Swap Out Costly Branded Snacks for Budget-Friendly Options
If your kids are already bored with their lunchbox snacks, it's time to get creative. Instead of splurging on expensive branded options, try making your own budget versions. Not only will it save you money, but it will also keep your children's lunches interesting and tasty. Here are some easy DIY swaps:
1. Dairylea Lunchables vs. Homemade Lunchables
Dairylea Lunchables are a popular choice, but they can be quite pricey at £1.60 per pack. That adds up to £12.80 per week for just one child! Instead, opt for budget-friendly alternatives:
- Asda Cracker Bites (£1)
- Asda ham (£1.35)
- Asda cheese slices (£2.65)
Simply portion out the crackers and cut the ham and cheese slices into squares. In total, this homemade version will cost you £5, which is potentially enough for two weeks' worth of lunchables. Plus, you'll have some crackers left over for yourself.
2. Frubes vs. Homemade 'Go-Ghurts'
Frubes are a convenient way to fill up your little ones, but they can be quite pricey at £2.25 for a pack of nine at Morrisons. Instead, try making your own healthy 'go-ghurts' with just three ingredients:
- Brooklea Greek Style Yoghurt (£1.65 for 1kg)
- Frozen berries (£1.99 per pack)
- Bananas (18p each)
Blend all the ingredients together and funnel the mixture into Bramble zip lock food pouches (£6.99 for 36 on Amazon.co.uk). Make a batch and freeze them, then pop one in your child's lunchbox to thaw before break time.
3. Innocent Smoothies vs. Homemade Smoothies
Instead of buying the usual pack of Innocent Smoothies in orange, mango, and pineapple flavour (£7 for a 10-pack on Ocado.com), why not make your own at a fraction of the cost?
- Reusable smoothie pouches (£4.99 on Amazon.co.uk)
- Del Monte's The Orange One frozen smoothie mix (£2.50 at Iceland)
- Milk
- Banana (optional for sweetness)
Blend the smoothie mix with milk and add a banana if needed. Decant the mixture into the reusable pouches, freeze them, and reuse them whenever needed.
4. Propercorn Kids Sweet Popcorn vs. Homemade Popcorn
Propercorn Kids sweet popcorn is priced at 85p per 12g bag. But why not save some money and make it yourself at home?
- Island Sun popcorn kernels (£0.90 for a 500g pack at Sainsbury's)
- Sugar (from your cupboard)
Pop the kernels in a pan or microwave, add a dusting of sugar, and seal them in sandwich bags. Each tablespoon of kernels will make a 12g portion, so you can easily adjust the quantity based on your needs.
Remember, prices mentioned in this article are correct at the time of going to press and deals and offers are subject to availability.
