🍿How to SAVE MONEY on FOOD, SNACKS // CHEAP & EASY SNACK TIPS on a BUDGET

[@SeeMindyMom]

🌟I know snacks aren't a necessity, but for a lot of us, they're something we'd like to keep in our grocery budget. What are YOUR tips for saving on snacks? Leave me a comment! ⬇⬇⬇

[@lorieann8522]

We can't use any of these snacks or swap out due to allergies. But one cheap, crunchy snack for us is air fryer chickeas.

[@FrugalLifeThriftyWife]

I always check my local groceries stores and wait for sales and coupons. I also buy generic for a lot of things because they’re so much cheaper. I haven’t really made a lot of snacks at home, but I’m definitely motivated now to start doing this more!

[@dawnreynolds2991]

I do not buy convient snacks. I keep quick breads that I make on hand. I make puddings to, and chocolate brownies. I to keep popcorn on hand that I to pop myself with my popcorn popper. I have a new moto if I can make it I don't buy it lol.

[@suzannaamos8687]

I try to buy store or generic brand whenever possible to save money.

[@jenniferlisow2901]

I shop for sales, close outs, use coupons, etc. I also buy snacks at discount stores like Big Lots and Ollie's. Buying in bulk at Costco and BJs also helps keep prices down too.

[@LifeWithMrsB]

I make little mini muffins and stick four in a snack size ziplock baggie and freeze. Then the kids just grab one on their way out and they are defrosted when they are ready to eat :) so handy!

[@amandaribofpalmetto]

For the mini muffins, I actually use the add water only pancake mix! They have blueberry, chocolate chip, and plain mixes in my local store. Just mixed up and put them in the mini muffin pan @ 400°F for 20 minutes. You can even add fresh fruit in the plain mix.

[@SeeMindyMom]

That’s a great idea!

[@kamicrum4408]

So does my mom!

[@izzieluv]

Brilliant!!

[@abigaillindsey512]

My husband and I just recently got married in November and we are expecting our first baby in October! This channel has been so helpful in planning meals and providing confidence in my saving and cooking skills! Thank you! ❤️

[@SeeMindyMom]

Congrats, Abigail!

[@jennifermitchell1730]

I have been a single mom of six for the last two years. I make breakfasts ahead for my kiddos, all portable to take with us to school (I am a teacher and need to be there early too). Cracklin Oat Bran is a well kept secret! It’s portable in little snack size baggies and easy to pick up and eat with your fingers. My kids love it. Thanks for this and all of your money and time saving tips and ticks. I enjoy watching them.

[@SeeMindyMom]

You’re a rock star, Jennifer! 🙌

[@lorid6544]

One of my favorite budget stretcher tips: Tear a dryer sheet in half. Use a half a sheet per dryer load. :)

[@jms3197]

Honestly dryer sheets are a waste of money. Unnecessary purchase. If static is a big issue, roll up a small aluminum foil and toss in the dryer. Reusable!

[@DonnaSmith-ff2wu]

Even cheaper is no dryer sheet. Use wool balls with a few drops of essential oil. Much better for the environment.

[@stephaniepapaleo521]

I found that if you put a washcloth dipped in half white vinegar and water it softens clothes in dryer, no vinegar smell at all!

[@anniegoomes8585]

I doubt they’re essential given this is the first time I’ve heard of them. Off to Google

[@paulanelson1884]

I stopped using dryer sheets n started using the wool dryer balls! Works great!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I make my own dupe of Chobani almond coco loco with almond slivers, coconut flakes and mini chocolate chips. So delicious.

[@PandaBear62573]

I just pulled homemade crackers out of the oven and was following Mindy's advice to make it instead of buy it. I can't have gluten and gluten free cracker are so expensive. And I'm making my own dairy free yogurt this week. I'm also allergic to dairy. Dairy free yogurt is also very expensive. I make my own granola too with oatmeal, nuts and seeds I always have on hand, various seasons, maple syrup. I use to include shredded coconut but I now have high cholesterol because genetics, and coconut is very high in saturated fat.

[@HannahMattox]

"Salmonella, I dare you" 🤣🤣 Kim is just absolutely amazing 🤣

[@tamaradiehl1571]

I had 11 frozen bananas and made 3 banana breads and 9 regular sized muffins from scratch this weekend. So easy and cheap to make. Great video!!

[@phoeniciacloud1515]

I love the peanut butter and jelly song! I am going to try the brownies with almond butter since I can't have peanuts. The snack prices going up has helped me be healthier because I just grab celery and carrots and raisins if I want something sweet.

[@joyjones8231]

Our snacks are based off church pantry and what they give us but this is favs: Vegetables cold (sometimes they give cucumbers, sometimes they give peppers) cut sprinkled with seasoning of choice. If they give potatoes larger potatoe wedges cooked for 30 min at 350 than 20 min at 400, makes a tasty side or snack. You can make your own giant thing of yogurt from 2cups powdered milk,water and a 1/2 cup( ¢80 small container) of yogurt that have active probiotics, looked up a recipe on youtube. You can use yogurt and flour and baking powder to make your own bagels or pizza dough. If you have a gallon of milk you can use half of it and lemon juice or vinegar to make farmers cheese with added herbs for snacking and additionally you can use the whey from the farmers cheese for soup instead of bullion.

[@angelachavez3526]

Wow! Just made the PB brownies! I had everything on hand. They were super delish. My son is home sick from school and he loved them. Luckily I made the 8x8 otherwise me and him might have polished off the whole pan. Please share more of these easy dessert/snack recipes!

[@SeeMindyMom]

I'm so glad you guys enjoyed them! :)

[@scoobydoowhereru1480]

I am So Glad Your channel exists!!! You're AMAZING Mindy!!!!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks, Maryann!

[@jimmiepatrum]

My sentiments exactly! Diane in NC

[@craftimarie]

When you make your own muffins it is also a great opportunity to slip in some healthy additions like applesauce, chopped or dried fruit, carrots, zucchini, whole wheat... you get the idea

[@annswann1941]

Yes! We love zucchini bread (and muffins) with blueberries or pineapple. Or carrot cake muffins with chopped nuts. So many possibilities! Has anyone tried using chia seeds instead of poppy seeds in a lemon poppy seed recipe?

[@allyrooh3628]

I just recently started making the oyster cracker snacks this yr. Easy to mix it up with Italian or Ranch or whatever floats your boat that week! You've inspired me to make mini muffins this week!

[@cyndimoss426]

YOU ARE AMAZING!! I made the peanut butter brownies and oh my word!! We have one serving left!! My husband actually dared me to top my second piece with some strawberry jam that I had made over the weekend, DELICIOUS!!!! And now, here I am wondering if I should go ahead and make another pan of it. I told my husband you mentioned Reese's pieces so now he wants a pan made with them. Thank you for a new family favorite.

[@SeeMindyMom]

I’m so glad, Cyndi! The jam is a great idea!

[@OrlaQuirk]

We scored one of those silicone popcorn poppers at Christmas, and it's great! It's much easier than popping it in a pan, which is what I did before. I don't use any oil or butter at the bottom of the silicone popper, because in the instructions it says it might scorch it and I don't want to scorch that thing. I don't want to damage that thing in any way. I want it to last forever. I love it. The popcorn comes out a little dry, compared popping it in a pan with butter or oil. But I ate it anyway, and it was good. I got accustomed to the change in taste really quickly. It's just as well, because I don't really need that extra butter in my life. So now I make microwave popcorn anytime I want it, and eat it without guilt, (and without salt, usually.)

[@Knicole927]

These are all great ideas! I’ll have to rewatch and make a list of ingredients for my next grocery trip!

[@lynnedavenport3298]

Love the mini muffin idea and I'm going to have to make my own Chobani flips! Thanks for another great video.

[@rdeg94]

Thank you, I have been looking for a dupe for those chobani flips forever!! the lime is my favorite too, by far

[@nickybuchanan2480]

“Salmonella I dare you.” Is the quote from Kimberly Whisk. I’m a snacker so I enjoyed this video. Going to try a few of these thanks

[@Lashlove16]

Great tips . I usually keep oil in small dollar tree spray bottle . It’s great to save money and no mess especially for the muffin pan I also flavor my own yogurt with vanilla and simple syrup

[@brandyh3536]

I am mind blown on the yogurt thing with the drink mixes

[@ponycyndi1]

My kids like sweet snacks over salty moist of the time. I make muffins with the just add milk mix, and rice krispie treats, which are very low effort. I will also make granola bars and yogurt once a month. I try to bake on the weekends when the kids are home and snacking more.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Great tips!

[@LovelyMrsLong]

I never thought about it and I don't usually do snacks for them but this is a great idea for healthier snacks!!

[@krisicooper9155]

The walmart glacier ranch dupe to doritos are actually pretty darn close. Taste is spot on, texture is just a little different.

[@SeeMindyMom]

I haven't tried those yet, I'll think about picking some up!

[@angelap8089]

I actually just got those for my picky toddler and she loves them already. She usually loves Ranch Doritos but Walmart was out of them 😅

[@TMCEH]

Yes!

[@debbierossier3185]

My mother used to make these quite often when I was growing up - back when dinosaurs roamed the earth in the 1960’s and 1970’s! 😁

[@catherineelisabeth4864]

😱 😳 the genius in flavoring plain geek yogurt. 🤯

[@LoriFalce]

The oyster crackers are also great with Italian seasoning and parm, or with barbecue dry rub.

[@destruction2001]

ty for posting this we have been doing this for 10 years, now everyone will know.

[@Marieb2899]

I make muffins pretty often, as well as homemade granola. We also buy applesauce in bulk instead of pouches and it's way cheaper. I just put it in a little jar for on the go

[@silentbanshee4869]

I just bought a popcorn popper like yours about a week ago. Also got a glass jar with a metal lid to keep the popcorn in. We've been using it a lot. But now I'll have to try the oyster crackers, too.

[@lizmcnett9841]

Oh wow that yogurt hack! Never thought of using drink mix(we never cared for the jello/pudding options). I can’t wait to try it out!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Hope you like it! :)

[@celestya]

Love your videos. My 12 yo has recently turned into a snack goblin so I needed to rewatch this video. I really appreciate how you link the items/recipes you reference in your videos. One thing I wanted to share: In this video you mentioned picking up dryer sheets. Have you ever tried wool dryer balls? Talk about a way to save some money!!! We switched at least 10 years ago and have never regretted it.

[@mandiesplace]

I definitely go for more Convenience since my husband and I work full time but when we are at home we get the bigger bag of snacks to save the little bags for school lunches. I also really try to stock up when it’s on sale or in bulk! I loved this video thank you!!

[@lorieann8522]

Also, fruit and vegetables with homemade ranch. I also keep fruit salad in the fridge for snacks.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Great idea!

[@sherilynalexnder897]

My one must-have 'healthy' snack is bleu-cheese stuffed olives, Aldi brand, about $2.99/jar (24 olives/jar) and those last close to a month. I figure you can't go wrong with a veggie that has probiotics and low calorie/no sugar. Basically, the only snacks I buy are the those that are really hard to recreate at home in a reasonable fascimile - crackers, chips, olives, that's pretty much it, aside from Atkins bars for those on-the-go, trying-to-behave moments.

[@hburtch50]

I made the brownies today! Yum! I have a chocolate brownie recipe that is basically the same except it has 1/2 cup cocoa powder and 3 eggs instead of 2.

[@catherineo1402]

I'm going to have to make flips recipe! I love the key lime one. I feel like maybe a pre-made graham cracker crust crushed might work too?

[@tondamccarthy6537]

I keep celery and carrot and cucumber sticks and I always have dressing and homemade hummus or peanut butter or other nut butters for dipping

[@christiegodfrey7756]

I make mini muffins all the time!! My kids grab them in the morning for a quick breakfast and after school for a snack. I like to add chia seeds and ground flax seed for some extra nutrition. My daughter got me another mini muffin pan for Mother’s Day so I don’t have to do so many batches. I’m very excited to have another pan.

[@RoseRedRoseWhite]

Felted wool balls for the dryer. They last forever and keep the buildup from dryer sheets out of my dryer.

[@effiecross2008]

I bought myself one of those silicone popcorn poppers from amazon after I saw yours on one of your videos a few months ago. It works amazingly! Very reasonably priced also, and it comes in lots of colors. Those peanut butter brownies looked fantastic, and I love that they're made from pantry staples!

[@cyndimoss426]

I will be be trying the peanut butter brownies today! We have a homeschool family coming over Wednesday and I wanted to bake something for them. Hopefully they don't have a peanut allergy.

[@mizzpellergingersnaps5989]

I have that popcorn popper, too. Love it.

[@bigskybob]

Love the great tips Mindy!! Congrats on the push to 150K SUBS! Would love to see more of those yogurt hacks.. what a great idea!

[@d.r.mcmanus9640]

Love the Chobani Flip idea! Thats my favorite flavor too, but so expensive it's like a treat for me! (If my Walmart even has them in stock). I'm adding this to my grocery list. :)

[@JacindaH]

I've rarely bought chips for snacks. Bbq or family fun days or even nachos are fine, just not a daily thing. We also do popcorn, fresh veggies with homemade ranch and lightly sweetened iced tea. The crazy thing is they love them. Or saltines with butter. Lol Plus I'm a baker so we've always got cookies for a treat.

[@annswann1941]

Imho snacks are a part of overall daily nutrition. Since summer’s here I’m having more time with my grandkids so we’re focusing more on protein. Chips aren’t on the snack list much. While we love Flips yogurt the majority of ours are plain greek and homemade low sugar jam. We will be using your trick for lime flips! For muffin type things I add protein powder to a mix or make black bean brownies. I also add protein powder to my mom’s peanut butter bars. The kids stay so busy they can use the extra calories (and I get to exercise the virtue of self control

[@randijohnson3806]

The drink mix hack 🤯🤯🤯 I totally gotta try that!!

[@SeeMindyMom]

It's delicious!

[@annmedina7835]

Happy Mother’s Day.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you!

[@barbaracampbell9907]

Apples with cinnamon and nuts as a garnish are easy you can also make yogurt in yogurt slow cooker makes a lot it’s easy

[@krissyhopp1602]

I LOVE the baked oyster crackers! We used to make them all the time when I was younger for a snack and for soups. It added so much flavor. And I pretty sure no measures vanilla 🙃🙃🙃 Another great video Mindy, happy Monday everyone!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks, Krissy!

[@truthseeker6370]

I buy the store brand 2lb container of Vanilla Greek yogurt $3.95. I add some frozen berries and pack it up in 1 cup storage containers the night before so the fruit is thawed for breakfast. For myself I toss in some toasted almonds and salted sunflower seeds prior to eating. Also haven't used dryer sheets or fabric softener for years. Wool dryer balls are natural softeners, cut drying time and last a long time.

[@lisahinton9682]

That peanut butter doughy baked thing at the end .. oh, my goodness, does it look good. I, too, buy the plain Greek yogurt in the large container and doctor it at home. If you buy the Great Value water-enhancers you can use those to give your yogurt a quick bit of flavor, too. I also occasionally will use a tiny bit of instant coffee crystals to plain yogurt, and add some sweetener. Delish.

[@IzzyEatz]

Use the whirly pop. Stove top maker. Best. Cheapest snack ever tastes very good!!

[@stephaniehill9284]

I love that yogurt idea!! Thank you so much ❤️ I can't wait to try it.

[@angiesteuck]

My son is obsessed with popcorn. We switched to strictly kernels now after seeing your video before Christmas. I got that bowl for him for Christmas. Best gift ever! I just buy it off Amazon. Our snack staples are the flip yogurts. They are getting crazy expensive! So now I am only buying a small amount unless on sale. Thar is our biggest snack staples. Otherwise fruit or I make muffins and other snacks.

[@angiesteuck]

I have actually been contemplating trying my own version of the flips too. I wonder my son likes the mint and the cookies and cream ones the best. I was wondering if I could replicate those some how? I don't know how I would get the mint flavor but I was thinking of getting some Oreos and just crunching those up and there you have it. Cookies and cream. Maybe adding a few chocolate pieces too ..hmm..I think I would get the vanilla kind for that one tho.

[@christinademoss1467]

Just use peppermint extract for the mint flavor

[@robinbatts8498]

Yes! I use kitchen scales all the time now when I bake/cook! Far fewer dishes to wash when I’m done!

[@mkeoppen20]

The yogurt one is a great idea. I'll have to try that 😎

[@cooperbybbyumoneypenny5048]

Salmonella I dare you pretty sure that's what Kim at the wad says LMAO I love both of your all channels so much you both are so great and I'm glad your channels exist because I have learned so many recipes from both of you all!

[@karenmikasko7148]

I watch both too, Kim is very entertaining.

[@earldouglas3631]

Love the Dot's pretzel's too. Thanks for that new addiction...lol

[@SeeMindyMom]

So good! Snyders has a good dupe that's a little cheaper

[@nicolechew1029]

I literally just printed out a recipe for Little Bites muffin copycat muffins 🤣 Love this video!

[@carleerae521]

Yum! I made the PB brownies for my dad last night. Thanks for the recipe! ❤

[@JacindaH]

Oh, I also bought freeze dried cheese powder in a #10 can and they use that on their popcorn. It's just cheese, super tasty and about an eight of the cost of the popcorn flavors

[@ayne22]

Drink powder in yogurt is BRILLIANT,

[@robins5880]

Mini carrot muffins are popular at our house, we also make yogurt in the instant pot and stir in a little jam and crushed graham crackers

[@luminousmoon86]

One tip though, for home baked goods vs. store bought. The store bought ones have all kinds of additives to keep them moist for weeks or months without going moldy. Home baked items won't have that, so unless all 40 of those muffins are going to be consumed within 3 days, they'll start to dry out and/or get funky pretty quickly. So, if possible, package up what you'll use in a couple of days, and put the rest in the freezer and take out as needed. They'll retain some of their moisture/freshness that way.

[@angelafleming3328]

Grandma's always make the best snacks that are cheap my grandma use to make homemade chex mix and it was the best she also made homemade rice Krispy treats but she put walnuts in hers so good at Christmas she made homemade rocky road candy her secret was to buy big Hershey almond bars melt them down and mix with mini marshmallows I make all of these at Christmas in big batches and make plates for the neighbors and my daughter makes treat bags for all her friends for Christmas. Note to self start stocking up on baking goods way before the holidays this year. Great ideas Mindy.

[@monicataylor9977]

When my girls were in middle school we couldn't afford 2 type of tortilla chips for their snacks bc they never agreed on flavors so I bought 1 bag of plain tortilla chips and used the cheese powder from mac and cheese and shook some of it over warm microwaved chips for one of them and added a couple shakes of chili powder to the cheese for chili-cheese flavored chips, now there is ranch packets we didn't have then, so there's another flavor Your ideas for the lime yogurt was brilliant! I add a little instant coffee and Ovaltine to plain yogurt to get close to the Tiramisu flavor I love.

[@kazoolibra7322]

Good stuff. Since childhood, i have popcorn ON THE STOVE! 1/3 cup corn and 1 or 2 oil....shake while popping...good

[@cellis921]

I love that you said you had the pantry staples for the brownies in your college apartment. I have never seen any of those in a college apartment I went to. Haha

[@tawanajackson5545]

I have the same popcorn popper and I also have a mini theater popcorn maker. We don't do microwave popcorn.

[@onthegowithcrazynazzie9755]

Out of the recipe’s I can’t wait to make the oyster crackers! Oh yum

[@alexa574]

Great video. Loved the mini muffin comparison, very good visual, some of us really need this.

[@eileenhaney7307]

I love snacks and y I u gave me some great ideas. Thank you so much.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Glad I could give some ideas, Eileen!

[@erinj9642]

Always learn something great. So smart re: measuring peanut butter and avoiding extra mess.

[@smithnatascha87]

I measure vanilla the same way I measure garlic. With my heart 😂

[@Fdt172]

One of the snacks my daycare kids used to like a lot was Cheerios that were sautéed in butter and that was it! Also used to take canned biscuits and you stick your thumb through the center and then deep fry it in a right at the end when it’s done you can dip it in sugar cinnamon and the kids loved that

[@SeeMindyMom]

I used to make donut holes that way with biscuit dough! So good!

[@mommy2kitty]

I have saved this video to my favorites for quick reference when I am making these delicious recipes!!! Thank you so much for your inspiration and wonderful ideas!!P.S. Last week I bought that white cake mix from Aldi so I am set for that!

[@savanah1407]

Yesss those Lime Chobani Flips are The Best!

[@amandagreer5586]

You gave me in idea on the yogurt to make it sugar free flavors 😋

[@debbiebarnes4688]

I love the drink powder in yogurt and lemon or lime is my favorite flavor, too. Have you ever made homemade yogurt in your InstantPot? If you use ultra pasteurized milk it’s so easy!

[@Joyfulmamaof2]

While it is not as cheap as the cake mix idea(I love that btw!)I will make muffins with protein pancake mix so it will keep my kids full longer!

[@donnacoleman8304]

Hello I just made your peanut butter brownies oh my goodness so so good I did add chocolate chips... thank you

[@ednarose86]

“I know you watch Kim” --- GUILTY!!!!! Salmonella, I dare you!!!!!! Lol

[@mrskimmieg]

Can’t wait to try the brownie recipe. I’m going to sub cookie butter from Trader Joe’s.

[@hobocampmama4905]

I hate buying snacks bc my 3 kids finish them super fast- it's to the point I have to HIDE stuff! I make a version of the peanut butter brownies without flour they are from the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, my kids and I love them! I will try your version for them with the flour as they seem a bit more heavy & filling. Time to get out my mini muffin trays- thank you!!

[@thequeenb8404]

Cracklin oat bran is my favorite cereal. Yes, it's expensive for the size but is so good. It's a really good as a snack for the go too.

[@silverbeowulf5601]

My school had peanutbutter brownies and most of the time they were so hard our tables football player couldn't smash'em...but so good when not and I was the only one that liked them and had good friends then.

[@anitaminyard4901]

I keep snack oyster crackers on hand all the time. Great I soups and salads. Mini-muffins are another thing to have in freezer. Us women from Oklahoma know how to cook once and eat 3-4 times, we've got other things to do than to worry about what's for snacks...enjoy visit today. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@amberschleigh1620]

Really liked this video. The mini muffin idea and the PB brownies + oyster cracker recipe 👏🏼 definitely going to make those!

[@angelamarden9684]

Me too

[@SeeMindyMom]

Hope you enjoy!

[@amberschleigh1620]

@@SeeMindyMom made the PB brownies last night my family loved them! Thanks again 😃

[@lauripine8894]

Christine at Frugal Fit Mom says vanilla is measured with the heart.

[@anji5635]

Enjoy your channel ! Great ideas ....and " salmonella I dare you " is a mantra I also use LOL

[@maryann6808]

My aunt would take 2 Ritz crackers put peanut butter in between and coat the whole thing on chocolate for sweet treat

[@tkat8871]

You ALWAYS make me laugh! Thank you. And yet again some great ideas.

[@comiketiger]

Great video and presentation! The brownie at the end looks great. Thanks for sharing. God bless all here.

[@scoobydoowhereru1480]

Omg Doritos In My Home, My Daughter loves Cool Ranch, and My Son loves The Nacho cheese and it's just the 3 of Us, I really appreciate these videos because I got cut off gov. Assistance since my husband passed and it's been a battle to get back on and I don't drive so getting to a food bank is like not a reality so I have to stretch everything everything and it's HELPFUL your videos ty

[@SeeMindyMom]

Glad I can give some helpful ideas, Maryann!

[@kevinanddeb8829]

My daughter was 14 and her sister was 4 when older daughter was obsessed with Doritos... until her sister realized she LOVED "stinky chips"too😂.

[@jillgott6567]

Sorry for the loss of your husband. Good luck with applying for food stamps hope they come through for you.

[@pampire13]

Saltines have been AWOL for at least a month in coastal WA. Usually I can find them for $.99-$1.50 at Grocery Outlet. They're out, as are Safeway and WM. I found 1 box at Dollar Tree and snatched it up.