty and a good choice for game playing.
- Tootsie Rolls: Open ’em up and pop ’em in. Just make sure the trash doesn’t end up in the box.
- Cheetos, Cheese-Its, or Cheese Puffs: That yellow dust just gets everywhere, on everything, and every time. Stay away!
- Open glasses: It doesn’t matter the contents, open glasses with liquid are just a disaster waiting to overflow.
- Lollipops & candy canes: At some point you are going to have to set them down or pull the stick out of your mouth. That much stickiness close to a board game is just asking for trouble.
- Pringles and chips in general: The cans and bags look inviting, but after you pop a few, your hands are a greasy, salty mess. It’s a slippery slope. You CAN’T just eat one!
What would you add to the list?