If you ask us, no summer is complete without spending some time outdoors enjoying a delicious picnic. Grabbing your loved ones, taking a giant wicker basket to the park or nearby greenspace, and digging into some tasty, convenient food in the sunshine is basically a summer must-do. Of course, you’ll want to be sure that you have everything packed for the ultimate picnic. There’s nothing worse than laying down your blanket, opening up your basket, and realizing you’ve forgotten something.
Fortunately, at Farm Boy, we have you covered. Whether you’re picking up tasty goodies to-go at any of our store locations or savouring the sweetest seasonal deals found in our flyer, we can provide you with all your noshing needs. From farm-fresh produce sourced at their peak quality and freshness to locally crafted products, we strive to offer you a curated selection of items we hope you’ll love. Read on to discover the ultimate list for how to pack for a picnic with a little help from Farm Boy!
The Ultimate Picnic Packing Checklist
Food
The highlight of any picnic – besides spending time outdoors with the ones you love – is, of course, the food. From snacks to sandwiches to beverages, you’ll find everything you need in Farm Boy stores. Choosing portable items that don’t need to be cooked to be enjoyed is ideal for picnic packing. You can also visit our Hot Bar and Salad Bar to load up on freshly prepared hot items for maximum convenience and flavour.
Snacks
Farm Boy™ Chef-Prepared Fresh Dips and Chips or Crackers
Is it even a picnic if you don’t have any dip to go with it? In our Chef’s Market, you’ll find a variety of freshly prepared dips that are easy to pack and even easier to eat! Pair them with any of our crispy chips, crisps, or crackers for a crowd-pleasing snack. We recommend our beloved Eda-Yummy Spicy Kale Edamame Dip for a taste of something different this summer.
Farm Boy™ Chip Stacks
Perfectly packable as well as snackable, our made-in-Ontario Chip Stacks are light, crispy, and full of flavour. Unlike chip bags, the canisters of our Chip Stacks won’t get crushed in your picnic basket, making them ideal for outdoor gatherings.
Farm Boy™ Imported Cured Meats
Outdoor picnics are a great opportunity to bring out some charcuterie favourites. Imported from Italy, our authentically crafted deli meats are made with traditional methods and flavours. Rather than lugging around multiple packages, we suggest picking up something more convenient. Our Italian Trio features delicate prosciutto, bold spianata salami, and creamy Provolone. Enjoy them as-is or with our oven-baked Taralli, an Italian-style breadstick!
Fresh Berries
We strive to bring you the best, freshest produce at an excellent value, and that includes juicy summer berries. Grab a container at any Farm Boy store when you’re stocking up for a picnic and enjoy their sweet and tangy flavour.
Sushi and Salads
Sushi
For a fresh twist on your standard picnic fare, visit our Chef’s Market! Light, flavourful, and crafted with care, we have a selection of beautiful, delicious sushi from Ah-So Sushi. Opening in London, Ontario in 1982, Ah-So Sushi has since expanded to multiple restaurant locations, while also providing us with the freshest, best sushi available. Grab a tray or two to keep in your cooler for a convenient, gourmet experience.
Farm Boy™ Chef-Prepped Salads
Summer picnics are ideal for digging into fresh salads. Our Chef-Prepped Salads come in both personal and family sizes, so you can choose what you needs. Packed with crisp, fresh produce, savoury mix-ins, and crunchy additions, they also come with a Farm Boy™ Salad Dressing or Vinaigrette. From pasta salads to ones chock full of leafy greens, we have a delicious array to suit your taste buds.
Recipe: Watermelon, Cucumber, & Feta Salad
When it comes to summer fruits, watermelon may reign supreme. In addition to being a delicious snack all on its own, we love it in this refreshing salad recipe. Alongside tangy feta cheese and crisp cucumber, this simple summer salad is perfect for picnics.
Sandwiches
Farm Boy™ Substantial Subs, Handhelds, and Wraps
At our Chef’s Market, you’ll find an array of freshly prepared sandwiches, subs, and wraps made with the finest of ingredients. Crafted with care by our chefs and packaged for your convenience, they’re an easy grab-and-go option when you’re heading out for a picnic or road trip. From classics like Turkey Swiss Sandwiches and Chicken Caesar Wraps to more international creations like our seasonal Banh-Mi – plus vegan options – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Farm Boy™ Smashburgers and Hot Dogs
Unless you’re planning on toting a portable grill to your picnic spot, you probably think burgers and hot dogs aren’t an option. However, all it takes is a quick pit stop at our Chef’s Market Grill Station to transform the fantasy into a reality! Available at select Farm Boy locations, you can load up on freshly prepared smashburgers, plant-based burgers, hot dogs, sausages, and donairs.
Recipe: Classic BLT Sandwich
A classic sandwich everyone can enjoy, this BLT uses fresh summer produce, savoury bacon, and an herbaceous mayo spread. Layered on hearty bread, it’s an easy sandwich to make ahead of time and keep wrapped until you’ve settled in for your picnic. If you’re looking for an extra creamy element, why not add some fresh avocado or any of new traditionally crafted sliced cheeses?
Desserts
Farm Boy™ Single Serving Gelato and Sorbet
Cool off during a summer picnic with an adorable container of our single-serve gelato or sorbet. These pint-sized containers won’t take up much space in your cooler but still bring major flavour. Our gelato is made in small batches with 100% Canadian milk for a silky, smooth texture, while our sweet and tangy vegan sorbets are made with real fruit and cane sugar.
Farm Boy™ Donuts
New to the Farm Boy family is our line of donuts! Available in ring-shaped and filled varieties, each pack comes with nine donuts in three different flavours. Both peanut- and tree nut-free, indulge in options like classic Glazed, Cookies & Cream, Caramel Crunch, and more! You’re sure to be a picnic MVP with these in your basket.
Recipe: Gluten-Free Chocolate Tahini Cookies
Cookies are always a good idea! Rather than schlep messy desserts to your picnic spot, these gluten-free cookies can be packed in a resealable bag or container and enjoyed with ease. With nutty notes from the tahini and sesame seeds, this chocolate treat is an easy crowd-pleaser that’s perfectly portable and a fresh twist on your usual cookie.
Drinks
When packing drinks for a picnic, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to avoid anything packaged in glass containers. The possibility of breakage is too big a risk to take, and could end up derailing your entire outing. Second, you’ll want drinks that are more lightweight. While we love large bottles of juice and lemonade, they’re not the most convenient options for picnics. Single-serving beverages are the better choice, because they offer variety to your guests and also remove the need for glassware. Some of our favourite summertime sippers perfect for picnics are listed below.
Farm Boy™ Zero Proof Cocktails
Our Zero-Proof Cocktails have become such a hit with our customers that they’re here for the long haul – and available in four refreshing flavours. Authentically crafted and thirst-quenching, our canned mocktails are easy to pack and even easier to enjoy. For the perfect summer sip, we recommend our Mojito and Paloma flavours for a bright, citrus-infused twist.
Farm Boy™ Cold Brew Herbal Teas
Give your regular iced tea a fresh twist with our line of canned Cold Brew Herbal Teas. Organic and preservative-free, they’re naturally sweetened with real fruit juice and maple syrup. Toss a few in your cooler for easy refreshment. As a bonus, since they contain no caffeine, they’re also a delicious choice for the pint-sized picnic-goers on your guest list.
Farm Boy™ Organic Sparkling Waters
Skip sweet sodas when you’re enjoying a summer picnic and opt for something more thirst-quenching sans sugar. Our Organic Sparkling Waters are naturally free of sugar, sodium, and calories, but are still full of flavour and come in six effervescent varieties. Bring along a 12-pack if your guest list is on the larger side, or opt for individual cans so that everyone can try a flavour! Available in Blackberry Hibiscus, Cucumber Melon, Lemon Lime, Mango Grapefruit, Orange Vanilla, and Pineapple.
Farm Boy™ Lemonade
Is there anything as perfect for summer as sipping an ice-cold, perfectly sweet, slightly tangy lemonade? Farm Boy™ Lemonade is like drinking liquid sunshine! Available in convenient single-serving bottles – perfect for picnics – they’re made with simple, natural ingredients and available in Classic and Strawberry.
The Essentials
Picnic Basket
For all your picnic necessities, you’ll need a picnic basket. We love the picture-perfect wicker basket, but even if yours isn’t aesthetic – but still functional – we say go for it. Picnic baskets are best for items that don’t need to be kept cold. Think: snack foods, utensils, plates, and glasses.
Picnic Blanket
Keep you and your guests comfortable by laying out a roomy picnic blanket. Your blanket should be large enough to accommodate all your guests as well as your food. If you’re laying it on grass, opt for a picnic blanket that has a waterproof backing. That way, no one gets damp. If you already have a blanket in mind that isn’t waterproof, a tarp underneath will do the trick. Looking to make everyone even more comfortable? A couple cushions or throw pillows are stylish and functional.
Plates, Glasses, and Utensils
Reduce waste by bringing durable, reusable plates, glasses, and utensils. If that’s not an option for you, choose compostable items rather than plastic. For serving utensils, you’ll want to make sure you have enough tongs and spoons to serve up salads or dips. Cutting meats, cheeses, or breads? Bring a cutting board and a large, serrated knife so you have a steady surface to work on. If you need glasses for your picnic, we recommend bringing sturdy-bottomed ones that can be set on the ground without fear of tipping over.
Napkins, Wipes, and Sanitizer
Eating outside – and picnics in general – can get pretty messy. Make sure you and your picnic-goers keep things tidy by offering napkins, wipes, and hand sanitizer. Choose cloth napkins to reduce waste and also so there’s less of a risk of them blowing away if the wind picks up. Wipes or moist towelettes help with removing any sticky residue and are always handy to have, especially if you’re counting kiddos among your guests. Finally, with everyone sharing food, it’s always good to have a small portable bottle of hand sanitizer in your picnic kit.
Cooler and Ice
Whether you’re bringing a picnic basket or packing everything in the same place, a cooler is a must for eating outside. For one thing, it’ll help keep all your perishable items (and beverages) at the proper temperature. Not only will this make eating more enjoyable, but it also ensures any food with perishable ingredients (think pasta salads) are safe for consumption. Whether you have a hard case cooler or a soft, lightweight one, be sure it’s filled with reusable ice packs or resealable bags filled with ice to help keep everything at the right temperature.
Sun Protection
Your picnic date may have landed on a cloudy day, but that’s no reason to disregard sun protection. Sunscreen is a must for all picnic-goers, as well as hats with brims and sunglasses. Using spray sunscreen? Apply it before you unpack, so it doesn’t blow over onto your food. If you have the space – in both your vehicle and your picnic site – you can also bring a large umbrella to offer some shade to your guests. We also like setting up under a tree, if possible.
Trash Bags
If your chosen picnic spot doesn’t have a trash can nearby, you’ll want to bring a trash bag to collect all your garbage before you go. Remember to also bring a separate bag for any dirty dishes, utensils, and glasses, so they don’t muck up any of your other items on your trip back home.
