Frugal Alternatives to Processed Snacks, Part One
Frugal alternatives to chips, chex mix, and other salty snacks- some are more frugal than others, some are more healthy than others, life is constant process of balancing options and making choices:
1. Popcorn- I use a heavy bottom saucepan, put oil in it about as deep as a single popcorn kernel, and heat with three popcorn kernels in it. When they pop, I add enough kernels to make a single layer, put the lid on, put on oven mitts, and shake from time to time until there are about three seconds between popping. Here's how much popcorn in a microwave bag costs. Now the claim on washing the pan is off. When I make popcorn in my popcorn pan, which is just a heavy duty saucepan, it takes more than 20 seconds to clean the pan.
When I pop it in my mom's popcorn popper (the sort that uses oil), it takes less than 20 seconds to clean it.
When I use the hot air popper, of course, it only takes the time it takes me to get it out of the cupboard, although since I'll add melted butter and spices I will have a measuring cup to wash. I put that in the dishwasher.
Even if it takes you five minutes longer to wash the pan, you've saved a substantial sum and made a healthier product.
2. Snack mix- we make one with oyster crackers. Sometimes we go convenience, sometimes we make our own seasonings, in which case, buttermilk powder is a definite plus. Oyster crackers are .99 where we live. They may be more where you live (I think it depends on how popular clam chowder is in your area)
3. MUCH Lower in carbs, but higher in price- these 'crackers' made of nothing but melted cheese. If you buy your cheese on sale, well, it will still be pricier than cheap potato chips, but far healthier.
4. Kale chips (you can do this with other greens, too)
5. Pork rinds=)
6 Responses to “Frugal Alternatives to Processed Snacks, Part One”
October 16th, 2011 at 9:08 am
great post…can’t wait to check out the pork rinds link!!
October 16th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
It’s funny but your article brought back memories. Myparents used to have an old cast-iron pan that my mom used to make popcorn in whenever we went to the cottage. She would add a (ahem) healthy portion of oil, then sprinkle all of her favourite seasonings. I’m not sure if it was the fact that we were “roughing it” or if it was actually the taste, but I remember the popcorn being better than anything you could buy in the store. Great… now I have a craving.
October 18th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Instead of buying chips and crackers, we rely on tortillas and bread. Corn tortillas are VERY inexpensive when bought in bulk form. You can bake them any way you like. Also, you can’t beat toast made from fresh bread! For a protein snack, we make our own yogurt. This way, everyone can mix in what they like (or eat it plain, it’s much better than the “plain” flavor from the store!).
October 21st, 2011 at 2:20 am
Interesting article! I am much interested in Pork rinds. is it healthy though?
October 27th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Whether pork rinds are healthy depends much on whom you ask. If you think animal fats are bad for you, then no. If you think animal fats are good for you, then no problem.
the ones we buy have no transfats.
On monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids they are better than potato chips, which is really what you’re replacing here.
they are high in salt.
October 26th, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Even easier–I put kernels in a regular brown lunch bag, fold it over a few times, close it with a staple or tape, and hit the “popcorn” button (or 3 minutes), and you get air popped popcorn with no mess or clean up. I add a little real butter and some salt. Its “microwave popcorn” but so cheap and tastes so much better.
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