Cheap Vegan Snack Ideas for School
Packing affordable, healthy snacks for school can be a challenge, especially for vegan students or those looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diets. Below are various creative, simple, and cost-effective vegan snack ideas that are both nutritious and satisfying.
1. Homemade Energy Balls
Energy balls are a fantastic grab-and-go snack. Combine rolled oats, nut butter, chia seeds, and a sweetener such as maple syrup or agave. You can also add in ingredients like cocoa powder, dried fruits, or dark chocolate chips. Roll them into bite-sized balls and refrigerate them for a quick energy boost between classes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Optional: chocolate chips or dried fruit
2. Veggie Sticks with Hummus
Cut up an assortment of vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Pair these veggie sticks with a small container of hummus. Hummus can be made cheaply at home using canned chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas
- 2 tbsp tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Olive oil, salt, and water to blend
3. Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Bake a batch of vegan banana oatmeal muffins at the start of the week. These muffins are inexpensive to make and can be packed with nutrients. Use ripe bananas, rolled oats, almond milk, and baking powder as the base. They’re easily customizable with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
4. Peanut Butter Rice Cakes
Rice cakes topped with peanut butter and banana slices make for a quick, filling snack. The combination of healthy carbs from the rice cake and protein from peanut butter provides sustained energy.
Ingredients:
- Rice cakes
- Peanut butter
- Sliced bananas
5. Popcorn
Popcorn is a cheap, whole-grain snack. Use air-popped popcorn and season it lightly with nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor. You can also try spices like paprika or cinnamon for a unique twist.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- Nutritional yeast or your favorite seasoning
6. Fruit Kabobs
Create fruit kabobs using seasonal fruits like grapes, cherries, or melon. Simply thread pieces of fruit onto skewers or toothpicks. This colorful snack is fun to eat and hydrating.
Ingredients:
- Seasonal fruit of your choice
7. Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Mash cooked chickpeas and combine them with diced vegetables such as celery, onions, and pickles, adding a splash of mustard and vegan mayonnaise. Pack this mixture on whole grain bread for a filling sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 1 can cooked chickpeas
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 2 tbsp vegan mayo
- Mustard to taste
8. Vegan Yogurt Parfait
Layer vegan yogurt with granola and mixed berries in a jar for a nutritious snack. Use a plant-based yogurt that fits within your budget, and top with seasonal fruits to keep costs low.
Ingredients:
- Vegan yogurt
- Granola
- Mixed berries
9. Apple Slices with Almond Butter
Slice apples and dip them into almond butter for a simple, healthy treat. The combination of sweet and salty flavors makes this snack irresistible and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple
- Almond butter
10. Nutty Trail Mix
Create your own trail mix by combining nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. This customizable snack can be made in bulk and stored in portions for easy access. Use oats or popcorn for a more cost-effective mix.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 1 cup dried fruit
- Optional: chocolate chips or seeds
11. Tofu Bites
Bake or pan-fry tofu cubes seasoned with soy sauce for a savory snack. These protein-packed cubes can be eaten plain or dipped in a sauce for added flavor.
Ingredients:
- Firm tofu
- Soy sauce
- Optional: garlic powder or other spices
12. Avocado Toast
Simply mash ripe avocado on whole-grain bread and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. You can also add sliced tomatoes, radishes, or hot sauce for more flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- Whole grain bread
- Toppings like salt and pepper
13. Carrot and Raisin Salad
Grate carrots and mix them with raisins and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing salad. This snack is sweet, crunchy, and full of nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 2 grated carrots
- 1/4 cup raisins
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
14. Sweet Potato Chips
Bake thinly sliced sweet potatoes in the oven at a low temperature to create healthy chips. Season with salt or spices for a deliciously crunchy snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 sweet potato
- Sea salt
15. Zucchini Noodles with Marinara
Spiralize zucchini into noodles and pack them with a small container of marinara sauce. This is a fun and unique snack that’s filling and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini
- Marinara sauce
16. Coconut Chia Pudding
Prepare a simple chia pudding by mixing chia seeds with coconut milk and letting it sit overnight. Add in some maple syrup for sweetness and top with nuts or fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Sweetener of choice
17. Leafy Green Wraps
Use large greens like spinach or collard greens to wrap up your favorite fillings, such as avocado, sliced veggies, and hummus. Roll them tightly for a portable snack.
Ingredients:
- Large leafy greens
- Fillings: avocado, veggies, hummus
18. Energy-Boosting Smoothies
Blend bananas, spinach, almond milk, and a tablespoon of peanut butter for a quick smoothie. Pack it in a thermos to keep it fresh until snack time.
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
19. Stuffed Dates
Fill pitted dates with almond butter or a nut of choice for a sweet and satisfying treat. Dipping them in dark chocolate can elevate them further, making them perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- Pitted dates
- Almond butter
20. DIY Veggie Chips
Slice vegetables like kale, beets, or carrots and bake them until crispy for a healthy alternative to store-bought chips. Season with your favorite spices.
Ingredients:
- Kale, beets, or carrots
- Olive oil and seasoning
Each of these snacks is not only budget-friendly but also easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy school days. Incorporating these ideas into your snack routine can help maintain energy levels and satisfy cravings without breaking the bank.
