10 Cheap Snacks That Are Surprisingly Filling

AUTHOR: Chris Phelan

Snacking smart doesn't mean spending a lot. This list is all about budget-friendly snacks that not only save your wallet but also keep you feeling full longer. From wholesome nibbles to hearty bites, these 10 affordable pantry picks are perfect for curbing hunger without breaking the bank. Get ready to stock your shelves with these satisfying, cost-effective snack options!

Table of Contents

1. Blended Vegetable Soup
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
3. Crispy Chickpeas
4. Trail Mix
5. Microwaved Popcorn
6. Homemade Jerky
7. Hard-Boiled Eggs
8. Protein Bars
9. Dehydrated Fruit
10. Dried Salmon
11. Apples and Peanut Butter
10 Things Old People Wish We Still Had Today
12 Cheap Poverty Meals That Taste Like a Million Bucks
12 Things to Never, Ever Say in an Elevator
12 Casserole Recipes You Don't Want To Miss

1. Blended Vegetable Soup

Try this for an unusual snack: Blended vegetable soup!

"Make vegetable soup and blend it," instructs one man. "I put that into my Thermos coffee cup with a straw to slurp on during busy work hours. It hydrates and energizes me. And thanks to the Thermos, it stays warm for a long time. It's my ultimate on-the-go snack."

While this is not a terrible idea, you could also bring a spoon and pour your soup into a coffee cup.

2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

Peanut-butter-and-jelly-shutterstock-MSN — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

By my rough calculations, for around $10 total, you can make approximately ten delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The nutrients from the peanut butter, the carbs from the bread, and the flavor from the jelly combine to give you an unbeatable snacking experience. In addition, you get to enjoy one of your childhood favorite foods as an adult every time you take a bite; what's better than that?

3. Crispy Chickpeas

Although most people know chickpeas as the basis for hummus, they can also be utilized as a convenient snack; preparing them is nearly effortless.

"I make them chickpeas in the oven constantly; they're stupid-cheap and an easy, filling snack," reveals one woman. "They also make a great addition to a salad; I've even made them with taco seasoning for a surprisingly good taco salad."

4. Trail Mix

The beauty of trail mix lies in its versatility. There are endless options of packaged trail mix sold at supermarkets worldwide, and you can quickly (and cheaply) make your own at home with whatever you have lying around your pantry. Combining your favorite cereal with raisins, nuts, and anything else you have on hand is as inexpensive as it gets. You'll be energized for the rest of the day with a few handfuls of trail mix!

5. Microwaved Popcorn

Microwave Popcorn — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Ah, popcorn. As the most underrated healthy, cheap snack ever created, I'm shocked more people don't take advantage of this movie theater staple!

"If you don't have access to a microwave, bring popcorn that's already popped," one woman advises. "It's not necessarily an unhealthy food if you buy one that has simple ingredients or make it yourself at home. Popcorn is a whole grain with lots of fiber and B vitamins. The fiber will help keep you full."

6. Homemade Jerky

Beef jerky — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Making homemade jerky is surprisingly simple. Countless recipes are available across the internet, but most people use an inexpensive cut of beef, such as London Broil, and cook it in the oven until it's completely dried out. After doing so, you're left with crispy, delicious homemade jerky that is much cheaper than the store-bought alternative!

7. Hard-Boiled Eggs

If you're constantly on the go, you can't do much better than bringing a few hard-boiled eggs to eat in a pinch.

"Go with hard-boiled eggs, some salt in a little dispenser, and a tube of mayo or mustard," advises one snack-savvy man. "Camping gear departments in stores have convenient containers, especially for eggs and condiments."

Packed with plenty of nutrients like B12 and Vitamin D, eggs are also high in protein and will surprisingly fill you up quickly!

8. Protein Bars

Woman eating Protein Bar — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Anyone who's been to a gym knows that protein bars bought one at a time are prohibitively expensive. However, the value of protein bars is apparent when purchasing them in bulk. A quick trip to the grocery store can yield a box of 12 bars for less than $20, which will last you over two work weeks! So, skip the gym counter, and head to places like Costco or Walmart to get the most bang for your buck!

9. Dehydrated Fruit

Dried fruits — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

As a former bartender, I am innately familiar with dehydrated fruit. I was constantly reprimanded for snacking on these popular drink garnishes!

"You can get a cheap food dehydrator for about $30, so I advise everyone to buy one and reap the benefits," explains one woman. "I like to slice up fruit and dehydrate it overnight. My favorite is pears, but pineapple, kiwi, and apples are great too. Peel any of them except apples. Strawberries are not great because as they shrink, the seeds get super close together, and you lose a lot of taste."

You owe it to yourself to try dehydrated fruit for your next snack.

10. Dried Salmon

I know what you're thinking: Dried salmon sounds gross. I initially thought so too, but countless people profess they use their air fryer to make dried salmon, and they are in love with the dish! Who am I to judge? According to many men and women, it's an easy-to-eat, healthy, and nutritional snack that only takes a few minutes to prepare.

11. Apples and Peanut Butter

Unleash your inner Cub Scout and enjoy a much-deserved apple and peanut butter snack the first chance you get!

"An apple and peanut butter combination is an awesome, super cheap snack," confesses one man. "It's got everything you need to keep you full and hold you over until dinner time. It has plant fats, fiber, protein, and complex carbs. What more can you ask for?"

Source: Reddit.