Money-Saving Munchies

I try to avoid using vending machines as much as possible. For one thing, they’re a rip-off. Most of the snacks available can be purchased at the grocery store for a fraction of the price—even if you don’t use coupons! Also, the food for sale in most vending machines isn’t what I’d call “good for you.” The best option in most machines is usually some type of low-fat or low-calorie potato chip. Not exactly health food!

For these reasons, Donnie and I try to bring our own snacks with us to work and school. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of times we’ve been unprepared, and turned to vending machines for a quick bite. But that’s definitely not my preferred state of affairs. I would much rather snack on my own healthy, tasty, frugal food.

If you’re looking for painless ways to trim your budget, packing your own snacks for lunch or school is a great option. Here are just a few of the snack foods that work for Donnie and me, or people we know. Please share your own tried-and-true snack ideas in the comments section!

Cheese and crackers
Dried fruit
Applesauce
Mixed nuts
Frozen grapes
Hard-boiled eggs
Homemade cookies
Cherry tomatoes
Air-popped popcorn
Mini pretzels or pretzel rods
Apples, pears, or bananas with peanut butter
Plain yogurt mixed with fruit and granola
Pudding cups
Cream cheese and celery
Muffins
Orange ambrosia (oranges sprinkled with coconut)
Hummus with sliced cucumbers and pita wedges
Tortilla chips and salsa
Carrot sticks