Chopsticks for your Chips?
Gamers love snacks! After all, you need something to munch on during those late-night raids and long sessions. But many of these snacks can totally ruin your keyboard and make things messier than need be. Luckily, this list breaks down the best and worst snacks, and some secret hacks too.
1. Beef Jerky
If you want your gamer-snack to be full of protein and mess-free, then opt for some beef jerky. Unlike other snacks, they won’t create hundreds of crumbs or get your fingers sticky. Plus, there are lots of flavor options to choose from!
2. String Cheese
This is another nostalgic snack that is surprisingly high in protein and you can totally eat one-handed. Not only is it conveniently individually-wrapped, but you also won’t run into messy fingers or things falling into your keyboard.
Chris Hsia from United States on Wikimedia
3. Popcorn
As long as you don’t season the popcorn in tons of butter, your fingers will be safe. But even if you do, just keep one hand on the keyboard and the other in the bowl to avoid transferring. Popcorn is a classic, delicious, and surprisingly low-calorie option.
4. Trail Mix
The benefit of trail mix is it's super customizable. You can throw in healthy nuts, a bit of dark chocolate, and even some dried fruit. This is a great way to get some candy in without having your fingers smeared with sugar.
Personal Creations on Wikimedia
5. Protein Bar
Just because you’re gaming doesn’t mean you can’t eat like you’re working out. After all, you’re gonna need the energy for those late-night raids. This is also a great way to get in the protein without any mess.
6. Carrots and Hummus
Everyone knows there’s no healthier snack than sliced crunchy veggies and a dip. The only reason it’s lower on the list is because it’s unfortunately pretty boring despite being quite healthy.
Vegan Feast Catering on Wikimedia
7. Skittles
If you prefer a more sour snack, then Skittles is a decent balance. You don’t get that sweetness overload, and unlike other snacks, they’re pretty clean to eat. Plus, you can play a minigame where you try to exclusively eat the red ones only.
Jonathan J. Castellon on Unsplash
8. Slurpee
Do drinks count as snacks? Probably not! But either way, you can enjoy a Slurpee from your local 7/11 as the perfect gaming companion. Get whatever flavor you want and slurp away. Not only is it really cheap, but one of those extra-large sizes can last you the whole night for not as many calories as you think.
9. Peanuts
Peanuts taste great on both airplanes and in game sessions. They keep your hands clean and are also the perfect accompaniment to a drink. You can even get away with the salted ones or pace yourself by breaking the shells on the side. Just be sure to do it neatly to avoid getting peanut shavings in your keyboard.
10. Cheetos
Cheetos are smack-dab in the middle when it comes to balancing amazing flavor with a total mess. Yes, they’ll absolutely turn your keyboard orange. But unlike other snacks on this list, it might just be worth it.
11. Sour Patch Kids
If you prefer a sour snack for your game sessions, then Sour Patch Kids are a favorite for many. However, that sugary stickiness is going to get all over your fingers and leave your keys and mice feeling a bit scratchy.
12. Chips With a Twist
Chips may seem like the perfect gamer food, if not for the fact that they will totally stain and ruin your keyboard, turning it into a greasy mess. Luckily, gamers have all innovated on this problem and have come up with a solution. Use normal chopsticks to pick up and eat the chips hands-free. It’s that easy.
13. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are another mess-free option that you can diligently munch on all night long. Not only are they healthy for you, but they leave very little mess behind and will keep your fingers nice and clean.
14. Mountain Dew
Once again, not a snack, but Mountain Dew just holds a special place in the heart of many gamers. As long as you don’t spill your drink, your keyboard will be totally safe.
15. Doritos
Doritos are another video game staple (especially if you pair them with the classic Mountain Dew duo). But just be careful, as this snack will certainly ruin your keyboard. Maybe try the chopstick method!
16. Wraps
Just because you’re gaming doesn’t mean you can’t have a full-blown meal on the side. When it does come to meals though, a wrap is the cleanest option as you can pick it up by the wrapper to avoid grease, and there won’t be any crumbs or loose bits to fall into your keyboard.
The Fry Family Food Co. on Unsplash
17. Pizza
On the other hand, pizza is something you definitely want to avoid! There’s no safe way to eat pizza without turning your keyboard into a grease fest. So if you’re going to do it, make sure it’s worth it.
18. Cereal
As long as you hold that spoon gently to avoid spilling milk, cereal is a pretty safe snack. Of course, you can also have a bowl of your favorite brand dry and just reach in with your hand.
micheile henderson on Unsplash
19. Goldfish
There was probably a time when Goldfish was your go-to gaming snack, but you’ve gotten older and your tastes have changed. Nonetheless, these tasty crackers will leave a cheesy and salty residue on your fingers, and just be sure to chew with your mouth closed to avoid crumbs.
20. Baked Goods
Baked goods like croissants, cupcakes, or cookies are all terrible ideas! This is because the moment you take that first bite, you can rest assured they’ll break into a thousand crumbs that are now all over your desk. Happy cleaning!
