DIY Snack Packs That Cost Less Than Store-Bought Options

ByLorrie Bradshaw

Store-bought snack packs are convenient, but they are overpriced in grocery stores, gas stations, and hotel markets. You’re paying for individual packaging, branding, and convenience, even when the snacks inside are inexpensive ingredients you could portion yourself for a fraction of the cost.

This guide will help you build your own snack packs so that you can save money while still having convenient grab-and-go options ready when you need them.

Why This Earns a Spot in the Car

Snack packs help reduce impulse purchases, keeps everyone satisfied between meals, and make it easier to stick to your travel food budget.

Homemade snack packs are also easy to customize based on dietary preferences, activity levels, and trip length. With a few affordable ingredients and reusable containers or zip top plastic bags, you can create filling snacks that cost far less than their store-bought counterparts.

What This Saves You

A typical travel snack stop might include:

  • Individual trail mix: $2-$4
  • Protein or granola bar: $2-$4
  • Single-serve crackers or chips: $1.50-$3
  • Packaged fruit or snack box: $3-$6

Typical cost: $8-$17 per person

The same snacks packed from home often cost:

  • Homemade trail mix: $0.50-$1.50 per serving
  • Granola bar or muffin: $0.25-$1 per serving
  • Crackers, pretzels, or popcorn: $0.25-$1 per serving
  • Fruit and vegetables: $0.50-$2 per serving

Typical cost: $1.50-$5.50 per person

Estimated savings: $6-$12 per person per day, or $24-$48 per day for a family of four.

The savings add up quickly on longer trips. Packing just three days’ worth of snacks can save a family $72-$144 while reducing the temptation to make expensive convenience-store stops.

Travel Food Game Plan

The best snack packs aren’t built around what looks good together, they’re built around where and when you’ll eat them.

Think about the situations you’re packing for first, then choose foods that fit.

Ask yourself:

How long will you be in the car or at the airport?

Will I have a cooler?

What can my kids grab for themselves?

What can I pack in case of a delay?

Snack Packs Worth Making

Choose foods that fit your activity, storage space, and the way you’ll actually eat throughout the day.

Keeps you full the longest:

  • Cheese cubes
  • Jerky
  • Mixed nuts
  • Peanut butter sandwich portions

Travels well without much prep:

  • Carrots
  • Oranges
  • Pretzels
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Popcorn

Worth bringing if you have a cooler:

  • Vegetables and hummus
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese sticks
  • Apple slices
  • Hard-boiled eggs

What makes an affordable DIY mix:

  • Pretzels
  • Peanuts
  • Raisins
  • Dry cereal
  • Chocolate chips

Here’s a Trail Mix recipe that is easy to customize.

Feels like a treat:

Will Travel Tip

Don’t build one “perfect” snack pack. Build snack packs that match how you’ll travel. The best combination for a road trip isn’t always the best choice for a hike, beach day, or hotel stay.

Why Smart Travelers Do This

Smart travelers know that by preparing snack packs ahead of time is the healthiest and least expensive option.

Before You Hit the Road

Combine affordable ingredients to your families preferences that are more filling, and far less expensive than what you’d pick up at a convenience store. Even just choosing a few of these to take with you will help cut down on spending tremendously without much prep time.

Related: How to Portion Snacks so They Last the Whole Trip