15 Ideas for Cheap Easy Snacks!
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Everything is getting more and more expensive, including groceries. However, with these cheap easy snack ideas, you can still find ways to be frugal and save money on groceries.
Whether you need some inexpensive treats for yourself between meals or some ideas for school lunches for the kids, this list has you covered!
15 Cheap & Easy Snack Ideas
Try out these simple ideas for yummy snacking while still being frugal!
Cheese and Crackers
Cheese and crackers are the classic go-to snacking for kids and adults. Dairy has gone up in price, but you can save money by purchasing block cheese and slicing it yourself.
Or you can go the super easy route and buy cheese in a can instead. 😆
2. Apples and Peanut Butter
A delicious crisp apple with a bit of peanut butter makes for a yummy and nutritious snack. In fact, this snack is heart-healthy and may help balance blood sugar.
Plus, it's really quick to make, which is why it's one of my favorite cheap easy snacks to eat.
3. Chips and Salsa
Who's ready for a fiesta? Well, if you are having hunger pains before meal time, then chips and salsa are a great cheap snack to munch on.
Make it even more frugal and pop open a can of Ro-Tel for your salsa! A can of Ro-Tel is only about $1.24 compared to other salsas running $3-4 each.
Remember, every little bit of savings helps!
4. Pretzels and Mustard
If you've never dipped your pretzels in mustard, it's time to try it. It's one of my go-to cheap easy snacks that satisfies my salty cravings in a pinch.
5. Vegetables and Ranch
It seems like it can be more costly to try to eat a bit healthier. However, buying your vegetables and cutting them yourself saves quite a bit, just like cheese.
You will also save money if you purchase what is in season. Check out www.seasonalfoodguide.org to see what is in season and save some cash.
Then buy up some delicious veggies and slice and dice up a tray for easy snacking.
Buy ranch packets in bulk for more savings, and you can even use sour cream instead of milk and mayo to whip up a batch fast!
6. Fruit Plate with Fruit Dip
The same goes for buying fruits as it does vegetables. Look up what's in season and save on your grocery bill while still enjoying some of your favorite fruits.
Check out this yummy 2-ingredient fruit dip on the Spend with Pennies blog!
7. Green Olives and Cottage Cheese
If you enjoy a bit of zing with your snacking, then mix some green olives into cottage cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired snack.
Green olives may lower the chance of heart disease and reduce chronic inflammation too. So, it's one of the best cheap easy snacks for those trying to eat heart-healthy!
8. Deli Meat and Cheese Wraps
It doesn't get much simpler than deli meat and cheese wraps. Use your favorite deli meat and wrap cheese inside of it. That's it. Or you can use cream cheese if you'd like.
9. Celery with Garlic Cream Cheese Dip
Did you know that celery can help control cholesterol? Me either! This is why it's now on my list of healthy snacking ideas.
Cream cheese may not be that healthy, but it's a yummy addition if you are treating yourself. Mix garlic powder or minced garlic and whip it into the cream cheese until smooth.
Then spread it onto your celery stick for a quick snack.
10. Bacon Cheese Fries
This is a little more elaborate to make than the others on the list, but it's one of my favorite cheap easy snacks to eat! Fry up some bacon while you bake some French fries and top with cheese.
I always have a side of ranch dressing with mine, but you can use sour cream or ketchup if you prefer.
11. Potato Skins
You can make potato skins with quite a few variations. Or you can simply use cheese, bacon, chives, and sour cream. Check out this delicious easy potato skins recipe on the Rachel Cooks blog!
12. Pepperoni and Mozzarella String Cheese
If you're trying out the Keto diet, then pepperoni and mozzarella string cheese is excellent for cheap easy snack options. Plus, it's great for those on the go!
13. Yogurt with Granola
Yogurt and granola are another tasty treat to add to your cheap easy snacks list. Buy a tub of yogurt instead of individual packs to save money. You can opt for Greek yogurt for a healthier option too.
14. Homemade Trail Mix
Anything that is premixed usually costs more money. So, try making your own homemade trail mix instead! You can add nuts, chocolates like M&M's, raisins, dates, and more.
Check out the "Easy Budget-Friendly Trail Mix" post on the Cheapskate Cook blog!
15. Buttered Popcorn
One of the best parts of going to the movie theatre is the savory buttered popcorn. Why not make your own "theatre buttered popcorn" at home when you are having a cozy night in?
It's another one of those classic cheap easy snacks you can make quickly.
5 Tips to Save Even More on Your Cheap Easy Snacks!
Although these snacks are pretty cheap to make, there are a few different ways you can make them even more frugal. Here are a couple of tips to help you save even more money:
Buy in Bulk
This has been said a thousand times before, but it does help you save money when trying to be frugal. Just remember to buy things in bulk that don't expire quickly.
Otherwise, they will end up in the trash, and that's just throwing money away.
2. Go Generic
What's in a name? More money, that's what. Did you know that generic brands can cost 20-25% less than name-brand grocery items?!
That's a big chunk of change! So, check the prices of big brands to store brands (generic) and save more money.
3. Shop at Various Stores
Sometimes it pays to shop around. For instance, some stores such as Aldi's and Sharp Shopper have lower prices than other grocery stores.
You can also check the Dollar Store and Dollar Tree for cheap easy snack items.
4. Use Store Discount Cards and Coupons
Many stores offer reward and discount programs. You just sign up and use your card at checkout to receive perks such as discount prices, gas discounts, and more, depending on the store.
You can also load coupons to your cards or go the ole' fashion route and print coupons to slash your grocery bill too.
5. Use Cashback Sites
Since you have to shop for food anyway, why not earn cashback on your purchases? Try out cashback sites like BeFrugal to get money back when you shop!
Plus, sometimes they offer sign-up bonuses too.
These Cheap Easy Snacks are Tasty and Simple to Make!
Just because these snacks are easy doesn't mean they don't pack flavor. Remember, you can save even more money using cashback sites, shopping at various stores, and discount programs. Make life easier with these 15 cheap easy snacks!