Satisfy hunger and eat less by choosing snacks packed with fibre and protein. Since healthy snacks aren't always cheap, here are some recipes you can whip up in the kitchen. You'll help keep money in your wallet while also whittling your waist!
Mixed Nut Butter
A jar of organic peanut butter will run you at least $4, and if you go for almond butter, it's $5 or $6. Save money by making fresh nut butter in a food processor. You can choose to use strictly peanuts or almonds, or make this recipe for mixed nut butter [2].
Granola Bars
You can easily pick up a box of granola bars for around $6, but most tend to be made with a lot of extra sugar. Choose your own ingredients and make a healthier version at home. This recipe for DIY granola bars [3] calls for freeze-dried berries and almond butter. Still not inspired? Here are more of our favourite homemade granola bar recipes [4].
Fruit Popsicles
To satisfy your sweet cravings, get creative by making your own popsicles — these vegan Fudgsicles [5] are just 79 calories. Pick up an ice pop mold [6] or go the less-expensive route with paper cups and Popsicle sticks. You'll not only save money, but you can customize the pops with your favourite fruity ingredients.
Fruit and Nut Bars
Are you a huge fan of Larabars? Save your $1.50 and make your own fruit and nut bars [7] with this simple recipe. All said and done, it'll cost you 65 cents a bar. If you're a fan of smaller bites, this recipe incorporates shredded coconut and dried apricots [8].
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is full of calcium and protein, but it costs about $1 a container, which can start to add up if you enjoy this snack often. Did you know you can easily make your own yoghurt [9]? All you need is milk and a few tablespoons of plain yoghurt (to act as a starter culture), and you can whip up a huge batch of creamy, tangy yoghurt for much less dough. If you're dairy-free, here's a quick way to DIY vegan Greek yoghurt [10].
Granola
What kind of a snack would yoghurt be without a sprinkle of granola? Buy a bag that's homemade, and it'll cost you $8 to $12. Save your money and bake up your own batch with this recipe for almond and flaxseed granola [11].
Salsa
Noshing on corn chips and salsa is a healthy way to satisfy a crunchy craving, but for a fresh jar of salsa, you'll end up spending $4 to $6. It's easy to make your own, and since you choose the ingredients, you can make it even healthier by adding fresh mango [12], red peppers, pineapple, and fresh tomato. For less than $6, you'll end up with an enormous bowl of homemade salsa that will last you a week.
Energy Balls
To save money on energy bites, try this recipe for no-bake peanut butter balls [13]. It makes a great pre- or post-workout snack and is much less expensive than buying the ones at the store.
Hummus
Veggies and hummus offer a filling, high-fibre snack, but if you're addicted to this garlicky dip, you likely spend $6 or more on every tub. Making hummus couldn't be easier [14]. Just add chickpeas (or black beans [15]), garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper to your food processor, and in minutes, you'll be enjoying fresh, creamy hummus, all for just a few bucks.
Fruit Leather
This might be one of the easiest snacks [16] you'll ever make, and you'll also save money since a fruit leather costs around $0.50 to $0.75 — these are only $0.19 per serving. You only need a jar of unsweetened applesauce, ground cinnamon, a Silpat silicone baking mat, and an oven.
Protein Bars
The perfect snack to grab after a workout, protein bars [17] can get pricey. So make your own using a food processor and your favourite protein powder and you're sure to save some dough.
Ice Cream
This frozen treat may not sound like the healthiest snack, but when it's made with frozen banana and peanut butter [18], you can feel good grabbing a spoon. Feel free to try different fruits like pineapple [19] or you can even add spinach [20].