Glastonbury, the iconic music festival, is an experience. However, with all the dancing, walking, and late nights, keeping your energy levels up can be challenging. This guide will provide a survival plan of what to eat to stay energized throughout the festival.
Before You Go: Smart Packing
While Glastonbury boasts a fantastic array of food vendors, packing strategically is key for those moments when you need a quick energy boost or a budget-friendly option.
- Non-Perishable Snacks:
- Energy Bars: Compact and convenient, protein or granola bars provide a quick source of energy and help keep you full.
- Nuts and Seeds: A handful of nuts or seeds offers healthy fats, protein, and sustained energy. Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are great choices.
- Dried Fruits: Figs, apricots, and raisins are rich in minerals and provide a natural sugar boost.
- Trail Mix: Combine nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a balanced and satisfying snack.
- Breakfast Essentials:
- Granola: Perfect with or without milk (if you can get some from the on-site Co-op), granola provides a filling and energy-rich start to the day.
- Oatmeal: Pre-packaged oatmeal pots are easy to prepare with just hot water and a spoon.
- Hydration Helpers:
- Reusable Water Bottle: Essential for staying hydrated. Refill stations are available throughout the festival grounds.
- Electrolyte Tablets or Powder: Adding electrolytes to your water can help replenish those lost through sweat and keep you energized.
- Other Smart Choices:
- Canned Foods: Baked beans, mackerel, or fruit in juice are versatile and nutritious options.
- Hard Vegetables: Carrots and mushrooms are less likely to get squashed and can last longer without refrigeration.
- Kendal Mint Cake: This classic energy bar is a favorite among hikers and climbers for its high glucose levels.
- Jelly Cubes: Bitesize blocks of jelly can provide a quick energy boost.
- Tinned Pineapple: Tinned fruit provides a refreshing vitamin boost.
- Cereal: Dry cereal such as Honey Nut Cheerios are easy to eat on the go.
Navigating the Food Vendors: Energizing Options
Glastonbury’s food scene is diverse, offering everything from gourmet meals to quick bites. Here’s how to navigate the vendors for sustained energy:
Focus on Whole Foods
- Buddha Bowls: Wholefood Heaven’s Buddha Bowls are a long-time crowd favorite, offering vegan massaman curry bowls with potatoes, carrots, pineapple, homemade pickle, seasonal greens, and brown rice. It’s a healthy and flavorful way to get much-needed nutrition.
- Taste Tibet: Try Himalayan curries and Tibetan momo dumplings.
- Pad Thai: A simple and delicious option that provides carbs and protein.
- Goan Fish Curry: A Glastonbury staple that also offers Breakfast Kedigree, and fish masala dhal.
Prioritize Protein
- The Jerk Yard: Enjoy delicious Caribbean jerk chicken.
- Bayou Bar: New Orleans Kitchen serves cajun BBQ dishes with blackened shrimp and chicken.
- Mexican Seoul: Try their famous double-fried chicken wings and cauliflower bites.
Healthy Fats are Your Friend
- Dosa Deli: Opt for a Mysore Masala Dosa with spiced potatoes and hot garlic chutney.
- Happy Maki: Choose vegan sushi rolls with hoisin duck and chicken alternatives, alongside Thai sweet potato and avocado veggie sushi burrito rolls.
Don’t Forget Your Veggies
- Hanoi Kitchen: Banh mi, noodle salad and crispy veggie spring rolls will be on offer from Vietnamese street food traders Hanoi Kitchen.
- The Fritter Shack: Serves tasty fritters alongside delicious salads and the menu will be full of gluten free options.
Quick & Convenient
- Luardos: Tender slow cooked pork, chipotle beef, chicken and veggie burritos with gauc, pico de gallo, beans, rice, sour cream and some spicy salsas
- Mexican Food Stall (near Pyramid Stage): Super nachos, as they are extremely filling and give you the best variety of what is to offer. Also serves a variety of veggie and vegan burritos.
Sweet Treats with Benefits
- Paletas: Mexican ice lollies made with fresh fruit.
- Ice Green: Handmade vegan gelato in many flavors.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
- Excessively Processed Foods: Chips and heavily processed snacks offer little nutritional value and can lead to energy crashes.
- Sugary Drinks: While tempting, sugary drinks provide a quick burst of energy followed by a slump. Stick to water and consider natural alternatives like coconut water.
- Too Much Meat Without Refrigeration: Without proper refrigeration, meat can spoil quickly, leading to sickness.
Staying Hydrated: The Unsung Hero
- Water is Key: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased performance. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly.
- Electrolytes: Consider adding electrolyte tablets or powder to your water, especially if you’re sweating a lot.
- Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes and a refreshing alternative to sugary drinks.
Practical Tips for Eating at Glastonbury
- Plan Ahead: Review the festival map and identify food vendors offering healthy and energizing options.
- Bring Cash: Some vendors might not accept card payments.
- Take Advantage of £6 Meal Deals: Look for vendors offering affordable options to save money.
- Eat Regularly: Don’t wait until you’re starving to eat. Regular small meals or snacks will help maintain your energy levels.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you’re craving something specific, it might be a sign that you’re lacking a particular nutrient.
- Check Socials: Check the vendor’s social media to make sure they are there this year.
Vendor Recommendations
- Anna Mae’s Mac ‘N’ Cheese: (Near The Bandstand and near Woodsies)
- The Jerk Yard: (Other Stage and West Holts)
- Taste Tibet: (West Holts)
- Bayou New Orleans Kitchen: (Edge of West Holts, near the Greenpeace area)
- Dosa Deli: (TBA)
- The Hippy Chippy.
- Mexican Seoul: (Between Pyramid and Other Stages)
- Moony’s Halloumi: (Opposite the Other Stage and to the left of Other, near BBC Introducing)
- Nanny Bill’s: (Block9)
- The Ogle Shield.
- Rad Burger: (Near Greenpeace)
- The Gravy Train Poutine
Final Thoughts
Glastonbury is a marathon, not a sprint. By packing smart, making informed choices at food vendors, and staying hydrated, you can keep your energy levels up and fully enjoy the festival experience. Remember to listen to your body, eat regularly, and have fun!
