Ask any die-hard parade goer their secret for all-day Mardi Gras celebrating, and you’ll get plenty of advice. But everyone’s lists likely have staying hydrated and well-fed as top priorities. Loading up with satisfying snacks, grub, and drinks is vital to successful Mardi Gras parade prep.

Enjoy These Eats and Treats in Your Mardi Gras Menu

When packing food for a parade, bring things you love that are easy to eat and don’t require a lot of fuss. For example, typically, there’s no grilling on the parade route, although you’ll always find those who ignore the Mardi Gras rules.

However, more often than not, you’re in the thick of the fun, straight on the street, with nothing but a cooler and insulated lunch bag. Therefore, consider your parade-watching plans carefully when deciding what to put on your Mardi Gras menu.

1. Red Beans and Rice

Undoubtedly, red beans and rice is a New Orleans classic that locals and visitors enjoy all year. Pack a hot batch in an insulated container, and don't forget the bowls and spoons.

2. Jambalaya

Jambalaya is another menu item synonymous with NOLA (and exceptionally tasty). You'll see plenty of folks chowing down on it on Mardi Gras day, especially if they're in a big group with a setup to match (tents, tables, etc.).

3. Muffulettas

Muffulettas tend to show up at many NOLA events and every holiday from Mardi Gras to Thanksgiving. These classic New Orleans sandwiches are easy to wrap and toss in a cooler.

4. Finger Sandwiches

Finger sandwiches are easy to eat with little bites that don't take you away from the excitement for long. You can down a few mouthfuls in no time at all and get right back to catching those coveted throws.

5. King Cake

Don’t forget to bring this famous carnival sweet treat with you on Mardi Gras day. Neglecting to do so is equivalent to forgetting the rings on your wedding day.

6. Elmer’s CheeWees

Elmer’s Fine Foods is a snack company based in New Orleans since 1946. Locals often dig into a bag of famous Elmer’s CheeWees and try to snag more from passing floats. That’s right, Elmer’s makes special Mardi Gras throw snack packs featuring CheeWees, cotton candy, cookies, and popcorn.

7. Creative Cocktails

Beer never goes out of style at a parade (or ever), but people love to get creative with their cocktails. Try a Hurricane, Bourbon Milk Punch, or Urban South Brewery and Don Phuong Bakery’s mashup -- Carnival Time King Cake beer.

8. Cold Fried Chicken

You can’t go wrong with a box of cold fried chicken on Mardi Gras Day. Grab some from Popeye’s, Willie’s Chicken Shack, or other local favorites. The chicken might start hot, but parade goers keep eating no matter the temperature. Although you don’t want to ignore health and safety rules, many locals tend to throw caution to the wind.

Satisfy Mardi Gras Day Cravings Without Missing A Beat

You’ll also find quite a few people eating hot dogs and pizza on Mardi Gras, especially if a nearby vendor dishes up options. These items are easy to eat with one hand, leaving the other free for waving and catching (gotta get those throws).

The takeaway? Bring stuff you love to eat that won’t impede your ability to get more beads and trinkets.

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8 Must-Have Eats for Mardi Gras Day