4 Budget-Friendly, Nutrient-Dense Snacks Your Child Will Love

Choosing nutrient-dense snacks for your child doesn’t have to be high in cost or your time. Often, it is cheaper and more beneficial nutritionally to buy whole food items than prepackaged snack bars or shakes.

When choosing snack items, aim to pair two of the macronutrient groups, which are protein, carbohydrate and fat. By pairing macronutrient groups, for example, protein and fat, snacks will keep you fuller for longer, by providing sustained energy.

• Banana with Nut Butter – Average cost: $0.25 per banana; nut butter averages $3.50 per jar.
  Bananas are a super affordable and nutritious snack option! Some of the nutrients bananas provide are carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin C and a variety of B vitamins. Potassium benefits your muscles and the carbohydrates in a banana provide quick energy. Nut butter provides fat which help balance blood sugar when paired with carbohydrates.
• Bell Pepper and Cheese – Average cost: $1.50 per bell pepper; cheese sticks or slices cost around $0.60 per serving.
  Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C. One medium-sized red bell pepper provides 281% Daily Value for vitamin C! Pair bell peppers with a cheese stick or cheese slices to add some protein and fat for more energy.
• Yogurt and Berries – Average cost: $1.00 per 6 oz. serving of whole milk yogurt; frozen blueberries cost about $3.50 per pound.
  When choosing yogurt for children, aim to pick a yogurt with at least 2% milk fat or higher. Add frozen blueberries to yogurt for a boost of fiber, carbohydrates and vitamin K. Additionally, frozen berries are often more affordable than fresh berries and they last longer before spoiling!
• Tuna and Crackers – Average cost: $1.00 per can of tuna; whole wheat crackers cost around $3.50 per box, with each box containing about 10 servings.
  Canned tuna is an easy way to add high-quality protein to your day. It also provides a significant amount of vitamin D, which is super important during the winter months as we don’t get as much vitamin D from the sun! Try making a quick tuna “salad” by mixing with mayonnaise or yogurt and pair with whole wheat crackers for a filling, nutritious snack.

Incorporating budget-friendly, nutrient-dense snacks into your child’s diet can provide a great source of energy in between meals. By choosing whole foods, your child will get important nutrients they need – and, by choosing affordable options, you can save money at the same time! In addition, these snacks are quick and easy to prepare which is a great option for busy families.

These are average prices across the U.S. for February 2025. Check your local grocery store for the most accurate pricing.