When hunger strikes, nobody’s immune to making a mistake. When our stomachs rumble, many of us are drawn to the drive-thru, vending machine, or devouring an entire bag of potato chips. When looking at a savings plan, finding extra money to invest — or you’ve determined to pay off your debt — saving money on snacks will help you with your financial goals.
Here’s the truth, though. Buying pre-packaged snacks is a significant drain on your wallet and your waistline. They often contain hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. However, you can make tasty snacks using pantry staples and fresh ingredients by planning ahead and getting creative.
What’s more, based on Sunmark Credit Union’s analysis, eating out and groceries combined were the top two expenses for food next to housing, either renting or owning a home. The average American spends $11.95 per day on groceries and $9.22 per day eating out for a total of $21.17 per day.
With that said, this blog post is a one-stop shop for satisfying your cravings on a budget. Specifically, we’ll explore tasty and easy-to-make savory snacks, from veggie-packed dips to protein-packed bites, that will satisfy your taste buds and wallet.
The Appeal of Homemade Snacks
Besides, eating healthier, there are many benefits to crafting your own snacks in addition to the obvious cost savings:
- Customization. You can control the ingredients, which helps you avoid unwanted additives and preservatives frequently found in prepackaged snacks. It is also possible to cater to dietary restrictions and preferences like gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb.
- Freshness matters. Unlike store-bought snacks, homemade snacks are guaranteed fresh.
- Boosting creativity. You can try a variety of flavors and textures. Your taste buds will be pleasantly surprised when you discover new combinations.
- The feel-good factor. You can feel surprisingly empowered when you take charge of your snacking experience.
Pantry Staples for Your Snack Arsenal
Before we get into the recipes, let’s look at pantry staples. Keeping a few key ingredients on hand makes it easy to whip up a satisfying snack whenever hunger strikes. To get you started, here is a basic shopping list:
- Canned goods: Chickpeas, black beans, lentils, canned tomatoes (diced and crushed)
- Grains: Brown rice cakes, oatmeal, popcorn kernels, whole wheat flour
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
- Legumes: Dried beans, lentils, chickpeas
- Dried Fruits: Apricots, cranberries, raisins, dates
- Spices: Chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika
- Condiments: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, hot sauce, soy sauce
Snacktime Superstars: 20 Easy and Budget-Friendly Recipes
I hope you’re hungry because it’s time to cook your frugal snacks! The following are twenty delectable snack ideas that are easy on the budget and require little effort:
1. Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
Toss drained chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and roast until crispy and golden. Besides being budget-friendly, this is a powerhouse of protein and fiber.
2. Classic Hummus
You can’t go wrong with this protein-rich, fiber-rich dip. Combine canned chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices to make a creamy, delicious spread. Then, you can dip your favorite veggies for a tasty and healthy snack.
3. Easy Guacamole
Who doesn’t love fresh guacamole? Using ripe avocados, minced red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt, mash avocados until smooth. Veggie sticks or whole-wheat pita bread would be excellent accompaniments.
4. Edamame with a Twist
Edamame can be steamed or boiled and then flavored with various ingredients. It’s hard to beat the combination of sea salt with furikake (a Japanese seasoning for rice). However, spice up your dish with garlic powder, chili flakes, or fresh lemon juice.
5. Spiced Popcorn
Replace the pre-made bags with your own healthier versions. For a light and satisfying snack, drizzle popcorn kernels with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and pop. Add nutritional yeast or herbs like rosemary or thyme to give the dish a cheesy flavor.
6. Sweet Potato Fries
In a large baking dish, slice sweet potatoes into thin sticks, toss with olive oil and herbs, and bake until golden brown. You can serve them with parmesan cheese or Greek yogurt for a creamy dip.
7. Air-Fried Tofu Nuggets
Cube extra-firm tofu, then marinate in soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil. Using cornstarch, coat the tofu with a thin coating and air-fry it until crispy. You can serve it with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
8. Crispy Wontons
It’s surprising how versatile wontons can be. For delicious chips, brush wonton wrappers with melted butter or olive oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake until golden. Mini-pot stickers can also be filled with chopped vegetables and shredded chicken.
9. Fruit and Nut Trail Mix
You can customize your trail mix by adding your favorite dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. If you’re feeling indulgent, add some dark chocolate chips.
10. Savory Yogurt Parfait
Want a refreshing and protein-packed treat? Combine plain or flavored Greek yogurt with chopped vegetables (cucumber, bell pepper), crumbled feta cheese, and dried herbs (dill, mint).
11. Deviled Eggs with a Kick
You should hard boil eggs and split them in half and remove the yolks. Mash the yolks with the chopped herbs using mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, chives, or dill. For a classic yet flavorful snack, put the mixture back into the cooked egg whites and plate. Try adding Sriracha or hot sauce for a kick!
12. Baked Veggie Chips
Cut vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or eggplant into thin slices using a thin slicer. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices of your choice. This healthy alternative to potato chips is baked until crispy.
13. Avocado Toast with a Twist
Using whole-wheat bread slices, toast them. Top toast with mashed avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil. Sliced turkey or smoked salmon will add protein. Feeling adventurous? Make it Mediterranean-inspired by crumbling feta cheese on top and adding sun-dried tomatoes.
14. Roasted Vegetable Skewers
On skewers, thread cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini slices, and red onions. For a colorful and vibrant snack, drizzle with olive oil, season with herbs like rosemary or thyme, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
15. Cucumber Kimchi
The cooling sensation of cucumber slices adds a refreshing twist to kimchi’s spicy and savory flavor profile. Toss a cucumber with store-bought kimchi, and you’re good to go.
16. Mini Frittatas
Even though frittatas sound impressive, they’re actually very easy to prepare. In a small bowl, stir together eggs, grated cheese, chopped vegetables (anything on hand will do ), and a pinch of herbs. In a greased muffin tin, pour the mixture and bake until set. Whether on the go or looking for a light lunch, these mini frittatas are perfect.
17. Tuna or Salmon Salad on Crackers
You can make a simple salad using canned tuna or salmon, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Put the salad on whole-wheat crackers for a protein and omega-3 fatty acid boost.
18. Falafel Bites
Combine chickpeas, fresh herbs, onion, and spices in a food processor. Small falafel patties can be baked or pan-fried to make crunchy falafel bites.
19. No-Bake Energy Bites
Combine rolled oats, nut butter, honey, dried fruits, and chia seeds in a bowl. The mixture should be well blended; then, it must be rolled into bite-sized balls. Store these balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to make a quick, convenient grab-and-go snack.
20. Spiced Lentil Fritters
Cook lentils as directed on the package. Add cumin and coriander to them after mashing them with onions and peppers. Make small patties by binding the mixture with an egg or mashed banana. In a bit of oil, pan-fry both sides until golden brown. You can enjoy them plain or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Beyond the Basics: Experimentation is Key!
Now that you know how to make these basic snacks, it’s time to experiment. Here are a few additional tips and ideas:
- Reimagining leftovers. Never throw away leftover roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or pasta. Instead, make snacks out of them. For example, chop leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with buffalo sauce to make a spicy treat — this is fantastic on crackers, too. You can add roasted vegetables to scrambled eggs or quesadillas.
- Spice up your cooking with herbs and spices. Don’t be afraid to try new herbs and spices to create new flavor profiles. Adding rosemary to roasted chickpeas, thyme to scrambled eggs, or chili flakes to your hummus dip can make a big difference.
- It’s all about preparation and portion control. If you have a busy week ahead of you, prep your snacks in advance. Whether you’re roasting chickpeas, chopping veggies, or preparing a big batch of dip, don’t be stingy. Portion them out into containers for easy grab-and-go convenience.
Don’t forget that conquering your cravings doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By planning ahead and using some basic kitchen skills, you can create tasty and healthy snacks that will keep your taste buds satisfied.
FAQs
What are some benefits of making my own snacks?
- Cost-effective. Making your own snacks can generally save you money, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk.
- Healthier. You can limit unhealthy fats, sodium, and preservatives by controlling what goes into your snacks.
- Freshness. Typically, homemade snacks are fresher than store-bought snacks.
- Customization. You can customize your snacks depending on your taste preferences and dietary needs.
I’m short on time. What are some quick and easy snack ideas?
- Veggie and hummus platter. Make a salad with carrots, celery, peppers, and cucumbers. For a satisfying snack, serve with store-bought or homemade hummus.
- Spiced nuts. Toss nuts like almonds, cashews, or peanuts with olive oil, your favorite spices, and a pinch of salt. Roast them in the oven for a crunchy and flavorful snack.
- Yogurt parfaits. Layer yogurt, granola, and chopped fruit for a refreshing and protein-packed snack.
- Quesadillas. Put cheese and salsa (or your favorite fillings) between two tortillas and cook on a skillet until golden brown.
I’m on a tight budget. What are some cheap ingredients I can use for snacks?
- Pantry staples. Beans, lentils, rice, pasta, canned tomatoes, and dried herbs can be used to create a wide variety of snacks.
- Eggs. You can hard boil, scramble, or fry this protein source at a reasonable price.
- Frozen vegetables. Frozen vegetables are almost as nutritious as fresh for dips, stir-fries, or roasting.
How can I make these snacks even healthier?
The following tips may help:
- Add fiber to your diet by using whole-wheat bread or tortillas.
- Eating plenty of vegetables provides your body with plenty of vitamins and minerals.
- Choose lean protein sources such as beans, lentils, or low-fat cheese.
- Reduce the amount of processed ingredients and sugar added to your diet.
- To prevent overeating, control portion sizes.
Image Credit: Jack Sparrow; Pexels
