We all love a good snack. Whether it’s while watching a movie, catching up with friends, or just a quick pick me up in the middle of a hectic day, snacks are a must-have. But we often find ourselves paying more for snacks at certain places, without realizing that they are available for much cheaper elsewhere. This blog post will help you save some money and still enjoy your favorite snacks by pointing out 15 snacks that are cheaper elsewhere. Let’s get started!
1. Popcorn
Popcorn is a classic snack that is often overpriced at movie theatres. While the smell of freshly popped corn might tempt you to splurge, remember that you can get the same thing for a fraction of the cost at your local supermarket. In fact, a box of microwave popcorn costs about the same as a small bag at the cinema but can give you up to 10 servings.
Buying bulk kernels and popping it at home is even cheaper and healthier as you can control the amount of salt and butter. Not to mention, you can experiment with various flavors like cheese, caramel, or spicy chili.
2. Bottled Water
Purchasing bottled water at places like airports, gyms or concert venues can be significantly more expensive than buying it from a grocery store. These places know you’re likely to be thirsty and take advantage of that.
Instead, consider investing in a reusable water bottle. It’s not only more economical but also environmentally friendly. You can fill it up for free at many public places, or for a small fee at restaurants or cafes.
3. Ice Cream
Ice cream parlors and dessert shops often charge a premium for their sweet treats. While these places do offer a wide variety of flavors and toppings, you can find similar quality products at your local grocery store for much less.
Try buying a tub of your favorite flavor from the supermarket and add your own toppings like fruit, nuts, or chocolate syrup. This way, you can enjoy your personalized ice cream sundae at a fraction of the cost.
4. Candy
Candy is another item that’s often marked up at convenience stores and cinemas. While it’s easy to grab a pack while you’re there, it’s significantly cheaper to buy it in bulk from a grocery store or online.
You can even consider purchasing a variety pack, so you can have a selection of your favorite candies on hand whenever a craving strikes.
5. Chips
Chips are a popular snack, but buying individual bags from vending machines or convenience stores can quickly add up. Instead, consider buying a large bag from a supermarket and portioning it out into smaller servings.
This way, you’ll not only save money but also control your portion sizes, which can be beneficial for those watching their weight.
6. Nuts
Nuts are a healthy and delicious snack, but they can be quite expensive when bought in small quantities from convenience stores or health food shops. You’ll get a much better deal if you buy them in bulk from a grocery store or online.
If you’re worried about freshness, remember that you can freeze nuts to extend their shelf life. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods.
7. Fruit
Fruit can be an expensive snack if you’re buying it pre-cut or individually packaged. Instead, buy whole fruits from the supermarket or local farmer’s market and cut them up yourself.
Not only will this save you money, but it’s also more sustainable as it reduces plastic waste. Plus, whole fruits tend to be fresher and more flavorful.
8. Yogurt
Individual yogurt pots can be pricey, especially if you’re buying them from a convenience store. Instead, consider buying a large tub of plain yogurt from the supermarket and adding your own fruit, honey, or granola.
This is not only cheaper, but it also allows you to control the amount of sugar and other additives in your snack.
9. Granola Bars
While granola bars are a convenient on-the-go snack, they can be expensive when bought individually. You’ll get a much better deal if you buy them in bulk from a grocery store or online.
Alternatively, you could even try making your own granola bars at home. This way, you can customize the ingredients to your liking and ensure that they’re as healthy as possible.
10. Pretzels
Pretzels are often sold at a premium in specialty shops or cinemas. However, you can find them for much cheaper in the snack aisle of your local supermarket.
Consider buying a large bag and portioning it out into smaller servings to save money and control your portion sizes.
11. Cheese
Cheese can be an expensive snack if you’re buying it in individual servings or from a specialty cheese shop. Instead, consider buying a block of your favorite cheese from the supermarket and cutting it into slices or cubes yourself.
This way, you’ll not only save money but also get more variety as supermarkets often have a wider selection of cheeses.
12. Crackers
Crackers are often marked up at convenience stores or specialty food shops. However, you can find them for much cheaper in the bread aisle of your local supermarket.
Consider buying a box and portioning it out into smaller servings. This way, you’ll save money and have a handy snack whenever you need it.
13. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit can be an expensive snack if you’re buying it in small quantities from health food shops or convenience stores. However, you can buy it in bulk from a grocery store or online for much less.
Just be sure to check the ingredients list to ensure that no additional sugar has been added, as this can make dried fruit less healthy.
14. Jerky
Jerky is a popular protein-rich snack, but it can be quite expensive when bought from convenience stores or gas stations. Instead, consider buying it in bulk from a grocery store or online.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making your own jerky at home. This way, you can customize the flavor and ensure that it’s as healthy as possible.
15. Smoothies
Smoothies from juice bars or cafes can be quite expensive, especially if you’re buying them on a regular basis. Instead, consider making your own smoothies at home.
All you need is a blender and some fresh fruits, vegetables, and yogurt. This way, you’ll save money and control the amount of sugar and other additives in your snack.