Shark Yogurt Cups: A Cool, Creative Ocean Snack for Summer Fun

Looking for a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? These Shark Yogurt Cups are the perfect combination of tasty, hands-on activity and imaginative play. With just a few simple ingredients and no cooking required, this ocean-themed treat is ideal for summer lessons, ocean units, snack time surprises, or even a themed birthday party.

This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links. I earn a small commission when you purchase using my links, at no extra cost to you!

Whether you’re teaching a homeschool unit about the sea, running a summer camp, or just looking for a quick and creative kitchen activity, this snack helps kids dive into learning through color, texture, and storytelling.

What You’ll Need

• Vanilla yogurt
• Blue food coloring
• Animal crackers
• Gummy sharks
• Mini paper drink umbrellas
• Clear plastic cups or bowls

All of these ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly. This makes Shark Yogurt Cups a great last-minute project that’s equally at home in the classroom or your own kitchen.

How to Make Shark Yogurt Cups

1. In a mixing bowl, stir a few drops of blue food coloring into vanilla yogurt until you achieve your desired ocean-blue shade.

2. Pour the blue yogurt into clear plastic cups or bowls, filling them about three-quarters full.

3. Crumble animal crackers on top of the yogurt to represent beach sand. You can sprinkle as little or as much as you like.

4. Add a gummy shark to each cup, placing it so it looks like it’s swimming in the ocean.

5. Finish the look by adding a small paper umbrella into each cup for a tropical touch.

That’s it! These quick-to-assemble cups are visually appealing, delicious, and perfect for kids of all ages.

Why These Shark Yogurt Cups Are More Than Just a Snack

This activity is about more than yogurt and gummy candy—it also provides a hands-on learning opportunity and supports several key developmental areas.

• Fine motor skills are strengthened through scooping, mixing, and placing small items like sharks and crackers.
• Color mixing and visual awareness are encouraged through the transformation of white yogurt into a sea-blue shade.
• Sensory play is naturally built in with texture (smooth yogurt, crunchy “sand,” chewy shark gummies), visual appeal, and even smell.
• Creativity and storytelling come to life as kids build scenes and talk about their “ocean” environment.
• Confidence and independence are nurtured when children can assemble their own snacks with minimal assistance.

It’s an ideal way to keep kids engaged without turning on the oven or pulling out too many supplies.

Extension Ideas for More Fun

Looking to build a full ocean-themed experience around your snack time? Here are some easy and creative ideas

• Have kids draw their yogurt scene before making it, then compare their art to the finished snack
• Turn snack time into storytelling time—ask kids to describe what their shark is doing, where it’s going, or what’s hidden under the “sand”
• Use themed plates, napkins, or even music (like beach sounds or undersea songs) to create a full sensory atmosphere
• Write a short poem or story inspired by the yogurt cup
• Incorporate a science lesson about sharks, oceans, or food chains to reinforce educational content

These simple additions can turn an everyday snack into a full-on enrichment activity.

Book Pairings to Extend the Theme

Pair your shark cups with a related read-aloud to connect snack time with story time

• “Shark Lady” by Jess Keating – A nonfiction picture book about Eugenie Clark, a pioneering marine biologist
• “Clark the Shark” by Bruce Hale – A fun and relatable story about fitting in and learning self-control
• “I’m a Shark” by Bob Shea – Silly and bold, this story gives a funny voice to an underwater predator
• “Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea” by Jan Peck – A great companion to any ocean-themed activity
• “National Geographic Kids: Sharks!” by Anne Schreiber – Full of real facts for curious learners

Combining food with literacy helps kids make cross-curricular connections in a fun and meaningful way.

Creative Variations to Try

Want to customize your Shark Yogurt Cups? Here are a few ideas to make the activity your own

• Use Greek yogurt for a thicker texture or a protein boost
• Add crushed graham crackers instead of animal crackers for a more cookie-like sand topping
• Use a variety of ocean-themed gummies to create a sea of creatures
• Add edible pearls or sprinkles for extra sparkle
• Make a dairy-free version with plant-based yogurt for allergy-friendly classrooms

You can even turn it into a friendly competition where kids vote for the most creative shark scene.

A Quick and Memorable Ocean-Themed Treat

Shark Yogurt Cups are a perfect summer snack that blend creativity, hands-on activity, and educational play. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and ideal for helping kids use their imagination while learning more about the ocean.

This no-bake, low-mess project is a great fit for classrooms, camps, or lazy summer afternoons at home. It’s also a smart solution when you want a healthy treat that still feels like a celebration.