How to Save on Snacks

Here's a tip on how to save money on snack foods:

When packing kids lunches, it is much cheaper to purchase a large box or bag of a snack item and package it yourself into snack-size zip-close bags than buying the prepackaged snack-size packs. This is true for any snack, from Goldfish crackers to potato chips. It only takes a couple minutes, you'll spend less money and end up with many more homemade snack packs. This holds true for canned fruit as well, rather than buying pre-packed fruit cups, you can make your own using small reusable plasticware.

I'll offer a related snack tip: when you go on a car trip, pack your own snacks and munch on the way instead of buying items at gas stations and convenience stores. As I'm sure everyone knows, those places are extremely expensive, so you can save a ton of money by buying elsewhere and bringing along the snacks. In addition, you can control the nutritional value of the snacks your family eats. There aren't a lot of good-for-you options at gas stations, convenience stores, rest stops, etc.

Comments

[greg]

Why not use small tupperware containers, instead of tossing out plastic bags?

[madsow]

I found the same thing. I do this with my pretzels. I was wasting 75 cents a day on pretzels bags at the vending machine at work. Now I buy bulk no name brand pretzels and fill and even reuse zip close baggies. Now it costs me about 7 cents a day. That adds up to a lot of savings.

Great site!