Whether you need a boost to get you through the work day or a delicious spread to take care of movie night, I’ve got your back with these delicious and cheap snacks.
I don’t know about you, but for me, snacks are one of those things that make life worth living. Great snacks can turn a bad day around, especially if they don’t hurt your wallet to make!
Stick with me as I review thirty-one cheap snacks all over the sweet and salty spectrum.
1. Popcorn
When we’re talking cheap snacks, popcorn has to come first. This is the fluffiest, crunchiest, most addictive option you can choose for your night in.
Whether you’re having a movie night or jumping into an evening with friends, this is a no-brainer that will always service you well. Plus, you can make it your own with the right seasoning.
2. Dry Roasted Peanuts
Looking for something healthy? Dry roasted peanuts are an excellent choice for a satisfying snack anytime. Whether you’re headed out the door or need a midday pick-me-up, you’ve got it!
The great thing about nuts is that they’re affordable yet protein-packed. They’ll keep you full and satisfied for a while.
3. Yogurt
We all know what it’s like to crave something cool and sweet, but ice cream isn’t always the best choice. Yogurt is the best alternative. It’s creamy, smooth, and available in a variety of flavors.
This is the ultimate versatile snack. Enjoy it plain, or mix in some fruits and granola for a nutritious and wallet-friendly treat.
4. Tortilla Wraps
I’ve always considered tortillas delicious canvases ready to be painted in various flavors. They’re a convenient snack option that you can dress up or down.
You can also bake your tortilla wraps to turn them into crunchy, healthy chips with a tasty dip. This is one of the best healthy snacks for work!
5. Frozen Grapes
Sweet popsicles or treats are delicious, but they’re not always the healthiest choice. That’s why frozen grapes are a game-changer. They’re sweet, refreshing, and oh-so-satisfying!
All you need to do is put them in the freezer for a couple of hours, and voila! You’ve got a guilt-free treat for a hot day.
6. Frozen Blueberries
Grapes not your scene? Then blueberries to the rescue! These delightful treats are bursting with antioxidants, making them a nutritious option perfect for any time of day.
Frozen, they’re particularly good when the sun is high and the heat blazing down. Not to mention, they keep for ages (so they save you some cash on blueberries gone bad).
7. Peanut Butter Rice Cakes
Peanut butter is one of those heavenly ingredients that pairs well with almost anything. All it needs is a little bit of texture, and that’s where the crisp, crunchy rice cakes come in.
Pairing peanut butter and rice cakes is a budget-friendly way to create a midday snack. Curb your cravings while snacking on a much-needed dose of protein.
8. Cheese Sticks
Cheese sticks are an absolute staple, no matter how old (or young) you are! They’re easy to enjoy on their own, but they’re also delicious with some crackers or fresh fruit.
These are particularly good as an on-the-go snack. You can’t exactly bring a block of cheese around with you, but cheese sticks are a great protein-filled snack.
9. Energy Balls
If you’ve never had an energy ball, now’s the time to branch out! Packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, these little balls are nutrient powerhouses.
Not that you’d know it by the taste. Energy balls are delicious and easy to customize to suit your unique tastes.
10. Overnight Oats
While they might not come to mind as a natural snack option, overnight oats are actually a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable snack.
Oats are well-rounded and high-GI, so they’ll keep you full for longer. You can make your oats in a variety of flavors, tweaking them to suit your tastes.
Check out these high protein overnight oat recipes!
11. Carrots with Dip
Crispy and crunchy, carrots are such an easy midday pick-me-up. But why just enjoy carrots when you can dip them in something that makes them twice as good?
Whether you prefer hummus, ranch, or tzatziki, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this classic combination. Not to mention, this is a budget-friendly option that’s easy to make.
This is a great healthy snack for kids as well!
12. Hummus
Speaking of dips, nothing hits the spot quite like hummus. This snack-time favorite is ideal for all ages and can be used for a variety of purposes.
Honestly, I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted just to eat this with a spoon. But it’s also delicious with dipped vegetables, crackers, or pita bread.
13. Roasted Chickpeas
If hummus isn’t quite your style, perhaps roasted chickpeas would be more your speed. These are crunchy, flavorful, and super addictive!
Not to mention, whipping up a batch only requires a cheap can of chickpeas and a sprinkling of spices. All you need to do is roast them in the oven until they’re crispy, then enjoy!
14. Bananas with Peanut Butter
There’s a reason this combination was enjoyed by the King of Rock and Roll – Elvis Presley – himself. Bananas and peanut butter are a delightful combination, cheap, and easy to whip up.
Craving something filling yet sweet as a midday pick-me-up? You’ve found it. Sandwich it between slices of white bread or simply enjoy it alone.
Check out these other healthy sweet snacks!
15. Cottage Cheese and Fruit
If you’re a fan of a classic sweet and savory combination, then look no further. Cottage cheese and fruit is a holistic, well-rounded choice for your next snack.
Berries, peach, pineapple, apple – whatever fruit strikes your fancy will work. Just dip your fruit in the cheese and scoop to your heart’s content.
16. Apple Nachos
Speaking of fruit, here’s another way to enjoy a slice of delicious fruit without simply biting into an apple. Picture it: crisp apple slices topped with your favorite spices and nut butter.
This is truly a snack-time dream come true. It’s a great way to make something so simple a little extra special. This is a great snack for picky eaters!
17. Hard Boiled Eggs
There’s a lot to be said for hard-boiled eggs. They’re simple, delicious, and packed with protein. You can enjoy them in a variety of ways—sandwiches, salads, or right out of the shell!
Boil them up ahead of time for a filling and nutritious grab-and-go option. Eggs are also one of the most affordable ingredients!
18. Cheese Quesadillas
Picture it: gooey cheese nestled between two crispy tortillas, topped with your favorite sauce and a side of fresh vegetables. I love quesadillas because they’re so customizable.
Seriously, this is the kind of snack that you can enjoy every single day because it’s different every time.
19. Chips and Salsa
Chips and salsa. You know it, and I know it: a match made in heaven! Picture the crunchiest of tortilla chips paired with a zesty, juicy salsa. Snack solo? Sharing with friends?
No matter what, this is an irresistible snack everyone can enjoy. Whip up a big batch of salsa ahead of your week, and – as they say – let the chips fall where they may.
20. Celery Sticks and Peanut Butter
Delicious, creamy protein and a bit of robust crunch are the foundations for a perfect snack. Celery sticks and peanut butter are a combo as old as time.
And that’s for a very good reason! Just a little bit sweet, deliciously salty, and still refreshing, this is the best of every world.
21. Almonds
Don’t let their small size fool you – almonds pack a big nutritional punch. These delicious little tree nuts are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
Not only are they affordable and easy to enjoy by the handful, but they’re also guaranteed to satisfy you. Great in a pinch, and an excellent on-the-go snack.
22. Oatmeal Muffins
Whoever met an oatmeal muffin they didn’t like? Wholesome and hearty, a batch of tasty oatmeal muffins will easily last you a week of healthy snacking.
The best part of this snack idea is how affordable it is to whip up these filling muffins. Great for breakfast, a quick lunch, or a midday pick-me-up.
23. Banana Bread
Speaking of delicious baked goods, here comes banana bread! Is there anything more comforting than a slice of warm, freshly baked banana bread?
One slice of banana bread is enough to get you through even the toughest days. Made from affordable bananas, this is a wonderful way to indulge your sweet tooth.
24. Sliced Bell Peppers
Sometimes, it’s best to keep things simple. That’s where a platter of colorful, crisp, sliced bell peppers comes in! This is a healthy snack option perfect for enjoying on the go.
They’re deliciously refreshing and easy to prepare, making them ideal midday snacks. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins and minerals.
25. Yogurt Popsicles
Yogurt popsicles are one of the best treats you can make for yourself. They’re easy to make, crafted from affordable ingredients, and easy to customize—that’s a triple threat!
Opt for classic flavors like strawberry, or get creative with combinations like mango and coconut.
26. Plantain Chips
Looking for a healthier alternative to potato chips? Let’s admit it: potato chips are delicious. It’s easy to demolish a bag of them, but they are not always the most filling or healthy option.
That’s where plantain chips come in. Crispy, crunchy, and slightly sweet. They’re affordable and satisfying, making them an ideal snack to keep in your pantry.
27. Apple Chips
Speaking of fruit chips, here’s another option for your consideration. Apple chips are slightly sweet and chewy. Great with a dollop of peanut butter!
This is a wholesome snack option, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a healthy way. Make a batch on your own with ease, or pick up a bag at your local grocer.
28. Chia Pudding
If you’ve been on my site before, then you know I’m a major fan of chia seed pudding. It’s just so versatile! You can craft the perfect dessert (or breakfast) with a few simple ingredients.
Whether you opt for fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey, this is sure to become a new snack-time favorite.
29. Granola Bars
On-the-go snacks are an art all their own. They have to be easy to eat, no matter where you’re going, but delicious enough to warrant bringing them with you.
Granola bars effortlessly satisfy both criteria. Packed with oats, nuts, and seeds, these are a filling and wholesome option you can make or buy without breaking the bank.
30. Apples with Dip
Apples are such a great choice that they bear repeating (and this time, they’ve brought dip!). While an apple on its own is delicious, it’s even better with a little something to help it along.
Delicious and nutritious, this is an affordable snack option. Keep some Greek yogurt, honey, or peanut butter around for some tasty dip options.
31. Trail Mix
And last but not least, we have a classic! Trail mix is a tasty mix of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips. Hitting the trails, or just need a handful of something to munch on?
This mix has got your back. Craft your own with your favorite assortment of snackables, or grab one pre-made. Either way, it’s affordable and delicious.
And that’s thirty-one! Who knew there were so many ways to satisfy a snack craving? Keep your pantry stocked and your stomach satisfied without hurting your wallet.