Article:
8 Food and Snack Ideas Ideal for Conventions

Ah, one of the greatest convention dilemmas: how do you find time for food when there’s so much to do at the con? Even more than that, how do you afford to eat at the con when you're expected to pay $7 for one slice of pizza, and another $2 for a soda? When your stomach is grumbling, and you’re stuck in a queue line, it helps to carry some kind of sustenance on your person. Never fear con goers! The Conventions Fans Blog is here to help!

1. Energy/Protein Bars

Guess what? Eating protein apparently helps you stay fuller, longer (you've seen those commercials, right?). Consider taking along some protein bars, or meal replacement bars, when you know you’re not going to have a chance for a full meal somewhere. Now, I know they aren't the greatest tasting things on the planet, but South Beach actually has some tasty meal replacement bars - some of which comes in chocolate. They are ideal for the convention environment because of the protein packed punch they provide, and they are fairly small and easy to stash in a bag/pocket/corset. Note: don’t stick chocolate ones down the corset. Chocolate + corset = mess

2. Pocky

Also available in the "chocolate" family of convention food is Pocky. This is an absolute must have if you’re at an anime convention. Why you ask? Not only is Pocky a delicious snack perfect for munching on while waiting in line, but it also works as a form of currency among the Otaku. If you can’t find it for sale at the convention itself, a lot of local anime and comic book stores sell it. My local Chinese food place even sells it (note: it's Japanese, so that's honestly a bit weird).

3. Nuts (or Trail Mixes with Nuts)

Back to the protein! Nuts are also an excellent source of protein, as well as healthy fats. They are considered a calorie dense food, and should help hold a craving at bay until you can sit down to a full meal somewhere. They also tend to be available in snack size packets, and in vending machines.

4. Oatmeal and Ramen

If you are lucky enough to have a microwave at the convention hotel you’re staying at, don’t forget the oatmeal and ramen. Both of these food items only require a bowl and water, and are quick and easy meals. These are especially good if you’re trying to save a little money. Ramen is about the cheapest meal on the planet, I imagine. That being said, subsisting on nothing but ramen for three days is not healthy. I don't recommend it.