You are in the library, enjoying your pack of popcorn. Everyone is looking at you with raised eyebrows, and the librarian comes to you, asking you to stop chewing so loudly. It’s embarrassing, right? Don’t worry—it will not happen to you again. In this blog, we will discuss the best snacks to enjoy in the library and the foods to avoid. We also have a simple iced coffee recipe that will save you lots of money.
In middle school, I remember bringing a bag of chips to the library to enjoy while studying. The moment I opened the bag, the loud crunching noises seemed to echo everywhere, and I quickly noticed the annoyed glances from people around me. That’s when I realized that not all snacks are good for quiet places like libraries.
So, whether you’re settling in for a long study session or just popping in to enjoy a good book, it’s essential to pick snacks that are not only healthy but also quiet and not smelly.
Maintaining a quiet environment in a library is critical. It’s about respecting others’ space and concentration and creating a peaceful atmosphere where everyone can focus. That’s why choosing snacks that don’t make noise is so important.
Criteria for the Perfect Library Snack
When picking out your library snacks, consider these four crucial factors: Nutritional value, low noise, convenience
Nutritional value
Choose snacks that provide good nutrients and keep your energy levels steady. This means snacks rich in proteins, healthy fats, and fibers without too much sugar.
Low noise
Avoid snacks that might disturb others. This means no crunchy chips or wrappers that make a lot of noise when opened.
Minimal mess
Stick to snacks that won’t leave crumbs on your books or the table. Messy snacks can not only distract you but also make extra work for library staff.
Convenience
Opt for snacks that are easy to pack and eat so you can pull them out and enjoy them without a fuss.
Top Library snacks
Here are the top library snacks you should try. They are healthy, quiet and not smelly.
Soft fruits
Bananas and berries are soft and completely quiet, making them perfect for a quick, fuss-free snack. They also do not have strong scents, so no one will know when you eat them. Avoid apples, celery, and carrots. These are pretty loud and take a long time to chew, too.
Soft Baked Cookies or Mini Muffins
Choose varieties that aren’t too crumbly. Soft textures ensure that they won’t make a sound, and sticking to simple flavors like vanilla or chocolate can help avoid strong smells.
Dried Fruits
Snacks like raisins, dried cranberries, or apricots are silent to eat and can be easily contained in a small bag or container.
Dark chocolate
A small piece of dark chocolate can satisfy your sweet tooth without noise. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants. If you are not a fan of dark chocolate, you can choose any chocolate or go for gummy bears.
Overnight oats
You can have overnight oats in the library or have some smoothies. Here are some example smoothies you can try to boost your concentration in the library.
- Blueberry and spinach smoothies
- green tea and avocado smoothie
- banana nut smoothie
- beetroot and berry smoothie
For any smoothie, blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more liquid (water, milk, or juice) to achieve consistency. Add ice to any of these recipes if you prefer a colder drink, or use frozen fruits to make the smoothie refreshing and thick.
Don’t eat this food in the library
Regarding library-friendly snacking, avoiding noisy foods or strong odors is crucial to maintaining a quiet and respectful environment. Here’s a list of items you shouldn’t eat in the library.
1. Fish: Any fish, especially canned varieties like tuna or sardines, can be intense and will likely disturb those around you.
2. Hard-boiled eggs: While they are a great protein source and don’t make noise when eaten, they have a distinctive smell that can be off-putting in closed spaces.
3. Strong cheeses: Some cheeses, particularly the aged or fermented types like blue cheese, Camembert, or Gorgonzola, have strong smells that can quickly fill a quiet room.
4. Garlic and onion-heavy dishes: Foods that contain a lot of garlic or onions—like garlic bread, some sandwiches, or seasoned snacks—can have a lingering odor.
5. Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage: These vegetables are healthy but tend to have a noticeable smell when raw or cooked, which might not be appreciated in a library setting.
6. Spicy foods: Foods with strong spices, such as curries or foods seasoned with cumin, can carry a potent aroma that spreads.
7. Pickled foods: Kimchi, pickles, and other pickled vegetables, though quiet, are often too aromatic for quiet public spaces.
8. Popcorn: Although popcorn might seem like a good snack option since it’s relatively soft, the smell, especially if it’s buttered or flavored, is potent and can easily distract others.
My go-to library snacks are iced coffee and mini muffins. I love iced coffee with no sugar or dairy milk. I prefer soya milk or almond milk.
Making your iced coffee with soy milk at home is a delightful and refreshing choice, especially if you want a dairy-free alternative. It also saves you a lot of money. Here’s a simple DIY recipe to whip up a delicious iced coffee:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of brewed coffee (preferably strong and cooled)
– 1/2 cup of soy milk
– Ice cubes
– Optional sweeteners (sugar, honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute)
– Optional flavorings (vanilla extract, cinnamon, cocoa powder)
Equipment:
– Glass
– Spoon
– Measuring cup
Instructions:
1. Brew the Coffee:
– Start by brewing your coffee. It’s best to make it stronger than usual since the ice and soy milk dilute it. Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature. You can speed up this process by placing it in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare the Glass:
– Fill a glass with ice cubes to about three-quarters complete.
3. Add Sweeteners and Flavorings (Optional):
– If you like sweet coffee, add your sweetener to the cooled coffee and stir well. If you add flavorings like vanilla or cinnamon, now is the time. A small teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can enhance the flavor significantly.
4. Combine Coffee and Soy Milk:
– Pour the cooled coffee over the ice. Next, add the soy milk. The amount of soy milk can be adjusted based on your preference for creaminess.
5. Stir and Serve:
– Stir the mixture well to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or flavorings if necessary.
6. Enjoy:
– Enjoy your homemade iced coffee immediately while it’s nice and chilled!
Tips for the Best Iced Coffee:
Coffee Ice Cubes: To prevent your iced coffee from becoming too watered down, try making coffee ice cubes. Pour some brewed coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze.
– Cold Brew Coffee: For a smoother taste, use cold brew coffee instead of brewed coffee. Cold brew is less acidic and tastes great in iced coffee preparations.
– Chill Your Glass: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your glass in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes before preparing your iced coffee.
Did you find this article helpful? Leave a comment below. Don’t forget to like and follow us on our instagram page ( mabs_blog).
MABS 