Snack time just got better with this list of cheap, healthy snack ideas! You’ll find sweet and salty options that both kids and adults will enjoy. And they’re all easy to make too!
We typically aren’t big snackers at our house. But lately, the children must all be in growth spurts, because it seems like they’re always getting hungry between meals!
And to be honest, I’ve been needing snacks more often too.
In an effort to get healthier, I’ve been calorie counting. But some days I misjudge the number of calories that I’ll need to eat at lunch in order to hold me over until dinner and end up needing to eat a snack to help me out.
To keep us from resorting to grabbing a handful of potato chips or a cookie, I decided to make a list of simple, healthy snack ideas that the kids and I could easily make so that we have something nutritious to eat whenever we have a hunger attack. And then I figured, why not share them with you too!
All of these snacks are budget-friendly, easy to make, kids approved and healthy as well!
Whether you enjoy them as after school, bedtime or just because snacks, I hope they can help make your life just a little bit easier too.
Cheap Healthy Snacks
1. Refried Bean Dip
You’ll love that this dip takes only 5 minutes to mix up. Serve it with some tortilla chips for a protein filled snack!
2. Popcorn
Making your own popcorn is much cheaper than using microwave popcorn and it’s so easy to do, too! You don’t even need a popcorn popper, a simple kettle will work just fine.
And there are so many delicious flavor variations! Try adding nutritional yeast for a bit of cheesy flavor. Or sprinkle your popcorn with a bit of garlic powder and dill weed. So good!
3. Cheese Quesadillas
Serve these plain or with a side of sour cream or salsa for an easy snack.
Want the convenience of being able to make these ahead of time? Just reheat the quesadillas in the toaster when you are ready to serve them.
4. Hard Boiled Eggs
These are so easy to make in your Instant Pot and peel beautifully! Enjoy them plain or turn them into Deviled Eggs for an extra special treat.
5. Yogurt
Homemade yogurt is super easy to make, but obviously, you can use store-bought yogurt too.
If you go with store-bought yogurt, I recommend looking for a brand that states that it has live and active cultures since that indicates that it has the probiotics that make yogurt a great healthy snack!
Keep in mind too that big tubs of yogurt are cheaper than individual cups or tubes. So if you’re willing to put up with the inconvenience of dishing out individual servings, you can save a few bucks!
6. Roasted Chickpeas
I find this crunchy snack totally crave-worthy! If you don’t have a recipe that you already love, give my friend Missy’s Crispy Garlic Roasted Chickpeas a try.
7. Apples and Peanut Butter
This classic combo is always a great choice! And in my opinion, you have to go with crunchy peanut butter to make it truly delicious.
8. Energy Bites
This simple no-bake snack is super easy to make and they freeze well too!
9. Hummus
Pair with tortilla chips or veggies for a tasty, nutritious snack!
Obviously, making your own homemade hummus is cheaper than buying it. And you could even make this chocolate hummus for something different!
10. Healthy Fudge
Fudge isn’t usually considered a healthy snack, but this easy 3 ingredient fudge recipe is the exception!
11. Veggies with Dip
If you need a healthy dip idea, this Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip is a great option! Make grabbing this snack super easy by prepping the veggies ahead of time.
12. Cottage Cheese and Crackers
Top your favorite crackers with a dollop of cottage cheese and then sprinkle it with a bit of granulated garlic and dried dill weed. So simple, but a snack that even my kids love!
13. Frozen Grapes
Freezing grapes takes them from ordinary to exciting and extra delicious!
14. Cheese
Enjoy this by itself or with some pretzels or crackers for a simple snack.
If you’re budget-conscious, it’s cheaper to buy a big block of cheese and cube or slice it yourself.
15. Apple Nachos
Apples, peanut butter and chocolate combine to make a delicious, fun snack.
16. Fruit with Yogurt Dip
Obviously you can just snack on plain fruit, but this Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip really takes it up a notch.
17. Smoothies
Smoothies are a tasty way to add more fruit to your diet. And you can even slip in some spinach or kale without it affecting the flavor.
If you like thicker smoothies, this 3 Minute Frozen Fruit Smoothie is the best!
18. Raisin Sushi
This simple snack combines tortillas with apples, raisins, carrots, cream cheese and cinnamon for a unique treat.
19. Guacamole
Avocados aren’t necessarily super cheap, but they go on sale fairly often and when they do, take that as your sign to make some homemade guacamole!
20. Fruit Popsicles
Popsicles are so refreshing and always a hit!
Here are a few fun, healthy recipes to try: Tropsicles, Homemade Fruit Popsicles, Fresh Fruit Popsicles and Easiest Grape Popsicles.
21. Healthy Yogurt Popsicles
A fun variation from traditional fruit popsicles, these creamy popsicles are full of probiotic goodness along with a bit of fruit.
22. Fruit & Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt, fruit and granola (we love this homemade granola recipe!) or baked oatmeal in cup or bowl for a simple but delicious snack.
23. Banana Sushi
Such an interesting way to eat bananas…and easy too!
24. Chips and Salsa
This classic is always a hit! Change it up by serving fruit salsa instead of traditional tomato salsa.
25. Frozen Yogurt Covered Blueberries
Simple, but delicious. And you could do this with strawberries or raspberries too!
26. Apple Pie Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Yes, these are technically breakfast cookies, but in my opinion, they’re perfect for a cheap healthy snack too.
27. Healthy Double Chocolate Muffins
Made without any flour, these muffins are the perfect snack to fix those chocolate cravings without consuming loads of sugar.
28. Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
These lightly sweetened muffins are packed full of protein and easy to make.
29. Healthy Homemade Granola Bars
Customize these healthy granola bars to fit your family’s taste. Easy, frugal and delicious!
30. Homemade Cheese Crackers
Skip all the nasty additives that storebought crackers have and whip up a batch of these for a healthy snack instead!
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DAN @ Sauce Grandmaster
Roasted chickpeas always liven up the house, LOL
Lydia Beiler
We sure love them! And now you have me craving some. lol
Gerry voykin
Awesome ideas.
Lydia Beiler
Thank you, Gerry!
NHATANH PLY
Great article. Thank you for all off the great info. Have nice day.
Lydia Beiler
Glad you enjoyed it!
Kat Lewis
I know for fact kids love, love, LOVE Cheese Quesadillas, especially when I give it a fancy name like “Aunt Kathy’s Super-Delicious Cheese Quesadillas”. Makes it fun. Add a little leftover chicken and you got a nice meal.
Do kids really like roasted chickpeas ???
Lydia Beiler
Cheese quesadillas are always a hit, aren’t they? And yup, roasted chickpeas really are a kid favorite. In fact, my kids fight over them when I make them!
Jamie Tully
Roasted chick peas are delicious! My kids have always liked them in the past! Great snack!