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 Snacking Away Our Savings
Amanda Stevens, Dietetic Intern, University of Missouri-Columbia

Candance Gabel, MS, RD, LD, Associate State Nutrition Specialist, University of Missouri-Columbia

In the car, watching television, at the computer, at the office, study breaks- snacking is a big part of the American lifestyle. Americans' snack intake has increased steadily over the last three decades. About 75% of adults have at least one snack per day and preschoolers need three each day. All this snacking can add up. It is estimated that snacks contribute to 10 percent or more of the monthly food bill in many American homes. Snacks can be good for health and the budget. By choosing them carefully you can ensure quality for quantity; you want snacks with a lot of nutrients for a bargain price. Here are some price comparisons among our many snacking options.

Healthy Shopping at a Grocery Store

Granola bars instead of Energy Bars........ save $1.16 on a 2.5 oz bar ($.11 per oz vs. $.57 per oz)
Apples instead of Chips.......................... save $.35 for each serving ($.07 per oz vs. $.34 per oz prepackaged)
Animal Crackers instead of Chips............ save $.44 for each serving ($.09 per oz prepackaged vs. $.34 per oz prepackaged)
Low fat grain bars instead of Weight Loss Bars.....................................................
save $.58 for each serving · ($.12 per oz 6pk box vs. $.35 per oz 6pk box)
Pretzels instead of a Candy Bar............... save $.34 for each serving ($.13 per oz vs. $.30 per oz)

Preplan and Save

Orange Juice instead of Soda.................. save $.40 on a 20 oz serving ($.04 per oz prepackaged vs. $.06 per oz at gas station)
Baked Crackers instead of Chips............. save $.25 on a serving ($.29 per oz prepackaged vs. $.43 per oz at vending machine)
Baby Carrots instead of Cookies.............. save $.33 for each serving ($.13 per oz prepackaged vs. $.43 per oz at vending machine) (4 oz of carrots vs. 2 oz of cookies)
Yogurt instead of Candy Bars.................. save $.31 per serving ($.06 per oz vs. $.38 per oz at ball park) (8 oz of yogurt vs. 2 oz bar)
Banana instead of Candy Bars................. save $.55 per serving ($.03 per oz vs. $.38 per oz at gas station)
Grapes instead of Chips.......................... save $.43 for each serving ($.08 per oz vs. $.43 per oz at ball park)
Low Fat Milk instead of Soda................... save $.40 for a 20 oz serving ($.04 per oz prepackaged vs. $.06 per oz at the gas station)
Bring Water instead of Soda.................... save $1.00 for each serving

Healthy Choices if You Forget to Plan

At the convenience store choose:

Yogurt instead of Chips……………………. save $.20 per serving ($.10 per oz vs. $.33 per oz) (8 oz serving of yogurt vs. 3 oz serving of chips)
Cheese Snack Cubes instead of Cookies.................................................
save $.30 per serving ($.05 per oz vs. $.33 per oz) (15 oz of cheese vs. 3oz of cookies)
Peanut Butter Crackers instead of Candy Bar………..............................................
save $.26 per serving ($.06 per cracker vs. $.38 per oz) (6 pk crackers vs. 2 oz bar)

At the vending machine choose:

Pretzels instead of Cookies………………. save $.35 per serving ($.33 per oz vs. $.43 per oz)
Animal Crackers instead of a Candy Bar... same price, but more crackers and less calories ($.40 per oz vs. $.47 per oz)

The Big Picture

This may seem like small change, but it adds up quickly.  If you chose a healthier option each day, you would save an average of $.65 per day, $4.55 per week, $18.20 per month, $218.40 per year!!  Now, put that in a savings account and think about the interest adding up.