Skip the Chips, 15 Cheap and Easy Snacks to Give Your Kids

When raising kids, it can feel like all they do is snack. After all, they are growing, especially during growth spurts. As parents, we want to give our children healthy snacks, but we also need cheap and easy. Kids love anything quick and accessible. Sometimes, that means they automatically reach for the bag of chips. Sure, they are easy to grab while grocery shopping, too. Yet, you should skip the chips and instead grab one of these cheap and easy snacks to give your kids.

Not every child loves fruit. Sometimes, this is a sensory thing. Chips are universally loved by kids because the flavor doesn't change. Yet, with fruit, you don't always know whether or not it is going to be sour or sweet. However, apples are probably the least likely to have a huge flavor change.

So, grab that jar of peanut butter and slice up an apple for a quick and tasty snack.

Another fruit that is easy to grab. Bananas give your kids plenty of potassium. It is great to know if your child is plagued by those growing pains more often than you'd like.

Greek yogurt may be a bit pricier than a bag of chips, but it is also healthier. For $4.79, you can grab a 32-ounce tub of Greek yogurt from Kroger. This quick snack contains plenty of protein and potassium. Not to mention, you can grab different flavors if your child isn't a fan of eating yogurt plain.

On average, a container of hummus is around $3.99 at Kroger. Throw a spoonful of hummus on a plate with slices of cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers, and you have yourself an easy and healthy snack. Make it even easier by prepping the vegetables at the beginning of the week or buying packages of already sliced vegetables.

A 16-ounce tub of cottage cheese at Kroger costs around $2 apiece. Since it's already made and packaged, cottage cheese is one of the easiest snacks to give your kids. This snack also provides your child with protein, calcium, and potassium, among other essential vitamins and minerals.

Cheese and crackers are a versatile and quick snack that most kids devour. You can change up the crackers by providing Club, Saltine, or even Ritz crackers. Grab a pack of block cheese to slice up, string cheese, or pre-sliced packs of cheese. The options are limitless with this snack.

Popcorn is a quick and easy snack that has many options. You can buy the already-popped popcorn found in the chip aisle or popcorn that is popped in the microwave. You can also find popcorn in several different flavors.

Muffins can be made from scratch to control what ingredients are going into each one. On the other hand, if you are in a hurry, prepackaged muffins make an excellent snack. While they may not be much healthier than chips, they are just as quick.

A bag of whole grain cereal makes a quick snack for kids on the go. Just fill up a Ziplock bag, throw it in the diaper bag, and be on your way.

A six pack of Sun-Maid Rasins is around $2.79 at Kroger. The price makes this snack cheap, while the prepackaging makes it easy. While not every child is a fan of raisins, they are considered healthier than chips. Raisins contain calcium, potassium, iron, and protein.

Grab a bag of bread and a jar of peanut butter, and you have yourself a quick snack. If your child comes home starving, before they reach for those chips, grab the toaster. Toast one or two slices of bread spread on the peanut butter, and now you have a filling and somewhat healthier snack.

Goldfish is right up there with chips when it comes to health. However, if your kids are craving something different, grab a bag of goldfish. They are quick enough to throw in a Ziplock bag, and the price is similar to a bag of chips.

Applesauce pouches are a quick snack that is easy to grab and go. Of course, the price of the pouches is more than a bag of chips. This is because you are paying for convenience. Yet, a pack of six cups of applesauce is around $1.99 at Kroger, or you could opt to go for the large jar at $3.39.

Graham crackers are also a quick snack that is easy to grab and go. You can buy cinnamon graham crackers or plain ones, which makes them a bit versatile. Also, with the Kroger brand coming in at $2.79, the price is comparable to a bag of chips.

Cucumbers are an easy and cheap vegetable that packs more for your child's health than other snacks on this list. For ease, grab the packs of already sliced cucumbers from the store.

Most growing children love to snack. It's normal and quite good for kids to feed their bodies what they need. However, a bag of chips should be one of the last options. Instead, try one of these cheap and quick snacks. Most on this list are much better and healthier choices as well!