Fuel for child’s next snack attack with these frugal tips and tricks! Here’s How I Save Money on Snacks for the Kids…
We all know groceries can be expensive… and pre-packaged snack sized goodies are no exception. However, that’s what my kids are always hoping I bring home. The solution? DIY snack packs! They’re fabulous for school lunches, lunch at home, and even as after school snacks for kids!!
So here is How I Save Money on Snacks for the Kids…
Save Money on Snacks for The Kids
Related: 34 Ways To Entertain Kids on a Trip
How Can I Save on Snacks for Kids?
One way I’ve found to really save BIG on groceries is to cut out the small prepackaged snacks… and just create my own! Not only does this save money, but you can also determine the portion size and incorporate some healthy snacks too! This is what I do…
Save BIG When You Buy in Bulk!
When you buy your child’s favorite snacks in bulk, you will save SO much money as opposed to buying small individually sized packages. I like to pick up bulk sized packages at Costco or Sam’s Club, but you can also check at your regular grocery store, too!
Consider stocking up on things like…
- Pretzels
- Crackers {Wheat Thins, Cheez Its, Goldfish, etc}
- Dried Fruits {like Raisins, Craisins, etc}
- Nuts {Peanuts, Cashews, Almonds}
- Animal Cookies
- Chips {Baked Chips & Pita Chips are always fun}
- Popcorn
- Etc.
How Do You Make a Snack Pack?
It’s so simple! Just purchase some mini snack-sized ziploc bags, then fill them up with treats your kids will love!
That could be a homemade trail mix with the nuts and dried fruit you purchased, or bags of just pretzels, popcorn, crackers, etc.
Then load up your snack packs into a large basket so you can grab and go when it’s time to pack a lunch, head out on a long car ride, etc. You’ll always be prepared, and you’ll save SO much money!
More Ways to Save Money on Snacks for Kids:
Suzie writes: “Don’t buy the individual wrapped veggies. Instead, buy the big bags, and cut them up to save on price! The same can be said with yogurt, applesauce, and so on. Plus… they can individualize and decorate their own containers to keep them in for lunch.”
Kimberly writes: “Make your own fruit cups with seasonal fruit cut in bite sized pieces.”
Beverly writes: “Usually on the weekend I’ll make homemade cookies or brownies and that’s a snack for the week.”
So are you on the hunt for even more tasty Snack Recipes and Ideas?
I know you’ll love these tasty ideas…
Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe {Dried Fruit Snack}
Ready for the fun and healthy homemade snack the whole family loves? It’s time to make this Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe!
Crockpot Applesauce Recipe
Nothing beats the smell of this homemade Crockpot Applesauce Recipe cooking in your slow cooker! {yum!} Did I mention it tastes ridiculously good, too?? 😉
Homemade Banana Chips Recipe
Get ready for these crunchy round chips that have the sweetness of bananas and almond extract, with just a bit of cinnamon kick.
Garlic Parmesan Kale Chips
I can’t get enough of these yummy Garlic Parmesan Kale Chips! Healthy, Easy, and SO delicious!
Gluten Free Cheerios Snack Mix Recipe
It’s super easy to mix up and perfect for toting along to work, packing in school lunches, or keeping the kids happy while munching on all the fun colors, flavors, and textures!
Easy Homemade M&M Granola Bars
This M&M Easy Granola Bars Recipe is the perfect way to pack some homemade love in your kiddos lunches!
Homemade Pop Tarts Recipe
Use this Homemade Pop Tarts Recipe with step by step instruction to bake up a batch of one of your very favorite childhood memories!
Homemade Graham Cracker Recipe
Once you try this easy Homemade Graham Crackers Recipe, you’ll never go back to store bought graham crackers again!
Homemade Ritz Crackers Recipe
Homemade is always better and these Homemade Ritz Crackers are no exception!
Easy Homemade Cheez Its Recipe
No rainy day can stand a chance against these outrageously delicious Cheez Its… YUM!
Crock Pot Chex Mix Recipe! {Parmesan Ranch}
Satisfy your snack attack in style with this savory Parmesan Ranch flavored Crock Pot Chex Mix Recipe!
Oven Baked Chex Mix Recipe
With a perfectly balanced blend of salty and savory flavors, this delicious homemade chex mix is the ultimate snack mix!
Homemade Microwave Popcorn Recipe
Save BIG without sacrificing flavor. You’ll love this Easy Homemade Microwave Popcorn Recipe!
Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe
These savory pecans wrapped in a gooey sugar glaze are beyond dreamy, and can be made in just 5 minutes!
Cinnamon Sugar Almonds Recipe
These almonds are a must-have anytime you’re craving an outrageously tasty almond snack.
No Bake Protein Bites Recipe
What a perfect snack for after the gym or to keep you going between meals! Just 4-ingredients, such a fast and easy snack option!
Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Nothing beats these warm Pumpkin Spice Muffins to feed a snack attack!
Easy Banana Bread Muffins Recipe
Satisfy every sweet tooth with this delicious Easy Banana Bread Muffins Recipe!
10 Best Ever Muffin Recipes! {Home Baked Heaven}
Get ready to become your own household celebrity when you bake some of these Best Ever Muffin Recipes!
10+ Easy Smoothie Recipes
Craving a smoothie? These Smoothie Recipes are such an easy way to pack more fruits into your day!
More Grocery Money Saving Tips:
How To Feed a Hungry Teenager Affordably
If you’ve got a teenager, then you need these helpful tips for How To Feed a Hungry Teenager Affordably!
How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half {35+ Brilliant Tips}
Want to know how to cut your grocery bill in half? Keep more cash in your wallet with these easy money saving tricks!
So don’t miss out! Follow along for more fun Recipes and Tips with The Frugal Girls right here…
So what are some of your favorite After School Snacks for kids?
Leave a comment and share…
Jillian Mitchell says
I swear by this method! I tell everyone. I’ve been doing it for a few years now and it really helps a lot. When the kids come home from school they dive into a box of crackers and forget it, its gone, but if they know they can only grab a baggie then they do that and they are fine. I love doing it for cereal because they inevitably poor too much if they have the box and end up too full to finish it.
Heidi says
Hi Melissa!
I either buy the bulk crackers and pretzels, or buy regular sized bags at the grocery store {when they are on sale… with a coupon}!
Whatever is the least expensive is what I buy! 🙂
– Heidi
Tracy says
What a great idea! thanks for sharing!
Melissa says
Do you buy the bulk cheez crackers and pretzels?
Christy says
Me 2! It’s so funny how great moms think alike! Gotta love moms!
Hoosier Homemade says
I have a snack basket too, although I don’t divide mine up into baggies. Thanks for sharing!
~Liz
CVSer says
Yup I pack the same snacks! lol. So easy and the kids love them!
pennypincher says
I started doing this a couple of years ago. I have two really cute baskets to keep them in too. I like the snack size baggies because it’s just the right size for a snack. Plus i have found that they stay fresher longer because your not opening and closing the original container all the time and yea it’s way more economical!
Jennifer says
What a great idea!
Buffie says
I do this too. It’s so much more affordable. And Cheez-its are yummy even if they aren’t nutritious!
Carol from Savvy4 says
Congratulations! I have just nominated your wonderful site for a “One Lovely Blog Award”. I really enjoy reading your great articles!
staskym says
we do the same thing here,i am on WW so i weigh or measure EVERYTHING and my kids like the idea of it being a certain amount in each bag, the reusable bag sounds like a great idea, but i can find the snack bags at the Dollar Tree for now.
Mrs. Petrie says
I love this! I hate wasting money on little packages of 6 crackers or 12 gummy treats.
Nicole T says
you can also meke your own bags (sew an easily washable/wipe-able fabric) and create reusable bags to save on $ buying ziplocs and throwing them away.
Your Frugal Friend, Niki says
I do this same thing!
🙂
Wifeof1Momof4 says
We are thinking alike! I started doing this last school year because the kids were always hungry at pick up time.
It is sooo easy and has saved A TON of $$$$!!!
Keri C says
I do this too but i also have some packed with a mix of all of them, like a trail mix. They often cant choose just one so they like the variety pack. I hate the after school but too early for dinner time hunger.
Angie.. says
I do the same thing- esp when packing my daughters lunch for school- she loves helping me make her lunch and snacks.
Thea says
I do the same thing! One the Cheez-Its, pretzels, cereals, etc.. go on sale or better yet are BOGOF- i stock up and make my own snack bags. It is actually very fun and you can get creative and make your own “trail mixes!” thanks for sharing!!! 🙂